Rockport is located 40 miles northeast of Boston. Founded in 1840, it is surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean.
I was surprised to find this sleepy seaside town is on the MBTA Commuter Rail line with service to Boston.
About a mile from town, I set out on foot from my adorable rental cottage to explore.
Passing this farm stand and cafe, I made a mental note to come back for breakfast or lunch.
Grand old houses, many of them Bed and Breakfasts or Inns, lined Main Street on either side.
Due to the harsh weather conditions, several were in need of some paint and repair. Their charm, however, was undiminished.
I was quite happy to finally see some of the fall colors I had been anticipating.
I love pictures of picket fences and stone walls.
As I approached the town’s center, the houses became larger and a bit more formal.
I try not to overdo the history angle, but this bell was impressive.
I began to catch glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean between the houses and buildings on Main St.
The surprising and impressive Shalin Liu Performance Center and its box office across the street.
As I turned the corner of the building, I was charmed by the beauty of this cove with a stone pier.
Rockport was larger than I imagined. There are many scenic coves like this one, along with a quaint village and a wonderful granite wharf and breakwater.
Referred to as Motif Number 1, this is touted as the most often-painted building in America.
https://newengland.com/today/travel/massachusetts/rockport-motif-no-1/
In addition to the iconic red barn, Bradley Wharf is home to bait shops, restaurants and residential real estate.
Doesn’t this dinghy look like it was painted in watercolor? I am going to make some prints, so let me know if you’d like the file.
Each lobster man’s buoys have their own distinctive colors and appearance, so as to be instantly recognizable. You don’t want to mess with someone else’s lobster pots.
Before and after pictures of some lobsters.
Immediately before the jetty is Bearskin Neck, a tiny artist colony of studios, shops and restaurants.
Couples and small families strolled casually by- such a tranquil place and time.
An ample public parking lot opens out between the village and the picturesque breakwater, or jetty.
The large granite stones were fairly flat and even, so it wasn’t difficult or dangerous for me to walk out to the very tip of the breakwater.
Ensconced in tranquility, I sat and watched the last boats come in to dock, as the sun slowly began to set.
As I headed back up the hill toward my cozy cottage, I was thinking about the next adventure.
Tomorrow we’ll head down the road toward Salem, before we say goodbye to Cape Ann and the North Shore.
Downtown Gloucester is a bit more cosmopolitan than Rockport, but my focus was on the waterfront and its famous resident fisherman.
Dressed in oilskins, the iconic Gloucester Fisherman stands in rapt attention, silently honoring the legacy of 5368 men.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucester_Fisherman%27s_Memorial
Psalm 107: 23-24
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters. These see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.
As you can see, the weather had turned foul today, and visibility was poor. Somehow, though, it felt appropriate for the somber subject matter.
The flower beds along the oceanfront promenade appeared to be thriving in the constant drizzle.
Honoring 5665 fallen heroes… I love the reverence of Gloucester.
I could not help but ponder the fact that between World War II and the tragedies at sea, nearly 11,000 local lives have been claimed. Does that seem high for a town of 30,000 residents?
I intended to drive directly to Salem on the highway, but I took a wrong turn and ended up on the coastal route.
Manchester-By-The-Sea‘s population is less than 10,000. Its claims to fame are a ‘singing’ beach and a major motion picture of the same name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester-by-the-Sea,_Massachusetts
Although the leaves are coming down with the rain, I managed to snap some pretty trees on my way through town.
Another tiny town served by major rail. If the weather had been nicer, it may have been fun to make the 20 mile trek from Rockport to Salem by train.
Tranquil views from a bridge in the center of town.
Salem is my final destination, after multiple traffic delays made worse by the inclement weather.
The rain continued to intensify and it was pouring by the time I pulled into the parking garage on Church St.
The Witch Museum was just closing when I finally got there, but I was invited to attend a private Wizard of Oz event that evening at 7:00.
The town square was as normal as this place gets. After this, all bets are off.
This mom- daughter duo agreed to pose for a picture and advised me to see the ‘black house’.
I had to tilt the camera to fit the whole Masonic Temple in the frame.
The downtown pedestrian area is not huge, and I found the ‘black house’ quite easily. Its sign says Witch House, though no witches lived there.
Supposedly, it’s the only structure still standing with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692, and belonged to the judge.
These three young women, whom I presumed to be witches, were gracious enough to strike a pose for me.
I tend to be conservative, so everywhere I looked was madness. I could not bring myself to set foot in a single shop or attraction.
Except for the air of malevolence, I totally missed the point on this one!
I took pictures for another half-hour, and decided to get a bite and dry off at the Tavern on the Green restaurant, diagonally across from the Witch Museum.
It was fully dark when I emerged, and the town had taken on a sinister feel. The museum looks scary.
As I approached, I could see some people beginning to gather under the awning.
At 7:00, the Wizard of Oz characters began to step out, posing for pictures.
I liked them all, but the Wicked Witch of the West and her monkey stole the show.
By now, I’m on stimulation overload. My feet are soaked, and I have no desire to sit through a two hour movie that I have seen a dozen times.
Retracing my steps to the garage where I parked my car, I pray for an uneventful trip back to Rockport.
I’m glad I came to check it out, and happier to be leaving. By the way, there was more hysteria and hype, than witchcraft, going on in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts.
Please continue to ride along on my next journey to points north, including New Hampshire and Maine.
May God bless you and keep you safe! MH
How picturesque and interesting!
Marie,
Manchester by the Sea – easily the worst movie we have ever seen! Salem seems a bit cra cra but then I guess it would be expected.
Beautiful and charming homes had to brighten your visit. Have fun.
Love from Florida. Val
So nice to hear from you! I am in Jerusalem until end of month. Sukkot has been amazing this year- any occasion to see the Jews happy and celebrating…
Marie, really enjoyed your pictures and narrative! My Fathers side of the family all live in and around that area. It is so beautiful and unique. Thank you for sharing
Donna, thanks for the encouraging words and glad you enjoyed it. See you soon!
Marie, gorgeous photos. Great story.. Miss you. Hope things are going well with your travels. Stay safe! Love ya!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Dana
Marie, did you really take a wrong turn? Or were you being led by the Ruach HaKodesh? Loved this adventure! I’m so looking forward to many more. Yup, i agree. Salem is not the place for me. Wouldn’t want to visit…ever. Glad you were happier to be leaving 🙂
Such amazing quality in your photos! Just spectacular!!! I have been there – in those New England coastal towns. The sea brings life and death. And, i have not recommended watching the movie of Manchester-by-the Sea to anyone. Too depressing for my likes. But the town pics were terrific. Lovely place.
You are blessed and highly favored 🙂
Love and shalom, w
Awww. Toda raba my lovely sister. Your words are always so encouraging and uplifting. Been reading John 7 and preparing for shemini atzeret. This place is a crucible! See you in a couple weeks. Shalom et ahava.
Beautiful Massachusetts in the early fall…crisp air and gorgeous flowers! Was looking for that statue I heard about in the film Monumental. It was erected by the Puritans I think. Have loaned my copy out…does anyone remember the monument Kirk Cameron showed us in that film? Pretty sure it’s in Massachusetts. We miss you down here in Florida Marie!! Happy you made it back to Israel. We’re you there for Sukkot?? ♥️Maria
Salem….interesting….marketable witchcraft…..