Exploring Rockport, MA
With one son at college and the other a busy senior in high school, our times together as a family seem to be few and far between these days. But since we were all together for Mother’s Day, we decided to spend a family day exploring beautiful Rockport, MA.
Rockport, about 40 miles northeast of Boston, is a whimsical seaside working fishing village and is the perfect day trip destination if you like to eat, shop and relax by the ocean. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides, it embodies the essence of coastal living.
Our first stop of the day was Halibut Point, a place I have been wanting to visit for years!
Parking is $5 for MA vehicles and $20 for out of state vehicles. TIP: If you are a member of The Trustees, display your membership card on your dashboard and park for free!
Walking along the main trail, we quickly found ourselves overlooking stunning granite ledges surrounding a quarry of clear, blue-green water…with ocean views in the distance. So tranquil and picturesque!
Continuing on the loop, we passed the lighthouse style visitor’s center (former army barracks) with information about the park’s role in World War II and the Cape Ann granite industry. There is a restroom and scattered picnic tables at this spot as well.
The well maintained gravel trail continues around the entire quarry with plenty of offshoot paths leading down to the rocky granite shoreline…offering spectacular ocean views and great spots to explore tidal pools or relax on the rocks with a snack.
TIP: Be sure to walk the path leading to the top of the granite pile for a scenic vista with 180 degree views. On a clear day, you can see along the coast of Maine and Mount Agameticus 40 miles away.
After a couple hours walking, taking in the views and enjoying the fresh ocean air, we headed to Bearskin Neck in the village of Rockport. With its colorful buildings housing one-of-a-kind shops, Bearskin Neck is a pier just off Main Street that cannot be missed!
Here you can browse a wonderful array of boutique stores with ocean inspired gifts and galleries featuring art from local artists…with harbor views all along the way.
Jared and Alex loved wandering around the Bearskin Neck Country Store bursting with nostalgic gifts, games and penny candy…along with a self-playing piano and penny stamper!
My favorite was Lula’s Pantry filled with specialized cookware, home accessories, gourmet food and gifts.
TIP: Walk to Lula Pantry’s back deck to enjoy one of the best views of Rockport Harbor.
Maisy had fun at Good Dog Gallery where she was happily treated to a drink and cookie!
One of the most iconic landmarks in Rockport is Motif #1 which has been the favorite subject of painters for centuries.
This beautiful fishing shack’s original structure was destroyed in the blizzard of 1978 but the town quickly rebuilt an exact replica. It is considered the heart and soul of Rockport and is a must see when you visit!
Hungry for lunch, we stopped at the famous no-frills Roy Moore Lobster Company…celebrated for its super fresh seafood pulled from the working waterfront within arm’s reach of the shack. After ordering huge lobster rolls, clam chowder and $5 shrimp cocktail we were lucky to find a seat at one of the tables on the cozy back deck to enjoy our seafood spread.
TIP: If all the tables are full, head to the harbor dock further back and eat overlooking Motif #1. Also, they have a BYOB policy so feel free to bring your own beer and/or wine!
There are so many places on Bearskin Neck to get a sweet treat but our favorite was The Fudgery for out-of-this-world creamy fudge and enormous elephant ears…crispy circles of pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar! We were so lucky to watch as the owner made a fresh batch of fudge the old fashioned way. Alex even did some mixing while we taste tested some warm fudge goodness!
TIP: At the end of Bearskin Neck Road is a beautiful rock jetty…the perfect place to enjoy our sweets with spectacular water views!
If you are not quite ready to leave this scenic area, I recommend stopping at Pigeon Cove Wharf to get a glimpse at a quintessential working fishing pier…
Or visit The Paper House, built by the mechanical engineer who invented the paperclip machine. The exterior of the house and much of its interior and furnishings are actually made of newspaper! This incredible and truly unique spot is definitely worth visiting in person, but here is a hint of what you will find…
It was so easy to fall in love with this beautiful coastal New England town. The combination of its gorgeous, peaceful ocean scenery and vibrant, charming village made Rockport a wonderful place to spend the day exploring with the family!