What to do and see in Cape Ann, Cape Ann: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

September 16, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Cape Ann, just 30 miles from Boston Logan Airport, includes four communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The picturesque area that spans the coastline was founded by Pilgrims in 1623 who named it after England's Queen Anne. Today, it's home to fishermen and artists, merchants and writers.
Restaurants in Cape Ann

1. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House

75 Eastern Point Blvd, Gloucester, MA 01930-4433 +1 978-283-0800 [email protected] http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/Beauport
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 240 reviews

Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House

Also called the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.

Reviewed By george4880 - Bradford, United States

Very interesting house. Room after room kept the way Sleeper designed it. Lots of his collections and recycled floors and walls etc. With Covid only four people to a tour which was great. Unfortunately the gardens were neglected due to the museum not being allowed to open. Great view of the water.

2. Local Colors

121 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930-5701 +1 978-283-3996 http://local-colors.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Local Colors

Reviewed By sheilannjones

Stained glass, jewelry, sea glass, treasures from all around the Cape Ann area, personalized and handcrafted, very creative and interesting place to shop.

3. Cogswell's Grant

60 Spring St, Essex, MA 01929-1308 +1 978-768-3632 [email protected] http://www.historicnewengland.org/property/cogswells-grant/
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Cogswell's Grant

If you love antiques, Cogswell’s Grant should be on your itinerary. This 18th century farmhouse overlooking the Essex River was the summer home of collectors Bertram and Nina Fletcher Little, and houses their celebrated collection of American folk art, including primitive paintings, redware, and painted furniture. Everything is displayed as the family lived with it and shared it with their friends and fellow collectors.Open June 1-October 15, Wed.-Sun.; tours given 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Reviewed By BryanW714 - Ottawa, Canada

We really enjoyed the tour of this historic house. Our guide did a great job proving the history of the house, the last owners, their restoration of the house, and their extensive collection of American Folk Art. It was around a 45 minute tour. The surrounding property is quite beautiful. Highly recommended!

4. Ryan & Wood Distilleries

15 Great Republic Dr, Gloucester, MA 01930-2276 +1 978-281-2282 [email protected] http://www.ryanandwood.com/tours.html
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 106 reviews

Ryan & Wood Distilleries

Come visit and tour our craft distillery, the first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition! See firsthand how fine hand crafted spirits are made in our beautiful copper pot Still. Learn how we ferment, distill, barrel age and bottle our Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum and Ryan & Wood family of Whiskies. All done on site. The tour, usually guided by Kathy or Bob Ryan, is free and lasts about an hour. Perfect for a quick stop before lunch. We are a hidden gem, just minutes from other Gloucester attractions. Scheduled Tours: Monday,Wednesday,Friday and Saturday, 10:00am and 1:00pm. Call for Private/Group Tours. Check our website for more information.

Reviewed By kruszynak - Cheshire, United States

We were (really) early for the 1 p.m. tour so Bob Ryan showed us around and answered all our questions..what a wonderful place and the spirits were incredible. Left with some gin and whiskey! We will be looking for refills soon I'm sure! Thanks to Bob and Kathy Ryan for a great experience!

5. Shalin Liu Performance Center

37 Main St, Rockport, MA 01966-1512 +1 978-546-7391 [email protected] http://www.rockportmusic.org
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 233 reviews

Shalin Liu Performance Center

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!

6. Manchester by the Book

27 Union St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01970-5109 +1 978-525-2929
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Manchester by the Book

Reviewed By 90milesaway - New York City, United States

this is one of the best true bookshops you will find left in America. A wide selection of mostly used books in every category plus comfortable couches and chairs to sit and read. The owner is well-read, friendly and knows his curated inventory well to help you find what you’re looking for or recommend. True book lovers could spend all day here. Definitely worth a visit if you’re anywhere near.

7. Carol Lee's Cottage

24 Bearskin Nck, Rockport, MA 01966-1653 +1 978-309-8445 [email protected] http://carolleescottage.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Carol Lee's Cottage

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.

8. The Art of David Arsenault

8 Dock Square, Rockport, MA 01966-1506 +1 518-466-9093 [email protected] http://www.artofdavid.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

The Art of David Arsenault

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

9. Plug In Cape Ann Tours

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Plug In Cape Ann Tours

Enjoy Cape Ann with us! We specialize in family and friend groups who want to see and stay around Gloucester and Rockport. To discover America's Oldest Seaport, Le Beauport, with the best seafood, artists and music along New England's most beautiful rocky coast. We offer pre-reserved walking history and art tour, small group (8-14) sightseeing bus tours and vacation homes around Rockport and Gloucester.

10. The Crow's Nest

Gloucester, MA +1 978-281-2965 http://www.crowsnestgloucester.com
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

The Crow's Nest

This hangout for Gloucester's locals was the bar frequented by the ill-fated fishermen of "The Perfect Storm."

Reviewed By YooperGirls

Heard they made a good Bloody Mary and it’s true. If you’re looking for a bounty of condiments, these are not for you. Had a couple pieces of lemon and some puny run of the mill olives. They concentrate on the flavor in the drink itself and it was excellent! Best Bloody Mary of the day!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.