Travel Therapy: Rockport, Cape Ann

I have been to tons of coastal cities, but Rockport on Cape Ann in Massachusetts is one of the most charming seaside town I have ever visited. The rugged cliffs, sandy beach and picturesque landscapes,   made it the perfect peaceful getaway that I was craving. Now, lets talk about the colorful buildings! Never ever have I encountered so many brightly colored structures. Everywhere I turned, there was a splash of vibrant hue to welcome me. I couldn't get enough of this town, and I definitely would visit again someday. Check out my seaside adventure below.

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At the top of my itinerary was Motif Number 1. I had read that this  fishing shack located on Bradley Wharf) is "the most painted building in America", and of course I had to stop by to see for myself.

How picturesque is this?

While it may look like an ordinary fishing shack, this little red shack is the most painted building in the world and people flock in year round to see it and it has become an icon of this New England town.

I did a brief stint at Front Beach and just took in the cool breeze and people watched. 

Off I went to Straitsmouth Island, a small island famous for its  lighthouse. I didnt make it to the lighthouse, but I caught a glimpse from afar.

Bear Skin Neck by the ocean is the main street in Rockport. It boasts of so many antique stores, quaint structures, gift shops, and a myriad of ice cream store. Yes, Ice cream! I visited in April so the nice cool ocean breeze was definitely a nice feel as I popped in and out of the shops

On a street off Bear Skin Neck, I found this really cool building with cute mailboxes--how charming!

The exterior of an art gallery off of Bear Skin Neck

Just a sea of colorful building on Bear Skin Neck

How cute is this ice cream shop?

Fudgery, Rockport, MA

Of course I had to  fill my belly with some yummy sweet treats

Soon I veered off Bear Skin Neck into Tuna Wharf  and found more picturesque scenes to take in. I came across so many objects that were indicative of a seaside fishing Village

The colors in these bouys are amazing!


This guy photobombed my photo, but he matched perfectly with the background #Winning.

Soon it was time to leave this perfect town, and on my way to go catch a train, I came across more colorful buildings, and of course snap!snap!

Definitely no shortage of color in this town. Did you guys enjoy seeing Rockport through my eyes? Please leave me a comment and let me know.

Happy weekend.

Travel Therapy: Portland, Maine in one day!

Daycations are an ideal way to get away from reality for a little while. They are inexpensive and offer a quick way to see another city. So having visited all the states but one in New England, I decided to take a day trip to Maine and complete the sixth New England state. 

Portland is a charming coastal city in the state of Maine. It boasts of lighthouses, scenic seaside views, quaint shops, colorful buildings, and some of New England's most expensive homes, and of course, the best lobster in the entire world! 

Portland has a very vibrant art scene and this is evident in the numbers of artsy stores and cool wall art around the city. 

Now let's get into my trip. Enjoy!

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I was visiting Portland from Boston and the Downeaster Armtrack from North Station was the most convenient mode of transportation. The train ride was a little over two hours, so I brought my breakfast and enjoyed the scenery as the train traveled through several cities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Since I was going to be walking for several hours while exploring Portland, comfy shoes were a must!
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Two hours later, I arrived at Portland Transportation Center and took a short uber ride to Downtown Portland. My first port of call was Portland  Museum of Art, but with the  limited time I had in the city, I did not want to spend hours indoors, so I ditched the museum and went off to Old Port District.

Portland Museum of Art

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While making my way to The Old Port District, I came across the home of  famous American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Congress street. I studied some of his poems in high school, so it was a pleasure running into the childhood home of this literary genuis.

Longfellow Garden
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The Old Port District of Portland is a charming water front area with wharfs, quaint stores, and interesting buildings. It was at the Long Wharf water front that I found a real piece of the Berlin Wall.

How cool!

The Berlin Wall, Portland-- A time for peace

Love Lock Bridge, Portland: Mirroring the Love lock bridge in Paris, Hundreds of padlocks are locked on a chain fence at the waterfront.
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After taking in the scenery at the Old Port District and water front, I decided to hop on a trolley tour to see one of Maine's light houses. I opted for Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.

Photo op before hopping into the trolley

Very post card-esque

The guided trolley tour was a good idea, as it gave me the opportunity to see places I wouldn't have been able to see had I explored on foot only. 

Here is a home in the west end neighborhood. West end is known for its architecture and history. This neighborhood houses some of Portland's most historic homes. "It is one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country"
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Finally made it to the Portland Head Light. I lived and breathed Famous Five book series as a child, and I had always wanted to visit a light house since reading about the light house adventures of the Famous Five kids.

Portland Head Light House is in Fort Williams Park, so I made time out to explore the park and walk the cliff.

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After the light house adventure, I headed to Casco Bay water front to get my grub on. Maine is known for its lobster, and skipping a lobster meal was not an option!

This was the best lobster ever! 

A view of  Casco Bay as I enjoyed my lovely meal

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After my hearty meal, Commercial street in downtown was next on my itinerary. Chock full of restaurants, colorful buildings, quaint stores, and unique merchandise, Commercial street was a delight to peruse.

Snaps after my hearty meal

Uber colorful Commerical Street




Popped into one of the local stores to get a fridge magnet

Keep calm and eat more lobster

Chilling seaside, eating lobster is definitely the way life should be. 

That's all from my lovely day trip to Portland, ME. Do you guys have any upcoming trips? Please leave me a comment and let me know where you are headed.

Have a great day y'all!