May Days in Rockport

Good food, cheerful locals, and a picturesque backdrop just whetted our appetite for Rockport. Popping into shops and galleries, as we walked along Bearskin Neck, made for a pleasant and fun afternoon. On our way to see Motif #1, a small, red, fishing shack at the end of a pier—which happens to be the most painted and photographed subject in the U.S. – we happened upon an old retired fisherman who was hand carving and painting buoys and stopped for a nice chat. The lofty pursuit of fine art has subtly commingled with the very real fishing and lobstering that takes place as a living of many of the locals. Watching the lobstermen go out and come back and unload their catch with the grace of a seasoned professional as one stands on the quay made the fast pace of New York City fade farther away.

Quick Tips:

We visited during Motif #1 days; a festival of music, food, and local color. Five dollars gained one admission into a “Best Chowder of Rockport” competition. You could sample and vote on the best clam chowder. The festival also included music by street musicians positioned throughout the town, and other festivities including artists painting in the streets and a bake sale. If you can visit during this weekend, you will be sure to have a fun time.

Best Way To Get Around:

When in Rockport, make sure that your first mode of transportation is your feet; everything is within walking distance. We did see a trolley pass by, but did not feel the need to explore this option. Truly, if you are capable, you can get to and see just about everything in Rockport proper on foot. Make sure to pick up "Rockport: a Walking Guide" to help you find your way around.

This warm and welcoming inn was both clean and spacious. The owner, Michael, was very accommodating from the first to reserve the room and throughout our stay. He made sure, when we called to confirm our late check-in, to let us know an alternate route to take due to traffic problems and proceeded to map it out for us over the phone. When we did, indeed, finally arrive at 1:30am, we felt comfortable enough with finding the parking lot and our room in the dark.

When we entered the room, we were pleasantly surprised at the size of the space. The décor was pure New England. From the wingback chairs to the Chippendale reproduction furniture to the brass lamps, it made for a colonial cottage feel. The bathroom looked to have been redone. In fact, on first attempt to use the shower, we found it possessed new fixtures that needed a shot of elbow grease from Michael in order to be turned on.

The rooms all include a continental breakfast that can either be eaten, on a fair day, on the front roof deck or in their colonial-style great room. The great room is adorned with more of a cottage feel, including turn of the century knickknacks strategically placed to keep your eye entertained. We placed ourselves in front of one of the big windows, and enjoyed our fare while doing some small-town people watching. After breakfast, we were highly pleased to find out that we were only a 5-minute walk from the center of town and shopping.

After spending two days here, my traveling companion and I were agreed that if we did return to Rockport, we would certainly consider another stay at the Peg Leg Inn.

Perfectly situated in the center of town, the Greenery unassumingly has some of the best views of Rockport Bay. To top it all off, the food is delicious!

The two-toned green clapboard little house opens into a quaint interior full of New England charm and excellent service. The front of the restaurant was set up café style, where you can eat at the bar or at rustic aluminum seating. However, we were lucky enough to be ushered to the rear dining room to a window seat overlooking the bay and Rockport’s famous Motif #1. The opposite wall is lined with mirror paneling reflecting the light and the view. We sat and ate our tasty brunch of quiche, hash browns, eggs, iced tea in jam jars, and toast. The toast was served with some of the best strawberry rhubarb spread that I’ve ever had. It was so good, in fact, that I purchased a jar, which they wrapped in cellophane and ribbon, to bring home.

As we were leaving, we ran into friends who also had enjoyed their brunch at the Greenery and were gushing over their lobster Benedict and crabmeat and avocado frittata. We all agreed, when in Rockport, the Greenery, for brunch, is the place to go.

The converted fishing shack, perfectly decorated with its two tones of Scandinavian blue on the doors and windows, catches your eye and draws you in. Once inside, bags, books, pictures, cards, pillows, knit goods, umbrellas, and other miscellaneous Nordic offerings delight the shopping senses. We were unable to escape without scooping up a Carlson image on a postcard and a couple of Marimekko items.

To the store’s credit, despite it being the sales clerk’s first day and the problem she encountered working the credit card machine, she went above and beyond by calling the owner to come in and straighten out the issue. While she waited for the owner, she suggested we continue with our day and stop back in when we were ready, which we happily obliged. Having enjoyed our stroll while taking in other shops and galleries, we returned to the store to find that the problem had been resolved and we were able to make our purchases. Even through her stress, the sales clerk was warm and obliging.

This unique shop combines old world Scandinavian illustrations with modern-day Nordic design, which makes for a smorgasbord of shopping finds.