Boston Day Trip: Sleeper Mansion ➡️ Rockport Coastal Town

🚆 Boston Day Trip: Sleeper Mansion ➡️ Rockport Coastal Town 🏖️ There are many wonderful towns and historic homes to explore north of Boston along the Commuter Rail's Purple Line! Here's a perfect one-day itinerary: Spend the morning shopping and having lunch in Gloucester, take a one-hour guided tour of the Sleeper-McCann House in the afternoon, then hop on the #4 bus to Rockport to enjoy the sea breeze, go shopping, and admire local art. 📍 Itinerary Highlights 🏛️ Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Unlike many grand estates in the eastern US, this one is small but exquisite—so much so that you might get ideas for decorating your own home after visiting. How to Visit: Advance reservations are required. Access is by guided tour only. Design Features: The designer masterfully uses light and shadow and leverages the home's seaside location to create many delightful surprises. Some rooms even feature wallpaper with Chinese elements. Nearby Recommendations: Take a stroll along Eastern Point Road to admire the beautiful homes. Drive along Atlantic Road for breathtaking ocean views. 🎨 Rockport: Bearskin Neck 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This is a charming, artsy street. Here are some of my favorite stops: Country Store: A delightful general store with a bit of everything—you can even find incense from China! Rusty Gallery: A unique gallery where you can purchase print works similar to engravings. Bullseye Books-Flyboys: A wonderful used bookstore where you can hunt for old books and buy stationery. Art Nook Gallery: I bought a painting here that captures the view from the gallery's window overlooking the dock on a foggy day. The brushstrokes are reminiscent of Monet, sparking the imagination. Photographer's Paradise: The entire area is incredibly photogenic! 🗺️ Rockport Main Attractions 🌟🌟🌟 The church along the main road The charming lanes around Dock Square The iconic red Motif house Captain Hedge Front Beach Mill Pond Park These are all classic seaside town sights—worth a visit if you have time. 🍽️ Food Recommendations 🍲 BISHCO @ Gloucester 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Specialty: Dozens of sandwich combinations for only $11 each! Soups: A wide variety of soups for just $7.50 a pint—excellent value. Recommendations: The panini, salmon toast, and clam chowder are all great—the soup is especially good! Atmosphere: Beautiful, clean, and simple. Highly recommended if you're not in the mood for seafood. ☕ Bean & Leaf Cafe @ Rockport 🌟🌟 Cons: Very crowded and noisy. The service is average, and tables aren't cleared promptly. Advice: Skip the food and order drinks to go. Coffee: Average quality, but it's convenient and there aren't many similar late-opening coffee shops nearby. #BostonLife#BostonDayTrip#Gloucester#Rockport#BostonWeekend