Historic Emerson Inn by the Sea on Cape Ann

Rockport Luxury Hotel on the Atlantic is an Easy Drive From Boston

Feb 11, 2009

Less than an hour from Boston's Logan Airport, this oceanfront hotel combines ocean views, gourmet dining and tastefully decorated rooms on the edge of a seaside town.

On a quiet side street on the outskirts of Rockport Massachusetts, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Pigeon Cove the Emerson Inn by the Sea is a return to the elegance of the old luxury coastal hotels.

History of Emerson Inn by the Sea

The Inn began life as a tavern forced to close after local temperance movement women forced Rockport to become a ‘dry’ town. The owner then turned to inn-keeping, reopening the building as Pigeon Cove House. The inn was later sold and moved to its present site, where it was renovated and enlarged, reopening this time as the Hotel Edward, a grand hotel noted for its topnotch service.

It was during this time that Henry David Thoreau introduced Ralph Waldo Emerson to Cape Ann and Pigeon Cove, an area that inspired his writing. The inn was renamed the Ralph Waldo Emerson Inn in the 1960s and 1998 the latest owners took over, modifying the name to Emerson Inn by the Sea.

Accommodation at Emerson Inn by the Sea

The inn has 36 rooms ranging from Cozy Rooms on the street side to Specialty Rooms and Suites offering ocean views, king beds and spa tubs. There are also two Cottages available by the week. These three bedroom vacation homes feature full kitchens, fireplaces and ocean view decks with barbeque facilities.

Elegant period furnishings enhance the rooms, which also boast up to date bath fixtures, including spas in some rooms, selected to fit in with the décor. Telephones, television and WiFi are available in all rooms. And for special occasions in room extras such as champagne and strawberries can be ordered.

Dining at the Grand Café

The Emerson Inn by the Sea also hosts a lovely dining room which serves gourmet meals. Start with smoked duck breast or traditional New England clam chowder or enjoy cucumber wrapped baby greens. Entrées range from traditional rack of lamb or filet mignon to a thoroughly modern panko encrusted salmon. The Café also caters to those whose trip to Cape Ann would not be complete without a lobster dinner.

Other Amenities at Emerson Inn by the Sea

In the spacious parlor a grand piano and comfortable seating welcome the visitor in the colder months while the verandah makes the perfect spot to relax at the end of the day in warmer weather. In summer guests may make use of the heated outdoor pool or rooftop decks.

The inn also offers meeting and banquet facilities including a main conference room, breakout room and state of the art audio-visual equipment. Weddings may be held in the grand parlor or on the Oceanside grounds. Conference and wedding coordinators are available to help plan events.

Whether taking a winter weekend break, a Cape Ann bird watching trip or planning a summer trip to the coast, the Emerson Inn by the Sea offers luxury accommodation in a beautiful oceanfront setting.

The copyright of the article Historic Emerson Inn by the Sea on Cape Ann in Massachusetts Travel is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Historic Emerson Inn by the Sea on Cape Ann in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.