My Cape Ann Map

Millbrook Meadow

Stage Fort Park

James Babson Museum

Roy Moore Lobster Company

My Place by the Sea Restaurant

First of all I can say that when this little place finally closes it's little doors in the winter my son and I are depressed! Their smashburgers are like nothing we have had - checkout all the choices on their menu and their onion rings - the ONION R... Oh and they use Brioche buns! Another convenience, you can order online and just take your meal as a little picnic or a walk about: they are open 11-7pm. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! If we had our way they would be open year round!

Little Sister Rockport

Turner's Seafood Market & Fish Fry, Gloucester, MA

Yella on the Water

Tonno never disappoints. Not a lobster, coleslaw, fries place; more upscale than that, but soooo goooood! The bar is really sleek and cool, bartenders are great! The seating inside is a vibe and comfortable as well. The outdoor covered eating area right on Main Street is a wonderful alternative to Al Fresco Dining; you've got the Al Fresco without being in the direct sun. This is a wonderful Brunch or Dinner Spot that is a local favorite year round! They also have an upstairs Banquet space that was recently completed and is amazing!

Tonno Restaurant: Italian Restaurant with Unique Dining Experiences

Do you love the smell of a wood fire in the Fall? Can you imagine eating in a really cool eatery on the Working Harborside of downtown Gloucester. Combine those two things and you get Oak to Ember. They have Live-Fire cooking using local ingredients, seafood and prime meats. Their outdoor space is right on the Working Harbor; giving you great views of actual life on the water as a Gloucester fisherman, or lobsterman. I love their open kitchen and their proximity to everything in downtown Gloucester. Please know this is a higher price point restaurant.

Oak to Ember

I think this picture gives you the idea! I can't say that I have eaten here, but it is a great spot for live music at night (tiny but fun dance floor) and great drinks at night or during the day. The THING! The THING that makes it in my opinion a great spot is the second floor spot overlooing Rogers Street and the Working Harbor great for people watching and Harbor watching. But the best part is the floor to ceiling windows that slide wide open! You feel like you are on an outdoor patio without the bugs or too much sun! Tell them Victoria from Benable sent you! You're Welcome! :)

DRIFT & WAVE Kitchen

I almost hesitate to tell you about this spot because it is so precious, and tucked away and hidden like it's name. My son told me about it and I can't stop talking about it since! I've been able to go once and I came away in awe. It's like a beautiful jewel box floating above the ocean! This is probably the most magical, relaxing, sweet, gorgeous view of Rockport Harbor - go for the Sunset if you can. Cocktails and simple but delicious bites. Not a full bar or kitchen, but it's just enough and perfect. I kind of don't want you to go, but I can't keep it to myself!

The Hideaway

Brothers Brew Coffee Shop

Bean & Leaf Cafe

The Ice Cream Store Rockport, MA: Bean & Leaf Café

I LOVE THIS PLACE! When my sons girlfriend comes into town from Michigan this is one of “must go's”. They are newish and just killing it! They have already moved right down the “row” to a slightly larger shop and it's working! If you're in Rockport, Salty's Bagels(https://www.saltysbagels.com/) is an absolute must-visit! Located right next to the train station at Whistlestop Mall, they specialize in small-batch, handcrafted bagels that have that perfect, authentic chew. As... Check out their Instagram for the most up-to-date “flavors” and cream cheese flavors! You can also pre-order: hotplate.com/saltysbagels

Salty's Bagels

Dairy Train

Let me start by saying that my youngest son is now 22. That means the Shalin Liu Performance Center was completed 22–23 years ago—it's easy to keep track of that because, as much as my son hated it (lol), his first-grade class was the very first musi...rockportmusic.org) to see what’s available during your visit, or perhaps make it a destination and attend one of the many genres of performances. Here is the secret of this place—well, there are many, but here is just one: the view! The stage is set with the wide-open ...

Rockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center

ITS FREE! I went to last years reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill and it was phenomenal! What an amazing opportunity to actually have an immersive experience while not having to worry about dodging whizzing bullets. This reenactment takes place on the Hallowed ground of an actual Fort (The original Cannons have recently been brought back to life and are in place at the top of the Fort overlooking the Harbor) I've linked the detailed schedule of Historical Progra... https://battleofgloucester.com/

Battle of Gloucester Reenactment

A place I go to time and time again! It requires a tiny drive (for me) into Pigeon Cove and sits on the border of Rockport and Gloucester (right next to the Lobster Pool(lobsterpool.com)). It is truly one of the most beautiful, peaceful places on earth—an old quarry and former Coast Guard Station. It is so spectacular that I almost can’t put it into words. It is truly God's country—complete with restrooms! (As always, please help k...mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park) for yourself—let me know what you think!

Halibut Point State Park - Mass.gov

The Lobster Pool

This brings me back—way back! My youngest son is 22 now and the oldest is 33. I think they stopped wanting to go around the age of 11, and even then, I had to beg them to go one more time! The start of summer for my boys was always marked by the last...rockportshuttle.com) through Dock Square, with stops for ice cream at The Ice Cream Store and a run with a kite at Front Beach. The summer crowds hadn't arrived yet, but we were ripe with the anticipation of freedom! This little trolley is just perfect, especially for ... How can you beat that!

Explore Rockport's Beaches & Shops | Rockport Shuttle by ...

rockport, ma , (978) 546-9180 - Generic Store Page

The Twin to their Inn - The Addison Choate Inn - As promised here why I love this place. First of all it is right downtown in Dock Square, it is owned by the fully funky couple that own and run The Addison Choate Inn and all their products are Americ... Yup they are more expensive, so do not go in looking for a “deal” there are other places for that, this is high quality, carefully curated pieces and products that are not cookie cutter or Social Media driven. They are driven by a return to a love of one of a kind things, things that stand the test of time, items that are surprised and you didn't know you needed or wanted when you walked in. Tell them Victoria from Rockport sent you! (they probably will have no idea who I am, but it will be fun! LOL

Denim Blanket Company

Boston Uncovered - Your Complete Guide To Things To Do In Boston

Travel Light Cape Ann: Baby Gear & Beach Gear Rentals in Cape Ann

I mean really, a taxi by boat?! $15.00 pass is good for a full day! Here's the best part, you are not just going/getting from one place to another i.e. Rocky Neck (The oldest working Art Colony in the Country) you are able to see everything from the water! The City with its Church Towers (Our Lady of Good Voyage) the Fisherman's Church, The Working Inner Harbor and so much more! As a local I love using this service to remind myself of the beauty that I get to call home! I hope you enjoy it as well. https://capeannharbortours.com/boat-tours/water-shuttle/

Gloucester Water Shuttle & Tour Massachusetts | Harbor Tours Inc

This is the “Classic” Choice: Cape Ann Harbor Tours - If you want that quintessential, long-standing local experience, this is the company I would bring my grandmother on! They have been running out of Gloucester since 1969 and I've probably run into... Please visit their website linked below to see all the wonderful Tours you can choose from. Personally the Parade of Sails Tour is simply divine - While the King Eider moves among them, enjoy the graceful vessels parading around Gloucester Harbor before they head to sea for the famous Schooner Fest great race. The Tour of the Lighthouses is... There is something for everyone, just pick one, you can't go wrong. CAPEANNHARBORTOURS.COM

Cape Ann Harbor Tours

Here's a “Freebie” for you. Get your Christmas Gifts now! You can find so many variations on “Candles” here. I have popped in here at the last minute to buy Birthday Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Stocking Stuffers, Heck things I wish I was buying for myself. This tiny Candle “Factory” overlooks the Inner Harbor and could not be more welcoming, not to mention that the fragrances are all natural and made right there! The larger candles in glass containers have such cool names and scenes from Old Fashioned Rockport/Gloucester by the Sea or contemporary scenes. I could “list” everything they have here, but you know what, part of the fun of this shop is finding surp... Fun Fact: You can book a Private Candle Making Session! Great for Brides to be, Baby Shower Fun, Maybe a special gift for your Wedding, and I've seen families on vacation putting their phones down and engaging in some really cool down seaside time. Important: The place is very small and up a few granite steps, there really is no place for a stroller or active toddlers. Please enjoy this gem that you will not find many places!

Rockport Candle

You might wonder why I am adding this to my list: “Less Laundry, More Living” (Troy's motto) Laundry on vacation! Laundry to take home from vacation…WHO WANTS THAT?! I personally use Nor 'East Cleaners and they also service the Employees at my place of business. They could not be more professional. I reached out to the owner Troy Scarborough to see if I could give my List Readers a special deal and of course Troy came through. He is offering Wash/Dry Next Day Service w/15% off for vacationers. Feel free to let him know how you heard about his service. By The Way-Troy handles over 150 VRBO's in the area - that's how good he is and how trusted his services are. Imagine, being on vacation and laundry is NOT an issue and going home with clean washed and folded laundry. YOU'RE WELCOME! Thank you Troy! www.noreastcleaners.com

Nor'East Cleaners | Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning & Laundry, North ...

Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport – Holy Family Parish ...

This Church is just so pretty and is also the site of The Live Nativity for the Christmas Pageant. I'll save that for another List. But even if you are not planning on attending Sunday Service. This is a great FREE piece of history that I know you and your family would enjoy visiting and learning about. Here is the Lore: The September 1814 Raid Under the cover of a thick fog, Bri... When a sentinel spotted the second British barge at dawn, he immediately ran to the Old Sloop's meetinghouse and rang the church bell. The local militia, the Sea Fencibles, quickly gathered and fired on the landing party. In retaliation, the British ... Plan a Visit: - You can view the steeple and the cannonball firsthand, as well as learn about the broader history of the local "Sea Fencibles", by checking out the historical exhibits and planning a trip via the Old Sloop Church website. https://oldsloop.org/history

Congregational Church First UCC

Twin Lights Laundry

This is a Public Yacht Club. All my boys took sailing lessons here starting with the Opt boat. Such a great place! If you are vacationing for a two week stay-they have sailing programs that run two weeks. It is such a sight to see, your children going out like little ducklings being towed out of the Inner Harbor to practice their Sailing skills out on the open water. There are so many good things to say about this program. It gives your kids a different perspective and respect of the water that they would never have a chance to learn. They will come away, sun kissed, and having a new skill that will take them far!

Sandy Bay Yacht Club

I would say this is one of the most Magical Nights you will have anywhere! Fully funded by donations and the selling of really cool Illumination Globes, it has grown so much over the years, and it is truly a special night. Fireworks (my favorite thing in the world) with the smell of salt air, soft breezes, blocked off Main Street, people strolling and setting up chairs on Front Beach, Back Beach, The Headlands, Old Garden Beach, there is no bad spot. I look forward to this every summer. It is not to be missed.

Rockport Fireworks (@RockportFireworks)

Schooner Festival - Maritime Gloucester

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Let me start with the SALT WATER POOL OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN! I used to live up the street from the Inn and even worked there part time for a bit in Reservations. When I was pregnant with my youngest. I got a summer pool membership so I could take my ... Also, as you descend down the final stretch of the walk to Back Beach you will be greeted with one of the most spectaular views of the back side of the town and Back Beach in all it's glory! It's worth the effort. If you like you can stop right at Ba...

Emerson Inn By The Sea

Many years ago I used to live behind this eclectic perfect Inn, before the new owners took over, wondering and wishing "someone would take over the property and give it it's crown" FINALLY, that "someone" did. Right downtown on Broadway it is the mos...denimblankets.com that you must visit. I will also link that in my Lists “Places I Call Home” with a description of the coolness they have brought to this shop that is twinning with their Boutique Inn. They do fill up quickly as I found out the hard way; so if you ha...

Addison Choate

Ok, let me start by saying this place was and is needed! Not everyone wants to stay in an expensive Inn or Quaint Boutique Hotel especially those of you with children, even young teens. This is right outside the heart of downtown, but on the Main road leading into town. It's an easy walk on a sidewalk that will accommodate strollers, or slower walking children or adults. It is nestled literally on 5 quiet acres with a fire pit, an indoor pool, (fitness room, if you're into that on vacation) :) and is pet-friendly. It is all on one floor and offers a nice contentental breakfast (not fancy, and self serve). There are two level townhome style rooms to give families a bit of breathing room and standard one room rooms. Many of us in town would book a room for birthday parties for our boys, so they could all stay over and play in the pool for hours, and come back for cake and ice cream, and guess what? Our homes stayed neat and clean! LOL The staff is friendly, and ... The rooms are clean and do the trick. It makes me feel like the Motels our parents used to book for family vacations that did not break the bank, but upleveled with the grounds and fire pit. https://www.rockportinnandsuites

Rockport Inn & Suites

The Sister to the Addison-Choate Inn Rockport Ma - My words not theirs, same owners, same ultra cool vibe, different experience from any you will have anywhere else! I've stayed at The Addison Choate Inn, next stop The Sally Webster Inn (and I live in Rockport!) The Sally Webster Collection: The Sally Webster Collection is a boutique inn offering a modern, stylish take on an antique colonial home in the coastal village of Rockport, Massachusetts. Beautifully renovated, the Sally Webster Collection combines h... sallywebster.com

Sally Webster Inn

My Cape Ann Map

Coastal Walks & Harbor Views & Historic Detours

Cape Ann Classics & Coastal Eats

Sips & Sweets by the Sea

Cape Ann Culture & History

The Place I Call Home

Coastal Stays & Hidden Havens