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.
🌸 Spring into adventure at Residence Inn Danvers! 🌸
Warmer days and longer nights are the perfect excuse for a North Shore getaway! 🌿 Whether you’re exploring historic Salem, catching a game at Fenway, or soaking up the coastal charm of Rockport, Residence Inn Danvers puts you right in the heart of it all.
🏡 Stay in comfort with apartment-style suites featuring full kitchens & spacious living areas
🍳 Start your day right with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet
🏋️♂️ Stay active in the 24-hour fitness center
🏊♀️ Unwind & refresh in the seasonal outdoor pool
Conveniently located on Route 1 North with easy access to I-95, the Residence Inn Danvers is just minutes from top attractions and a short trip to Boston, Salem, and beyond. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, an extended stay, or corporate travel, make it a sweet spring stay! 🌷
Looking for the perfect place to host your private event or corporate meeting? Whether you`re planning a rehearsal dinner, baby shower, semi-private brunch or a place to propose, let @milemarkerone help you make the experience the most memorable it can be with beautiful water views.
For more information visit: https://capeannmarina.com/wedding-events/
Image courtesy of Mile Marker One
This spring, maritime history shines a little brighter in Newburyport! @thechmm_newburyport proudly welcomes the return of a historic 4th Order Fresnel Lens, once lighting the way at Coney Island Lighthouse. Thanks to a collaborative effort with the U.S. Coast Guard, Congressman Seth Moulton, and Senator Bruce Tarr, this century-old beacon now has a home in the museum’s main hallway.
Come marvel at this incredible piece of maritime innovation, explore its fascinating history, and attend special presentations by Rear Admiral Daniel May, USCG (Ret.). A must-see for history buffs and lighthouse lovers alike!
Spring is on the horizon, and Rockport is coming back to life! 🌊🌸
The harbor is thawing, the sea breeze is getting a little warmer, and soon, the season will be in full swing. Who else is ready for spring strolls, seaside views, and that unmistakable Rockport charm? ☀️✨
Drop a 🌊 in the comments if you can’t wait to be back!
Eighteen Creative Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day North of Boston! Experience Irish music and food, Irish step dancing, historic house tours, dueling pianos, cookie decorating, whiskey tasting, and more this St. Patrick’s Day.
Read more: head over to @northshoremag website for details!
🥧 Happy Pi Day! Now Let’s Talk (Chicken Pot) Pie! 🥧
Today, we celebrate the magic of pie in all its forms—sweet, savory, and everything in between. And what better way to keep the celebration going than by marking your calendars for an upcoming workshop that’s all about one of the coziest pies of all: Chicken Pot Pie!
📅 Date: March 21
📍 Location: Appleton Farms
👩🍳 Led by: Baker Kami
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn to make a classic chicken pot pie from scratch, including:
✔️ Flaky, all-butter pie dough
✔️ Homemade chicken stock using bones for maximum flavor
✔️ Assembling & baking the perfect comfort food
Each participant will leave with a fully formed pie, extra dough, and a shared slice to enjoy together.
Space is limited, so pre-register today on the @appletonfarms website ! Let’s keep the Pi Day spirit alive with this delicious and hearty celebration of pie. 🥄✨
A must-visit this spring is Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, a stunning property managed by the Trustees of Reservations. This grand estate comes to life with guided tours, seasonal events, and the beauty of springtime.
🌷 Stroll the iconic Grand Allée, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery
🌊 Explore Crane Beach, where sandy shores meet the return of migratory birds
🏰 Visit the stately mansion and beautifully landscaped gardens for a taste of history and nature
Make this season memorable with a visit to one of New England’s most iconic estates! 🌿💫
@craneestate_trustees
What’s the buzz? The legendary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar takes the stage at North Shore Music Theatre on March 27 & 28! 🤩
🎶 Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s first hit musical
🔥 A powerful story of love, loyalty, power & betrayal
🎸 Iconic 1970s rock score that will leave you in awe
Don`t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience that has wowed audiences for over 50 years!
🎟️ Get your tickets on @northshoremusictheatre`s website & witness the magic!
As the season changes, @appletonfarms in Ipswich comes alive with blooming wildflowers, scenic trails, and farm-fresh experiences. One of the oldest continuously operating farms in the U.S., this Trustees of Reservations property is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. 🌱✨
🐄 Meet the resident cows and sheep
🌾 Wander picturesque trails bursting with spring beauty
🛠️ Join hands-on workshops focused on sustainable agriculture
🍁 Experience farm-based activities celebrating New England’s sweetest traditions
Whether you`re looking for a peaceful escape or family-friendly fun, Appleton Farms offers the perfect springtime adventure! 🌷
CLOSED!! Winner is @laursoriano ✨ 10k GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨ To celebrate Visit North of Boston hitting 10k followers on Instagram, we’re treating one lucky winner to the ultimate Visit North of Boston getaway, valued at over $1,000!
Prize Package Includes:
🛌Two-Night Stay for two at the charming Addison Choate in Rockport, MA: a stylish boutique inn perfect for a cozy escape, where you’ll stay in their newest space, The Carriage House!
🦞Lobster Roller Gift Card for Two Lobster Rolls: because no trip to the North Shore is complete without indulging in fresh seafood!
🐋Two tickets to a 7 Seas Whale Watch Tour: set sail and experience the incredible marine life off Cape Ann’s coast!
How to Enter:
✅Follow @addisonchoate, @thelobsterroller, @7seaswhalewatch, and @visitnorthofboston
✅Tag your travel buddy in the comments (each tag = one entry!)
✅Bonus: Share this post to your story & tag us for an extra entry!
Giveaway ends March 13th at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be announced on March 14th via our stories. Open to U.S. residents only, must be over 21 years of age. This giveaway is not affiliated with Meta.
📜 Newburyport’s Road to Revolution Part II: Nbpt Braces for Attack by Sea
Join Graham McKay of @lowellsboatshop and Bethany Groff Dorau as they dive into the gripping story of how Newburyport fortified its harbor against potential British attacks during the American Revolution. Discover the elaborate defenses that transformed the harbor into a safe haven for rebels at sea.
🔹 Explore history where it happened
🔹 Learn about floating batteries, sunken piers & artillery placements
🔹 Hear dramatic tales of British scouting missions & secret harbor defenses
📅 Date: Thursday, March 20
🕖 Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM EDT
📍 Location: Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street, Newburyport, MA
Reserve your spot today: https://tinyurl.com/55pc3zxf
@massachusetts250
March at @milemarkerone – Food, Drinks & Events you won’t want to miss! 🍀🍷
✨ All Month Long: Try the Haddock Reuben—perfectly paired with a proper Irish coffee or Guinness. Plus, they’ve got an amazing selection of Irish whiskeys to toast the season!
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th): Mile Marker One will be open for lunch and dinner—join them for festive flavors on the waterfront!
🍳 Sunday Breakfast & Brunch:
🍽️ Breakfast: 8:00–11:30 AM
🥂 Brunch: 11:30 AM–3:00 PM (Last seating at 3 PM)
🍷 March 27th – Five-Course Wine Dinner & Tasting:
Experience a wine-paired journey through Italy featuring wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, and Florence. Chef Christopher Wheeler has crafted a unique five-course menu to highlight why Italian wines pair so beautifully with the food you love. Regular dinner service will also be available.
💫 Private & Group Dining: Looking for a semi-private or private venue with stunning water views? Whether it’s a corporate outing, family reunion, or private gathering, we have the perfect space to make your event unforgettable!
Visit Mile Marker One`s website for more information!