Rockport MA Shops
A Closer Look at some of our Favorite Rockport MA Shops
Spring has sprung, the daffodils are in bloom, the ice cream stands are open again, and you’re ready for a road trip to the coast. You decide it’s time to check out The Better Cape and plan a trip to Rockport, Massachusetts. Lucky you!
There are so many fun things to do in Rockport, Massachusetts. You can take a closer look at our 40 Things to Do in Rockport, MA to get some additional ideas, but for today’s blog, we are going to take a closer look at some of our favorite Rockport MA Shops.
What we love about shopping in Rockport, MA is that the shops are independently owned, and stocked with creative merchandise from local makers. This gives you a chance to find unique gifts for that special someone or to scratch that retail therapy itch.
So without further ado, here is our Rockport MA Shopping Guide. Get ready to Treat Yo Self!
Located right in Dock Square across from Lula’s Pantry and Tuck’s Candy is a beautiful new shop called Denim Blanket Company. They carry beautiful, durable blankets that are custom made right here in the USA. The denim is from US Mills and they are stitched and assembled locally as well providing a high quality blanket that will last you a lifetime.
The shop is focused on American Made goods and also carries some incredibly beautiful goods from local makers. Things like jewelry, local hand-stitched pillows, custom Rockport pennants and a variety of art from local New England artists.
If you are looking for a unique high quality gift that was crafted right here in the USA, Denim Blanket Company has you covered. If you drop by be sure to get a selfie with their pirate Captain Hook!
Denim Blanket Company
4 Dock Square
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.denimblankets.com
Located on Main Street, toward Front Beach, the John Tarr store is a Rockport staple that has been operating since 1887. They are open year-round and consistently stock a fantastic variety of men’s and women’s clothing from quality brands such as Pendelton, Sperry, and Merrell.
The owner, Bethany Carlson, is extremely friendly and helpful. She is just the fourth owner of the store, which she took over from her father back in 2000. Her grandfather actually worked in the store and bought the store from the estate of its founder, John Tarr.
It’s a great stop for both high quality clothing and footwear and another historic Rockport MA shop. Cher even visited the store while she was filming the movie Mermaids in Rockport. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=676296330964082&set=pcb.676296357630746
The John Tarr Store
49 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.facebook.com/people/John-Tarr-Store/100057511627014/
If you are looking for an adorable dress, coastal sweater, tank top, or a stylish new handbag, RKPT WKNDR is the perfect stop. A women’s clothing boutique, opened by Becky Seager in 2021, you will find the space and the ladies who run it to be incredibly warm and welcoming.
The carefully curated collection is clearly assembled by people who know fashion. Browse the collection, and, if you’re lucky, you may even receive some complimentary wine or champagne during your visit.
RKPT WKNDR
55 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.rkptwkndr.com/
Another wonderful clothing boutique, located in the heart of Dock Square, is Wicked Peacock.
This store features modern, edgy, bohemian clothing from emerging designers and is a refreshing contrast to some of the tourist traps in town.
If you are looking for a unique piece of clothing or a fun new accessory Wicked Peacock is worth a visit. The collection is trendy, fun, and affordable.
Wicked Peacock
17 Dock Square
Rockport, MA 01966
https://wickedpeacock.com/
One of the cutest little Rockport MA shops on Bearskin Neck, Carol Lee’s Cottage is open year-round and is consistently stocked with unique clothing, accessory, and houseware. Everything from printed t-shirts with inspirational women to sweat shirts, pajamas, dresses, jackets, handbags, and more. They also have the cutest kid’s clothes!
It’s the perfect stop if you are looking for a gift or a little something for yourself. The proprietor, Carol Lee, is so welcoming and will be happy to show you around her brightly colored shop and help you pick out the perfect gift.
Carol Lee’s Cottage
24 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://carolleescottage.com/
Picking out your favorite art gallery in Rockport is kind of like picking a favorite child, you love most of them, but there are some that stand out. So we decided to cheat a little bit and narrow the category down to affordable art. If you are looking for pointers on some other galleries in Rockport, check out some of our favorite Rockport Art Galleries here.
One of the more interesting art galleries down on Bearskin Neck is Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints. If you’re looking for some unique nautical art that will not totally break the bank this is a fantastic place to start.
Owner, Joe Higgins makes these fish prints using a traditional Japanese art form known as Gyotaku in which ink is applied to the fish and its impression is hand rubbed onto rice paper. It was developed as a method for fishermen to record their catches, but it has evolved into an art form.
Our personal favorite is the classic tuna tail, but there is a great variety that includes everything from swordfish to octopus.
Joes Fresh Fish Prints
55 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://fishedimpressions.com/
Run by artistic couple Rusty and Ingrid Kinnunen, who met at Massachusetts College of Art, the screen prints are an affordable way to add some beautiful artwork to your walls that serve as reminders of some of your favorite New England locations.
The sheer breadth of the screen print subject matter is incredibly impressive. You will find everything from Rockport, Greater Cape Ann, the Massachusetts North Shore to Fenway Park, the White Mountains and vintage-style New England ski resort prints. We actually have the Okemo and Killington prints up at our Vermont Mountain rental, Telemark, and we love them!
If you are in Rockport, it’s a must stop. They are located right at the beginning of Bearskin Neck, across from the Candle Company. They also have a second store, Rusty and Ingrid Art Supply, a little further up the neck for all of your art supply needs.
Rusty & Ingrid Screen Prints
15 Dock Square
Rockport, Massachusetts 01966
https://rustyandingrid.com/
One of our favorite art galleries down on Bearskin Neck has to be Scott Tubby’s art gallery. Scott’s oil paintings are full of color, joy, and have a whimsical nature that is refreshing. The subject matter usually includes an interesting perspective on houses or is inspired by the dinghies in Rockport harbor that are used by lobstermen to row out to their boats.
Scott has made a living teaching, selling and creating art throughout his life. Although his paintings are wonderful, he actually first received critical acclaim for his fine art pottery.
Although some of Scott’s original work can be a bit pricey, we would absolutely recommend taking a look in the gallery and checking out his prints. Unframed they are about $45 and framed they are $95. The price probably varies depending on the work, but they fantastic gifts and the perfect addition to any home. We have a few up in our kitchen!
Scott Tubby Fine Art
26 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://scotttubby.com/
Another creative art gallery that we love in Rockport is the Art Nook. A trend seems to be emerging, I think we are drawn to bold, bright colors. A little further down on Bearskin Neck you will find this nook, the brainchild of Stefan Mierz and Kathleen Miller.
They both have unique styles but both utilize bold approaches to capture the beauty of Cape Ann and coastal life. Some of their original paintings can be a little more expensive, but they have some smaller paintings and prints that are more accessible and a great way to get some incredible art on your walls without breaking the bank.
The Art Nook
9 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.art-nook.com/
When you’re in Rockport, you absolutely have to stop at Tuck’s Candy. Family-owned and operated since 1929, Tuck’s is still run by the Tuck family, and the candy is made right in Dock Square by Dan Tuck, himself.
If you’re lucky, you will get to watch Taffy pulling on the old taffy machine that sits in the window at Dock Square, or, if you visit during the holidays, you may even get to catch them rolling their own candy canes. It’s pretty mesmerizing to watch.
We love their caramels and fudge and of course they are fully stocked up to meet all of your nostalgic candy needs with Swedish fish, gummy bears, sour patch kids, and other childhood (and let’s be honest adult) favorites.
Tuck’s Candy Factory
7 Dock Square
Rockport, MA 01966
https://tuckscandyfactory1.jimdo.com/
Owned and operated by the Deamaine family for over 40 years, the Bearskin Neck Country Store is a must visit on Bearskin Neck. The beautiful storefront with it’s red and white striped awnings almost beckon you inside where you will discover nostalgia galore.
When we were growing up a trip to the beach was never complete without a stop at a local candy store or two. In Rockport, the Country store is that spot. You will find everything from gumballs, to oversized lollipops, Airheads, Charleston Chew, candy cigarettes, chocolate and more.
There is even a player piano and a nice variety of quirky gifts and local mementos to remember your trip to Rockport.
Bearskin Neck Country Store
40 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.facebook.com/thecountrystorecandy/
If you are a foodie or someone who loves to entertain, Lula’s Pantry is The Promised Land. They state that they sell distinctive housewares and specialty food and that is a succinct summary, but let’s flush that out a little bit.
The collection is so thoughtfully curated and includes everything from interesting cookbooks, dishware, cutting boards, artisanal chocolates, pottery, cookware, utensils, jams, spreads, and much more!
This is the perfect store to assemble a gift basket, and we have assembled many here. It’s a convenient one stop shop and the owner will take the time to assemble a basket that is wrapped and has a beautiful presentation.
Lula’s Pantry
5 Dock Square
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.lulaspantry.com/
One of the most iconic Rockport MA Shops has to be the Pewter shop. Located right at the start of Bearskin Neck, front and center, the Pewter Shop has been a Rockport staple since 1935. That earns it the official title of the oldest gift shop in Rockport, Massachusetts.
Family-owned and operated by the Murch family, the Pewter Shop is a fantastic stop to find a unique gift for that special someone. From home goods to kitchenware, to trendy jewelry from Dune and Colby Davis, the Pewter shop has something for everyone.
Of course, if you are looking for pewter, they have you covered there as well. Pewter has actually been made on premises since the shop’s inception and that tradition continues to this day. One of the best parts of the Pewter shop is they are consistently open throughout the year.
The Pewter Shop
16 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.rockport-pewter.com/
One of our favorite stops for a gift in Rockport is the Rockport Candle Company. Located right at the beginning of Bearskin Neck, the candles at Rockport Candle are all handmade and feature fresh scents that are sure to trigger some distant coastal memories.
The owner, Christina Willcox, is incredibly friendly and helpful. A lifelong beachcomber, Christina set out to create candles with fragrances that would trigger fond memories of times spent with family and friends along the Massachusetts coastline.
With scents like Salty Sea Breeze, Beach Roses, Saltwater Taffy, and Sweet Buttered Lobstah, it’s easy to see why Rockport candle is such a fun stop when you’re in town.
Rockport Candle Company
5 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://rockportcandlecompany.com/
Another fun Rockport stop is the Paper Mermaid, located up on Main Street. The Paper Mermaid has been operating for over 20 years and stocks a carefully curated collection of paper goods, art kits, toys, and interesting toys.
You can always count on the Paper Mermaid Store owner, Mary Faino, to find something interesting. We have the most adorable little mouse sleeping in a Matchbox bed that we put out during the holidays. It’s special little finds like this that make the Paper Mermaid so special.
In addition, the owner is a talented artist who illustrated a children’s book about Rockport called, A Day In Rockport, which you can view here: View Book.
The Paper Mermaid
57 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
http://papermermaid.com/
One of the cutest little shops on Bearskin Neck has to be Susie’s Stories. Created by Susie and her husband back in 2019, Susie’s stories features a carefully curated collection of books for children of all ages.
Their carefully curated selection of books includes classics and some titles you have likely never heard of. It’s truly a passion project for them and the passion shows.
In addition to running a bookstore, Susie is also an author of a children’s book titled The Whale, the Ocean, the Duck, and the Pond. The book is a story of friendship and is set in Martha’s Vineyard.
If you are down on Bearskin Neck be sure to pop in and check out Susie’s Stories, It’s a special Rockport MA Shop.
Susie’s Stories
51 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://susiesstories-107442.square.site/
One of the cutest shops in town has to be La Provence. The doorway is like a portal to the south of France. Both the shop and the owner Dawn are always so inviting, and the warm bright colors make you feel right at home.
The shop specializes in authentic French tablecloths and carries a wide array of home goods and some fantastic bath and body products. A Francophile at heart, Dawn has curated an incredible collection of products that are sure to brighten up any home.
Whether you are looking for specialty soaps, creams, herbs, or a beautiful new table cloth, La Provence has you covered. The shop is consistently open throughout the year and is definitely worth a stop on your next visit to Rockport!
La Provence
4 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.laprov.com/
Every coastal town needs at least a couple of stores to get some local swag and prove that you carpe-d the diem, made it off the couch, and traveled somewhere fun. In Rockport, we’d recommend hitting up Sand Castles. They have a fantastic selection of local Rockport gear in t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and hoodies. There are also some fun coastal trinkets and other clothing to peruse.
You can’t miss Sand Castles either, and they are regularly open. They are located right at 9 Mt Pleasant Street at the beginning of T-Wharf. There are some other stores, like Cedar Chest, that carry Rockport gear as well, but Sandcastles is definitely one of the Rockport MA Shops worth visiting for souvenirs.
Sandcastles
9 Mt Pleasant Street
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.facebook.com/sandcastlesofrockport/
Sea Bags is a store that has a concept that is the perfect fit for Rockport, Massachusetts. The company creates nautically inspired tote bags out of used sails. They clean and recycle sails that have powered vessels and that connection to ocean and their former life give each sea bag a unique character and story.
Located right at the heart of Bearskin Neck, Sea Bags has an incredible array of designs to choose from. All of the bags are made right here in New England and through their recycling process they have actually diverted over 1.5 million pounds of material from going into landfills. The operation has grown to over 40 locations primarily on the eastern seaboard, but despite it’s expansion, it remains one of our favorite Rockport MA Shops.
Sea Bags
13A Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://seabags.com/
We hope that you enjoyed our guide to some of our favorite Rockport MA Shops and we hope that we gave you some fun ideas of places to visit on your next trip to Cape Ann! If you are looking to spend the night we would love to have you stay with us here at Addison Choate. Our team of locals will be happy to point you in the direction of some great shopping, dining, beaches, and other fun activities that you can enjoy during your trip!
