North of Boston is a fantastic destination for winter fun and cozy bites!
This well-known summer destination might just become your favorite winter getaway filled with warm chowder, ice skating, fantastic festivals, inviting inns, and scenic outdoor activities.
Treat yourself to a romantic winter getaway at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, close to the iconic Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial.
Cozy up to an outdoor firepit with a glass of wine and a blanket to watch the sun go down over the winter ocean while nibbling on a charcuterie board or lobster roll. Take a walk along the working waterfront to see lobstermen pulling up traps, or visit the majestic Hammond Castle Museum. Hike the crushed-stone carriage trails of Ravenswood Park, bring your dog, or quietly observe the many species of birds. Don’t miss Cape Ann Museum’s Gloucester’s So Salty event in January, featuring family activities, ice sculptures and all things Salty.
In February, head to Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Peruse local shops while sampling specialty chocolates and curated chocolate themed cocktails and mocktails while enjoying an evening illumination. While in town, get your witch or pirate on at the Salem Witch Museum, where you can learn about the Salem Witch Trials, and Real Pirates Salem to learn about the shipwreck of the pirate ship, Whydah.
The Peabody Essex Museum will dazzle with freshly curated art exhibits and an incredible onsite gift shop. Visit Beverly’s lively Cabot Street, and take in a show at the newly renovated Cabot Theatre in the heart of the Beverly Cultural District or take in a Broadway style show at North Shore Music Theatre. Sled Marblehead’s Seaside Park, and then visit The Landing Marblehead Restaurant to enjoy contemporary takes on traditional seafood dishes while overlooking Marblehead harbor and lighthouse.
Ice Skate at the Rink at MarketStreet Lynnfield with the whole family! Rent skates there or bring your own and glide along under the twinkle lights. While there, grab a fabulous Italian dinner at Davio’s or bowl at King’s while munching on nachos and wings. Burtons offers a relaxed setting for an elevated burger or steak, and Legal C Bar guarantees regional faves like lobster mac n cheese.
It’s not a trip to North of Boston without fresh off the boat seafood that will warm your soul. Indulge in award-winning chowder at the legendary Woodman’s of Essex – the inventor of the fried clam. In nearby Ipswich, Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike the windy trails of Appleton Farms and take in stunning vistas and wildlife. In nearby Rowley, the Briar Barn Inn offers boutique spa services where you can relax and unwind before enjoying farm-to-table eats in their rustic barn-like restaurant, Grove. Just to the north, you will find Newburyport bustling with cozy taverns and roaring restaurants. Throw back freshly shucked oysters at Sea Level or step back in time at The Grog, a locals’ favorite tavern.
There are endless things to do North of Boston this winter. Grab your hat and mittens, along with your fork and spoon, and discover what makes this region so sweet and so salty!
Now that you’ve read the prologue, it’s time to write your North of Boston story. From lighthouses and pirate lore to cider donuts and vibrant sunsets worth capturing, download the free guide and start planning your visit to North of Boston today.
