Kristin & Brett
Things To Do
Peabody Essex Museum
Dating back to 1799, this historic museum houses both contemporary and historic international art collections that provide an unrivaled view into New England’s diverse heritage. You can easily spend an afternoon taking in the diverse exhibits, with a stop for a snack or lunch in the light-filled Atrium Cafe or Garden Restaurant.
McIntire Historic District Salem, Self Guided Walking Tour
Just a few blocks from the reception venue, Colonial Hall, is Chestnut Street, considered to be among the most beautiful and historic residential avenues in the country. Download the architectural walking guide and get strolling! In the opposite direction, past the downtown area is the Salem Common. If you looked up the definition of a New England town green, the Common would likely be the accompanying picture. This lush green space is surrounded by stately Federal-style homes, many of which date from the 1700s. https://essexheritage.org/sites/default/files/mcintiretour.pdf
The House of Seven Gables
Built in 1668 right on the harbor, this majestic and mysterious historical home is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. Take a guided tour of the 2.5 acre estate, including the spectacular seaside gardens, that inspired famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is open for exploration year round and taking one of the free tours is one of the best ways to learn all about the city's maritime history. Tour the Custom House and a special ship trade exhibit, which is hidden just behind the Custom House. You can also take a walk on the wooden walkway to see the gardens behind Salem's first wealthy merchant's houses, the Derby House (which you can tour while you're there).
Bearskin Neck Rockport
The former fishing village of Rockport looks like a movie set, with colorful fishermen’s shacks house art studios, trinket shops and restaurants. The fishing shack on Bradley Wharf, known as “Motif #1”, is one of the most painted buildings in the USA and a symbol on the Massachusetts U.S. postal stamp. After wandering around Rockport’s Bearskin Neck (named by fishermen after a bear skin that was left out to dry on the rocks), you’ll wish you had more time to spend in the craft shops and galleries.
Crane Estate & Crane's Beach at Castle Hill
Across the grounds, there’s no shortage of stunning features to stop you in your tracks, including the quietly captivating Casino and the jaw-dropping Grand Allée rolling toward the surf. Allow a minimum of one and a half hours to explore the Grand Allée, gardens, and grounds. A Visitor’s Guide to the Crane Estate is a self-guided landscape tour brochure that introduces visitors to Castle Hill. It is available at the Welcome Kiosk in the main parking lot. Take a self-guided garden and landscape tour app using our TourTrustees: Castle Hill smartphone App (Google Play or Apple iPhone). Castle Hill offers four miles of easy hiking trails and is a link in the Bay Circuit Trail. Crane's Beach, just below the Crane Estate, not only has miles of shorelines but also offers boardwalks and nature trails that'll take you through salt marshes and sand dunes.