Great Escapes: Great Escape: Rockport

The seacoast village of Rockport is best known for this little red shack called "motif number one", says Carol Linsky, the executive director of the Rockport art association, "they call it motif number one because theoretically it's the most painted building in the world."

Linsky says this famous fish shack is the centerpiece of a vibrant art community, ""in rough numbers, probably upwards of 30 galleries. I can't even imagine how many artists."

Art lover Amy Traficante says, "you walk down the street and there's just gallery after gallery and there are you know, water colors and oils and prints and beautiful pictures of scenery of the boats and the ocean"

It's easy to see why artists and tourists find inspiration in Rockport.

"There's actually a favorite gallery we have up the street that we always visit to see what's new", says Rockport visitor Nancy Kennison.

From sightseeing and shopping to gallery hopping, bustling bear skin neck is Rockport's biggest draw.

Visitor Stan Dress says, "I spend time at the rocks looking at the lobster traps while she's spending my money"

If you have the dime and the time, you won't be disappointed. At the Correale gallery, I browse the classic cape Ann scenes and meet the man behind the Art, Joe Correale.

The owner of the Correale gallery says, "I love doing this and i hope i never have to stop. I've been doing this since i was maybe 6 years old. I taught myself how to draw by copying the funny papers."

Next stop, a window into the world of artist Heidi Caswell Zander.

"Rockport's one of the few places in the world I’m really

Inspired to paint. I've lived in Italy and Germany and New York and Rhode Island", says Zander.

And as you might expect, reflections of Rockport dominate her collection. "It’s nice because every person that we've talked to told us a little bit about the different paintings that they have and how they that they're made and its very reasonable for us to pick up a couple"

In addition to art galleries, you'll find silversmiths, a pewter shop and just about anything else your heart desires.

Visitor Kelly Kennedy says "it’s gorgeous, just gorgeous, and on sparkling days like this i can't think of a better place to be".

"Boston to Rockport and back, just 80 miles. In my next great escape, ever have trouble finding Fido a place to stay while you get away? Well, take him with you and watch your pooch get pampered. I'm Chikage Windler, 7 news."

Next week, Chikage takes us to Chocorua, New Hampshire's lazy dog inn.

Rockport Art Association

(Copyright (c) 2005 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)