Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1500213
28 JUNE + JULY 2023 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM Located at the tip of Cape Ann, Rockport is literally at the end of the road, the epitome of "can't get there from here," with its dramatic, on-all-sides shoreline and incredible ocean views. That special "land's end" feeling also gives Rockport its unique magic. There's its world- famous sunlight, which has attracted plein air artists for decades; the iconic red fishing shack, Motif Number 1, known as the most- painted building in America; and the compact and walkable Bearskin Neck peninsula that juts into Rockport Harbor and always manages to feel like a quaint fishing and artists village, no matter how busy it gets in the summertime. "It almost feels like a town that you would see in a Norman Rockwell painting," says Karen Koretsky, executive director of the Rock- port Art Association and Museum. "I think, for people who come from other parts of the world, it's what they imagine New England would look like. And then you're beside the ocean to boot, which is incredible." Artists have long been inspired by Rockport's natural beauty, and one of its most special places is Halibut Point State Park, a former granite quarry and WWII barracks that now provides one of the town's biggest "wow" factors with a view over Ipswich Bay, says Ramona Latham, visitor services supervisor there. Because Halibut Point curves out with the Cape Ann peninsula, its views are of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED CHARNEY BOTTOM LEFT AND CENTER, BY ADOBE STOCK TOP Roy Moore Lobster Company BYOB to this classic New England fish shack on Bearskin Neck to enjoy amazing water- front views and the freshest seafood you can find. 39 Bear- skin Neck, 978-546-6696 The Lobster Pool BYOB and enjoy a spectacular view with your fresh seafood at this MUSTDO: E AT + D R I N K Rockport institution. 329 Granite St., 978-546-7808, thelobsterpool.com Feather & Wedge Fresh seafood, creative entrées and drinks, and live music make Feather & Wedge a must- stop eatery during any trip to Rockport. 5 Main St., 978-999- 5917, featherandwedge.com guided kayak tours help visitors explore Rockport, its waters, and beyond. 9 Tuna Wharf, 978-546-5050, northshoreadventure.com Sidoti Gallery One of Rockport's newest additions, this gallery, featuring Rosalie Sidoti plus 12 other artists, was slated, at press time, to open June 10. 11 Main St., 978- 270-1585, rosaliesidoti.com Rockport Art Association and Museum Find incredible collections of fine art; exhibitions; expanded programming for kids, adults, and families; and much more. 12 Main St., 978-546-6604, rockportartassn.org Folly Cove Fine Art Find regional and national artists, past and present, with a special focus on the Cape Ann School. 41 Main St., 978- 380-8821, follycovefineart.com Shalin Liu Performance Center Home to Rockport Music, Shalin Liu Performance Center is a stunning, acoustically exquisite concert hall overlooking the ocean that hosts musicians from around the world, screens films, and presents live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and England's National Theatre. 37 Main St., 978-546-7391, rockportmusic.org Halibut Point State Park Hike, picnic, explore tidepools, and experience the history and breathtaking scenery of Rockport's quarries and granite industry at this state park. It's adjacent to Halibut Point Reservation, which is managed by The Trustees of Reservations. 4 Gott Ave., 978- 546-2997, mass.gov/locations/ halibut-point-state-park North Shore Adventures Kayak and bike rentals, along with MUSTDO: L I V E + P L AY Karen Koretsky is the executive director of the Rockport Art Association and Museum. Above, views around town. F A C E S + P L A C E S