2012 Cape Ann Guide – Experience Cape Ann…serving Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Issue link: http://capeannguide.epubxp.com/i/133875
Accommodations Spotlight W hale watches, beautiful sand-splashed beaches, restaurants of all kinds, art galleries and museums to suit all tastes. They all help attract visitors from all over the world, but before you take in any of these you need to find a place to stay. Many things need to be considered before settling on that perfect place on Cape Ann. The term that is en vogue is called "togethering", which means bringing people together and enjoying the vacation that they have worked so hard to plan. "Our guests want to find a place that brings their family together. Often times it can be for a reunion, a wedding or some other reason to gather," says Carole Sharoff, owner of Atlantic Vacation Homes. "When people gather in the summertime they want a good memory. Summer vacations bring back fond memories for many so there is a lot of planning that goes into it." Sharoff, who has been in the business of placing people in summer rentals for 30 years, works with homeowners in making sure that their home is "ready to rent" and that all the details are covered. Whether it is the layout of rooms, cutting the lawn or cleaning the entire property, it is all important if owners want to rent their home. Many tourists now use the Internet when planning their vacations and travel plans, so having a home that looks inviting online is important for those glancing from afar. "We work with people who come from all parts of the world," says Sharoff. "Many of those people stay for 2 or 3 weeks and some stay for the whole summer. They want to be comfortable in a place that feels like home and welcoming to all." With international tourists coming from as far away as the United Kingdom or Japan it is important to land the right clients so they can refer their family and friends to one of the true treasures in New England. 2012 was a banner year for the tourism industry here on Cape Ann and Sharoff reports that bookings for 2013 are solid with interest in visiting this area on the upswing. ❖ Cape Ann – A Summertime Destination CAPE ANN www.capeannchamber.com | www.capeannvacations.com | www.rockportusa.com 57