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.

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.

Go Find the Green Indoors

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Lyman Estate Greenhouses on Lyman Street in Waltham 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. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday. Phone: 781-891-4882 ext. 244.

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.

Historic Whipple House Shows <br> Life of Wealth in Colonial Times 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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Marini Farm Corn Maze

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For newbies, a corn maze is an adventure where you get lost in paths through a giant cornfield. Sound like fun? It really is (mazes generally include escape routes and guides to help the truly bewildered.) Experience one of the largest and most challenging corn mazes in New England at Marini Farm Corn Maze on Linebrook Road in Ipswich.Travel ear to ear in eight acres of interactive learning and adventure. Maize Quest is great fun for families, scouts, youth groups, and birthday parties. This year’s theme is "Lost Treasure of Castle Hill," which promises to introduce guests to some of history’s most infamous pirates. Open September 11 through October 31, 2010. See website for hours and fees. Phone: 978-356-0430.

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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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

Textile History Museum Is a Window Into History

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The American Textile History Museum on Dutton Street in Lowell tells America’s story through the art, history, and science of textiles. In the 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. Beginning at a replica of a Savannah, Georgia-style warehouse, visitors will explore the textile story from the pre-industrial era to the important role textiles play in revolutionizing our lives through current scientific applications. American Textile History Museum holds a large collection of tools, spinning wheels, hand looms, and early production machines. Open year-round. Phone: 978-441-0400.

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216 Years of Wooden Boat History

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Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury is a working museum dedicated to preserving the art of wooden boat building. Lowell’s builds 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 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 2,029 boats were built here in 1911 alone. Open Tuesdays through Sundays. Phone: 978-834-0050

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.

Beacons on Duty

The lighthouses of Cape Ann still serve as safety beacons for sailors, but in the present time they have become a joy and fascination for landside visitors, too. In Cape Ann alone, there are six lighthouses: “Annisquam Light, “Straitsmouth, “the Twin Lights of Thacher Island , “Ten Pound Island Light, and “Eastern Point Light

Bounty from the Sea Trade<br>on Display at Phillips House 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 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. 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 porcelain. Open year-round, but hours vary by season. Call ahead. Phone: 978-744-0440.

Come Meet the Farmers; Browse; and Ask

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Part of the credo of the Marblehead Farmers Market on Pleasant Street in Marblehead is the belief that a farmers market is an adventure. There are always interesting and unexpected items for sale and shoppers can learn something about varieties of produce, what grows well, when, under what conditions, and how to select, store, and prepare food. Farmers are happy to answer questions - it's part of the fun. The market is open Saturday mornings through late October and it specializes in produce, beef, cheese, and medicinal herbs, baked goods, local honey and hand-crafted products like pottery, handbags, fine art, jewelry and much more.