Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1500213
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 30 JUNE + JULY 2023 FAC E S + P L AC E S coasts, including Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine, on a clear day. "It's a 'wow' view that is pretty spectacular and unique because you're looking westerly and you can see the eastern coast," Latham says. The 52-acre state park abuts other conser- vation land and includes roughly two miles of trails; a visitor center that tells the story of the land, including the Rockport granite industry; and a WWII gunfire tower. The spot is also popular with winter birders who flock to see wintering seabirds like the vibrantly colored harlequin duck. Plus, the park's entrance and entry trail are newly ADA compliant. "It has just added so much to the park to be able to encourage all abilities to come and get that wow view," Latham says. "It's an amazing little park with a great cultural history." Rockport also has options for people who want to explore the ocean itself. There's Front Beach for those who'd rather stay on land instead of boat. North Shore Adventures offers kayak and bike rentals and kayak tours for people of all skill levels, from those who want to learn out on the water and stay close to the shoreline to those who want to explore some of the islands off the coast of Cape Ann. "Our most popular island is Straits- MUST-DO: S H O P + R E N E W The Pewter Shop True to its name, The Pewter Shop has been making pewter ornaments and jewelry since 1935, but that's not all you'll find at Rockport's oldest gift shop. There are also housewares, bath and body products, and kitchen items with a focus on locally made wares. 16 Bearskin Neck, 978- 546-2105, rockport-pewter.com Tuck's Candy and Gifts Helmed by a third generation candymaker, Tuck's Candy and Gifts has been a cornerstone of Rockport since 1929. Find classic saltwater taffy, chocolates, gummies, popcorn and caramel corn, and more. 7 Dock Square, 978- 546-2840, tucks-candy-factory. myshopify.com Addison Choate This boutique hotel (along with its sister property, the Sally Webster Inn at 34 Mount Pleasant Street) offers a sophisticated, thoughtful, elevated place to stay during a visit to Rockport. 49 Broadway, 978-546-7543, addisonchoate.com mouth Island," says North Shore Adventures owner Clayton Kern. It's about a 30-minute paddle and has a lighthouse that visitors can climb when it's open in the summertime. Other popular spots are Thatcher Island, which is farther out to sea and has two lighthouses, and The Salvages, a set of rocks that's home to a gray seal colony. Although kayak rentals are great for those who just want to get onto the water, taking one of North Shore Adventures' tours offers a chance to learn kayaking, biology, history, and more with a guide. North Shore Adventures also partners with other local businesses to combine kayaking or biking with other activi- ties, a tour with North Shore Brewery Tours, or a lobster boat excursion with Rockport's Captain Jim's Rockport Seaventure. Nature is naturally imbued into Rockport's art and music culture, too. Rockport Art Association and Museum combines art and nature with its new set of historic walks and talks called "ramblings." There are also new weeklong, nature-themed summer programs for kids, as well as free, drop-in family programs in gallery spaces "where families can make art surrounded by art," Koretsky says. In addition, Rockport Art Association and Museum will host several art receptions this summer with food, live music, and a chance to gather with creative people and featured artists. And, of course, there's Rockport Music and its magnificent Shalin Liu Performance Center, which boasts the ocean as a backdrop for many of its concerts and shows. The annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival, running from June 9 to July 9, is just one of the many in- credible events happening there this summer, says Karen Herlitz, Rockport Music's director of marketing. It's also hosting Rickie Lee Jones, PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED CHARNEY Above Shalin Liu Performance Center; left, Clayton Kern from North Shore Adventures the New England Brass Band, Tom Rush, Alicia Olatuja, Grace Kelly with Strings, and many other artists. Rockport "has such a love of all the arts, and it draws people who are interested in that," Herlitz says. "It feels like you've gotten the full mini vacation, even if it's just a day trip."