If you think the North Shore is all “Salem Witches” and “Gorton Fisherman” in yellow slicker, you’ve got many other things coming to you. There is SO MUCH MORE to this diverse and historic region of rocky coastline, marshes and wetlands, beaches, and natural harbors between Boston and New Hampshire.
American History
It is one of the most beautiful and interesting regions in New England, and throughout the entirety of the East Coast. Its uniqueness results from an extremely rich heritage dating back to the Pilgrims, as well as its impressive culture centered around good old fashioned Yankee ingenuity.
The North Shore played an important role in the historical and cultural development of Massachusetts and is steeped in history…much of which remains evident today in many of its buildings, historical sites and downtown areas.
Some of the communities in North Shore that are recognized historically are Gloucester (America’s first fishing community, and birthplace of aforementioned Gorton fisherman), Salem (you know, the witch trials but also known as one of early America’s largest shipping centers), Lynn (once the center of America’s shoe industry), Saugus (home to North America’s first integrated ironworks), Peabody (largest concentration of tanneries in the world), Newburyport (large producer of clipper ships, and birthplace of the United States Coast Guard), and lastly, Beverly and Marblehead which often dispute over which town has rightful claim to “birthplace of the American Navy.”
But let’s move on to today’s North Shore, and its beautiful beaches for all you explorers out there. Check out our earlier WEBSITE BLOG on the North Shore’s Best Beaches.
Remarkable Beaches
Yes, the North Shore of Massachusetts boasts gorgeous rocky coastline, but sprinkled in between are some of the best beaches anywhere for fun in the sun, and pristine Atlantic Ocean views. Perhaps the best beach of them all is Crane Beach in Ipswich. This white beach stretches for miles and is part of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers. Plum Island in Newburyport is wonderful too. It boasts miles of public sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge which is home to over 800 species of birds, plants and animals on 4,662 acres. There are also Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea and family friendly Dane Street Beach in Beverly among many others.
So, swim, wade, shell, boogie board, sunbathe, stroll, or build the largest sandcastle you possibly can before the tide rolls in to sweep it away. Beach season in North Shore never gets boring.
Exceptional Fishing
While we’re “on the water” let’s move on to North Shore’s fishing scene which is second to none. If you’re looking to catch some fish, check out the fleet, or just get a feel of a true fishing community, Gloucester is the place to be. If you love Stripers (aka Stripahs), or enjoy watching fishermen unload giant Blue Fin Tuna, swing by one of the many fishing piers situated along the North Shore. The Swampscott Fish House (aka Swampscott Yacht Club) is the oldest active fishing supply storage house in the whole country. And for any “Jaws” fans out there, there always seem to be occasional shark sightings off the coastline. Of course, you may need a “bigger boat.”
Check back for Part Two of our Explore the North Shore Website Blog Series. We will be covering the local restaurants, breweries, and the wealth of professional sports teams, as well as how to get around!
We would love to answer any questions you may have about exploring the North Shore and extend warm hospitality while you are here! For more information, please contact Airport Manager, Beverly Bouillon.
