Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VISITOR INFORMATION
The
Rockport Chamber of Commerce,
3
Whistlestop Mall (
&
888/726-3922
or 978/546-6575; www.rockportusa.com), is
open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. The chamber operates an information booth on
Upper Main Street (Rte. 127) daily from July 1 through Labor Day and on weekends
from mid-May to June and early September through mid-October. It's about a mile
from the town line and a mile from downtown—look for the
WELCOME TO ROCKPORT
sign on the right as you head north. At either location, ask for the pamphlet
Rockport:
A Walking Guide,
which contains a good map and descriptions of three short walking
tours. The Rockport Chamber is a division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
(see “Gloucester,” earlier in this chapter), which is also a good source of information.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The
Rockport Chamber Music Festival
(
&
978/546-7391;
www.rcmf.org) takes place in June at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St. It's a
good excuse to see the lovely town before the tourist season gets wild. In addition to
performances by promising young musicians and family-oriented concerts (tickets
$20-$35), events include free lectures and discussions.
The annual
Christmas pageant,
on Main Street in December, is a crowded, kid-
friendly event with carol singing and live animals.
EXPLORING THE TOWN
The most famous sight in Rockport has something of an “Emperor's New Clothes”
aura—it's a wooden fish warehouse on the town wharf, or T-Wharf, in the harbor. The
barn-red shack known as
Motif No. 1
is the most frequently painted and pho-
tographed object in a town filled with lovely buildings and surrounded by breathtak-
ing rocky coastline. The color certainly catches the eye against the neutrals of the
seascape, but you might find yourself wondering what the big deal is. Originally con-
structed in 1884 and destroyed during the blizzard of 1978, Motif No. 1 was rebuilt
using donations from residents and tourists. It stands on the same pier as the original,
duplicated in every detail and reinforced to withstand storms.
Nearby is a phenomenon whose popularity is easier to explain.
Bearskin Neck,
named after an unfortunate ursine visitor who drowned and washed ashore in 1800,
has perhaps the highest concentration of gift shops anywhere. It's a narrow peninsula
with one main street (South Rd.) and several alleys crammed with galleries, snack bars,
antiques shops, and ancient houses. The peninsula ends in a plaza with a magnificent
water view.
Throughout the town, more than two dozen
art galleries
display the works
of local and nationally known artists. The
Rockport Art Association,
12 Main St.
(
&
978/546-6604;
www.rockportartassn.org), sponsors major exhibitions and special
shows. It's open daily mid-morning to late afternoon in the summer (except on Sun,
when it opens at noon); in the winter, it's open mid-morning to late afternoon Tues-
day through Saturday and noon to late afternoon Sunday.
To get a sense of the power of the sea, take Route 127 north of town to the tip
of Cape Ann. Turn right on Gott Avenue to reach
Halibut Point State Park
(
&
978/546-2997;
www.mass.gov/dcr). The park is a great place to wander around
and admire the gorgeous scenery. On a clear day, you can see Maine. It has a staffed
visitor center, walking trails, and tidal pools. Swimming in the water-filled quarries is
absolutely forbidden. You can climb around on giant boulders on the rocky beach or
climb to the top of the World War II observation tower. To take a self-guided tour,
pick up a brochure at the visitor center or the Chamber of Commerce. Guided quarry
