Occupied thousands of years ago by Native Americans, Ipswich offers a fascinating combination of history, nature and inviting establishments for food and drink. Spend days here shopping, dining, exploring outside and studying the region’s history.
Ipswich Museum is a good first stop. Join walking tours of historic homes from the late 1600s and view the museum’s collection of Arthur Wesley Dow’s varied artistic depictions of the town.
About a 15-minute drive east of Ipswich, a former family estate has wide-ranging appeal. Tour Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, a 59-room home, built in 1928. Guides in period costumes exhibit the luxurious interior and elegant gardens.
Hike miles of trails or kayak at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Separate access will bring you to Crane Beach, where you can swim in the brisk Atlantic Ocean waters or explore shore, dune, salt marsh and maritime forest ecosystems. The Ipswich River flows right through town, eventually emptying into the sea near Steep Hill Beach on the Crane Estate.
Ipswich offers numerous one-of-a-kind eating and drinking spots. Purchase apples, cider and pick-your-own fruit at Russell Orchards. The family farm is more than a century old and opens seasonally. Appleton Farms is even older, established in 1638. Stop at the working farm for local dairy products, maple syrup, produce and arts and crafts. Hike or horseback ride on its trails or walk along the former carriage paths of the adjacent section known as Appleton Farms Grass Rides.
Enjoy locally created beverages. True North Ale Company offers beer varieties including New England, Mexican, Irish, Belgian, German and Ukrainian. Ipswich Ale Brewery has a wide beer selection, including cranberry ale, and serves clam chowder and other New England dishes in its restaurant. Sample the unique taste of an ancient honey-wine drink at 1634 Meadery, which takes its name from the year of Ipswich’s incorporation.
Drive to Ipswich in about 40 minutes from Boston. Ride the train from North Station to downtown Ipswich in less than 1 hour.
