Emerson Inn By The Sea

This handsome white clapboard inn (which once welcomed Ralph Waldo Emerson into its peace and comfort) enjoys a wonderful location looking out to sea on the outskirts of picturesque Rockport. The lovely entry hallway leads to a spacious grand salon painted in a soft yellow, which beautifully complements the handsome, rich, wide-plank floors. The dining room (which also hosts wedding receptions), dressed in striking reds and blues, leads through French doors into a porch set with more tables—the blue-water views are magnificent. We saw rooms ranging from the small Emerson Room at the top of the stairs with its white iron bed and small bath with tub shower to room 305 with its inviting iron king bed with views, spa tub built into the old closet, and separate toilet and shower. Room 303 is small and pretty in a rose and cream print and has views of the water. Some of the top-floor rooms have low ceilings but the bonus of small balconies and all rooms have cable TV. A large pool is set dramatically in the back garden, looking out to the sea.