From reading and hearing about this lovely area it sounds like the perfect vacation. Please help with any information on which town to stay in.for a 4 day visit. My love is art,and the ocean .I understand that driving to different places is do able. Love Inns and B&B's.Too many that sound and look perfect..but would love to hear from people who have visited. Looking at late June early July. Staying mid week is perfect if we cant get a weekend reservation. Driving from Cleveland, I think a 8 hour or more drive. (?)Not a stranger to Mass.been to the Cape, M Vineyard ,Boston and other places.,Just not Cape Ann area. All ideas are so welcome.THANKS.Need to do this ASAP

I'd stay in Rockport if you can get a place there. Can't suggest any in particular, unfortunately.

Sounds like a fantastic trip. I would consider Rockport or someplace along Atlantic Rd in Gloucester. There are some pretty great dining options in Gloucester, and early morning or evening walks along Atlantic Rd are a nice way to start or end the day.

We used to stay at the motel part of Ocean View in on Atlantic Rd, before renovations, when it was pet friendly. Enjoyed a nightcap and game of pool in the old inn. Worth a look.

I would put The Crane Estate in Ipswich on my to do list, as well as the marshes and antiquing in Essex.

Cape Ann, Ipswich, Newburyport, and even Portsmouth, NH, are all doable from a single base. Sorry I am no help on lodging since we mostly did these places as day trips when we lived in Boston.

Check Gloucester and Rockport. Emerson Inn by the Sea in Rockport is really nice, but not inexpensive. Visited a friend who was staying there, but have never actually stayed there.
Beautiful grounds and nice views. There are also places in Gloucester but don't know names. (Gloucester and Rockport make up Cape Ann). Day trips to Portsmouth or Ipswich would be nice and there are a lot of nice beaches - although parking at many of them is limited and/or expensive.

First 2 weeks in July are usually most popular vacation weeks in New England, so keep that in mind for availability. July 4th week is usually very booked, so you might want to avoid that if possible.

Happy to give other suggestions about area (we have a tiny summer house in area and live an hour away, so very familiar with area). Have a nice trip.

Cleveland to Cape Ann is at least 11-12 hours, FYI