Salem & Rockport

It took us nearly a year, but we (finally!) made it to the Atlantic coast last weekend, starting with a visit to Salem, MA, about 45 minutes northeast of Boston. Salem's claims to fame include the infamous witch trials of 1692 and Nathanial Hawthorne. One of the oldest cemetaries in the country is located here, and next to it is this monument to the 19 individuals who were hung in the aftermath of the witch trials. Each bench has the name of one of the accused and date of death carved into it.

Salem was once a major shipping port. The National Maritime Historical Service offers several tours along the wharf, including visiting this replica of an old sailing ship moored in the harbor.
No explanation required.


After spending the day in Salem we drove another 45 minutes to Rockport, an old fishing village and resort community on the tip of Cape Anne.


View of Rockport's harbor, looking east into the Atlantic.

(Left) Rockport's small "downtown" along the harbor features several blocks of small artists' galleries, shops, and restaurants. (Below) Stacks of lobster traps.

(Left) Sea kayaks along the boardwalk.