Things To Do
State Street
The quintessential New England main street filled with shops and restaurants.
Market Square
Beautiful square in the heart of downtown.
Plum Island Beach
Beach a quick drive or uber away. Parking information can be found here: https://www.newburyport.com/plum-island-parking-details-and-tips-for-visitors-and-residents/
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
4,662 acres of upland and wetland habitats - pop by for birdwatching and beautiful walking trails. We recommend you go to Hellcat Boardwalk Trail; it was a favorite spot of Jean’s late grandfather, Bernie.
Oldies Marketplace
Indoor / outdoor antique market right on the water.
The Poynt Newburyport
Lovely American restaurant on Water Street. Jean had her first (legal) drink here with her parents and cousin Conor.
Museum of Old Newbury
1808 brick federal style home of Caleb Cushing, filled with artifacts from Old Newbury. Jean interned here her freshman year at BC, and particularly loves the Laura Coombs Hills room.
Newburyport Brewing Company
A quick drive or uber from downtown Newburyport. The tap room has indoor and outdoor seating, and usually has a local band performing. The groom recommends the Overboard NE IPA.
Maudslay State Park
Park featuring 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel (the CT state flower!) in Massachusetts. Perfect spot for a walk or bike ride.
Plum Island Kayak
Daily kayak tours on the Merrimack River (we recommend booking ahead of time!).
Newburyport Whale Watch
4 hour boat tour to (you guessed it) watch whales. Wine, beer, and snacks are served onboard.
Newbury Golf Center & Ice Cream
Driving range with partial overhead covering. The bride hit her first golf ball here (after a tutorial from the groom).
Cashman Park
Beautiful waterfront park featuring tennis and basketball courts (who doesn't love a Cashman?).
Clipper City Rail Trail
Paved 3.3 mile path that goes from the train station to the harbor (keep an eye out for the groom and best man running by!).
Brine Oyster • Crudo • Chops
Jean and Dave’s favorite spot in Newburyport. Bring a group and splurge on the power tower to try some of the best oysters around.
Abraham's Bagels
Don’t be surprised to see a line out the door in the morning (we promise it moves quickly!). You can’t go wrong with the cinnamon sugar bagels.
Joppa Fine Foods
A go-to spot for savory snacks and charcuterie board supplies.
Michael's Harborside
A Newburyport dining classic, with two bar decks overlooking the Merrimack. Easily accessible to any guests staying in town; lots of parking for those who prefer to drive.
Plum Island Coffee
Dave and Jean’s parents have enjoyed coffee here together during visits to NBPT. A popular local spot with many flavors of iced coffee.
Loretta
American classics served in a warm setting on Pleasant Street.
Harbor Creamery
Fantastic ice cream shop right downtown.
Agave Mexican Bistro
Great Mexican food and margaritas right in the heart of downtown. Three floors of dining.
Starbucks
If you can’t find the bride, she’s probably here.
The Deck Salisbury
3 floor deck bar with a perfect view of the Newburyport skyline. Accessible to NBPT guests after a quick walk over the bridge; if you’d prefer to drive, there’s lots of parking.
RiverWalk Brewing Co.
Voted Best Craft Brewery & Best Taproom by Northshore Magazine. Indoor & outdoor dining. The groom recommends the Riverwalk IPA and the Hit of Haze NE IPA.
Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe
Local bakery best known for their whoopie pies in a variety of flavors.
Jabberwocky Bookshop
One of the largest independent bookstores in New England. Jean would get the newest Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket books here when she was little.
New England Sketch Book
A unique and wonderful shop in downtown Newburyport that the bride and groom enjoy. The owner, Corey, curates a fascinating collection of locally-made products. We highly recommend stopping in to take a look!
Bar 25 NBPT
3 floors of dining and bars in the middle of State Street. Great people watching, great cocktails.
The Port Tavern
A bustling, cozy pub. Many of our wedding guests spend the night before Thanksgiving here. It is one of the few spots in town open until midnight on Saturday’s.
Sunset Club Plum Island
A quick drive from Newburyport center, the Sunset Club on Plum Island has adirondack chairs and fire pits perfectly placed to watch the sunset over the marsh. You can meet us here for complimentary brunch Sunday morning from 10 AM - 12 PM.
Carmine
Cozy Italian restaurant right on State Street. One of the Bower family's downtown favorites!
Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours
Tours of the beautiful Merrimack River! Options include Sunset Cocktail Cruises (6:45 PM - 8:15 PM) and Narrated Scenic Harbor Tours (multiple daily departures). We recommend booking ahead of time!