A good spot for a romantic getaway. Visiting this iconic building is free of charge, and of course you can take as many pictures as you like. Clear All. Rockport is so lovely, that its actually been featured in a few movies! Rockport, MA Events, Calendar & Tickets | Eventbrite Is it breakfast time? If youre coming to Rockport at this time, know that there wont be a ton open. Friends of the History Center. 16 Towns of Cape Cod: What Is Best For You? The 60-day project is designed to bring the 88-year-old tunnel, which links East Boston and downtown, into the 21st century. Check out more details, plus more recommendations in our article on Where to Stay in Rockport MA. 1 filter applied This weekend Clear All Sunday Polo at Myopia Polo Club Sunday 3:00 PM 435 Bay Rd The Importance of Being Earnest Saturday 7:00 PM + 1 more Windhover Performing Arts Center Saturday Boat Tours to Thacher Island 2023 Saturday 8:30 AM + 4 more Rockport Granite Pier July Moonrise Party Sunday 5:00 PM Emerson Inn The closest is Front Beach, which is in walking distance of Rockports downtown. The unassuming Motif 1 supposedly got its name from an artist, Lester Hornby, who began offering painting classes in Rockport. The view is fantastic, and we enjoyed our crisp white wine as we watched the gulls soar past. The other beaches you can check out in Rockport are: Pro Tip: Parking at Rockport beaches can be tough if you dont have a resident sticker, and thats why Front Beach is a great option, since its walkable from town center. Your food will be out in a snap, and you can laugh along with other guests as you crack your lobster and gulp your chowder. Things to Do in Rockport This Weekend | Eventbrite Making its debut in June of 2010, the Center now has a strong reputation for delivering state-of-the-art amenities in a musical setting that honors its Rockport location. Ive been to test it out for myself, and can confirm that it does make a unique noise when you walk on it a certain way. It all depends on what you're looking for as a traveler. One of the top things to experience in Rockport is Bearskin Neck, which has a scary sounding name, but is actually just the towns main shopping area. A Rockport staple, the Rockport Brewing Company is family owned and operated, and has been thriving for years in Downtown Rockport. But thats not all! Rockport, MA Rockport Activities Events | Eventbrite Motif #1, constructed in the 1800s, has captured the imagination of countless creators throughout its history and is a must-see sight to behold. From wine to oysters, you'll love attending a Food & Drink event on your trip! Rockport Inn and Suites Then theres the big, grand hotel on five acres of land, situated right on the north shore. However, if you want to explore Halibut Point State Park, some of the beaches outside of downtown, or the rest of the North Shore region (including Gloucester and whale watch tours), youll want to have a car, or a bicycle to get around. PS: Make sure to get a reservation, especially on weekend nights. If kayaking or paddle boarding isnt really your thing, a great way to get out on the water is with Rockport SeaVenture. There are a few ways to enjoy the water in Rockport. And while youre strolling around, youll also have gorgeous water views at pretty much every turn. TOMORROW Rockport Chamber Music Festival: Family Concert: Think.. Outside the Drum. The train station in Rockport is about a 5-10 minute walk to downtown Rockport. Click here to read my guide on the Best New England Christmas Towns! Things to Do in Rockport Today | Eventbrite Just under a mile from town center is a really beautiful viewpoint called The Headlands that overlooks Bearskin Neck, the harbor and Motif 1. Tours typically last about 4 hours, and youll get to enjoy amazing views from the water, and of Gloucester Harbor as you head out for the tour. Click here to read my guide on the best things to do in Newburyport! And this is such a lovely and serene way to enjoy the beauty of the local salt marshes and scenery. Check out this post on the best breakfast spots in Rockport. Rent a bike from North Shore Adventures, located in Bearskin Neck, and theyll get you set up with all the gear youll need for the day. The best things to do in Rockport MA are delightfully low-key stroll the shops of Bearskin Neck, enjoy relaxing on the beach, enjoy an ice cream, take a nice walk through Halibut Point. Expect some (small) crowds if you visit in the height of summer, and some challenges with parking; this is a great reason to choose a place to stay in Rockport that is within walking distance to Bearskin Neck and the other main attractions of downtown. Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Lets Adventure Baby, a family travel site. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. 1. Theyll have stories to share.). Here youll find shopping, sightseeing, art, dining, and outdoor activities. North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center. Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. 1. tripadvisor.com. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte. Most of the students chose this red fishing shack as their subject, and upon seeing yet another rendition of the building, Lester would reply, Motif 1 again! If youre looking for a more metropolitan feel with attractions and accommodations, you can get that in Gloucester, along with great beaches and whale watching. This fishing village has a very different vibe than Rockport, and is well worth a stop on your travels in Cape Ann. Its small enough to explore on a day trip, but there are tons of things to do. Theyve been whipping fudge by hand in Cape Ann in Rockport since 1987. Things to Do in Gloucester This Weekend | Eventbrite Since Rockport is small and very walkable, even a couple of hours will allow you to see Bearskin Neck, Motif 1, enjoy the shops, and have a quick lunch before leaving. (Another great place to visit is Portsmouth, NH.) Check in/in-person registration: Shalin Liu Performance Center. Fourth of July Fest) Friday, June 30-Tuesday July 4. Our favorite had to be Earths Treasures, which had very unique items, including some fantasy-inspired art that both of us fell in love with. You cant miss the buzz surrounding the Roy Moore Lobster Co., the most popular spot to eat lobstah in Rockport. The most popular things to do in Rockport with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are: For the last 100 years and counting, Rockport has been a notable artist colony in New England, so if youre looking for unique pieces to take home with you, there are tons of galleries and art studios to explore. July 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Rockport Chamber Music Festival: Third Coast Percussion July 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Rockport Chamber Music Festival: Cabaret: Music from the Movies July 7 @ 9:45 pm - 10:45 pm Discover Scenic Rockport, MA One day is not enough. Especially in the summer season, Rockport can get rather busy, and parking can become a hassle since its a small town. It has a more modern, urban vibe than some of the other Rockport restaurants and this makes it stand out. Sprinkles are always free! Its the perfect refuge after shopping and enjoying art. 1:00-5:00 p.m. Here are some posts you may find helpful: If youre planning an overnight or weekend stay in Rockport, I suggest booking a place to stay thats walkable to town center so that you dont have to worry about parking your car everywhere. Its not much of a party town, so those seeking out a wilder nightlife wont find it here. Hours are 9am to 12pm in Harvey Park. Do you choose to celebrate on the day of or maybe on the Saturday . In the spring, people come from miles around to catch a glimpse of a Whooping Crane when visiting Rockport, Texas. Best Time of Day to Visit The Best Things to do in Rockport MA Photograph Motif No. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures! Bike rentals are available in town, as well as the Addison Choate hotel (check them out below in my Where To Stay section!). So, lets jump in! This hike starts at the Rockport train station and takes you through 8 miles of old quarries including Johnsons, Carlson, Flat Ledge and Row. There were a few restaurants we wanted to try buy didnt have time, including Studio Crepe, Top Dog, and My Place by the Sea. ATTRACTIONS ROCKPORT BEACH - Visit Texas' first one-mile-long Blue Wave Beach with picnic cabanas, beach palapas, restroom facilities, wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps, fitness trail, Saltwater and Beachfront Pavilions, volleyball, fishing piers and playgrounds for the children. ), and since this is a pretty long hike, its best done if you have at least two days in Rockport. Pro Tip: Are you a fan of the movie The Proposal? It looks straight out of a painting the fishing boats and sailboats in the harbor, the wind-battered cottages on shore, the rocky coastline, the church steeples poking between the trees. The park has a collection of self-guided hikes with maps. Amy Hartle is the owner and editor of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Pro Tip: SeaVenture also offers private charters for customized tours and sunset cruises. Theres a reason why I show it off to so many out-of-towners! Both were exceptional, but the sea scallops had an Asian flair that made them utterly amazing. Sunset Lighthouse Cruise 2023, July Event, Cape Ann, MA. From there, a shuttle will bring you to Dock Square in town center, which is also the start of Bearskin Neck. You can head over to the beach afterward. Cape Ann is a rare place in New England where you can occasionally see whales from shore. May 26, 2023. Youll have plenty of time to explore Bearskin Neck, grab dinner and ice cream, and enjoy the scenery! This post was last updated in March 2022. Alternatively, you can take a commuter rail train from Boston to Rockport and arrive in 75 minutes. . Essex definitely has more antique shops, and its actually regarded as one of the top antiquing towns in Massachusetts! New Englands coast is often viewed as a rocky place with a reputation for seafaring and fishing. The historic district in Marblehead is so fun to explore, and there are also some great shops and restaurants, and a really cool lighthouse park with awesome views of the coastline. Here are the places I recommend checking out that are walkable to town: The Cove is one of the best locations for beach access and water views. We locals tend to head to inland New England to experience fall foliage, which makes this a surprisingly nice time to visit Rockport and other North Shore towns. (Side note: Ask any Bay Stater of a certain age about the Blizzard of 78. Whale watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, which is one of the best whale watching areas in the entire country! Even though it's a small region at just 58 square miles, that's actually one of the best things about it. Enjoy your day wandering the island, including the light station, keeper houses, a whistle house, and many scenic trails. I think that Rockport works well as a day trip from Boston or elsewhere in the area. Sometimes you just want to grab a coffee and take a scenic drive. From Fourth of July celebrations to Christmas festivals, this town brings people together for all occasions. Theyve also got an impressive cocktail menu you should be sure to sample. That said, if you choose to eat here, we enjoyed the sea scallops and the salmon. This weekend; This week; Next week; This month; Next month; 1 filter applied. For families, however, its a good deal! In under an hours drive, you can get from Boston to Rockport MA. Gloucester is just a few minutes from Rockport, and you can even get to a few of the attractions in Gloucester in 10 minutes or less from Rockport. You can see the shack from many spots overlooking the harbor, or you can walk out closer to it, as we did, by exploring the alleys off of Bearskin Neck. To attend a concert with probably one of the best coastal views ever, youll want to get tickets to a show at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. But for those looking for a peaceful, classic New England seaside village, Rockport is everything you could want. The shuttle runs every 20-25 minutes or so. But if you want to go really big, go sailing! Things To Do In Rockport, TX This Weekend | July 7-9, 2023 Rockport is so worth visiting! And be sure to explore around Bradley Wharf, as there are so many lovely shacks and buildings to see in that area! Whether you have just a few hours to stroll through Bearskin Neck and see Motif 1, or you have an entire weekend to hit up the beaches and take in the surrounding areas, its sure to be a magical experience! Aransas County History Center. Click here to read my round-up of the best food tours you can take in Boston! Summer days are fun on Front Beach. We recommend 7 Seas Whale Watch, who we have traveled with twice. If you dont want to drive to Rockport, you can also get there by the MBTA train system from Boston, which departs from the North Shore Station. Subscribe to Event Updates Filter by Category Format When Accommodations One thing youll notice, too, is that many of the buildings along the street are painted in bright colors, which just makes the entire experience feel so cheerful. Plus, with the smell of cooking seafood all around, you cant help but be hungry. Another popular option is to join a whale watch. 17. Its also home to one of the countrys oldest art associations. There really is nothing like looking out over this super blue water on a sunny day and seeing the granite ledges spiking up out of the Atlantic Ocean. For a more expansive beach, head to Long Beach, which sits on the border of Rockport and Gloucester. Gloucester is a bigger city, but it has small-town charm. Ive also been in November, which was beautiful. Many of the rooms offer incredible views of the water, and youre right across the street from Front Beach. While this is a great way to enjoy a scenic boat ride and learn about the lobstering history of the town, you may also get the chance to spot wildlife, including seals and whales! 5 things to do this weekend | Community | gloucestertimes.com Located about a mile offshore, but closer to 2.5 miles from the harbor (which is where youll launch your kayak from), Thacher Island is home to two twin lighthouses, which are visible from the tip of Bearskin Neck. While these towns are a bit further away, they can easily be combined with a trip to the North Shore as part of a longer trip. Rockport, MA Events This Weekend - AmericanTowns.com No whale watches leave from Rockport directly, but you can take one from Gloucester, less than a 10-minute drive to the south. Essex is known as the antique capital of America, so plan to spend a day hunting for treasure. It is less touristy than others in Cape Ann. It makes for a really fun day trip from Rockport! Best Things To Do In Rockport MA | 2023 - A Broken Backpack Rockport, MA Vacation Rentals | Waterfront Condos & Beach Houses | Vacasa The shuttle runs on weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through June 30th, and then daily from July 1 through August 31. ), and beautiful beaches. Rockport is also known for being a prominent art community in the U.S., with about 30 art galleries and studios displaying works from hundreds of local artists, its a very supportive and well-known community for cultivating creativity. Here are some things to do when visiting Gloucester: One of the best things to do during your visit to Cape Ann and the North Shore is to take a whale watch tour from Gloucester. 15 Incredible Things To Do in Gloucester MA - New England With Love Whale watching is a New England coast must-do. There's more to this cape city than fishing, though. Youll enjoy some of the best views of Cape Ann while enjoying one of the best lobster rolls in New England! Rockport Massachusetts is a little town located on the Cape Ann peninsula, which is north of Boston. Its also the biggest city along the North Shore and has incredible restaurants to experience, beautiful waterfront areas, awesome boat tours (but more on that next! . In this guide, we've got you covered with all the essentials to plan a perfect trip to scenic Rockport! The shuttle is cash only and does not make change. Rockport Chamber Music Festival. A tiny building is filled to the brim with live lobsters, seafood on the grill, and the happy, loud banter of the staff. Rockport was a dry town until just over 10 years ago when it was voted that alcohol could be served in local restaurants. Youll also get a different view of Motif 1 from here. Its one of the most popular day trips from Boston and theres nowhere better in the world to celebrate Halloween season. Its a seriously lovely place, especially for couples in their 30s and older. The beaches are free to visit, of course, but most have paid parking. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Parking for MA residents is $5 and $20 for Non-MA residents. Top Things to Do in Rockport, Massachusetts: See Tripadvisor's 16,654 traveller reviews and photos of Rockport tourist attractions. 12+ Best Day Trips from Boston - Adventurous Kate According to the schedule, trains depart approximately every hour from North Station. I grew up in nearby Reading, Massachusetts, and have spent so much of my life exploring the towns up and down the North Shore, from Gloucester to Salem to Newburyport. Prices vary, so check out their website and reserve your gear. Many of the Rockport stores listed above are located on Bearskin Neck, the coolest place in Rockport. Once an actual fishing shack in the 1800s, and then an art studio in the 1930s, the building is now owned by Rockport and serves as a symbol for the town, and a monument to Rockports military members. Its a short walk to downtown Rockport from the hotel, and you have access to every amenity imaginable, from the giant swimming pool to the fitness room. Driving is most convenient, but you can take the commuter rail from North Station to Manchester and take the shuttle to Rockport from there. The buildings unusual name is believed to have been coined by an early artist, who noted that it was many local artists favorite subject for painting and drawing. Call (361) 729-6661. Sumner Tunnel closure: What you need to know - Boston.com This is an awesome picture spot, and a way to escape the crowds since most visitors dont know about it. Motif 1 may look familiar to you because it was used during the scene where Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have to board the boat in Alaska to get to his familys home. During your visit, youll even be able to watch them make batches of fudge, using old-fashioned methods to get that super creamy consistency theyre known for. The Addison Choate is cute little boutique hotel thats about a 5-minute walk to town center. FinnFunn 2023 Weekend Rates. 2. And the Rockport Farmers Market is every Saturday from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in the Rockport Music Parking Lot.

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