Rockport Shopping

If you've ever longed to feel as if you died and went to Pewter heaven, then The Pewter Shop in Rockport is the place for you. Seriously, there are so many pretty items in this store. Although they're not all made of pewter, most of them are. And why go in there to buy something that's not made of pewter? You should be ashamed of yourself if you do. So don't.

What to buy: I bought a gift for some friends who I'd be seeing during the holiday. It's a decorative measuring spoon, in a seashell theme, on a matching hook.

It's made of pewter.

Sand Castles can't be missed. It is located at the intersection when you enter the village...and is right across the street from the park with the information booth.
I always make it a point to stop in cause I find something on sale every time I go. This year it was a couple of shirts and a handbag. Their sweaters are luscious, styles are current, and usually you can find fun stuff that is just a bit more unique than what you might find in your home town.
This year I noticed they are also carrying bright "oil cloth" bags, tablecloths, and totes. The prints look like something out of the 40's, and the bags are super durable...ideal for rain, beach, or even sunshine. A fast wipe and they are clean and dry.
Check out Sand Castles next time you're in town. Maybe you will find a bit of funky jewelry too.

The Christmas Dove Shop is another business that has been in Rockport for over a decade. There are always Christmas lights and decorations to be found here, but in addition she will have other holiday gifts, decorations, and a good assortment of greeting cards. We stop in to pick up commercial grade strings of lights for outdoors. They are guaranteed to last 3 years. That is, of course, if your squirrels don't eat them!! Well, this time we'll string them on the cottage porch and hope our bushy tailed friends go elsewhere.

This pottery shop on the main square is one of the sweetest buildings and always has one of the most colorful garden boxes out front. The potter has been here for quite some time and does very nice work... but it's the building and the location that I really love. Behind the building is the inner harbor, so that I can dream of throwing pottery while staring out at the water... or taking a break to go out on the square for coffee and a little rest on the bench out front. The gardens on my last visit were truly smashing.

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I had the best time in this shop. Bought Aussie a wonderful Halloween collar. She looks gorgeous in her new threads!
The shop owner has an old female black lab and she lays flat out in the middle of the shop on a rug which is for sale. The rug has a picture of a big black lab laying flat out. You would think the dog knew what was going on. Of course the old girl gets up to greet folks from time to time...and she's as friendly as she could be. Aren't all Labs friendly? The shop has many items of interest from treats to beds, note papers and collars. It was on the main square of Rockport, but the Good Dog Gallery has moved onto Bearskin Neck now. The black Lab is still there..altho quite old now.. and the owner is wanting to sell the business and retire. Anyone interested? Looks like a very profitable little business.

What to buy: Many special treats for the little wonder you left at home.

The Village Silversmith now has a couple of locations in Rockport ... both on Bearskin Neck as well as on the main street of the town. Father and son are accomplished artists who have been formally schooled in the art of silver jewelry making. They have expanded from a tiny shop on the neck of years ago to now planning a store in a mall near Boston. Their settings are artfully done and uniquely styled. They now own a mine in South America where they are digging much of their agate and other stones. There were some very interesting fossil pieces which were polished and uniquely set in pendants, earrings, and rings.
I splurged on a pair of earrings that are quite sensational. The workmanship is very good.

I ran across this painted window sash in one of the gift shops on the square in Rockport. It's an interesting use of an old sash. Last Christmas I gave an old attic window from our 1700's house to my son and his wife....I had put photos taken from our roof top in the individual panes to make it look like you were looking out the window. There are all sorts of things they are doing now with reused products. New life for old pieces and parts. Love that stuff.
Each visit to Rockport brings a discovery of another fun shop with creative ideas for gifts or interesting alternatives for clothing and jewelry. Pay a visit to the shops of Rockport in any season of the year. There is always something interesting happening.

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Here is a shop I've visited every year for more years than I care to count. Each year when I go up to Rockport I stop in to find an unusual piece of jewelry, some music, Bert's Bees products, or just to take a moment to chat. The owner has created several pieces of custom jewelry for me over the years...and he does it in a day or so while I'm visiting the area. Prices are very reasonable...and my jewelry has been unique and filled with special thoughts. One set is made with Chinese jade and Amethyst...a combination one doesn't often see. Another pair of dangling earrings is made from dark green Jade and Amber. Do pay a visit. It's a shop with a restful feeling and incense burning.
UPDATE: Earth's Treasures is under new management. You can still find music, incense, soaps, and Bert's Bees products along with jewelry. Lost something special for me without my old buddy who was so accomodating with making jewelry for me.