Would it surprise you to hear that the “most painted building in America” isn’t located in Washington, DC, New York City, San Antonio, or Chicago? Instead, American artist Lester Hornby bestowed the title on a former fishing shack on Massachusetts’s North Shore.
The shack, known as “Motif Number 1”, is in the harbor town of Rockport and is the perfect representation of the town’s history as a home to a colony of artists and settlement of lobster fishermen. That’s Rockport in a nutshell: a coastal community infused with art.
There’s plenty to love about Rockport, but the owners of Eden Point (now listed for sale with Lanse Robb and Sophie Soman) have helped us highlight the things you HAVE TO experience in this unique town.
- A night of music at the Shalin Liu Performance Center
We’re not sure there’s another venue in the world like this one. It was designed to showcase chamber music, but the stunning wall of windows behind the stage does a spectacular job of showcasing the sun setting across the harbor, too.
- Join the Sandy Bay Yacht Club
Whether you’re just learning the ropes or are already a seasoned sailor, this yacht club welcomes all ages and experience levels with open arms. On days you’d rather stay on land, the fleet of waterfront rocking chairs await.
- Mark your calendars for fireworks, egg hunts, and fun runs
Rockport takes pride in bringing the community together throughout the year. Highlights include Illumination Weekend every August that culminates in a spectacular firework show, the Motif No. 1 Day 5k Road Race and Fun Run to support the public schools, and a full slate of Christmas events from the end of November to Jan 2nd.
- Take a stroll through Bearskin Neck
You’ll find food, art, shopping, and more along this scenic stretch jutting out of Dock Square into the harbor. It’s picturesque and authentic, but most importantly it’s filled with small, locally-owned businesses to support. Discover the shops, galleries, and history along with restaurants like Feather & Wedge and My Place by the Sea.
- A trip to the beach
Take your pick! Rockport has beaches for every lifestyle. Front Beach is sandy and sits behind the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Back Beach is perfect for diving. Head to Old Garden Beach for lighthouse views, Cape Hedge Beach for a quiet escape, and Long Beach for prime boogie boarding waves.
- A front row seat of the twin lights on Thacher Island. The only surviving multiple lights on the coast of the coasts of the United States!
- Straitsmouth Island Light Station & Wildlife Sanctuary. A direct view of the rocky island 500 feet from the mainland in Rockport, the wildlife sanctuary is adjacent to the town-owned historic lighthouse and lies within a designated important Bird Area.
The best way to experience Rockport is to live there. Eden Point sits high above the ocean in Rockport’s desirable South End. See more of this home here.
For more North Shore Real estate, click here or contact Lanse Robb, lrobb@landvest.com, 978.590.0056
or Sophie Soman, ssoman@landvest.com, 617.529.1258.
