Newburyport, Massachusetts: 5 Reasons To Visit This Seaside Gem
Just a half-hour from the bustle of Boston, the charming seaport village of Newburyport is a perfect for a New England coast vacation. This picturesque hamlet is close to all the fun, yet affords travelers peace and quiet. Here are our five favorite reasons to visit this seaside gem.
Located in the town’s historic district among dozens of beautifully preserved homes is the Clark Currier Inn, the perfect place to stay and a top reason to visit Newburyport. This historic bed and breakfast inn was built in 1803 and maintains much of its original character. The grounds are equally charming, boasting gardens and a gazebo.
Guests at this inn choose from eight individually decorated rooms and suites. Canopy and sleigh beds add a touch of romance to rooms decorated in period style with antiques. Each room has its own private bath and also includes amenities such as air conditioning and internet access. A deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon tea also are included in the nightly rates.
If you are a history buff, you’ll appreciate the second reason to visit Newburyport. In addition to the many fine historic homes in the town, there are several excellent museums and historic sites. The Cushing House Museum and Custom House Maritime Museums often a glimpse back in time to life in the 18th and 19th centuries. If you want to explore the area’s legacy of ship building, take a visit to the Lowell Boat Shop, a working museum that has been running for more than 200 years.
Both the beach and harbor are popular sites in Newburyport. Plum Island offers two miles of sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathers. Boating and fishing charters can be booked in town, and guests also can take a harbor cruise.
If you are a lover of the outdoors, Newburyport has plenty of fun activities available in town or nearby. Horseback riding facilities, golf courses, ice skating and canoeing or kayaking are among the local options. You can also rent a bicycle from a local shop and tour the area. Kayak trips at Joppa Flats Education Center are a unique option, taking you through salt marshes where you’ll encounter plenty of local flora and fauna.
Newburyport is host to many fun festivals throughout the year, offering yet another enticing reason to visit the town. Throughout the year, the Maudslay Arts Center offers plays, children’s activities and outdoor concerts. The Riverfront Music Festival is a popular July event, and later in the year the Fall Harvest Festival offers everything from live music and local crafts to a scarecrow contest. At Christmastime, the village is alive with activity, including a Santa parade and tree lighting.
The town’s biggest event is Yankee Homecoming. For more than 50 years, this popular summer event features dozens of unique attractions. You’ll find wine tasting events, a beer festival featuring locally produced brews, waterfront concerts, craft shows, a themed dance and a golf tournament.
Whenever you visit Newburyport, take advantage of the extensive knowledge of the area that the innkeeper and staff have. They can help you build an itinerary that meets all your needs and makes the most of your stay.
Jane Leisteiner loves writing and traveling. For more information about this Newburyport bed and breakfast or additional reading about Massachusetts bed and breakfast inns, visit the iLoveInns or Clark Currier Inn websites.
