ART GALLERY
EDITORS’ CHOICE
NEWBURYPORT ART ASSOCIATION
NEWBURYPORT
The Newburyport Art Association, founded in 1948, promotes the work of its few hundred members—some of the North Shore’s top artists—and this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. The association also runs art education programs for folks of all ages and skill levels. Pro tip: Check out the beautiful sculpture garden, located behind the building along the rail trail. 65 Water St., Newburyport, 978-465-8769, newburyportart.org
READERS’ CHOICE
ROCKPORT ART ASSOCIATION & MUSEUM
ROCKPORT
Rockport has been an artists’ utopia for more than 150 years—and since 1921, the Rockport Art Association has upheld Bearskin Neck in Rockport as a traditional gathering place of some of the region’s best artists. The association has 250-plus artists and hangs more than 40 exhibitions yearly, along with holding workshops, children’s programs, demonstrations, and artist lectures. 12 Main St., Rockport, 978-546-6604, rockportartassn.org
BEACH
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CRANE BEACH
IPSWICH
This 4-mile stretch of white sandy beach in Ipswich is one of New England’s most picturesque (and famous). Each year it welcomes more than 350,000 visitors. It’s the perfect place to play in the sand or splash in the water, Banter and Barber there’s & Clothier a nationally recognized shorebird protection program. And if you prefer to explore rather than sunbathe, you’ll find five miles of winding dune trails just behind the beach. The beach has bathhouse facilities, too. Note that all visitors are required to purchase a timed parking pass in advance. 310 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4354, thetrustees.org/place/crane-beach-on-the-crane-estate
READERS’ CHOICE
GOOD HARBOR BEACH
GLOUCESTER
A North Shore staple, Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach has a little something for everyone. The wide, flat beach is perfect for walking and playing volleyball while the Atlantic waves make for great bodyboarding, and at low tide you can walk all the way out to Salt Island. Scenic dunes and marshes surround the beach, and parking is quite limited—reservations are required for all nonresidents. 99 Thatcher Rd., Gloucester, facebook.com/gloubeaches
BED & BREAKFAST
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THE INN AT CASTLE HILL
IPSWICH
