Best Winter Activities on the North Shore
Are you looking for the best winter activities on the North Shore? Briar Barn Inn is centrally located to all the greatest local spots to explore.
Local Beverage Tour
The North Shore is full of craft breweries and local libations. Make a day of bar hopping one of these two routes.
Rowley/Ipswich: Anonymous Brewery, Mill Rivery Winery, 1634 Meadery, Ipswich Ale Brewery, and True North Ale Company.
Newburyport/Amesbury: RiverWalk Brewing Co., Newburyport Brewing Company, House Bear Brewing (meadery), BareWolf Brewing, Silvaticus Brewery, and Mill 77 Brewing.
Visit a Historic Landmark
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate features formal gardens and the iconic mansion that slopes down to the seashore. Tours and events are offered year-round! Book a tour.
Enjoy a Spa Treatment!
Our boutique spa offers restorative treatments to help you unwind! We specialize in Facials, Massage, Foot Soaks, Makeup, and Lash treatments. Visit our website to checkout our current specials with seasonal scents. Book an appointment online to reserve your spot!
Satisfy a Sweet Tooth
Visit Winfrey’s to stock up on old-fashion fudge, fine chocolates, and a vast selection of seasonal gift candies! Enjoy 23 varieties of their cream and butter fudge and more than 100 varieties of fine chocolates.
Snowy Hikes
Appleton Farms is filled with winter activities and is only 6.3 miles away from us. Explore their snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails or get cozy at one of their Fire Pit Picnics.
Fuel up on Award-Winning Coffee!
Just 5 minutes down the road from us is Little Wolf Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in their light-filled space with cozy seating.
Run with the Wolves
Wolf Hollow is a non-profit wolf sanctuary and educational facility. Visitors are given a unique opportunity to meet our resident gray wolves and learn more about them as they interact with their pack-mates at close range.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Downtown Newburyport is one of the top shopping destinations on the North Shore. State Street, Pleasant Street, and The Tannery are full of small business for clothing / accessories, home goods, and specialty food and gift stores. Enjoy the historic brick buildings or take a stroll down by the waterfront. There is also no shortage of wonderful restaurants to choose from for a shopping break.
Stay Cozy
Briar Barn Inn wants to make sure your stay is as cozy as possible. That’s why each room offers a gas fireplace, soaking tub, high-quality bathrobes, comfy slippers, and a Sferra Linens throw blanket. Learn more about our amenities.
Dine-In
Grove is our on-site post-and-beam barn restaurant featuring a rotating farm-to-table menu. Enjoy dishes with house-made pasta, local seafood, seasonal produce, and fresh meats. Reservation required – book now!
We love to create warm and inviting spaces for you to enjoy without leaving the property! We hope you’ll enjoy these photos of our restaurant, spa, and cozy corners of our inn! Start planning your winter stay; check out our offers!

Dampolo Photography