North of Boston is home to the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. Located only minutes from Boston, this year-round destination offers 200 miles of coastline and sandy beaches, world class dining, rich history, vibrant arts and culture and nationally recognized attractions. From the salty air of Newburyport to the witches of Salem, the seafood of Gloucester to the industrial city of Lawrence, there is something for everyone North of Boston!
Our cities and towns are marking this historic milestone with a variety of immersive events and multimedia experiences.
Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to make North of Boston your perfect destination.
When it’s time to make your love official, the North of Boston region is the place to say “I do.” From intimate micro-weddings to oceanfront weddings and lavish extravaganzas (when we can safely gather together again), we have everything you need to make your special day flawless and memorable. Check out our full list of resources, vendors, and venues for engagements, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, honeymoons, and more.
Looking for an authentic New England experience for your group? North of Boston has it all just a short drive from Boston’s Logan International Airport. Miles of breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches, acclaimed restaurants, witches, pirates, literature, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts & culture scene combine to your perfect destination.
The North of Boston region is the perfect destination for your next meeting or gathering. Be inspired at a range of full-service hotels centrally located or plan a gathering at a boutique inn or unique venue. When you are ready to relax, we have indoor and outdoor options for team-building or just for fun! Let us help you plan an unforgettable experience by submitting an RFP today.
Your North of Boston free guide features accommodations, restaurants, attractions, events and more!
From whale watching to outdoor concerts, theater and film festivals to Halloween Haunted Happenings, hiking and fishing to farm suppers and Culture Splash there’s year-round fun to be found North of Boston.
Attention LEGO fans!
The @wenhammuseum is excited to present Lego Train Weekend on February 15 & 16 in Wenham. This event features a vibrant, rainbow-colored L-gauge model train that races along a brick track, zooming past miniature skyscrapers, country cottages, and even mountainside ski slopes. Designed with precision—and a touch of humor—by the New England LEGO Users Group (NELUG), this playful display promises fun and creativity for all ages.
Mark your calendars and don`t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of engineering and imagination!
📸 Wenham Museum
Mark your calendars for February 15! @thepickeringhouse in Salem is hosting the 250th Anniversary of Leslie’s Retreat Forum and Discussion. This special event gathers local historians to delve into one of the lesser-known skirmishes of the early Revolutionary War and explore Colonel Timothy Pickering’s role on that historic day. Attendees will examine fascinating artifacts from the archives and discuss the enduring impact of this pivotal moment. This forum is part of the @massachusetts250 initiative, celebrating 250 years of American revolutionary history.
Learn more about this and other events celebrating our nation’s heritage on @massachusetts250`s website.
📸: The Pickering House
Join the @firehousecenter on February 15 for a unique musical experience featuring Antje Duvekot and Vance Gilbert. 🎶
Antje, who honed her soulful style through her bicultural roots and early influences like Dar Williams and Ani DiFranco, brings heartfelt, introspective songwriting to the stage. Vance Gilbert, a vital figure in the national folk scene and a pioneer of the R&B/Folk/Jazz crossover, complements her sound with his distinctive style. Don’t miss this extraordinary night that blends heritage and innovation in folk music.
📸 Vahram Chaushyan
A winter visit to Appleton Farm Store ⚡️ @appletonfarms 💚 is the perfect way to slow down and savor the season. From freshly baked breads and pastries to an incredible selection of local winter produce, there’s something special about shopping straight from the farm.
Their farm store is stocked with hearty greens, root vegetables, and pantry staples—the kind of ingredients that make winter meals feel extra comforting. And let’s not forget their artisanal cheeses and farm-fresh dairy, perfect for elevating any dish.
Whether you’re picking up supplies for a cozy weekend at home or just craving the simple joy of a warm loaf of bread, Appleton Farms has everything you need.
Have you been this season? What’s your go-to farm store find?
The Merrimack River Eagle Festival is coming to Newburyport on February 15 at the @massaudubonjoppaflats! 🦅
Hosted by Mass Audubon, this family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to spot majestic Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River and learn about their soaring, fishing, and courtship behaviors. With interactive activities that include sound effects, props, and group role play, participants will stay active and warm while exploring nature up close. With three different date and time options available, there’s a perfect slot for everyone. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of wildlife and education!
Today is the LAST day of @salemssosweet Salem`s So Sweet Festival! Don`t miss your chance to indulge in delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, live music, and special deals throughout downtown. Celebrate the 23rd year of this beloved tradition—Salem’s sweetest time of year—before it wraps up tonight!
📸 Creative Collective
At @kalamatagreekkitchen2023 in Gloucester, a tradition of love through food is celebrated every day. Inspired by a mother`s belief that "love comes through the stomach," this restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes crafted with care—ranging from savory summer tomatoes and herbs to the sweet, rich flavors of fall oranges, figs, pistachios, and walnuts.
Experience authentic Greek Filoxenia, where every guest is welcomed as a friend. Come savor the warmth of home-cooked Greek cuisine and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
📸: @tasteofmassachusetts
Looking for the perfect cold-weather activity with the kids? The North Shore Children’s Museum is a must-visit for a fun, hands-on, and engaging day inside!
Located in downtown Peabody, this interactive museum is filled with creative exhibits designed to spark curiosity and imagination. From science and art to pretend play and sensory exploration, there’s something for every little explorer to enjoy.
Whether you’re escaping the chilly temps or looking for a new adventure, this indoor gem is the perfect way to spend a winter day in the North of Boston region.
Have you been yet? Plan your visit: https://www.nschildrensmuseum.org - make sure to check the website before visiting for change in schedules due to weather, specially in the winter! ❄️❄️❄️
Fall in February in North of Boston is all about love, adventure, and unforgettable experiences! Discover a fantastic lineup of events that celebrate the magic of the season:
🌸 Cut Flower Garden Workshop (Feb 6, North Andover, @thestevenscoolidgeplace)
📚 “Enslaved People & Wenham” Presentation (Feb 7, @wenhammuseum)
Wenham Museum)
❄️ Ice Sculpture Potion Party (Feb 7–8, Salem, @witchpix)
🍫 Salem’s So Sweet Festival (Feb 7–9, Downtown Salem, @salemssosweet, @salemmainstreets)
🥂 Clicquot in the Snow (Feb 8, Gloucester, @beauport_hotel)
🛍️ Love Letter Artisan Market (Feb 8, Salem, @hawthornehotel)
🍪 Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating (Feb 8–9, North Andover, @smolakfarms)
🦅 Merrimack River Eagle Festival (Feb 15, Newburyport, @massaudubonjoppaflats)
🎶 Antje Duvekot & Vance Gilbert (Feb 15, @firehousecenter)
🇺🇸 250th Anniversary of Leslie’s Retreat Forum (Feb 15, Salem, @thepickeringhouse)
🧱 Lego Train Weekend (Feb 15–16, @wenhammuseum)
🌾 Winter Wildlife Walk (Feb 16, Ipswich, @craneestate_trustees)
🤘 The Wizard of Oz: Ultimate Ozzy Experience (Feb 22, Beverly, @larcomtheatre)
🍁 Adult Maple Strolls (Feb 22, Ipswich, @appletonfarms)
👗 Fashion in the Season of Revolution (Feb 22, Salem, @peabodyessex)
⛸️ Last Day to Skate at The Rink (Feb 23, Lynnfield, @marketstreetlynnfield)
🎸 Los Lobos (Feb 27, Beverly, @the_cabot)
Ready to explore? Check out the full blog (link in bio) for all the details and start planning your February adventure now.
Image credit: JoAnn Barrett
Shop Local for Valentine’s Day & Beyond at @shop.goodneighbor in @DestSalem ❤️ This Valentine’s Day, skip the ordinary and find thoughtfully curated gifts at Good Neighbor in Salem. From handmade goods and artisan finds to cozy home essentials and self-care treats, this shop is filled with unique items perfect for celebrating love in all its forms.
Supporting local businesses means investing in the community, and Good Neighbor makes it easy to find gifts with heart—whether for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just because. Stop in, shop small, and discover something truly special.
Join us on February 7 at noon for a free Brown Bag Lunch series presentation at @wenhammuseum! Local historian Robert Corcoran will share insights from his book "Enslaved People & Wenham," exploring the town’s 18th- and early 19th-century history of enslavement. Don`t miss this enlightening event!
🌸 Join the "Creating a Cut Flower Garden" Workshop on Feb. 6! 🌸
Discover the secrets to designing your very own cutting garden with @thestevenscoolidgeplace`s horticulturist, Kaela Robinson, at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover. Learn everything from planning and sowing to cutting and arranging a beautiful ‘cut and come again’ garden patch. Participants will leave equipped to nurture their own garden—and receive annual seed packets to get started!
📸: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens