A MUST STOP FOR YOUR DAY ON THE COAST! We buy an original…read morepainting here almost every time we visit Rockport for the summer! They have every imaginable seaside scene, in various sizes and color schemes. Nothing really abstract, which is fine by me as we go for a realistic beachy painting every time. I think this location is related somehow to a gallery in Faneuil Hall, in downtown Boston... Their selection of frames you can pick from is extensive. And the frame is included! They've been in business for over 35 years and I hope for 35 more...

Beautiful location - great art - wonderful people. Perfect way to spend an afternoon…read more UPDATED - I've now been to two of the North Shore Arts Association summer Auctions, and each time have walked away with paintings that I love. First off - If you've never been to an auction - they're awesome! The first time I went, was actually my first auction ever. And as a result, I was a little over-zealous and bought 2 of the first 6 paintings that came up. Luckily they were smaller, and very reasonably priced (I purchased one for $150 and the other for $250, both framed), so I didn't do too much damage, but I sat on my paddle for the rest of the day. This past summer, my wife and I were married, and as a wedding present to ourselves, we were looking for something a little bigger with some personal meaning. After some intense bidding, we ended up purchasing a large Nathalie Nordstrand watercolor of Pebble Beach - a place where we've spent a number of summer days. It is now hanging in our living room, and is a great reminder of our summers in Gloucester as well as the auction action at NSAA. If you are at all interested in the idea of owning original New England artwork, the summer auction at NSAA is a great and very exciting way to do it. Not to mention that the entry fee also includes an open wine bar and generous appetizers - it's really enough of a reason in itself to take a drive up the cost and spend the day in a beautiful location.

Driving to NSAA is a treat in itself. The view of Gloucester harbor from the parking lot of the…read moreassociation is breathtaking. This is an organization that displays the work of its membership in a gallery with rotating exhibits. There are two levels - so a surprisingly large collection of work can be displayed at once. Most of the work is representational oil painting of landscapes, still lifes, and a few portraits - although there are a few watercolors, charcoals and abstract pieces on display at the moment. The staff of the association are friendly and helpful. Insider tip: ask to have a ballot so you can vote on your favorite piece of work. It's a very democratic and yelp-like way of recognizing an artist! There is some world-class artwork on display and admission is free. Well worth a trip! They're open May through October, seven days a week. This would be a great excursion for a weekend date: combination art association, fried seafood on the water, and the proverbial long walk on the beach ;)

The Salted Cod was an unexpected find when visiting the Gloucester Schooner Festival. We recharged…read moreat the stunning brass bar enjoying ice coffee, a Bellini, hummus platter and glorious pistachio ricotta cake. All while enjoying the ocean breeze, views of the water and sun shining through to illuminate the art, jewelry and mixed media. A gem of a place!

The art half was beautiful. There was a really wide variety of art, including paintings and pottery…read morebut also stained glass and felted pieces. The person working there (felting while she worked) was also really nice and knowledgeable. The restaurant half left something to be desired. It was hard to even find the people working there (the art person had to help). They said they didn't have everything on the menu but they were able to make a cheese board. The person who brought it didn't tell us anything about the cheeses or meats but they were all delicious. We asked for Cokes. (The person didn't ask about drinks but someone else finally thought to). The drinks definitely weren't Coke and the carbonation/syrup ratio was way off. This place could be amazing if the restaurant was even half as good as the art.

For those of you who may not know there is a quaint, vibrant Arts community in downtown Haverhill,…read moreMA located on Wingate Street. Starting with Angels and Arts at 80 Wingate Street, this beautiful Gallery is owned and managed by Harmke; a lovely, talented woman. They offer custom framing and showcase local artist paintings as well, (both for show and sale). In addition to hand-crafted and custom frames, Angles & Art offers laminating services to help preserve your memories in a variety of styles. You can view more at www.anglesandart.com. Keep on traveling and you will see Mizan Salon and Mizan @ Home on 62 Wingate Street where the owner Jimmy and his stylists use the best products from Aveda and treat you with respect and care. Once you walk in to the brightly lit salon with stylistic art, you feel so relaxed and welcome. They are a great group and they take the time to get to know you and what is best for your hair type. You can view more at www.mizansalon.com. Across the street at 63 Wingate Street is Second Thoughts and Violet and her husband own the store. It is really cool place where old and new funky furniture is hand painted or restored and creative home decor adorns the store. If you are looking for that special creative piece, stop on in and talk to them, I'm sure you'll find a match. Next door at 61 Wingate is Positive Images Gallery which is owned by Patricia, a sweetheart who offers a personal touch of a unique gift shoppe. The store started out as a photo gifts store and expanded to include many different unique and personal creative and spiritual gifts. If you are looking for a special unique gift she most likely will have of it or know where to get it.. Plus she has beautiful photo cards. The Gallery to the right of Mizan on 53 Wingate is Margot's Gallery, owned and operated by Margot Landau. She is a wonderful person who has a passion for the Arts. Her Gallery offers some of the finest jewelry and hand painted treasures from around the world. She is very active in the Arts and organizes the Wingate Arts Council and works with local groups to enhance the aesthetics of the city. The Wingate Street Arts District is a group of businesses on Wingate Street dedicated to bring greater awareness of the arts. This is done by supporting fun events and venues on the street for all to enjoy. To learn more about the Gallery, please visit online at www.margotsgallery.com. After strolling for a bit, feel free to visit the Peddler's Daughter www.thepeddlersdaughter.com on 45 Wingate and enjoy a pint and the best fish sandwich. They are known for a great, warm atmosphere that serves up the best meals, drafts and Irish music available. They offer Live Music on Thurs, Fri and Sat nights too. There is public parking across the street in the Wingate lot and if it's full there's usually a space in the Granite or Essex St. lots. If it's cold out and you are looking for an excellent freshly brewed cup of coffee, or Americano, then definitely visit The Wicked Big Cafe www.wickedbigcafe.biz on 19 Essex Street and say hello to the owner Mark. This cafe offers the most scrumptious baked goods and handmade fresh sandwiches in the neighborhood. There are many tables to dine at and you can relax in a comfortable chair and read a book or surf your Laptop with free Wi-Fi. Either way it is worth the trip to savor these fine coffees and treats. These are just a few of the many places I have visited in downtown Haverhill. Not only is the Arts district a great place to be, but Washington street right round the corner has some of the best restaurants in the area. If you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the local arts, it definitely worth the trip to the Wingate Arts district, you may just like what you see.

What's so great about this area? probably close to nothing. It's a one-way side street next to…read moredowntown helltown. I mean, I've never actually went in any of the stores here because 1) parking sucks. 2) the stores seem to never be open. 3) There is always stores changing hands so you never know whats there. 4) I would likely get sucked in to peddlers rather than trying to figure out what to look at. I guess they could do better advertising or have better retail hours (like during the times most other folks are not working). Just a thought. I don't know how a string of 3 or 4 storefronts constitutes a "district" in little old Haverhill, but I wouldn't give anyone false high hopes that this place is "hip"

It's an interesting assortment of ships and workshops along a creek feeding into the Essex estuary…read more They built many wooden fishing vessels here, and some artisans are still at work on small craft and repairs. The signage is good, and many exhibits like the block and tackles are clever. It seems a bit down in the heels, I hope they can find funding sources to stay open.

Got here at open. Justin was excellent in his introduction. We love this type of a technological…read morewindow on history. We commend the curators and participants. One of our favorite stops on Cape Ann.

This is a new gallery on Bearskin Neck, and it is a welcome place! They provide a bright and…read morebeautiful eclectic mix, a feast for the eyes! I didn't want to leave, but sadly, all good things must come to an end, but not before I filled a bag full of happiness! The shop owners, Leslie and Terry, are very friendly and whimsical, and also very knowledgable about what they are selling and the people (mostly somewhat local friends and family in the arts/crafts world) who make what they are selling! After I got home I started thinking about going back for Christmas presents! Jettywalk Gallery stands out in a neighborhood of outstanding places to go!

We have 6 of Lauri's works that we collected on summer vacations. It's been too many years since…read moreour last visit to Rockport. A visit to the Kaihlanen Gallery is one of the reasons that we want/need to go back!! If you're in the area going to the gallery is a MUST!!!

The gallery is a must see. We 17 of his pieces on display here in our shop in Florida. Must stop in…read moreRockport. Best artist on the East Coat.

One of the finest, made our visit to Rockport such a special time. Beautiful paintings by a…read morewonderful artist. Thank you Dan!