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Massachusetts >
90 Great Things to Do in Massachusetts > North of Boston/Merrimack Valley
Massachusetts - North of Boston/Merrimack Valley
Ten Great Things to Do in North of Boston/Salem/Cape Ann Massachusetts
What is your idea of a Great Thing to see or do in this region? Please tell us and we'll help spread the word. Click HERE.
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Door-to-Door Antiques
With about three dozen antique shops, the lovely coastal community of Essex is a haven for people who have a yen to find things old, beautiful, and unique. Expert and novice antique-lovers are equally welcome. Most shops are in walking distance of each other and open daily. In particular, aim for Route 133 through town and Route 97 a scenic byway.
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Easel Optional
Visit the beautiful seaside village of Rockport and Motif #1, a red fishing shack nearly covered with fishing buoys at Bearskin Neck in Rockport. The shack is one of the most painted and photographed scenes in the United States because of its beauty, composition, and lighting. Bring your appreciation; camera or paintbrushes are optional.
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Essex Shipbuilding Museum Shows History of This Ancient Art
A visit to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum is a wonderful way to become immersed in the ship-building history and culture of northern New England. The museum tells the extraordinary story of a small New England village that built more two-masted wooden fishing schooners than any other place in the world. Exhibits and archives of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum are housed in the old Essex Central School House which was built in 1835. Features include antique shipbuilding tools, photographs, documents, and exhibits portraying the shipbuilding industry. Tours include video presentations and hands-on activities. A gift shop offers ship plans, maritime books, and other nautical memorabilia. Phone: 978-768-7541.
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Go Find the Green in the Winter Months
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Here’s is a fast and accessible treatment for the winter blahs: a visit to the Lyman Estate Greenhouses on Lyman Street in Waltham. The historic greenhouses provide a flowery paradise year-round. In particular, the century-old Camellia collection brightens midwinter days with exquisite red, pink, and white flowers. Each generation of the Lyman family added its touch through the addition of the Camellia greenhouse in 1820, the orchid greenhouse in 1840, and the area now enclosing the greenhouse shop in 1930. The orchid house is home to thousands of beautiful orchids from all over the world. This is also the place to gift-shop for the gardener in your life. The gift shop sells historical gardening books, brass sundials, sachets, orchid accessories, pottery, rustic twig furniture, and more. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., year round. Phone: 781-891-4882 ext. 244.
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Hidden Art Gems
Start at Abbot Hall in downtown Marblehead to see the original painting of “The Spirit of 76”, then take in J.O.J. Frost’s Folk Art at the “Marblehead Museum & Historical Society. Maritime masters can be found at Salem’s Kensington-Stobart Gallery in the Hawthorne Hotel. The changing exhibitions at Montserrat College of Art feature up-and-comers.
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Historic Whipple House Shows Life of Wealth in Colonial Times
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One of many historic houses of the Colonial period in the North of Boston region, the Whipple House
on South Village Green in Ipswich was built between 1650 to the early 1700s. Like many settlers of Ipswich, John Whipple arrived from England about 1638. From a family of prominent textile merchants, Whipple was a man of considerable standing in Ipswich. The house retains much of its original oak, pine, and chestnut framework and is furnished with a number of pieces from the Colonial Period. It offers a revealing look at the domestic surroundings of early New England colonists. Open seasonally from May to Columbus Day. Call ahead for hours. Phone: 978-356-2811
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Sculpture Under the Sky
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Located in the home of Julian de Cordova, a turn-of-the-century merchant, world traveler, and art collector, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park on Sandy Pond Road in Lincoln focuses on contemporary and modern art by regional and national artists. On the grounds is a magnificent 35-acre site sculpture park with nearly 80 modern and contemporary works by nationally recognized sculptors. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Phone: 781-259-8355
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216 Years of Wooden Boat History
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Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, now in its 216th year of operation, is a National Historical Landmark and working museum dedicated to preserving the art of wooden boat building. Lowell’s continues to build dories and skiffs in the time-honored tradition of seven generations of the Lowell family. Within these buildings, remnants of past work -- ancient ship’s knees, support beams, and two centuries of accumulated paint -- speak volumes of the rich history of the wooden boat industry. The oldest buildings are Greek Revival structures built in the 1860s. Branded into the wood of one cross-beam are annual production figures from 1897 through 1919, showing that an astonishing 2,029 boats were built here by hand in 1911 alone. This remarkable boat shop stands as an icon of New England ingenuity and integrity. Visitors are welcome Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Phone: 978-834-0050
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Ahoy, Whales
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Experts at the Whale Center of New England on Harbor Loop in Gloucester study whales who live in the waters off the Massachusetts coast, especially Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge, and conduct field research their vessel Mysticete. The center also has a Visitors Center where whale lovers can learn about these marine mammals through extensive exhibits. Visitors will come away with a new appreciation for marine mammals and the threats that they face in the world today. The Visitors Center is open year-round, but days and hours vary through the seasons. Phone: 978-281-6351.
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American Textile History Museum Reopens With Textiles of the Past and the Future
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After more than a year of major renovations, the American Textile History Museum on Dutton Street in Lowell reopened in May 2009 with an entirely new and interactive experience for people of all ages. The museum tells America’s story through the art, history, and science of textiles. In the museum’s new exhibit – Textile Revolution: An Exploration through Space and Time - visitors will explore the fascinating world of textiles in a fun, hands on environment where they will spin, weave, recycle, and design their way through textile history. Beginning at a replica of a Savannah, Georgia-style warehouse, visitors will explore the textile story chronologically from the pre-industrial era to the important role textiles play in revolutionizing our lives through current scientific applications. American Textile History Museum holds one of the world’s largest and most important publicly held collections of tools, spinning wheels, hand looms, and early production machines. The Museum's textile collections include more than five million pieces of textile prints, fabric samples, rolled textiles coverlets, and costumes. Open year-round. Phone: 978-441-0400.
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Artist Colony Is Alive and Vibrant In This Corner of Gloucester
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Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester is the oldest working art colony in the country, and has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 150 years. Today the area is still home to many working artists and to galleries showing paintings in all media, as well as batik, photography, jewelry, prints, sculpture, ceramics, and fine gifts. A convenient walking tour of Rocky Neck, along East Main Street, includes information about three dozen galleries and studios on the Neck. In addition to viewing the arts, visitors may take part in special events or dine at restaurants that feature fine food and fabulous views. A new book about the artists and history of the region, titled Rocky Neck Art Colony 1850-1950, by Judith Curtis, is available. Phone: 978-282-0917.
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Arts and Crafts Rabbit Still Charms Us
The Arts and Crafts decorative art movement flourished in this country from about 1880 to 1920, but one of its signature designs – and a particularly loveable one, at that – is the Dedham Rabbit produced by the Dedham Pottery Company. Reproductions of the famed Rabbit and other Dedham Pottery – highly prized by collectors and museums -- can be found at The Potting Shed on Bradford Street in Concord.
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Beaches Are Beautiful in the Brisker Months
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Here’s a useful tip: Providing you are bundled warmly, fall and winter are excellent times for visiting the beautiful beaches of New England. Crowds are gone; colors of sky and sea dazzle the eye; strolling is fun; and the birds and harbor seals are out and frisky. Salisbury Beach State Reservation on Beach Road in Salisbury is a 521-acre park that stretches 3.8 miles along the Atlantic. In the fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty. The town of Salisbury has many fun activities to offer for kids of all ages; with a large amusement park and video arcades. Phone: 978 462-4481.
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Beaches Are Beautiful in the Brisker Months
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Here’s a useful tip: Providing you are bundled warmly, fall and winter are excellent times for visiting the beautiful beaches of New England. Crowds are gone; colors of sky and sea dazzle the eye; strolling is fun; and the birds and harbor seals are out and frisky. Salisbury Beach State Reservation on Beach Road in Salisbury is a 521-acre park that stretches 3.8 miles along the Atlantic. In the fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty. The town of Salisbury has many fun activities to offer for kids of all ages; with a large amusement park and video arcades. For the hearty, off-season camping is available from mid-October to late November for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays. Phone: 978 462-4481.
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Bounty from the Sea Trade on Display at Phillips House
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Located on picturesque Chestnut Street in Salem, the Phillips House , a this Federal-style mansion, contains a family collection that spans five generations. Enjoy artifacts from near and far, hear the stories of the Phillips family, and experience more than 200 years of history in the New England tradition. The house contains an authentic collection of five generations of family furnishings. Representative of the Phillips's extensive travels and interests, the collection includes artifacts as diverse as Fiji throwing clubs and African woodcarvings, as well as fine examples of early American furniture, Persian carpets, and an extensive collection of export porcelain. Hours: June through October, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; November through May, Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone: 978-744-0440.
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Living History of the Mills
The social and industrial history of Lawrence and its mill communities is on display at Lawrence Heritage State Park on Jackson Street. This restored boarding house is filled with interactive exhibits of the stories of Lawrence, including the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike. Take a walk along the esplanade of a 19th century canal leading to a park within the walls of a former mill building.
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Motherlode for Stocking Stuffers
The old-style 5 & 10 cent store (also called the Five-&-Dime) where you could find anything – much of it in hand-labeled bins – is alive and beloved at 106 Commonwealth Avenue in West Concord at the West Concord Five & Ten. You name it; they’ve got it: hardware, stationary, toys, baby supplies, kitchen ware, puzzles, board games, crafts, stuffed animals, greeting cards, oil lamp supplies, hooks, picture hangers, velcro, ribbon, zippers, shoe laces, mirrors, locks, batteries, keys, even the plastic doo-hickey at the bottom of the window shade (!!!). People well into the 70s come in and say the store hasn’t changed since they were kids. Scoop up a pile of nickels and dimes and get over there.
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Outdoor Fun in All Weathers
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Hopkinton State Park and Reservoir on Route 185 / Cedar Street in the towns of Hopkinton and Ashland, offer year-round recreational activities, including boating, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are miles of marked trails, open field space, and a concrete boat ramp for non-motorized vessels. Phone: 508-435-4303
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The Irish Experience -- Salem March 12, 2010 to March 13, 2010 |
Open Hearth Cooking Class: Breads, Cakes and Biscuits -- Deerfield March 13, 2010 |
Sisters in Soul – New Bedford March 13, 2010 |
Winter Fiesta -- Winchester March 13, 2010 |
St. Patrick's Day Celebration -- South Yarmouth March 13, 2010 |
Roomful of Blues & Bellevue Cadillac-- Salisbury Beach March 13, 2010 |
Jazz Vocalist Rachel Price -- Rockport March 13, 2010 |
The Seventh – Boston March 13, 2010 to March 14, 2010 |
Maple Sugar Days at Brookwood Farm -- Milton March 13, 2010 to March 14, 2010 |
Gustafer Yellowgold's Show -- Northampton March 14, 2010 |
Maple Festival -- Norwell March 14, 2010 |
South Boston Saint Patrick's Day Parade March 14, 2010 |
Worcester St. Patrick's Day Parade 2010 March 14, 2010 |
Scituate St. Patrick's Day Parade 2010 March 14, 2010 |
Three Choirs Festival Concert -- Worcester March 14, 2010 |
Erin Go Bragh Whiskey Tasting -- Boston March 17, 2010 |
Celtic Crossroads -- Worcester March 17, 2010 |
St. Patrick's Day Activities at the Children’s Museum – Boston March 17, 2010 |
The Glengarry Bhoys -- Salisbury March 17, 2010 |
Richie Havens-- Salisbury Beach March 19, 2010 |
Plymouth Rock Blues Festival -- Plymouth March 20, 2010 |
Le Grand Cirque -- Springfield March 20, 2010 |
Opening Day at Plimoth Plantation -- Plymouth March 20, 2010 |
Robert Cray Band -- Salisbury Beach March 21, 2010 |
Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade 2010 March 21, 2010 |
Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade 2010 March 21, 2010 |
Manchester St. Patrick's Day Parade 2010 March 21, 2010 |
Wine Dinner Series: Tempranillo -- Boston March 22, 2010 |
Flavors of Neponset Valley – Foxboro March 25, 2010 |
Lighten Up with Loretta LaRoche -- Worcester March 26, 2010 |
Gershwin's “Porgy and Bess” -- Worcester March 27, 2010 to March 28, 2010 |
Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band -- Lancaster March 27, 2010 |
Stuart Highland Pipe Band Concert -- North Chelmsford March 27, 2010 |
Ray Charles Tribute with the Boston Pops -- Boston March 29, 2010 to May 29, 2010 |
Harriet Tubman's Freedom Train - Foxboro March 31, 2010 |
The Fabulous Thunderbirds -- Salisbury Beach April 1, 2010 |
Jo Dee Messina -- Salisbury Beach April 2, 2010 |
Judy Collins – New Bedford April 2, 2010 |
Bunny Bonanzoo -- Stoneham April 3, 2010 |
“Sleeping Beauty” Performed by Moscow Festival Ballet -- Worcester April 6, 2010 |
The United States Air Force Band of Liberty -- Worcester April 7, 2010 |
Riverdance Farewell Performances -- Worcester April 9, 2010 to April 11, 2010 |
Richard Marx & Matt Scannell -- Salisbury Beach April 10, 2010 |
Wine Dinner Series: Alsace – Maison Hugel -- Boston April 12, 2010 |
In The Mood -- Worcester April 12, 2010 |
Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series -- Boston April 13, 2010 |
“Girls Night: The Musical” -- Worcester April 15, 2010 |
Joan Osborne -- Salisbury Beach April 17, 2010 |
Defending the Caveman -- Worcester April 17, 2010 |
“Oliver” -- Worcester April 23, 2010 |
Curtis Adams -- Springfield April 24, 2010 |
Earth Day at Garden in the Woods -- Framingham April 24, 2010 |
Beaucoup Blue -- Lancaster April 24, 2010 |
Wine Dinner Series: Austria -- Boston April 26, 2010 |
Wine Dinner Series: Austria -- Boston April 26, 2010 |
Sampling of International Wine & Food -- Worcester April 30, 2010 |
Donna Lee and Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac -- Chicopee May 1, 2010 |
Boston Pops Season Opening Night -- Boston May 4, 2010 |
Idina Menzel and the Boston Pops -- Boston May 5, 2010 to May 6, 2010 |
Lord of the Dance -- Springfield May 6, 2010 to May 7, 2010 |
Wine Dinner Series: Blind Tasting -- Boston May 10, 2010 |
The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers -- Boston May 21, 2010 to May 22, 2010 |
Maureen Mcgovern and the Boston Pops -- Boston May 25, 2010 to May 26, 2010 |
Ray Charles Tribute with the Boston Pops -- Boston May 29, 2010 |
Dave Brubeck with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 1, 2010 to June 2, 2010 |
A Tribute to Duke Ellington with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 4, 2010 to June 5, 2010 |
From the Top with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 8, 2010 |
An Evening with Cole Porter with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 9, 2010 to June 11, 2010 |
Gospel Night with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 12, 2010 |
The World of Arlo Guthrie with the Boston Pops -- Boston June 17, 2010 to June 18, 2010 |
Father's Day Family Concert With Daniel Bernard Roumain and the Boston Pops -- Boston June 20, 2010 |
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