Emerson Inn
What was going to be a mother/daughter overnight trip to Rockport turned out to be a solo trip because of sports and field trips. As much as I would have loved their company, it’s also nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge before the end of the school year. I can’t think of a better place to spend some quality “Me Time,” than the historic oceanfront Emerson Inn, in Rockport, Massachusetts .
Located in Pigeon Cove, in the gorgeous seacoast town of Rockport, MA, this 36-room inn offers a taste of nostalgia to days past while offering all the modern amenities a traveler could need. It has significant renovations in 2016, making it more fabulous than ever.
Let me show you around my beautiful room. I stayed in room #512, in the newer section of the inn. The room was flooded with light from the windows on two walls. Sometimes older hotels can be loud, and I expected to hear other guests staying at the inn, but the only sound I heard was the thundering wind blowing outside. The bed was king size and looked huge and welcoming after a long day of exploring Rockport. It was so comfortable, with high thread-count sheets and 6 pillows! I’d been having trouble sleeping lately, and I was thrilled to finally have a good night’s sleep.
It had a functional desk and a beautiful couch…I want it for my own room at home!
The room had a nautical feel to it.
The bathroom had historic charm to it with white tile and a pedestal sink, yet it also had modern amenities like a jet tub.
The inn provides cozy robes, an iron, ironing board, blow dryer, and extra blankets…everything you need to feel at home.
The Emerson Inn has a stunning seasonally heated ocean view pool. Mother Nature was not cooperating with me on this trip, so unfortunately, I did not get the chance to use this gorgeous pool. It would be the perfect place to spend the afternoon lounging around with the Atlantic Ocean acting as the backdrop to an unforgettable day. Imagine how incredible it would be to have an evening swim on a night with a full moon! The cleanliness of the pool area and the grounds show they take great pride in the inn.
The gardens are so lovely throughout the lawn.
There are also lawn games…cornhole and horse shoe.
Directly behind the Emerson Inn is the Atlantic Trail, a local walking path that hugs Rockport’s rocky coastline. I went out there the morning before I left and it was so peaceful to walk while listening to the waves crashing against the shore.
The inn has a beautiful parlor that overlooks the ocean, with an ornate historic bar. They serve a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
I enjoyed a delicious sangria while sitting in the parlor getting a bit of writing done. I loved listening to the family sitting behind me playing Jenga. My girls would have loved that. The inn offers a bunch of board games your family can play. Perfect for a rainy day like today.
There were many comfortable places to sit and relax throughout the inn.
However, my favorite place to sit was the stunning front porch! It has quintessential New England charm. It’s the ideal spot to drink a cup of coffee while reading the paper in the morning or to enjoy a glass of wine in the afternoon.
Rocking chairs line the porch overlooking the lawn, and a front-row view of the Atlantic Ocean. This view, a good book, and a summer cocktail would be the definition of Heaven.
Pigeon Cove Tavern: During summer, you can enjoy your dinner on their ocean view veranda while relaxing in the cool ocean breeze, or in their dining room. I don’t normally feel comfortable dining alone, but the inn had such a doting staff and welcoming atmosphere that I felt perfectly happy dining on my own. I started with a wonderful cocktail… the Cove Runner. (Orange-rosemary infused privateer silver, rosemary, pineapple juice, and a dark rum float.
For an appetizer I had a grilled kale salad (Romaine, focaccia croutons, and pecorino)
For my main course, I enjoyed a lobster roll on a brioche bun with tarragon aioli, and bibb lettuce.
And finally, as if I needed anything else, I couldn’t resist the strawberry rhubarb crumble.
Check out their website: www.pigeoncovetavern.com
After an amazing night’s sleep, I couldn’t wait to go down and have some breakfast. I don’t usually have breakfast, but I had heard so much about how good the buffet was so I went down to the restaurant to have a look for myself. The inn had a delicious setup that included sausage, scrambled eggs, homefries, bagels, toast, fresh fruit, yogurt. And pastries. I loved having my breakfast on the veranda!
What could you do in the area?
Swim in the ocean, go whale watching, go deep sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, or enjoy one of many local beaches. You can also see a show or explore the local art scene. You can shop in the many quaint shops, or enjoy a fabulous seafood meal. I spend a fabulous morning at Bearskin Neck, exploring all the shops, walking on the jetty, and finally getting a peek at Motif 1, the most painted building in the US.
The inn is elegant and would make the perfect setting for a couple’s getaway, yet it is casual and welcoming and I would be completely comfortable bring my kids with me. It would also be a fun place to spend a girls’ weekend.
Tips for Planning your Stay
The dining room offers breakfast every morning from 8:00 -9:30 am.
There is a parking area behind the inn.
Check-in: 3:00 Check-out: 11:00
Room choice? I would recommend a room with a view of the ocean. I would also recommend a room in the newer section of the inn.
Breakfast is complimentary if you book directly with the inn.
There is complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries in the parlor between 7am- 11am.
Complimentary coffee, tea, and cookies, are served in the guest services office from 3pm- 5pm.
Dinner is served from 5pm- 8pm.
There are no elevators at the inn, so if you require assistance you should ask for a room on the first floor.
There is complimentary WiFi in all rooms and it worked really well.
1 Cathedral Ave, Rockport, MA 01966
(978) 546-6321
Website: https://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emersoninn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emersoninn/
A warm thank you to the Emerson Inn for having me as a guest of your inn. Your inn had a comfortable elegance that made me feel welcome and I can’t recommend this hotel enough! It was the perfect place to relax and recharge before summer starts. I can’t wait to return with my family. As always, all experiences and opinions are 100% my own.
“Live in the sunshine,
Swim in the sea,
Drink the wild air.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
