The Essex ClamFest in Memorial Park is a great way to sample the best chowder area, all in one spot during your stay at Atlantis Oceanfront Inn.  The highlight of the day will be the Clam Chowder Tasting, a competition that pits area restaurants against one another to determine who serves the best clam chowder on Cape Ann. Local restaurants serve up their favorite chowder recipes starting at noon and ending at about 2 pm.