Location: Rockport
Top Things to do in Rockport
The 6 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Rockport, Massachusetts (MA)
With its beaches of soft sand or smooth pebbles, sylvan hiking paths and historic lighthouses, Rockport may be the perfect place to sit down and compose that magnum opus, write your novel or paint your master work. The waters surrounding Cape Ann beckon scuba divers, kayakers and sailors to explore the bay. Watch for whales or puffins on one of many charters; hike through the wilds of Halibut Point or along the breathtaking Headlands. Find inspiration in the glades and bluffs of Cape Ann.
Restaurants in Rockport
1. Shalin Liu Performance Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
Rockport Music presents concerts and cultural events in the "stunning acoustics and dramatic setting" (Boston Globe) of its new home, the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Rockport Music is best known for its summer chamber music festival, as well as year-round presentations of jazz, folk, and pop music; high-definition broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre (London); and classic and independent films.
Reviewed By maelkimo - Topsfield, United States
Amazing venue for acoustics and musicians have the backdrop of the ocean. Not a bad seat in the house. Additionally the staff and volunteers are so very kind and helpful. I mixed up nights and went to a show a night early and they helped me switch my tickets for comparable open seats the night I arrived. Highly recommend!
2. Carol Lee's Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Gift shop on Bearskin Neck. Unique gifts. Original Art. Piccolina Kids and Dresses. Adult Tee sizes too. Art prints. Tagua Jewelry. Melamine Tableware for every dining occasion. All dishwasher safe. Turkish towels, blankets. Decorative knobs. Peepers brand readers, sunglasses, bifocals. Designer scarves. Etched glasses with nautical and zip code designs. Bright bags for beach and town. See Design Designer Cotton dresses, Tunics. Dash & Albert rugs, throws and totes. Pine Cone Hill linen fashion. Beautiful Local artist work. Decorative ceramics in coastal blues, greens. Taxi Wallets. Gorgeous colors everywhere in this little yellow cottage. Celebrating creative living by the sea.
Reviewed By SereynitaA
It was our 2nd trip to Rockport when my husband & I stumbled upon Carol Lee's Cottage. I got attracted to a tunic dress displayed outside, which I ended up buying and my husband also got me a Rockport canvas tote that is sturdy, unique and very functional. Carol Lee's shop is filled with unique and OOAK items that you won't see in every store so this visit to Rockport alone is worth the trip. She also has a online presence if you would like to place orders. However, it is still worth your time to go visit as Rockport itself is filled with places, views, beaches, restaurants etc... to keep you occupied and entertained.
3. The Art of David Arsenault
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
A visit to The Art of David Arsenault Gallery in the heart of Rockport offers you a timeless interpretation of the Cape Ann experience. Colorful, peaceful scenes of Rockport, Gloucester, and more, along with unique perspectives on our world, leave you feeling at peace yet engaged and seeing in a different way when you return to the outdoors. The next time you visit Rockport, step inside the gallery and meet David and his wife Sue, enjoy relaxing jazz music, and take your time viewing dozens of original oil paintings and a variety of canvas giclée prints. Be sure to bring your own unique way of seeing—along with your love of art and Cape Ann.
Reviewed By sun-reisender - Gray, France
David is an artist with impressive skill working with oil on canvas, and a romantic capturing the special atmosphere of coastal Maine. I love the detailed rendering of houses, outbuildings and landscapes in a seasidey setting. I love the interiors with the play of sunlight beaming through old wooden double-hung windows. He captures childhood memories. A visit to his gallery and chat with him is a highlight of a visit to Rockport! Robert Hastings
4. Rockport Art Association & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
The Rockport Art Association & Museum is one of the oldest and most active art organizations in the country. The Association has a long and distinguished history that has spanned 95 years. Each year the RAA&M welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. The RAA&M continues to be one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Since its founding, the Association has steadily increased in size and currently includes approximately 280 artist & photography members, and hundreds of contributing members. By promoting year-round programs of classes, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and community outreach, as well as an impressive museum collection, the RAA&M remains dedicated to its mission of making fine art appreciation accessible to all.
Reviewed By golfxj6 - Boston, United States
RAA is an association of artists in the greater Cape Ann area. At 100 years, it is a landmark of fine art. The exhibitions, both of artist members and of Cape Ann stalwarts, are uniformly excellent. The Annual Auction in April is a f8unraiser not to be missed. Go.
5. Floating Lotus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Floating Lotus is committed to offering handmade, fair trade jewelry, crafts and clothing from around the world. Since 2002, Floating Lotus has been connecting their customers with unique and beautiful products from India, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and beyond, as well as local artists. Honest, positive, and sustainable relationships with the artists, producers, as well as customers are the foundation of Floating Lotus' practice. By purchasing items directly from the producers, Floating Lotus is able to ensure fair trade partnerships which help to generate fair wages, environmentally sustainable values, and safe and healthy working conditions. The owners, Justin & Karin, previously lived and worked in Asia for several years, allowing them to become familiar with local crafts, cultures and markets. By working to strengthen economic conditions within each village or organization, Floating Lotus provides "aid" in a financial way while helping generations of creative people express their artistic talents, grow proud of their unique cultural identity, and enjoy a happy life while supporting their families. Floating Lotus and their network of talented craftspeople greatly appreciate your continued support. Please enjoy exploring the website! Visit the shop, Floating Lotus, located in historic Rockport, Massachusetts to enjoy the extensive collection. Also, visit our new location, Floating Lotus Gloucester, 169 Main St. Gloucester, MA.
Reviewed By artzero
Gloating Lotus really stands out as the most interesting shop in Bearskin Neck, or even in Rockport in general! You can tell the owner (Justin) selects the fair-trade hand-made items in the store with love and conscience. If you are at the store, please do not forget to go up to the second floor! We were really lucky as the store owner Justin happened to be there and he was demonstrating playing all of the really precious Tibetan prayer bowls that he collected! It was quite an amazing treat! Highly recommend and we would definitely return!!
6. The Paper House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By ruthbG3594TV - Bedford, United States
Recently residents in the town where my husband and I live were issued recycling bins, one per home, so large that one man had his picture taken swimming in his. Well, not actually swimming but up to his neck in water. Which actually seems like a better idea than filling these up weekly with refuse. Especially since residents of Venice, Italy are issued one (1) plastic bag about the size of a grocery bag per week for their garbage. This recycling/garbage/landfill has gotten way out of hand!!!! And that is all the more reason to visit The Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts. Built on a natural stone outcropping, The House was built as a summer cottage and began as an experiment by a mechanical engineer. The walls are made of varnished newspaper 215 pages thick. The curtains are made of woven paper. The furniture is made of tightly rolled paper. The ceiling is made of paper. Yes, it is absurd, but no more so than everyone needing a garbage bin large enough to immerse themselves in. A quick trip well worth the visit. THE PAPER HOUSE, Rockport, Massachusetts: YES.
