North of Boston

The North of Boston Region has been designated as a National Heritage Area. It's rugged, rocky coastline is epitomized in the rugged, courageous character of the fishermen and sailors that still take to the seas today as depicted in the recent movie The Perfect Storm. Salem, the maritime port that opened up American trade with the Far East, also has its still alive Witches Trials history. Things to See and Do Attractions The House of the Seven Gables in Salem was the inspiration for Hawthorne's novel. Locations Essex, noted for its antique shops and seafood restaurants. The fried clam was originated at Woodman's. Gloucester is America's oldest seaport still plying its trade and a departure point for four whale watching operations. Newburyport and Marblehead feature 18th and 19th century homes of fishermen, merchants and artisans along with early American mansions built by wealthy sea captains and merchants. Nearby Plum Island is a wildlife preserve known for bird watching and its 6 miles of white beach. Rockport is a small town jam-packed with art galleries and craft, gift, and clothing shops. Its most noted spot is Motif #1, a fisherman's shack that is the most painted subject. Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester is the oldest working art colony in the US with more than 30 artists in residence. Museums Cape Ann Historical Museum in Gloucester exhibits paintings and drawings by Cape Ann artists including Winslow Homer and Fitz Hugh Lane. Peabody Essex Museum in Salem preserves the city's seafaring past. Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, and The Witch House reflect the witch hysteria that gripped Salem in 1692. Parks & Trails Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury, the state's most northernmost coastal town, a 520 acre nature reservation bordered by the Merrimack River and the Atlantic Ocean.

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