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