My husband and I generally stay at rental properties on a harbour or beach, but this was a pleasant change from our usual locations. This VRBO, in the heart of downtown Gloucester, was a stellar choice. Well-appointed furnishings in spacious surroundings with a wall of windows overlooking the scenic sidewalks and businesses made for a delightful and relaxing visit. Who could ask for more than looking at an indie bookstore and an olive oil purveyor while sitting with a hot coffee and pastry from Virgilio’s Deli down the street? Heaven on earth. Two bathrooms and two bedrooms made it even more luxurious as did the spacious kitchen. If you have a favorite nonstick frying pan for morning eggs, however, you should probably tuck it into your duffel. Parking in the designated, gated lot made it a cinch for us to count on always having a reserved spot after forays to the surrounding sites. So many good restaurants, and Charlie’s place has fabulous lobster rolls for 19.99 on Tuesdays. The restaurant below us in the building, Sugar Magnolia, serves up great coffee and creative breakfast dishes. You can’t go wrong. We would definitely return before peak season again. The stuffys were a nice touch, especially the pink pig.