Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink, + Where to Stay in Rockport, MA Now
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
From the moment you arrive at the historic Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts, you'll immediately be transported back to a bygone area. A time of simple pleasures, surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic.
With that being said, Tripveel® arrived earlier than expected, so naturally a tall glass of champagne was in order to ease the senses with those salty, coastal New England breezes.
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
While the champagne and salty breezes worked wonders, we received a text from the hotel notifying us that the ocean view room, complete with a Juliet balcony and spa tub (1 of only 2 in the hotel), was indeed ready for our arrival.
Settled in, it was time to check out historic Rockport on foot. Had we had access to a Vespa, that would work as well.
Front Beach in Rockport, Massachusetts
Front Beach is a sandy, secluded cove just a short walk from all the local attractions in Rockport Village.
Meanwhile in the village, it was time to see Motif No. 1 in person.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Did you know that this iconic red barn has drawn artists and art lovers to picturesque Rockport Harbor since the early 1800s, while widely known as "the most often-painted building in America?"
Stroll Rockport’s charming Main Street and eclectic Bearskin Neck to explore one-of-a-kind shops where you'll discover handmade jewelry, fashionable clothing, local crafts, accessories for your home, scrumptious chocolates and so much more.
And don't forget the homemade ice cream and fresh-caught, local seafood.
As you can see, being photogenic (and salty) comes natural around here.
Rockport’s art colony, one of the oldest in America, is home to over 30 galleries and the Rockport Art Association and Museum. Rockport’s world-class performing arts center, the Shalin Liu, hosts shows year round.
We even caught an artist in action on the way back to the hotel.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Oh, look there it is, "the most often-painted building in America" we just mentioned.
Dinner was weighing heavy on the mind and in anticipation we headed down to Pigeon Cove Tavern, the hotel's signature dining experience, which offers alfresco dining unlike any other on Boston's North Shore.
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
While perusing the menu created by Executive Chef Ameer Wahid—Tripveel® started off with a tantalizing peach-infused libation offering on their hand-crafted cocktail list. Out came what we were longing for.
1. Salmon Tartare
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Blended with soy and ginger and served with fresh wonton chips—this salmon tartare will be the perfect cure for the dramatic sunset you're about to embark on.
2. Arugula & Beets
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Drizzled white balsamic over golden beets, goat cheese, honey roasted pistachios and a scrumptious red beet puree that will leave you feeling light and satisfied.
3. Duck Confit Wontons
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Blended with fresh cilantro and sambal (a Southeast Asian hot sauce) and served over hoisin (Chinese-style BBQ sauce), let the tastebuds run wild—while quickly becoming a new favorite comfort food.
4. Pan-Seared Sea Scallops
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
The highlight of the evening—local pan-seared sea scallops served over summer succotash, rainbow chard, quinoa and an amazing corn velouté that will have you asking for more (and possibly more).
5. Blood Orange Panna Cotta
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Creamy and decadent, this dessert is served over fresh blueberry compote. Need we say more? Just get it.
Oh, remember that sunset we mentioned?
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Sunglasses required.
Feeling refreshed, relaxed and quite full from dinner, retreating to the guest room sounded ideal. Resisting a soak in the spa tub while the sun continued to set over the Atlantic is just something you can't pass up.
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Interesting fact: These mahogany headboards were salvaged from the historic Boston Park Plaza Hotel. We think they've been put to good use.
Waking up to this almost made coffee unnecessary. Almost.
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Before the Emerson Inn's well-known breakfast, taking a jog over to Halibut Point State Park was in order—since it's only about a half mile away.
The landscape is made from sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.
While breakfast at the Emerson Inn is served in the main dining room buffet style, where guests can enjoy inside or out on the veranda—we had a different idea...
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
Right in front of our guest room's sliding glass doors. I think you can see why.
Although time to head out, a quote by a famous regular guest of the historic Emerson Inn by the Sea came to mind.
Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport, Massachusetts
