With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we've decided to put together a list of some of the great locations in town to pop the big question. 1. Crocker Park: This Old Town park is another place that area residents flock to when they want to sit and look out over the harbor. The park has a pavilion for protection from passing rain showers and several memorial benches offer some of the best views in Marblehead, perfect for the big moment. 2. Chandler Hovey Park: This picturesque seaside park overlooks the town's harbor from Marblehead Neck and offers some great vantage points for viewing a local…

Here are Marblehead Patch's picks for places to catch the Super Bowl and enjoy a meal, a drink and good times with other New England Patriots fans: 1. The Landing: The bar side of The Landing Restaurant is a great place to catch a football game. Flat screen televisions located throughout the bar are angled so that no matter where a patron is sitting, the game action is right in front of them. So consider stopping by this Front Street pub Sunday night to see if our Patriots bring home another trophy. 2. Maddie's Sail Loft: Although it is often crowded quarters at Maddie's, the atmosphere …

Believe it or not, it's October, and Marblehead Patch wants to offer our readers a closer look at some of the many places in town where residents and tourists go to view fall foliage this time of year. 1. Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: This heavily-wooded wildlife sanctuary is criss-crossed with narrow walking-trails that lead visitors to a small pond that serves as a great place to relax and take in the colors of autumn. 2. Seaside Park: This park in the center of town, where many local residents grew up playing baseball, is home to some excellent walking trails that lead residents …

Marblehead is well-known as one of the best places in the area to view a sunrise. Whether it be over the open ocean or the harbor, there are locations across Marblehead that provide sunrise views that are right out of a painting. Here are Marblehead Patch's picks for five places to take in a local sunrise. 1. Preston Beach: Located on the Marblehead/Swampscott line, this small beach is an excellent place to view a Marblehead sunrise. The beach is home to a ring of monoliths called the Sun Circle, which were carefully positioned to mark the exact location of the sun on solstices throughout the…

Marblehead residents know that there is no shortage of restaurants in town that offer patrons a gourmet lunch or dinner. However, there aren't quite as many that serve breakfast. Today, Marblehead Patch offers up our list of our favorite places to grab breakfast or brunch. 1. Sweeney's Retreat: On weekdays, this Atlantic Avenue restaurant serves dinner only, but on Sundays, it offers both American and Irish breakfasts with large servings. The retreat's salmon steak omlettes are a local favorite. 2. Hungry Betty's Bar & Grille: On Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., this popular Village Plaza …

This week, Marblehead Patch takes a closer look at some of the many places in town that local residents go to take their dog for a walk. 1. Crocker Park: Every week when we go out and look for dogs for our Woofin' It Across Town column, we find a handful of dogs at Crocker Park. This park, which offers a great view of the harbor, is a wonderful place to take your best friend for a walk. 2. Seaside Park: This historic park in the center of town, where many local residents grew up playing baseball, is a great place to bring your dog for a walk. The trails in the back of the park lead to a …

It's been a hot week so far, with more hot weather in the forecast but remember, it won't last forever. Soon, we'll be back to sweaters and boots and eventually, spending our afternoons shoveling.  So enjoy the weather while it's here, put on the sunblock and pack your picnic basket. Here are 5 places perfect for a picnic: 1. Chandler Hovey Park: This park, located on Marblehead Neck, offers a great view of the harbor with a cool sea breeze even on the hottest of days.  2. Fort Sewall: This historic Revolutionary War fort on Front Street is a great place to take in a picnic while enjoying the…

The Fourth of July Fireworks in Marblehead are expected to attract residents from across the North Shore to town and here are Marblehead Patch's picks for the top five places to catch a glimpse of the display Monday night. 1. Chandler Hovey Park: This park, located on Marblehead Neck, offers a great view of the harbor and the fireworks display. Be careful, there will be no parking after 6 p.m. Monday so plan accordingly. 2. Fort Sewall: This historic Revolutionary War fort on Front Street is a great place to take in the fireworks. It draws a lot of people on the Fourth of July and it may …

Summer is here, which means local residents will be hitting the beach, heading out on the water and finding any excuse to spend as much time outside as possible. So, in honor of summer's arrival, Marblehead Patch put together this list of our favorite places to bring a loved one out for a picnic. 1. Chandler Hovey Park: This park, located on Marblehead Neck, is a great place to stop and enjoy an outdoor meal. With breathtaking views of Marblehead Harbor and Fort Sewall, as well as the town's historic lighthouse, this is a great place to take in some sea air and enjoy warm sunny weather. 2. …

The eyes of millions of New England residents will be locked on Vancouver tonight as the Boston Bruins take on the Canucks in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. It has been the Bruins' hard-hitting and solid defensive play that have gotten them to within one win of Lord Stanley's Cup and here are Marblehead Patch's picks for the 5 things that have to go right tonight: 1. Tim Thomas Has to Play Up to His Potential: If Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas continues to play the kind of hockey he has been playing for the Bruins all post-season, fans can expect to see a low number in the …

The summer season is fast approaching, and although many residents can still remember shoveling snow and icy roads, it will soon be time to find creative ways to beat the heat. In honor of this week's spike in daily high temperatures, Marblehead Patch has compiled our list of five places in town where residents can stay cool on those hot and humid summer days. Here are Marblehead Patch's picks for places to stay cool, stay healthy and have fun when the mercury climbs beyond a comfortable level: 1. Terry's Ice Cream: This ice cream shop on School Street is the perfect place to hide out from …

The Boston Bruins will take on the Vancouver Canucks tonight in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. This is the first time the Bruins have made it to the finals since 1990 and sports fans statewide will be tuning in to cheer them on. In honor of the Bruin's big series, here are Marblehead Patch's picks for our top 5 favorite unwritten hockey rules: 1. Making contact with the opposing goalie when the puck is covered is a green light to fight in front of the net: Occasionally a referee will whistle a puck dead while it is still loose in front of the net or has not yet been completely covered by a…

The Bruins took a 3-2 lead in their bid for the team's first Stanley Cup appearance in more than 10 years Monday night and now many local residents are wondering where they'll be when the B's try to clinch the Eastern Conference Championship Wednesday night. Here are Marblehead Patch's picks for places to catch Wednesday night's game and enjoy a meal, a drink and good times with other Boston Bruins fans: 1. The Landing: The bar side of The Landing Restaurant is a great place to catch a Bruins game. Flat screen televisions located throughout the bar are angled so that no matter where a patron …

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our top 5 picks of anything from boutiques to books.  This week's Patch Picks is all about local spas and the host of treatments they offer. Here is a list of some of the local beauty and massage businesses that leave their customers feeling comfortable and re-energized. 1. Dayle's European Skin Care & Day Spa: Dayle's is a full-service day spa on Washington Street that offers a wide variety of beauty treatments. Services include manicures, pedicures, facials, laser hair removal, make-up and permanent make-up applications and an array of massages. …

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our top 5 picks from anything from boutiques to books.  This week's Patch Picks is all about local St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Here is a list of fun ways to get out and about this St. Patrick's Day: 1. The Landing Restaurant: Feel like doing something fun tonight? Head on down to Front Street and check out The Landing Restaurant's St. Patrick's Day At The Landing celebration, scheduled to run from 7 to 10 p.m. The pub side of the restaurant will be serving traditional Irish food and will offer live music. 2. Sweeney's Retreat:Sweeney's Retreat on …

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our top 5 picks from anything from boutiques to books.  This week's Patch Picks is all about summer camp. It's not too early to start thinking about summer camp. Registration for many of the camps has started or is starting this month. Children's Island -- Children's Island has provided families from the North Shore and around the world with a unique summer experience. Located on a picturesque 25-acre island one mile off the coast of Marblehead and Salem, five building with bathrooms and ample space for camp meetings, tents for overnights and shaded …

To honor National Read Across America Day this week, Marblehead Patch has picked 5 books with a local tie. Each week, Marblehead Patch compiles a list of patch picks from everything from boutiques to restaurants.  Here is this week's Picks for books with Marblehead ties: 1. An Actor and A Gentleman: Academy and Emmy Award winner, Lou Gossett, Jr., and co-author and Marblehead resident Phyllis Karas co-wrote the book. The book chronicles the actor's career and struggles.  2. Marblehead's Pygmalion, Finding the Real Agnes Surriage: Written by Marshall Bauer, he found the folklore about Surriage…

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our picks for anything from romantic restaurants, places to watch the big game, charities or boutiques, to name a few categories.   To suggest a topic, leave a note in the comment box below.  This week's 5 Patch Picks highlight Marblehead boutiques. Print out the list and head downtown to check out these boutiques.  1. Liberty Henry and Me -- This nautical theme boutique will have you thinking of summer and almost smelling the salt air. From books to bags to pillows and clothing, everything is beach themed.  2. Surfaces -- Grab a cup of coffee next door …

Each week, Marblehead Patch gives you our picks for anything from romantic restaurants, places to watch the big game, charities or boutiques.  To suggest a topic, leave a note in the comment box below.  This week's 5 Patch Picks highlight Marblehead non-profits. Consider donating to these worthy causes right in town. 1. The Penny Bear Foundation: Founded by Penny Wigglesworth, the foundation gives bears to those in need and frequently works with places like Hospice. The bears comfort those you need a hug, Wigglesworth says.  2. Community of Friends:  The volunteer-based, charitable …

Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit it is kind of fun to see how local restaurants incorporate chocolate into their menus in honor of Valentine's Day. Chocolate infused vodka? Cacao coated salmon? Those may or may not be on local menus but here is a list of 5 restaurants Patch is recommeding you try for your Valentine's Day date. 1. 5 Corners Kitchen - Candle lit tables, a gourmet dining experience and a now full liquor license means creative cocktails are on tap. 2. The Landing  - Want to impress this Valentine's Day? Head to The Landing where you can surprise your date with a …