Bearskin Neck in Rockport Might be Cape Ann’s Best Day Trip

Bearskin Neck in Rockport has that quintessential Cape Ann vibe. Let me walk you through my recent day trip there.

 

First, though, a quick shout-out to my good friend (and ace photographer) Michael Khachadoorian. His family owned Camera Corner, which operated in Dock Square in Rockport, for decades. Michael’s summer job was to mind the shop, and I’d visit him up there often. So thank you, Michael, for introducing me to Rockport. And specifically for showing me around Bearskin Neck.

 

Back in the day, we’d grab a bite at Ellen’s Harborside (which is now Fleur Cuisine Harborside), sneak a peak at Motif Number 1, then head over to the Rockport Art Association to pay a visit to our friend Willie, who was the caretaker there. That’s the beauty of Bearskin Neck: good food, art, and seaside vibes. But still with that old school, North Shore, Cape Ann feel.

 

Bearskin Neck in Rockport Might be Cape Ann’s Best Day Trip

A few things have changed over the years, but Bearskin Neck is still Bearskin Neck. You can pack a day full of things to do, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an international tourist looking to get that classic New England experience or a New Englander looking for a change of pace. The activities and experiences are wide-ranging, and they appeal to adventurers of all ages. In other words, bring the kids.

 

I brought my kids to Bearskin Neck and we had our typical day out of food and fun. I snapped some pics and shared them below, with some tips that work for us. Hopefully they’ll work for you, too. Maybe do like we did: start your Rockport day out with a hike at Halibut Point State Park, then wrap it up with a visit to Bearskin Neck. You’ll have a time, I’m sure of it.

• The Little Art Cinema at Spiran Hall

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  I'm sharing a shot of the Cinema because--along with the Shalin Liu Peformance Center--Bearskin Neck has a pair of nice theatres. I'm also sharing it because it's on Broadway. You'll likely drive down Broadway on your way to Bearskin Neck. If you see a parking spot, take it. There's a lot down the road T-Wharf, but parking is pretty limited otherwise.

• Rockport House of Pizza & Roast Beef

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  "12, you came all the way to Rockport and ate here?" Yes, I did. I had my kids with me. They wanted pizza, not seafood. But worry not: your dining options at Bearskin Neck range from fancier sit-down establishments to lobster shacks to bistros.

• Roast beef sandwich from Rockport House of Pizza & Roast Beef

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  But hey, sometimes you're just craving a junior 3-Way. Let me tell you: Rockport House of Pizza serves up a killer.
• Red Skiff Restaurant

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  Back in the day, it was Flav's Red Skiff. It served the best damn breakfast. Still does. Grab a breakfast sandwich to mow on while you walk around the Neck.

• Tuck’s Candy Factory

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  This is a must for the kids. Sometimes they have the taffy-pulling machine working and you can watch it from the street through the window.

• Bearskin Neck Sign

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  Don't really need to add a caption here. You can read the sign for the history. And you can find it as you're making your way out to the Neck.
• Walking Bearskin Neck

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  Bearskin Neck is lined with all manner of shops, eateries, and art galleries. Can you drive down it? Sure. Should you? Absolutely not. Especially in peak summer, with all the foot traffic. Park nearby and walk.

• Bearskin Neck Country Store

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  There's a bunch of great ice cream options along the Neck. We grab ours next door to here.

• Classic Cars on Bearskin Neck

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  Gotta love when you're strolling down Bearskin Neck and a classic car show breaks out spontaneously. One of the many things to love about Rockport.
• Bearskin Neck Jetty

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  The jetty is short and low to the ground: a perfect stroll for all-ages. In other words, you don't have to worry about your little kids as much as you would on the Wells Beach jetty.

• Rockport Harbor

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  A view of Rockport Harbor from Bearskin Neck. Hang out on the jetty and watch the boats go in and out.

• Front Beach

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  Another great thing about visiting Bearskin Neck? You're only a short walk from Front Beach. It's a relatively small beach, so if you're planning on staying for part of the day, get there early or come later, after peak time.
• Bullseye Books-Flyboys

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  As you make your way from Bearskin Neck down Main St. to Front Beach, you'll find more shops and galleries. This one's my favorite. A bookstore with a twist.

• Motif Number 1

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  No trip to Bearskin Neck is complete without snapping a pic of the world-famous Motif Number 1. It's the red fishing shack on Bradley Wharf.