COURTESY PHOTOS
The Emerson Inn, a historic hotel, is located on Pigeon Cove in Rockport.
By STACEY MARCUS
A few autumns ago, my car kept jumping onto Route 128 North with its kaleidoscope of fall colors ribboned along the highway. Of course I was in the driver’s seat, but it truly felt as if some force was beckoning me to behold the glorious array of gold, crimson and pumpkin dotting the landscape.
Before I get too carried away, I must confess that my vehicle makes numerous trips to Rockport during the summer so I can enjoy beaches and boutiques. So I know the destination at the end of my journey is truly the pot of gold.
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Anyone living on the North Shore is aware of Rockport’s magic. Weaving in and out of the boutiques and galleries, frolicking on the beaches and enjoying a dripping ice cream cone or savoring a sweet salt water taffy are well-known summer favorites. I adore the locally-owned shops on Bearskin Neck and love to cherry-pick unique items.
There is something for everyone in Rockport. It’s a slice of America that celebrates all that is wholesome.
Art aficionados are familiar with Motif No. 1, the most-painted building in America, Rockport’s art colony, its 30 plus art galleries and the Rockport Art Association and Museum.
Music lovers revel in the amazing acoustics and stunning views of the Shalin Liu Performance Center, the home of Rockport Music’s signature Chamber Music Festival, which includes more than 20 concerts.
Hikers can enjoy a crisp walk along Halibut Point and its 2.5 miles of trails with beautiful views.
I love Rockport the most in fall and early winter when it’s me, my camera and stores void of tourists and full of bargains.
My husband, Mitch, and I took a recent ride to Rockport one late afternoon and enjoyed meandering around Bearskin Neck. I got to poke in stores while he walked the narrow streets perfumed with the scent of warm strudel.
He puffed on a cigar — ew — and watched waves crash and buoys bob. Once the sun set and “closed” signs dotted store windows, we headed to Emerson Inn for a tour of the newly refreshed historic hotel and dinner at its on-site restaurant, Pigeon Cove Tavern.
Emerson Inn is a gem of a property perched perfectly on Pigeon Cove. It was a treat to see how the new owners have reimagined the space with little luxuries while maintaining its historic vibe. We loved the farm-to-table cuisine and casualness at the Pigeon Cove Tavern and will be back this winter to enjoy fresh seafood and warm toddies.
Do yourself a favor and take a ride to Rockport soon. There’s lots to do around the holidays and it’s absolutely beautiful in the fall and winter.
Four festive ways to celebrate the season in Rockport
? Santa’s arrival by lobster boat and tree lighting
Dec. 3
Santa will arrive at Rockport’s T-Wharf on Rockport Harbor on Saturday at 1 p.m., following a brisk lobster boat ride across Sandy Bay. The tree-lighting ceremony will get underway at 4 p.m., welcoming Santa and the public at the Tree in Dock Square with carols and a stirring rendition of “Christmas in Rockport.”
? 15th annual Gallery Stroll Weekend
Dec. 10-11
Enjoy a popular tradition: an introduction to Rockport’s galleries, studios, artists and artisans. Many galleries will feature live music, wine and light refreshments, artist demonstrations and special raffles.
? 71st annual Rockport Christmas Pageant
Dec. 17
Dock Square and Main Street, 5 p.m. A torch-lit live re-enactment of the Nativity. (Inclement weather date Dec. 18)
? Rockport New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31
Downtown Rockport, 6 p.m. to midnight. Six hours of continuous entertainment with 80 shows to choose from to ring in 2017. Visit rockportnye.org for details.
Visitrockportusa.com to learn more.