Thursday, July 12, 2012

field trip: by the beautiful sea (x3)


Rockport, MA

LONG POST ALERT :)

Some times it takes someone visiting from out-of-state to explore your own surroundings. Know what I mean? This was the case last weekend when my sister Dede and brother-in-law Bobby who live in New Jersey, wanted to spend a day together exploring Rockport and Salem along the near-ish North Shore of Massachusetts (about a 90 minute drive).



Rockport is a charming seacoast village located on Cape Ann, a place I hadn't been to since I was about ten years old, known as Massachusetts' "Other Cape."


Image source



Along the picturesque streets of the Bearskin Neck area, we strolled area shops and had clam chowder and lobster rolls for lunch. We even spotted actor Adam Sandler who appeared to be enjoying the same kind of breezy afternoon.















This is probably where I should end this post but I can't help myself because there's still plenty more to share!

Next, we headed north to the history-rich town of Salem.



Even though none of us have read The House of the Seven Gables* by Nathaniel Hawthorne, we took the museum house tour, which was fabulous and fascinating: filled with detailed storytelling, rich decor such as hand-colored wallpaper, even a secret staircase.
*My eleven-year old is now reading the book



We finished our day with stopping by the Bewitched statue in Lappin Park, downtown Salem



followed by some window shopping.

Okay, now I should wrap-up this post. But, there's one more place!

After our busy Saturday we weren't sure what to do on Sunday. I had always wanted to see the Flying Horses Merry-Go-Round, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country, but really didn't know where it was. As we kept our eyes close to the map was I ever SURPRISED when we reached the beautiful destination of Watch Hill, RI.





Ocean House: Dear Ocean House: Need any blogger reviews?




Without even a ferry ride we were transported to the most idyllic beach town with ocean-view streets lined with cafes, boutiques and even a candy shop equipped with quintessential white paper bags.





I kept saying out-loud, "I am shocked and smitten by this place!"







My nine year-old even grabbed the brass ring three times!

Thank you for sticking with the very long post. Inspired by these coastal treasures of towns, I am busily tinkering with more ideas for my next Camp Tinker post.

happiest summer wishes

xo
elyse

19 comments:

Kit said...

Oh how gorgeous! Each and every photo and I want to go there so bad. We just came back from the beach (Pacific) and maybe someday I can visit New England. I am going to keep all your ideas in my notes. Thanks! Kit

Lucille said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for all the lovely photos.

Susan said...

Oh how lovely! I adore long posts full of pictures! :-) The last little town and merry-go-round was so pretty! I LOVE getting the brass rings too! (Ours you can try and throw it through a clown's mouth.)

Roser og Patina said...

Lovely Photos! The place looks fantastic:) Have a great weekend!

Cindy said...

Great pictures!! My husband and I are looking for somewhere to go for a fun daytrip. The answer could be in this post!!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

What a lovely picturesque area to vacation...or live!

Connie said...

Oh, I am so happy that you didn't stop the first or the second time that you thought you should. I enjoyed every single photograph. I may never make it to the eastern coast, but thanks to you, I can hitch a ride along with you and enjoy your adventure. Thanks for sharing. Connie :)

NanaDiana said...

Oh What Fun! I have not been to Cape Ann in many, many years. I love that old merry-go-round, too. How wonderful that you were able to enjoy it along with your family. xo Diana

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh how fabulous, all the houses are the colors we adore! And that shop, so beachy, shabby, cottage...I have never been to New England...Lovely

Carol

vivian said...

ahhhh! looks like great places to visit and shop for sure! I need a vacation like that. thanks for sharing and it really wasnt too long. you could have added more!
have a great weekend

Anonymous said...

Goodness Elyse what a wonderful place to visit and soak up all that coastal love!

I am going to have to go adopt some children to try out all your cute camp tinker crafts!

bee blessed
mary

Melinda said...

Sounds like a lot of fun for you and your visitors.

:)

Art and Sand said...

Oh, how lovely! I am glad you showed all the photos.

koralee said...

What a beautiful area...I love these little towns..we visited a few years ago a fell in love with the area. Thank you for bringing back so many wonderful memories. xoxoxo

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Hi Elyse...thanks for sharing your roadtrip with us! I haven't been to Rockport in years and it is time I head back!

Unknown said...

Oh how I would love to take a little trip to the new england states! So much history there!! I want to see a photo of you with Adam Sandler ;)

debi said...

Beautiful photos! I'm so glad you didn't stop, and decided to share all of these beautiful places. What a wonderful weekend you had!

SLR said...

i love a long Tinkered Treasures post!
what pretty and fun places you visited, i can see why you were so charmed!! i really like that old sign that says, "Happy As Clams" :)

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