This Massachusetts Town Has The Biggest Heart
Tourists often come to Rockport for the beaches and ocean views, but what truly sets this Massachusetts town apart is its creativity, warmth, and spirit. It’s no surprise that many consider it the town with the biggest heart in the Bay State. Not only is it home to one of the most historic art colonies, but it also hosts a wide range of music, art, and holiday festivals that bring the whole community together. Its well-kept heritage, meanwhile, is reflected in the town’s beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century lighthouses. If you’re looking to experience one of the most spirited and welcoming towns in New England, you’ll fall in love with Rockport.
Art Scene
The town of Rockport is home to one of the country’s oldest art colonies, offering over 30 art galleries, a renowned art museum, and a premier performing arts center. The Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M) is a great starting point for those wanting to explore this art scene. This association has been supporting the local art community since its founding in 1921, and currently consists of around 250 artists and photographers. Throughout the year, the RAA&M hosts over 40 exhibitions and numerous workshops and educational programs. Upcoming exhibits this summer include an emerging artist show, a Bradley Hendershot solo show, and a summer show focused on art and the written word.
For some live music, Rockport’s Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to spend the evening. Open since 2010, this venue has become a cultural icon, hosting classical music, jazz, folk, and pop concerts. It is also home to the beloved Rockport Chamber Music Festival, which offers more than 20 concerts, lectures, and family-friendly activities. Upcoming performances in the performance center include string quartets, pianists, and solo violinists. They also occasionally screen music-themed films, such as La La Land and Moana
Annual Festivals
Rockport hosts several lively festivals throughout the year that bring even more energy to the town. One of the most unique is Motif No. 1 Day, which honors the famous red fishing shack on the harbor, one of the most painted buildings in the country. The festival, which takes place each spring, has all kinds of family-friendly activities, such as a plein air paint out, family games, food trucks, a road race, face painting, and live music performances. There are also a variety of art demonstrations for those wanting to learn more about different artistic techniques.
Fall is a beautiful season in Massachusetts, and Rockport celebrates it with the annual Harvest Fest! The whole community comes together for this fall-themed event, featuring all kinds of cozy activities like a pie bake-off, seasonal dishes and drinks, live music, artisan vendors, and seasonal crafts for the kids. Later on in the year, to ring in the holiday spirit, the town hosts its cherished Christmas in Rockport festival. These festival events take place throughout the entire month of December. Santa kicks off the season, arriving by boat at the wharf near the beginning of the month, followed by other holiday activities like a tree lighting ceremony, a Menorah lighting, strolling carolers, a Christmas pageant, and a nativity re-enactment.
Lighthouses
Another important piece of Rockport’s heritage is found in its historic lighthouses. Rockport is home to three: The Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses and the Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse. These lighthouses, which are listed as a National Historic Landmark, date back to 1771 and were the final lighthouses to be constructed by the British in Massachusetts Bay. They are also the only fully operational twin lighthouses in the country. Standing about 124 feet tall, each lighthouse contains a 156-step stairway to the top, and during the summer, one of the towers is usually open for the public to climb.
The Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse is also extremely historic, built in 1835 near the Rockport Harbor Entrance. The tower that stands today was constructed in 1896 and rises 37 feet on Straitsmouth Island. Those hoping to visit the island can reach it via kayak, dinghy, or the Thacher Launch and climb to the top of the lighthouse in the summer.
Final Thoughts
New England is filled with plenty of vacation spots, but finding a town that feels truly warm and welcoming is a rarer experience. However, if attending a chamber music festival, a holiday celebration, or a rotating art exhibit sounds like a great way to connect with the local community, you will appreciate what Rockport has in store. The town also excellently preserves its heritage through its historic landmarks, such as its three wonderfully kept lighthouses. So get ready to experience the warmest side of New England and start planning your trip to Rockport today!
