A Road Trip Getaway North of Boston Continued

After just 30-minutes of driving north, you’ll enter a region with historic downtown destinations, beaches, lighthouses, museums, restaurants, breweries, and charming hikes and farmland. Here is the scoop on popular cities and towns in the heart of the north shore!

Newburyport

Newburyport is the perfect road trip getaway destination to dine, shop, and explore! This coastal city is a travel destination hot spot on the North Shore, especially in the summer.

Stroll down State Street and Pleasant Street for shopping that offer a variety of stores for clothing, accessories, jewelry, gift items, home décor, and galleries. A few blocks away, The Tannery offers additional shopping and dining options that you don’t want to miss!

Want to get out on the water? Newburyport Whale Watch is a great way to go sightseeing and enjoy the salty air. If you’re more land-dwelling, Maudsley State Park offers 16 miles of trails to explore along the Merrimack River and forested areas with 19th century gardens and plantings. Plum Island is also a great option to explore the beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

If you get hungry, here are some of our favorite spots to dine:

• Paddle Inn: Global coastal foods, from Thai to Mediterranean, in a playful midcentury surf shop–style space.
• The Poynt: Small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal cocktails served in a stylish restaurant.
• Black Cow Tap & Grill: Classic American eats and brews with a spacious indoor dining room and rooftop deck.
• Agave Mexican Bistro: Tri-level eatery serving upscale Mexican fare, specialty margaritas & 70+ tequilas.
• Newburyport also has two local breweries: Newburyport Brewing Co. and RiverWalk Brewing Co.

Ipswich has a great mix of a quaint seaside town and rural countryside that offers a little bit of everything.

Food scene: The Clam Box is known for their legendary fried clam and seafood. Ithaki is great for upscale Greek-Mediterranean cuisine. 1640 Hart House serves hearty New American fare in an early American farmhouse. If you’re looking for something sweet, White Farms Ice Cream is sure to satisfy that fix.

Farms: Both Russell Orchards and Appleton Farms offer events year-round and has a farm stand with local products.

Outdoors: The Crane Estate is home to the iconic Castle Hill Mansion and the expansive Crane Beach. Enjoy a tour of this historic home with rolling greens that lookout over the ocean or relax at the beach with 4 miles of sandy beachfront and dunes.

Libations: In need of some premium beverages? Privateer Rum Distillery offers tasting of their award-winning rums at their boat-shaped bar and tours of their distillery (temporarily unavailable due to COVID). True North Ale Company has a vast selection of craft beers and usually accompanied by a local food truck.

Rowley is a quiet, rural town that is known for its antiques and seasonal flea markets located at The Barn at Todd Farm. Each weekend in the summer months you can see the lots filled with vendors selling collectibles and local hand-made goods.

Make sure to stop by Winfrey’s and pick up some fudge or chocolates. Nearby is Rowley’s local winery, Mill River Winery with outdoor seating for tastings.

BRIAR BARN INN, ROWLEY MASSACHUSETTS

Of course, you’ll need more than just one day to take in the North of Boston region. If you plan take a road trip getaway north of Boston, our 30-room in is the perfect place to rest, in Rowley, Massachusetts. Our rooms have a refreshing mix of antiques and art work, paired with luxury amenities like blankets, robes, slippers, a soaking tub, mini-bar, and fireplaces in each room! Dinner at our restaurant, Grove, is a great way to end the day and if you’re with us on the weekend, starting with brunch is the perfect way to fuel up before setting out for the day. We serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday but if you’re with us on another day of the week, try breakfast at the iconic Agawam Diner, a 1950’s era rail car diner with plenty of local roadside charm.

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