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.