Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Voltero.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For more than 30 years I vacationed in Gloucester, bringing college roommates from California to enjoy our tidal coastline, a family from New York to taste New England Clam Chowder, and colleagues from France to appreciate our wooden homes.
Then after traveling around the world working for Microsoft, I returned to my favorite seaport, moving into our summer home overlooking Good Harbor Beach. Volunteering at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, I was surprised to learn all there was for visitors to see and do — I thought it was just whale watching! I was amazed 2000 artists call this area home, and intrigued by the artists whom I saw in museums in Paris, Milan and London spent so much time here and were inspired like Edward Hopper to return for over 20 years!
Innovations that I use daily, invented here! And traditions from Sicily, the Azores and Finland thriving here today as they did 150 years ago — who knew! As you can imagine, impressed by our history of innovation, immigration, and inspiration, with a backdrop of a perfectly lit rocky coast, dotted by granite quarries, bustling harbors, historic homes, artistic installations and vibrant festivals; I was compelled to start Plug-In Cape Ann Tours in 2017.
I am someone who gets seasick, I searched for a land-based solution, and discovered that there was not a bus tour here around Cape Ann. Seeing this as a tragedy, I reached out to local businesses, city officials and historians to see how I could fill this gap, and hence, Plug-In Tours was born, as a way to connect people into this multi-faceted multi-seasonal vacation destination.
Early in 2017, I started my quest, and it wasn’t until July 11, 2017, did we have our grand opening, to begin taking people around on our rented bus. With two tours, and a downtown office we begin our journey to share the Best of Gloucester and help people discover the quaint villages, lighthouses and beaches on the 17-mile scenic island tour.
It was in October, Trip Advisor shared our first reviews from two ladies from Wisconsin, who gave us 5 stars, saying they only wished they had taken our tour at the beginning of their trip, and that was the beginning of our business getting discovered! Now a little more than a year later, we are ever more connected with the other tourist attractions, you can find us in all the local directories, with brochures at most of the hotels and visitor centers. In 2018 we expanded the number of tours per week and added tours that stop at historic homes and artist studios and galleries.
Today, we offer an inside visit to the two Historic Homes (The Beauport and the Sargent House) and our new Art of Cape Ann Tour explores the culture of art by visiting artists in their working studios and local galleries. This year, our bus is parked at 32 Western Avenue in Gloucester, just steps away from the Fisherman Memorial. Most of our tours start there, though several of the tours pick up in Dock Square, Rockport or at the Gloucester or Rockport Train Station.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Thinking it would be “simple” to start this little business… we learned the hard way that there were loads of details that really made the difference:
1. The deadline for all the tourist directories and brochure end in the spring… so in 2017 we missed all of them!
2. There were many licenses, and insurances we needed in order to carry the public in a vehicle.
3. Even though a commercial drivers license is not necessary, the vehicle needed a special bus registration, and there are few people capable of providing dynamic narrative while driving safely.
4. Though we have a designated vendor parking spot from 8:30-6: 30 pm, it remains a challenge to keep tourists out of this spot and to find a free place nearby to park overnight.
Please tell us about Plug-In Cape Ann Tours.
We are the ONLY land-based tour company on Cape Ann. The itineraries have been developed based on visitor feedback, and interest. Our friendly local guides aim to ensure you leave feeling like you belong.
It is our goal for everyone visiting Gloucester to join one of our tours…. even your fury friends. Dogs are welcome, with advance notice ensuring all of our stops and our guests are accommodated.
Our tours are offered throughout the day, seven days a week with advanced reservations by phone, email, or online.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Still learning every day!
Pricing:
- Prices from $29.00-$49.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 32 Western Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930
3 Starknaught Heights, Gloucester, MA 01930 (Mailing Address) - Website: www.plugintours.com
- Phone: 978-381-0813
- Email: friends@plugintours.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/plugintourscapeann
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PluginCapeAnnTours/
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41580-d12938089-Reviews-Plug_In_Cape_Ann_Tours-Gloucester_Cape_Ann_Massachusetts.html
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