Rockport, MA

Quintessential New England Charm

By Justin Demetri

Along the rocky coastline of Boston's North Shore, thrust out into the bold Atlantic lies the postcard perfect town of Rockport. Once home to a thriving granite industry, Rockport's quarries are now silent but the town is no less thriving. Today Rockport is a virtual Mecca for artists, with a waterfront that would inspire anyone to break out paint and a canvas. However, you do not need to be of the artistic bent to enjoy Rockport, just an admirer of ocean breezes, New England charm and of course, boiled lobster dinner.

Rockport's downtown is very compact, walkable and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Downtown radiates out from Dock Square, with most shops and galleries concentrated on Bearskin Neck. A leisurely stroll to the end of the neck will reward you with a breathtaking view of the coast and the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Heading north from Dock Square is Main Street, lined with even more quaint shops and galleries as well as the fine collection of maritime art at the Rockport Art Association. Following the shore, you will arrive at Front and Back beaches, site of Rockport's Forth of July bonfire as well as great swimming and scuba.

Returning to Dock Square and heading south will give the best view of Motif #1, a bright red fisherman's shack that is one of the most painted objects in North America. So beloved was the humble shack that it was completely reconstructed after the original floated away during the infamous "Blizzard of 1978." If time allows during your visit, a walk among Rockport's side streets will reveal cute cottages, historic homes, and seaside gardens.

Mixed in among the shops and art galleries in downtown Rockport are some excellent seafood restaurants, catering to virtually all price ranges. Whether you choose an elegant gourmet establishment or a New England's eat in the rough restaurant, you can be assured of the absolute freshest seafood available. Local favorites include baked haddock, scallops, fried clams and of course, lobster. Since 1856 Rockport has been a dry-town , however the town has recently eased its ban on alcohol. Beer and wine are now served in many of the restaurants while other establishments maintain a carry-in policy.

For visitors who have more time to enjoy Rockport, short drives away from downtown are well worth it. A drive north along the coast will bring you to Halibut Point State Park and away from the crowds. The park is home to one of Rockport's many old granite quarries, a wartime observation tower and over two miles of ocean-side paths with exceptional views of the entire Gulf of Maine. Driving south from downtown Rockport will bring you to coastal side streets with access to the Atlantic Paths and the best land views of the lighthouses. A visit to Loblolly cove will give the visitor a view of the twin lighthouses of Thatcher's Island as well as the light on Straightsmouth Island to the north. For those that are not sure-footed, a visit to either Pebble or Long beaches are also good spots to see the Twin Lights.

Rockport's charm is infectious and it is not uncommon that repeat visitors often become residents. Regardless of how long you stay, visiting Rockport is a great way to take a vacation from your vacation. There are no major sights to see and no timetables to keep up, you can explore at your leisure, sit at the beach or spend the day shopping on Bearskin Neck. In fact the only major decision to make while visiting Rockport is between the baked haddock or the lobster.

Practical Information:

Directions From Manhattan: Take the Triborough Bridge. Merge onto I-278 E via the ramp to I-87 N/Bronx/Upstate NY/New England. Take exit 47 and merge onto Bruckner Expy/I-278 E toward New Haven. Take the I-278 E exit toward New Haven. Merge onto Bruckner Expy. Continue on I-95 N.

Entering Connecticut, take exit 48 on the left to merge onto I-91 N toward Hartford. Take exit 29 for US-5 N/CT-15 toward I-84/E Hartford/Boston. Merge onto CT-15 N. Merge onto I-84 E.

Entering Massachusetts. Take the exit onto I-90 E/Mass Pike/Massachusetts Turnpike toward N.H.-Maine/Boston. Take exit 14 for I-95/RT-128 toward N.H.-Maine/S Shore. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for RT-128 N/I-95 N and merge onto RT-128 N. Take Rt. 128 to Gloucester. Take Rt. 127 to Rockport.

Directions From Boston: Route 95/128 north. Take Rt. 128 to Gloucester. Take Rt. 127 to Rockport.

Note: Rockport is on an island, Rt. 127 goes directly into downtown Rockport. Rt. 127A follows the coast but eventually reacheds downtown Rockport.

Rockport Home Page: www.rockportusa.com

Rockport Art Association: www.rockportartassn.org

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