Rockport is only an hour north of Boston and a great day trip destination for the whole family. The downtown area is very walkable and kid-friendly.   A quintessential New England fishing village, Rockport has developed a thriving art community over the years, which you can see if you take a stroll down Bearskin Neck . You'll find dozens of little shops , art galleries, and restaurants to explore along the way. At the end of the street is a rock jetty with beautiful views.   Don't miss a stop at The Paper Mermaid . The kids will love the toys and art supplies, and you'll love the fun paper products and gifts. The owner of this quaint shop is an illustrator in her own right and has a children’s book called A Day in Rockport .    Stop for lunch at Roy Moore Lobster Co for the freshest seafood around and when you're ready for a sweet snack, check out Rockin’ Cupcakes for one of their creative treats.   A kayak tour from North Shore Adventures is perfect for th

Northampton is a medium-sized city in Western Massachusetts and the home of Smith College. It has a lively art and music scene and is known as a countercultural hub. The main street is lined with beautiful brick buildings. The town is filled with green spaces, trails, and parks. There are art galleries, restaurants, shops , and theaters throughout the town. We've pulled together seven Instagrammable spots in Northampton where you can find a great view or take a great pic. Cracker Barrel Alley 📸helpmecovid.com This street has been closed to cars and is now the home of two striking murals by Jonathan Kohrman and Kim Carlino. Cracker Barrel Alley is located across from City Hall.   The Botanic Garden of Smith College 📸 IG: @smithcollegebotanicgarden With constantly changing gardens, this is a spot you can return to throughout the year. It's open Monday through Friday and has a suggested donation of $2 to visit.   The Hotel Northampton   📸thehotelnorthhampton.com This historic

If you're planning a visit to Rockport , you'll want to check out some of the unique places to eat while you're there. Of course, the seafood is fresh and amazing, but there are plenty of other types of food to enjoy whether you're visiting for the day, the weekend, or longer. Breakfast Brother's Brew Coffee Shop - Brother's Brew offers a wide variety of donuts, scones, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. The coffee gets rave reviews from long-time customers and weekend visitors. Grab a quick breakfast on your way to the beach, or sit down and enjoy a leisurely morning.   Lattof Farmhouse Kitchen - Best known for their blueberry muffins, this sweet cafe offers a variety of breakfast foods. From quiche and breakfast sandwiches to fresh smoothies and fruit, granola, and yogurt cups there is something for everyone. Grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat to enjoy on a picnic table out front.   Lunch Roy Moore Lobster Company - You can't travel to Cape Ann wit

  Are you taking a trip to Lenox soon but wondering where to stay? Choosing where to stay while on vacation can be difficult when it's your first time visiting a new area. There are many different types of accommodations to choose from. We've curated a list of unique spots that you might want to consider.   The Whitlock - Downtown Inn   PC: @churchstreetinnlenox The Whitlock is a development from a 1771 farmhouse, located right in the heart of Lenox. There is an in-house restaurant and bar with food available for breakfast, lunch, and evening. If you're looking to stay close to town, more restaurants, stores and shops are just a few steps away! Main Street Delight - 1 Bed 1 Bath Airbnb     Do you typically like to stay in a minimalistic aesthetic accommodation? This Airbnb has a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, barn doors, a washer and dryer, and a bedroom a few steps elevated from the living space. A perfect minimalistic space for four or fewer people in th

The first time I drove through Northampton I was captivated by its energy. It was a damp evening; the red brick buildings reflected and blended the lights of the shops until the town looked like a painting. Through the car window I could hear the strumming of street performers and the bustling of shoppers enjoying the town's melting pot of unique shops and restaurants. It seemed impossible that this town seemed to emerge out of the farmland nestled around it. It has been six years since my first time in Northampton and the town has only become more captivating with time. In the summers, I’ve enjoyed iced latte’s outside of Familiars Coffee & Tea , inhaling the aroma of ground espresso as people stroll past on the bike path overhead. The same bike path that hosts one of the most beautiful foot bridges in New England. I’ve bartered over the price of musical equipment at Downtown Sounds and tried almost every flavor at Herrell’s ice cream . Northampton is the town where I

There’s nothing more exciting than a well-planned and fun getaway. Located just an hour outside of Boston in stunning Cape Ann , this small seaside town has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, delicious food, one-of-a-kind shops or to explore the arts and culture of a new place, Rockport has endless opportunities for an unforgettable adventure. Bring the family and see everything that this beautiful town is about. Motif #1 Rockport is the perfect spot to visit for a few days, or even if you’re just needing a quick escape from everyday life, it’d make a wonderful day trip as there’s plenty to do and see. The picturesque beaches allow you to spend the day relaxing, whale watching , swimming, scuba diving , or even just sifting through the sand looking for unique seashells to add to your collection. Spend a few hours exploring the breathtaking trails by foot or bike. And when you’re ready for a break make sure to enjoy one of th