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Sometimes you want to feel as if you’ve traveled far from home, without the hassle and expense of flying or spending a day or more in transit. That’s part of the appeal of exploring hotels within a convenient radius of the city. The other part? Well, when you live in such a scenic state, you don’t have to venture far off the beaten path to find the perfect place to get away from it all.
The Emerson Inn is in a truly unforgettable setting.
Located about an hour (40 miles) north of Boston, this hotel lies in Pigeon Cove, on the edge of Rockport.
It’s also on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests are treated to sweeping water views that can be savored from the comfort of a rocker on the porch or from the windows of many of the rooms.
The Norwood family of Rockport likely had no plans to open a hotel in 1856, as they already operated a bustling tavern. At least they did until a 75-year-old temperance activist, Hannah Jumper, and her band of campaigners known as the "Hatchet Gang" destroyed Rockport’s liquor. The "Hatchet Gang" was roughly 200 strong, so the temperance movement had lots of support in town. In fact, Rockport remained dry until residents voted to change the ban in 2005.
Since the tavern was no longer viable, the Norwood family opened a hotel called The Pigeon Cove House. In the 1870s, the building was sold and moved to its current location. And it’s easy to see why.
Dubbed Hotel Edward, it transformed from a simple rooming house into a chic establishment that offered all the latest amenities that patrons could wish for; it was the first place in Pigeon Cove to install a telephone and, later, electricity!
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a fan of Pigeon Cove, where he vacationed often.
As a result, when the hotel changed hands in the 1960s, the new owners christened it the Emerson Inn. As of 2015, both the inn and its on-site restaurant are under new ownership.
The Pigeon Cove Tavern is a fine dining restaurant that excels at seafood.
The Emerson Inn is close to Halibut Point State Park, a wooded area abutting the ocean with a granite quarry now filled with water. It’s a peaceful spot to go fishing or hiking.
During the high season (summer), Rockport bustles with life. If you’re staying at the Emerson, you can decide whether or not you want to join the crowd or, if you’d prefer, to just kick back and listen to the ocean.
The Emerson Inn is located at 1 Cathedral Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966.
For booking information, visit the hotel’s website.
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