Linda Weltner and Sandra Winter wrote this article.
We live in an incredibly noisy world which is constantly showering us with unwanted stimulation. Even our homes, with their ever-present radios, TVs, computers, cell phones and landlines, can feel like a place with too many voices to hear ourselves think.
We have searched Marblehead for locations where one can usually sit outside in solitude. We recommend that if you go, and someone is already there, you settle in silently with a nod of the head.
1. THE RED STEPS: At the corner of Chestnut and Cliff streets, there are two benches facing the water. To their right is a set of worn red steps and halfway down on the left is a bench tucked against the rock. A great place to leave the world behind.
2. FOUNTAIN PARK: There is a long stairway that rises on the right side of Orne Street opposite Old Burial Hill. The climber arrives at a splendid view of the town and the harbor and will find several benches from which to observe land and sea. In case of rain, there’s a roof sheltering several benches
3. WATERSIDE CEMETERY: If you’re not afraid of ghosts, there’s a bench at the end of Maple Avenue at Waterside Cemetery. The view through the trees overlooks Salem Harbor and most graves are behind you and out of sight. A soulful location.
4. GERRY ISLAND: The far end of Gerry Island is probably one of the most remote spots in Marblehead because there is only a two-hour window at low tide when the island is accessible by foot from Gas House Beach or Harding Lane, both off Orne Street. After you reach the island, continue up the grassy hill on the right where a bench offers an unobstructed view of the open sea. Just be mindful of the time.
5. PARKER PLACE: If you cross the causeway to Marblehead Neck and keep left, you will come to the street sign leading to a small, cozy, one-bench park overlooking Marblehead Harbor. Open to the public, it offers lovely views of Abbot Hall and the sound of sailboat halyards tinkling in the wind.
6. GALLISON AVENUE: From Atlantic Avenue, follow Gallison to the end. There are several benches on the grass at the end of the road perched high above Devereux Beach that offer unobstructed views of the sand and the ocean. If an angel were looking down on earth, here’s where it would sit.
