Things to Do
By The Sea
SINGING BEACH: Manchester-By-The-Sea. Family favorite of the Brislins: https://www.manchester.ma.us/facilities/facility/details/Singing-Beach-11 CRANE BEACH: Ipswich. Four miles of white sand beach, on a stunning nature reserve. The CRANE ESTATE is also worth a visit: https://thetrustees.org/place/crane-beach-on-the-crane-estate/ GOOD HARBOR BEACH: Gloucester. Small beach with prime swimming conditions: https://gloucester-ma.gov/299/Beach-Information ESSEX RIVER CRUISES: Essex. A delightful booze cruise along the Essex River: https://www.essexcruises.com/ WHEN AND IF SAILING: Salem. Take an afternoon or sunset sail aboard General Patton’s beloved boat: https://sailwhenandif.com/
In Nature
BRADLEY PALMER STATE PARK. Hamilton/Topsfield: https://www.mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-state-park AGASSIZ ROCK HIKE. Manchester-by-the-Sea: https://thetrustees.org/place/agassiz-rock/ HALIBUT POINT STATE PARK. Rockport: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park CHEBACCO WOODS. Hamilton: https://tinyurl.com/yytcyhgo
Around Town
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM: 161 Essex St. Salem. Impressive collection of local and international art. SALEM WITCH MUSEUM: 19 N Washington Sq. Salem. Kitschy but educational reenactment of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. CABOT THEATRE: 286 Cabot Street, Beverly. Charming art house movie theatre and performing arts venue. Try and find the Brislin family seats! ESSEX SHIPBUILDING MUSEUM: 66 Main St. Essex. History of the wooden shipbuilding industry. CAPE ANN POWER YOGA, 183 Main St. Gloucester. Power yoga studio. RUSSELL ORCHARDS: 143 Argilla Rd. Ipswich. Apple cider donuts and fresh picked berries. MAIN STREET ANTIQUES: 44 Main St. Essex. For treasure hunters. ROCKY NECK ART COLONY. 6 Wonson St. Gloucester. Local art and craft galleries. PRIDES CROSSING CONFECTIONS: Beverly Farms. Old fashioned candy shop- famous chocolate turtles! VIOLA LOVELY: 148 Main St. Wenham. Beautifully curated women’s clothing store.
Restaurants
CK PEARL: 112 Main St. Essex. Great seafood, great vibe. WOODMAN'S: 119 Main St. Essex. Whole Lobsters (bib style) and fried seafood “in the rough”.. SHEA’S: 122 Main St. Essex. Local favorite for seafood (right next to Shea’s Inn and Motel). J.T. FARNHAM'S: 88 Eastern Ave. Essex. World famous fried clams. MILE MARKER ONE: 75 Essex Ave, Gloucester (at the Cape Ann Marina Hotel). Fun waterside spot, with a tiki bar. 1606 RESTAURANT (at the Beauport Hotel). 55 Commercial St. Gloucester. Upscale, locally sourced food and scene-y bar and deck. FRANKLIN CAFE: 118 Main St. Gloucester. Gastropub with craft cocktails. SUGAR MAGNOLIAS: 112 Main St. Gloucester. Great local spot for breakfast and lunch. CHIANTI: 285 Cabot St. Beverly. Cozy Italian with live jazz. NICK’S FAMOUS ROAST BEEF: 139 Dodge St. Beverly. Cult status sandwiches to go (get the sauce). RIVERVIEW: 20 Estes St. Ipswich. Dive bar and pizza joint cherished by locals. Grab a couple pies and take them to the beach!
Coffee
HONEYCOMB BAKERY: 248 Bay Rd. Hamilton (a short drive from the Danvers Courtyard Hotel). Incredible lattes, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. ATOMIC CAFE: 268 Cabot St. Beverly (next door to the Cabot Lodge). A local favorite with great coffee and an artsy vibe. CASTAWAYS VINTAGE CAFE: 65 Main St. Gloucester (walking distance from the Beauport and Cape Ann Marina Hotel). Peruse vintage beach shirts while sipping your organic chai. Juices and smoothies too. DUNKIN DONUTS: 23 Main St. Essex (across from Shea’s Inn and Motel). The OG Massachusetts chain of choice (they are everywhere).
Night Owls
GREAT MARSH BREWING CO. 99 Main St, Essex. Brewery and Tap Room on the Essex River (across the street from Shea's Motel and Inn): https://www.thegreatmarsh.com THE FARM. 233 Western Ave, Essex. Where the locals hang out late night (open until 1 am) https://www.farmbargrille.com BIT BAR SALEM. 50 St. Peter St. Salem. Bar offering old-school arcade games, craft beer & playful eats like donut burgers (John's favorite place to show off his Mrs. Pacman Skills :) https://bit.bar CROW'S NEST. 334 Main St. Gloucester: Dive bar made famous by "The Perfect Storm". crowsnestgloucester.com