Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA

Halibut Point State Park is just outside Rockport, MA. It was formerly a granite quarry so there is a huge man-made lake. The park has breath-taking views of the rocky coastline. The administrative building has a 60 foot observation tower.

There are numerous walking trails and we walked one out to the coastline.

Their web site is here.

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Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA

Bearskin Neck is a tiny finger of rock that protrudes into the sea from the small town of Rockport.

It is a single "street" with a small loop about half-way down it. It is full of interesting shops and eateries. Some have seating areas out back where you can go and get a gorgeous view.

Out at the very tip there were several kids flying kites. The rental kayaks in their multi-colors came by there as well.

Parking in Rockport was impossible. We parked in the town parking lot on the outskirts of town and rode the shuttle that stopped right at Bearskin Neck.

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Motif #1, Rockport, MA

Motif #1 is a fishing shack in Rockport known as "the most often-painted building in America."

The movie "The Proposal" used Rockport as a setting in Alaska and included scenes of Motif #1.

The wikipedia article is here. The official site is here.

The bing birdseye view is here.

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Harbor, Gloucester, MA

Gloucester is the second oldest seaport in Massachusetts. It was settled in 1623 after Plymouth in 1620, even before Boston.

The wikipedia article is here. The official web site is here.

Seafaring and fishing have taken its toll on the populace of Gloucester. In its over 350-year history, Gloucester has lost over 10,000 men to the Atlantic Ocean. These are memorialized by the "Man at the Wheel" statue at Gloucester Harbor.

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Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA

We arrived on Cape Ann on the Friday before the 4th of July. We stayed at the Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. When we asked the desk clerk for suggestions for dinner that night, we asked where they went. The reply was an instant "The Rudder on Rocky Neck." The desk clerk knew the lady who owns it and had been to a wedding reception there recently. We headed to the harbor and Rocky Neck.

Rocky Neck is an artists' colony. As we drove through the twisty windy streets the locals were scrambling for views of the planned fireworks. Unfortunately, they were canceled that night. According to one local they were canceled because "the weather is too good."

We had a wait at The Rudder but were thoroughly entertained by the locals hanging around the oyster bar at the front door. Our table was on the dock and we could watch customers come and go via boat. Here's the TripAdvisor review. I'd say we were a little more favorable.

Yes, Cape Ann is an island.

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