Alyssa & Anthony
Things To Do
American BBQ Smokehouse & Grill
Anthony loves finding hidden gems that make delicious barbecue. He enjoys making barbecue all year round and using his smoker to make delicious eats. If you are in the mood for some great barbecue and unique cocktails, be sure to stop by this place while your in town!
Cider Hill Farm
One our favorite spots to spend on a Sunday afternoon. You can go apple picking, pick your own flowers, eat at a food truck, play some lawn games, and enjoy some fresh goodies including apple cider donuts and caramel apples.
Crane Estate
A beautiful estate that overlooks the water and has breathtaking greenery. The estate is home to a historic mansion (Castle Hill), spectacular gardens, and Crane beach. If you are interested in touring castle hill, you can book tickets for a guided tour.
Hammond Castle Museum
The Hammond Castle is home to John Hays Hammond, Jr. who was an inventor in the study of remote controls. This beautiful castle is located in the scenic area off the coast of Gloucester in the area of Cape Ann. It is open to the public for tours that can be booked online.
Ipswich Ale Brewery
Are you a beer fan? Anthony loves to find local breweries in different cities and towns we visit. Here is one that is a fun place to check out while in the area. Take a tour of the Ipswich Ale Brewery and then sit down for lunch or dinner in the restaurant.
Jeff and Maria's Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Food
Looking for something sweet and nostalgic? Check out Jeff and Maria's Ice cream. They are home to the peanut butter wizard which is Alyssa's favorite! They sell a variety of flavored ice creams, sundaes, and toppings. They also sell grilled cheese and hot dogs. Don't forget to ask what's on their secret menu!
Local Farms
Fall is our favorite season! Alyssa loves all things apples and pumpkins, especially apple cider donuts and pumpkin spice! While you are in town, be sure to stop by one of these local farms while you are in the area to pick some apples or pumpkins, take a hayride, go through a corn maze, or grab fresh apple cider donuts. Appelton Farms Chickadee Hill Farm Marini Farm Russell Orchards
Local Breweries
Anonymous Brewing BareWolf Brewing Brewery Silvaticus Great Marsh Brewing Company Newburyport Brewing Company RiverWalk Brewing Company True North Ale Company
Mill River Winery
Anthony and Alyssa enjoy finding local wineries to try and support. Here is a winery in the area you can check out and grab a glass to try or a bottle to bring home.
Newburyport, MA
In the heart of downtown Newburyport you will find cobblestone streets filled with contemporary restaurants, a variety of quaint shops, and many modern galleries. With so much to offer, we highly recommend making a stop at this quaint seaside town and see all that it has to offer. A place Anthony and Alyssa enjoy spending for a cute date night!
Places for a Bite Nearby
Agawam Diner Boat House Grille Bradford Tavern Busy Bee Cafe Choate Bridge Restaurant Clam Box of Ipswich El Tapatio Fox Creek Tavern Jules' Kitchen Little Wolf Coffee Roasters Off the Vine Tuscan Grille Riverview Restaurant Rusty Can True North Ale Company Village Pancake House Zumi's Espresso
Plum Island
A beautiful and scenic drive along the Plum Island section of Cape Ann will showcase quaint seaside towns, artist colonies, and lots of gorgeous ocean views. This is a popular go-to summer spot that you've got to visit if you aren't from the area.
Salem, MA
Salem in October is the place to be. Just two weeks before Halloween, you will get your fill of all things spooky. Anthony and Alyssa have spent many afternoons and evenings in Salem with family. Anthony and Alyssa also used to spend fourth of July every year early in their relationship in Salem along Derby Wharf. They still go back to the wharf to watch fireworks with Anthony’s family some years. Salem is filled with history and has many popular spots to check out. Some places to check out are The Salem Witch Museum, Pickering Wharf, The House of Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum and the Witch Dungeon Museum. Downtown is also filled with many shops, psychics, haunted houses, eateries, and you may even find some spooky creatures along the way! Omen is one of our favorite shops. If you are feeling brave, you can even sign up for a ghost or night tour!
Salem Willows Park
A place that Anthony spent many nights of his childhood and a place Anthony and Alyssa now enjoy together. Take a walk along the coast, watch the sunset go down, have a picnic, play some games in the arcade, or grab a bite to eat. It is a fun little spot to be!
The Choate Bridge
As a teacher, Alyssa loves discovering new historical places to show her students. The Choate Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in North America.
The Spa at Briar Barn Inn
Take time to relax and treat yourself while you are away for the weekend. They offer facials, massages, foot soaks, makeup application, waxing, lash lifts, and more. You can book your spa services by calling Briar Barn or scheduling online.
Three Sweet Peas Bakery Cafe
Alyssa loves to bake and enjoys finding local bakeries. She LOVES cannolis. This gem is a locally owned Italian bakery to pick up a breakfast sandwich, pasty, or coffee just a minute drive from Briar Barn Inn. They offer gluten free options as well.
Rockport, MA
Rockport is an adorable and quaint little town along the coast that is a perfect place to grab some sunshine, take a stroll, or get a bite to eat. There are many shops and art galleries to check out along with a few restaurants and places to grab a bite to eat, ice cream, or candy! You can also take a boat tour while. you are in town. Anthony and Alyssa love spending the day in Rockport taking pictures along the rocks, enjoying the sunshine, and grabbing some seafood. Anthony loves finding old school candy he enjoyed as a kid too!