My best friend and his wife introduced me to Rockport nearly 15 years ago, and I've gone back every year since for what can only be described as a "fix." Around February I start to get the itch and realize that it's time to start planning the annual summer sojourn to Rockport, Massachusetts.
If you've never been, it's almost impossible to describe. Physically, it's really a tiny town, barely a spot on the map. There are no major sights to speak off, and the entire town is the living embodiment of off the beaten track. But once you've been, trust me, you'll go back. There's nothing like waking up and walking to Bear Skin Neck, the local shopping district comprised not of Target and Wal-Mart, but a series of small shops and restaurants that look as if they've been magically transported from another time. The people here are friendly and actually look you in the eye and say, "Good Morning," as you walk by!
Beach-wise, there's pretty much everything you could want. Good Harbor is a long stretch of sandy beach where at low tide you can actually walk on a sand bar out to an island. There are also smaller beaches, some covered in sand, some dotted with rocks. There's even a beach where the rocks will "sing" to anyone who happens to hit it at just the right time. And of course there are plenty of rocks for climbing upon. One of our favorite things to do is head down to Eden Road and sit on the massive rock outcroppings, watching for hours as the waves relentlessly pound the shore. This is the type of place where one can't help but get introspective.
Want a glimpse of the town? Rent the movie The Love Letter from a few years back, which was filmed in and around Rockport. Other movies filmed there include The Perfect Storm and Mermaids.
Over the years, things have changed, things that I'm not particularly thrilled with. (Did anyone really need a skateboard shop to open in the quaint shopping village? Um, no.) But overall, this is still one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I can ever imagine setting foot in.