by Beth Anderle

Created on: May 19, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The seaside town of Rockport, Massachusetts, with its small town charm and a distinctive flavor all its own, is a wonderful place for an inexpensive get-away weekend.

Located at the very tip of Cape Ann, Rockport has long been known as a haven for artists, and a leisurely trip through the numerous artists galleries is like a trip through a museum. From well-known painters to local artisans, Rockport's main shopping district contains a wealth of galleries and shops that rival museums.

The town's shopping is famous around the state, and one of the biggest draws is Bearskin Neck. Originally an artist's colony at the edge of Rockport's harbor, this thin strip of land has become a shopping district and the place to be throughout the seasons. The Pewter Shop, the oldest gift shop in Rockport, is a must-see, as are Helmut's Strudel for authentic strudel and Earth's Treasures, where unique art treasures share space with gems and handcrafted jewelry.Continuing on from Bearskin Neck is the main street shopping district. Try Tuck's Candy for saltwater taffy, the Madras Shop, John Tarr's, Toad Hall Bookstore, and Laughing Water Sea Glass Jewelry.

One of the best known sights in Rockport are the Twin Lights, located on Thatcher Island. Among the oldest lights in America, these lights are the only multiple lights still existing in the United States. From June to September you can take a free cruise out to island. If you are a lighthouse fan, no visit to Rockport would be complete without a picture of the Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse. It was built in 1835 to protect the entrance to Rockport Harbor. While no visitors to the island are allowed - it is now an Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary - the light can be seen from the end of Bearskin Neck. And to enjoy some quiet time in a natural setting, consider Halibut Point State Park. On a clear day you can see all the way from Crane's Beach in Ipswich to the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire!

For something unique, try the Paper House. An actual house made of newspaper, it was built in 1922 by Elis F. Stenman, an engineer who designed a machine to make paper clips. By the time he was done, the entire house was made of paper, including furniture, a clock, and a working fireplace.

Well known to locals, Rockport legend Thomas Wilson Bottling Company and Twin Lights beverages, located in a large garage on Broadway next to the Five Corners, is the place to go. This venerable institution celebrated its 100 anniversary in 2007. Twin

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