Danvers
Founded in 1636 and originally known as “Salem Village,” Danvers, MA has grown into a Massachusetts destination all its own.
Where it once was closely associated with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, it now has interesting places to visit, from its quaint main street and historic sites to one of New England’s largest indoor water parks. Danvers offers visitors plenty of lodging options along the bustling Rt. 1 and Rt. 128 corridors. The Essex Agricultural and Technical School trains students and adult learners in a variety of career technical and agricultural programs.
Endicott Park is a natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The historic farm turned park provides a fun and educational stop for the whole family. The homestead includes the original mansion (Glen Magna Farms), and carriage house, animal barn, hay barn, out-buildings and pastures. Additionally, you’ll find community gardens, picnic areas, a pond, playground, disc golf course, dog park, sensory trail, and self-guided tours.
Lynnfield
Situated on the Ipswich River, Lynnfield is a modern, predominantly residential suburb of Boston, with plenty of interesting and fun things to do for visitors and residents.
Lynnfield was incorporated in 1842 and served as 2 separate villages – Lynnfield Center and South Lynnfield – connected by a governing body until being assigned the same ZIP code in the 1960s. Ponds and brooks dot this lovely town conveniently situated near easily accessible transportation routes Interstate 95 and Route 1.
Peabody
Peabody is located just 15 miles northeast of Boston and 18 miles west-southwest of Gloucester.
It has a land area of nearly 17 square miles and a population of approximately 51,000. With access to four major highways (Interstate 95, MA Route 128, US Route 1 and MA Route 114), Peabody is at the crossroads of the North Shore, boasting a busy downtown, commercial business and many hotel rooms.
Settled in 1626 as part of Salem, Peabody was incorporated as a city in 1916, its name deriving from noted philanthropist and citizen, George Peabody. Peabody began as a farming community, but soon became a major center of New England’s leather industry well into the second half of the twentieth century. Despite the eventual loss of the leather industry, Peabody recovered and grew quickly due to its diversification in other businesses.
City-owned Brooksby Farm provides year-round family enjoyment with autumn apple picking, winter cross country skiing, and summer berry picking. Peabody features 20 parks and playgrounds, three branch libraries, and a senior center considered the envy of the region. It is home to the George Peabody House Museum, Peabody Leather Workers Museum, and the Northshore Children’s Museum. The Northshore Mall offers an upscale shopping atmosphere with a wide variety of 120 specialty stores. Peabody pride is on display each year at the International Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich ethnic diversity.
Middleton
Scenic Middleton is named after its “middle” location between the crucial early settlements of Salem and Andover, MA.
Its location made Middleton a popular vacation town for the more industrial cities of Lawrence and Lowell. The area is home to several homes from the colonial period, such as the Thomas Fuller House, which was constructed in 1684. The town is also home to some of the oldest trees in the state.
Salem
Founded by Roger Conant and a group of immigrants from Cape Ann, the settlement was first titled Naumkeag, but the settlers preferred to call it Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace.
Salem is a destination recognized around the world for its rich history, which includes the tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the glorious maritime era that left an indelible mark on Salem through architecture, museums, and artifacts, and for its month-long celebration of Halloween. Today, the city celebrates its rich history with a countless list of exciting events and things to do in Salem year-round, such as Restaurant Week, the Salem Arts Festival, Salem Film Fest, and – of course – Salem Haunted Happenings. Located just 15 miles north of Boston, Salem is accessible by car, train, and seasonal ferry.
Saugus
Saugus is a diverse community consisting of 11 square miles located only 13 miles north of Boston, making it a convenient place to stay when visiting the city.
The town is geographically divided north to south by the famous Massachusetts Route 1. This 3-mile strip of highway is home to many popular restaurants and retail stores, including a regional shopping center. Breakheart Reservation is a lovely spot for walks and picnics.
Lynn
Lynn, now the largest city in Essex County, is an urban manufacturing and commercial center, densely populated and culturally diverse. Residents are proud of the city’s long history, which parallels the history of New England as a whole.
Lynn’s Central Exchange, a Massachusetts’ state-designated cultural district, is a thriving hub of exciting things to do. Galleries, colorful murals, and restaurants meld the city’s industrial heritage with the new exciting multicultural arts and entertainment scene. Lynn’s public parks and open spaces, include the oceanfront Lynn Shore Reservation; the 2,200-acre, Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Lynn Woods Reservation; and the High Rock Reservation and Park designed by Olmsted’s sons. Lynn is also home to Lynn Heritage State Park, the southernmost portion of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.
Beverly
Situated on the coast just north of Salem, Beverly, MA, has earned its nickname, “The Garden City” for its miles of beautiful coastline, picturesque beaches, and easily accessible public parks.
For a bite to eat, locally made craft beers, shopping, or a show, Beverly has all you need and more. Stay downtown at the funky Cabot Lodge or take in the Atlantic Ocean views at the Wylie Inn and Conference Center.
Beverly Main Streets and the Beverly Chamber of Commerce host many events including the popular Arts Fest Beverly in June and a New Year’s Eve celebration that brings the whole community together.
Just 17 miles from Boston, this seaside city makes a perfect day getaway for both Massachusetts locals and out-of-state tourists alike. Beverly is home to Endicott College and the Montserrat College of Art. You can find a variety of entertainment from off-Broadway performances to concerts and movies to standup comedy.
