DESTINATION

Rockport

With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St., (978) 546-7391, offers jazz, folk, world and pop concerts; however, the specialty of this acoustically charmed facility is chamber music. It is the home of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival , which begins in early June. Founded in 1981, the event features more than 20 recitals as well as open rehearsals and lectures.

Visitor Centers

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Information Booth 127 Upper Main St. Rockport, MA 01966. Phone:(978)546-9372

Shopping

Sheltering numerous boutiques, eateries, touristy gift shops and art galleries, downtown Rockport is the ideal spot for strolling window-shoppers. In the town center, businesses are found along Main Street and Dock Square, but Bearskin Neck, the home of Motif No. 1, is the main attraction for most visitors. Many local artists have set up shop in former fishermen's shacks on the small peninsula, which, jutting out into the harbor, has been the city's commercial heart since the 1700s.