Souvenirs Unique to North of Boston 

There’s tangible magic north of Boston, from astounding history to the enchanting sea. Take North Shore vibes home with these 10 special souvenirs created here. You can shop online, too, and support these businesses all year.

Farm + Sea

Wish you could relive the scents of fresh salt air or coastal pitch-pine forests? The small-batch, coconut- and soy-blend candles from Farm + Sea in Amesbury will transport you right back. Try distinctive fragrances like Cozy Harbor, Beach Pines, Ocean Bluff, and Sea Salt.

Cape Pond Ice

Since 1848, Gloucester fishing vessels (including the Andrea Gail of The Perfect Storm fame) have loaded up dockside with frosty crystals from Cape Pond Ice to keep their catches fresh at sea. Be one of the “The Coolest Guys Around” with merch like hats, hoodies, T-shirts, mugs, and decals.

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie was founded in 1806, when Mary Spencer sold her Gibralters from the steps of a church in Salem. Today, America’s oldest candy company has locations in Salem and North Andover and still sells peppermint- and lemon-flavored Gibralters, alongside blackstrap-molasses-flavored Blackjacks, another historic confection. Chocolates, jellies, and other sweets may also tempt you.

One Mighty Mill

Stone-milled organic wheat from local farms is the star of the flours, baking mixes, breads, bagels, tortillas, and other wholesome goodies at One Mighty Mill. Visit their test bakery and mill in downtown Lynn to fill your shopping bags (and your belly) with deliciousness.

HausWitch

Whether you’re a calm, cool blue or a fiery, lively orange, the aura photos at Salem’s HausWitch are more than just pretty Witch City souvenirs. They’re also a glimpse of your energetic field. Step into the booth, say cheese, and let one of the shop’s Rainbow Readers interpret your colors.

Lawrence Heritage State Park

American folk-art painter Ralph Fasanella captured the grit and workaday beauty of city life. You can capture posters and prints of his paintings, like Lawrence 1912: The Bread and Roses Strike, when you drop by the museum shop at Lawrence Heritage State Park in Lawrence.

Alfalfa Farm Winery

The picturesque vineyards at Alfalfa Farm Winery in Topsfield yield complex, award-winning wines. Stop by their tasting room for a sip and pair yourself with a few bottles for later. Try estate-grown varieties like Maréchal Foch, Léon Millot, Aurore, and Seyval Blanc.

Cape Ann Sea Salt

Cape Ann Sea Salt is hand-harvested straight from the waters off Cape Ann and evaporated under the sun. The result is delectably pure salt that captures the multifaceted essence of the sea. Find it in shops and farmers markets across the region and online.

Plum Island Soap

Plum Island Soap handcrafts bath products in small batches using all-natural ingredients, right from their little workshop on the eponymous barrier island. Visiting this cheery boutique is a delight, as is lathering up with scents like Salty Mermaid, Ocean Mist, and Wild Lavender.

1634 Meadery

If quaffing a glass of mead makes you think only of Renaissance fairs, think again. Mead is an ancient tipple that’s made an updated comeback at 1634 Meadery in Ipswich. Their artisanal honey wines take inspiration from the North of Boston region, like the oak-aged Puritan Pride or Blueberry Dream, made with berries grown at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury.

Photos: Farm + Sea Amesbury by NBCVB; Courtesy of Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie; One Mighty Mill by NBCVB; Nicole Sheehan/Courtesy of Plum Island Soap

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This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.