Storm of Thoughts

Making the Most of Fall in New England

One of the best things about living in New England is the fall. Everyone told me that summer here is the best; days are warm and long, and the city clears out when college students head home in April and May. And, while summer was nice, it’s generally accepted that fall is New England’s greatest work of art. And, since we are lucky enough to be in Massachusetts this time of year, Pete and I try to visit places outside of the Boston/Cambridge area. Last year, at this time, we saw some pretty great foliage in New Hampshire. And two years ago, we spent an October weekend (which just happened to be my birthday) exploring Martha’s Vineyard. Recently, we headed to Rockport.

I’ve wanted to go to Rockport for several years, ever since seeing a picture of the town. North of Boston (and right near Gloucester), Rockport is surrounded by the ocean on three sides. The town if filled with history, old houses, fisherman, and artists - all of which make it a picturesque New England town. And while I’m sure it’s beautiful during all four seasons (I can image the flower-filled parks and window boxes in the spring, the sun-drenched boat decks in the summer, and the narrow streets and old houses lined with snow in the winter), I have a feeling there’s no better time to enjoy the town than right now.

We started out at Halibut Point State Park, where we spent the morning hiking through the wooded paths and along the Atlantic coast. Apparently, on a clear day like the one we had, you can see straight through to the coast of Maine. (Although how you would distinguish it from the numerous other visible coastlines, I’m not sure.) We also hiked by the quarry, where granite was taken at the turn of the century and used in numerous roads, bridges, and buildings, including the Custom House Tower in Boston (which I tend to take a picture of every time we eat in the North End).

Eventually, we decided to head back into town in search of lunch. Parking in Rockport was virtually impossible, but, after circling the center of town about three or four times, we finally found a spot. We had sandwiches at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant, an old town favorite that is known, of course, for its ocean view. We then wandered around town, ate some homemade fudge (how can you resist?), checked out a number of art galleries, and even saw a couple getting married.

We may not have eaten seafood or watched a Red Sox game but, all in all, it was the perfect New England day.

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