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North of Boston is a Year-Round Destination for Adventurers

There’s no better place to celebrate the arrival of spring than in the Massachusetts region of Essex County, known to many as North of Boston. Chances are, you’re already acquainted with some of our region, but there’s loads that will show why locals say there’s a story in every mile North of Boston. Let’s turn the page, why don’t we?

By StoryStudio on March 13, 2023 11:19 AM

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Start your journey by taking a drive along the 90-mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, winding through small towns layered with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and inns just waiting to be explored. You’ll pass stunning seacoast, rolling farms, quaint farmstands, historic architecture, and more. Step inside the storybook village of Bear Skin Neck and tour one of our seven designated Cultural Districts, or immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s bounty on a beach or trail, accessible year-round. It’s true, no matter the season, nature awaits you in North of Boston. Furthermore, no trip to Cape Ann is complete without a stop at Woodman’s of Essex, where the fried clam was born.

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If you’ve ever visited Salem, you probably recall the October spook, but you’ll be delighted to discover it’s a year-round destination! The very walkable one-square-mile town center offers eclectic arts and culture, witches, pirates, maritime history, and more for visitors to make the most of their time. Culture and history buffs alike will love the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, Real Pirates of Salem, the outdoor murals of the Punto Urban Art Museum, and the House of Seven Gables—all within a walkable one-mile radius. Insider Tip: Make lasting memories with a schooner sunset cruise, a Salem Trolley excursion, or a walking tour with a historic character.

Gloucester is every bit the authentic working seaport town we’ve come to know through films like “CODA.” The town is graced with natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and fabulously fresh seafood. Throughout 2023, Gloucester will be commemorating its 400+ anniversary, with countless activities and events held throughout the year. Visit the Fishermen’s Memorial and the stunning Hammond Castle, followed by a treat to yourself at brunch or cocktails and oysters at the Beauport, then get your hands wet at Maritime Gloucester. Starting in April, whale watch tours begin, and if you haven’t seen these majestic creatures up close, you’ll surely want to add this to your list. Insider Tip: We suggest a walk down Main Street, where you just might hear opera playing on the streets as you wrestle with yourself over which Italian bakery to visit.

Photo credit: Isabel Pett

Photo Credit: North of Boston CVB

Photo Credit: Woodman's of Essex

Photo Credit: North of Boston CVB

Newburyport, Amesbury, and Marblehead each pack a lot of fun and hidden gems within highly walkable town centers that celebrate the arts, heritage, local food, and farmers markets, an abundance of natural beauty, one-of-a-kind shopping, and antiquing. These towns are perfect for families, friends, and romance, too! Coastal Newburyport has retained the historic maritime architecture of its early settlers, making it a beautiful destination to be outdoors and stroll small streets bursting with local shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore their family histories at the Museum of Old Newbury, enjoy a performance at Fireside Center for the Arts, or head to Plum Island for hiking or bird-watching among the dunes.

Cider Hill Farm’s cider donuts may be your reason for making the trip to Amesbury, but a stroll through this town center’s blend of industrial history, built around a rolling waterfall, will draw you to explore this arts-rich town dotted with yummy eateries. Stop in at Lowell’s Boat Shop to explore the rich maritime history of this area or enjoy a live performance at the outdoor Millyard amphitheater.

The architecture in Marblehead’s town center is enough to keep culture lovers entertained all day long. Though it may be hard to tear yourself away, visitors will want a breather to feast on fresh-off-the-boat seafood at the Landing before taking a short walk up to Fort Sewall for stunning views of Marblehead Lighthouse and the surrounding islands. Shop nautical mom-and-pop boutiques or tour a historic mansion in Marblehead’s Old Town district and take in all the details, especially the golden cods on the front doors of centuries-old homes.

Photo credit: Tess McColgan

Photo credit: Holly Perry

Photo credit: Matthew Sheehan

Gloucester is home to 7 Seas Whale Watch and Cape Ann Whale Watch, which offer sightseeing trips with whale sightings truly unique to the area. Gaze upon humpbacks, minke, right whales and many more forms of marine life (like the white sided dolphin featured here, captured aboard by photographer Matthew Sheehan)! Opening day for 7 Seas Whale Watch is April 15, and Cape Ann Whale Watch kicks off their season April 22, which is also Earth Day. What better way to celebrate than surrounded by sea, sky and the great mammals of the ocean? Don’t miss these majestic creatures this spring ― a season when whales are active and easy to find off of Gloucester’s shores.

April Whale Watching

Photo credit: Matthew Sheehan

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Photo credit Addison Choate

Your storybook vacation awaits! Visit us at northofboston.org and follow us at #VisitNorthofBoston to get to know all our hidden gems and fun activities and to start planning your perfect North of Boston itinerary.

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