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Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Ipswich

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The North Shore of Massachusetts is a region full of character and history with an abundance of places to visit and explore. With its breathtaking views and lively downtown, Ipswich is a New England town you will want to visit. Let’s explore a few hidden gems and underrated locations worth exploring in Ipswich.

Russell Orchards

Russell Orchards, ​​a family-owned and operated 120-acre fruit farm, is the perfect place for a day out during the summer and fall seasons. Their regular store season begins on or around May 1st every year and they are open every day through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Daily hours are 9-6 from May to October and 9-5 in November. Here are a few things you and the whole family can explore while visiting the farm:

  • Visit their beloved farm animals including chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, guinea fowl, pigs, donkeys, and horses. The animals are there for a number of reasons, but primarily for your enjoyment. The farm asks that you don’t feed them food from home, but you are welcome to pet any animals who come within reach!
  • Pick some of your own fruits and berries. There is nothing like apple and pumpkin picking in the fall! Check the calendar periodically to see what’s in season. Crops are also available in their store, including fresh apples, apple cider, freshly made cider donuts, honey, baked goods, and specialty grocery items!
  • Head to the winery for a wine tasting! Flights are available for purchase Friday through Sunday from 11-5. Wines can also be purchased chilled or at room temperature at any time during store hours.

Crane Beach

Crane Beach consists of more than 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes, and maritime forest. The white sand beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, walking, and more. While the beach is the main draw, the 5.5 miles worth of trails and nature within the estate make it a year-round playground. Plus, the 2023 Greenhead season has just come to an end, so check it out this fall!

Passes are necessary for parking and admission. When visiting, please avoid the fenced nesting areas of piping plovers. The beach is one of the threatened bird’s most important nesting sites. 

Appleton Farms

As one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country, Appleton Farms offers a glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. The 1,000-acre sustainable and historic farm and education center in Ipswich includes grasslands, livestock, stone walls, vegetable crops, and historic farm buildings. There are also nearly 12 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

With year-round events, Appleton Farms’ calendar is action-packed. The farm hosts culinary workshops, education programs, camps, guided recreational activities, farm dinners, full moon walks, and more. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend trying their wood-fired pizza!

Breweries in Ipswich

Ipswich is home to a few breweries, including True North Ale Company and Ipswich Ale Brewery. 

True North is newly built and opened in the fall of 2017. The 15,000-square-foot facility holds state-of-the-art brewing equipment and an on-site taproom, patio, and events space. They serve full pours and flights from 20 taps and also sell canned beer to take home with you. The taproom is BYOF (bring your own food), but light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Children are welcome to be seated at tables as long as they are accompanied by their parents, but they cannot sit at the bar. Check out their calendar for upcoming vendors and events!

Not only does Ipswich Ale Brewery craft delicious beers, but they also have an on-site restaurant called Brewer’s Table. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM and features 15 taps, a diverse menu, and a dog-friendly patio! Check out their upcoming events and plan your visit.

Wolf Hollow

Wolf Hollow, also known as the North American Wolf Foundation is a wolf sanctuary and educational facility. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization fully supported by donations, adoptions, and proceeds from admission and gift shop sales. They aim to raise awareness of the important role the threatened wolf species plays in a healthy ecosystem, educate on the dynamics of a wolf pack and the biology of the wolf, and provide a glimpse into the history of man’s relationship with wolves. As a visitor of Wolf Hollow, you have the unique opportunity to meet their resident gray wolves accompanied by an educational presentation suited for visitors of all ages.  

Wolf Hollow is open year-round on weekends, offering both private and public tours, which require tickets to be purchased in advance. These can be purchased on their website along with memberships and donations. 

Ipswich has quite a few things to see and do, with options for the entire family. Discover more of Ipswich’s history, hidden gems, and locations worth exploring here. If you’re looking to learn more about Ipswich or the surrounding towns, contact me today.

Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester
Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester

Hidden Gems of the North Shore: Underrated Locations Worth Exploring in Gloucester

/in , /by

The North Shore of Massachusetts is a region full of character and history with an abundance of places to visit and explore. Recently, Gloucester was named one of the 15 best small towns in America by CNN and was the only New England city on the list. Let’s explore a few hidden gems and underrated locations worth exploring in Gloucester. 

Hammond Castle

The Hammond Castle Museum was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr, a scientist, inventor, and antiques collector at the time. Now, the castle serves as a museum, cultural and arts center, and venue that welcomes guests daily. Stop by to tour the castle and explore its many rooms, exhibits, and beautiful coastal castle grounds! Reserving tickets in advance is encouraged.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to it being nearly a century old, Hammond Castle Museum is not handicap accessible. 

Dogtown (Dogtown Common or Dogtown Village)

Dogtown is an abandoned inland village of about five square miles on Cape Ann in Gloucester. In 1642, Dogtown was home to the Commons Settlement. With its availability of water, it was the most prosperous part of Gloucester for a century. The land, now known for its woods as well as its boulders and rock formations, is protected, and therefore development is banned in the area. Take a walk and explore the miles of trails and abandoned roads, but be cautious as most are unmarked. These paths are sprinkled with one of Dogtown’s most notable features: the three dozen Babson Boulders, which have inspiring sayings carved into them. See how many you can spot on your journey!

The area is dog-friendly and there is parking available. Learn more about the history of Dogtown here. 

Rocky Neck

Located on a rocky peninsula within the Gloucester harbor, Rocky Neck is one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the country. Artists who lived and worked on Rocky Neck in the 19th and early 20th centuries made an important contribution to art history by inspiring the Cape Ann style of American Impressionism. With shops, restaurants, galleries, and exhibitions radiating history and culture, there is always something to see or do on Rocky Neck. 

Ravenswood Park

Ravenswood Park is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Samuel Sawyer, a 19th-century businessman and philanthropist, purchased woodlots, old pastures, and swamp land near his home. Upon his death, he left 600 acres of land to be turned into Ravenswood Park. Guests can enjoy solitude and peaceful scenes with its woods, boulders, and miles of trails, some of which are dog-friendly. In the winter months, cross-country skiing is also welcome.

Stage Fort Park and Beach

Stage Fort Park is where Gloucester’s first settlers set up fishing stages in 1623. Now, it is home to two beaches, a sand volleyball court, a boardwalk, a playground, picnic areas, two baseball fields, a basketball court, a tennis court, and plenty of extra room, making it an incredible place for any of your weekend endeavors. During the summer season, the park hosts outdoor concerts, fireworks, festivals, farmers markets, and several other child and family-friendly events!

Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beaches. There is also a dog park located in the parking lot!

Gloucester has a variety of things to see and do, with abundant history behind them. You can check out more of their hidden gems and locations worth exploring here. If you are looking to buy or sell your home on the North Shore contact me today.