Rockport
Beach Town · Rockport, Massachusetts
A granite-quarrying village on the tip of Cape Ann that turned into an artists' colony, and whose red fishing shack on Bradley Wharf — Motif No. 1 — is said to be the most painted building in America. It was a dry town from 1856, when a group of women led by Hannah Jumper went through it with hatchets destroying the liquor supply, until 2005; a good many restaurants are still bring-your-own out of sheer habit. Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula of shops and galleries, runs out into the harbour.
Bearskin Neck, Rockport, Massachusetts, 01966, United States
A working town, always open, though much of Bearskin Neck and many restaurants close or reduce sharply from late autumn to spring. Beaches are lifeguarded in summer only. Town parking is charged and fills by mid-morning in season, with a seasonal park-and-ride shuttle — the commuter rail from Boston, about an hour, avoids the problem entirely. Many restaurants are still BYOB; check when booking.