Walking Tours of Plum Island – Explore & Discover

Walking Tours of Plum Island, Newburyport MA

The Walking Tours of Plum Island, led by Bill Sargent of Plum Island Outdoors are wonderful way to explore and learn about this beautiful and fascinating barrier island. The 2023 tours will run every Sunday from 10 – 11:30 am from March through Memorial Day weekend. The summer schedule may have some modifications and will be released in May. These 90-minute walking tours, start at the North Point of the Island by the Plum Island Lighthouse, guide participants down to the South Jetty and return back to the North Point. The Walking Tours of Plum Island are held rain or shine so be prepared with rain gear if necessary. In the instance of cancellation due to severe weather, event changes will be communicated on the Plum Island Outdoors facebook page. Given the length and significant walking, this tour may not be appropriate for young children.

During these beautiful walks there is much to explore and discover. You will see horseshoe crabs, woolly mammoth, terns, and striped bass. Investigate the Coast Guard archaeology site and speculate on whether some of the artifacts could have been used to set U-boat nets across the Merrimack River.

Visit the Sand Machine where up to an acre of sand flows through natural weirs in the South Jetty during high course tides and view impacts of beach erosion and the dredging project that is being done to protect and restore the Reservation Terrace area of Plum Island and the Newburyport Harbor. Learn about ongoing collaborative efforts of: local residents, the Army Corps of Engineers, local nonprofits and politicians at all levels; as they have joined together to implement both short and long term solutions to rebuild and preserve this cherished beach and home.

Walking Tours of Plum Island participation cost is $10 per person cash at the start of the tour. Participants can park in the North Point Newburyport Beach parking lot. The weekend parking lot cost is $20 for non-residents and $12 for Newburyport residents with a valid Plum Island Beach Parking lot sticker. The What should you bring for the trip? We recommend a camera, sensible shoes and a keen sense of humor!

Bill Sargent is well respected as an authority on this beautiful area of Plum Island and has been featured by many local and regional publications. Bill is the author of over 20 books about science and the environment, including “Islands in the Storm”, “Plum Island 4000 Years on a Barrier Beach,” and “Plum Island 2016.”

Plum Island Aerial Video Views:

Linden Trees Bring Sweet Scents to Downtown Newburyport

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

Along with the smell of the ocean air, you may notice the additional fragrant scent of Linden trees when strolling around downtown Newburyport. These aromatic trees fill the coastal town’s air with a bright, sunny, and sweet scent when they bloom towards the end of June and through the beginning of July.

Local Realtor, Lisa Yeastedt, discovered these trees while dining at the Vera outdoor cafe located directly next to her Bentley’s Real Estate office in Market Square. Along with the savory scents of her meal, Lisa noticed a sweet fragrance she had not smelled before. Wanting to know where the smell of a combination of honey and grass was coming from, she took a walk with her dog Forest after her meal and found herself at the nearby Newburyport Visitor Center on Merrimack Street. The sweet smell of the Linden tree had traveled all the way from Waterfront Park to Market Square where she was dining earlier.

Linden trees, also known as lime or basswood trees, can be identified by their distinct heart-shaped leaves, giving them a romantic appearance. There are 30 species of these large, deciduous trees that can be found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Growing to be 65 to 130 feet tall, these tall trees bloom with clusters of cream to yellowish flowers and small pea-sized fruits during late Spring and early Summer months. It is these blossoms that create the distinct scent Lisa discovered while dining outdoors at one of Newburyport’s delicious restaurants.

Linden trees are not only wonderful to look at and smell, but they also produce useful products. The trees are an important honey plant, making rich flavored honey, and the Linden tree flowers can be used for teas and herbal remedies.

So next time you visit Newburyport to shop, dine, and explore make sure to stroll around Waterfront Park. Follow the scent and look for the heart-shaped leaves to spot our local linden trees.

Piping Plovers Nesting Season Brings Annual Plum Island Refuge Closures

Piping Plovers Nesting, Plum Island Refuge Closures, Newbury MA

Each year Plum Island beachgoers must pack up their gear and vacate The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge when the piping plovers swoop in for nesting and breeding season causing a Plum Island refuge closure. The majority of the refuge beaches shuts down to the public from April 1st to early July to protected these shorebirds listed as threatened on the Federal Endangered Species list. Thank you to local wildlife photographer and environmentalist Dan Graovac for capturing these amazing Piping Plover images. Visit Dan’s Instagram or facebook pages to view more of his stunning pictures.

Why does Parker River close down? There are several reasons. While plovers nest and breed at other local beaches in the area that do not close to the public, Parker River is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This means their focusing is on preserving and encouraging Piping Plovers on Plum Island Refuge Closures wildlife, not on recreational fun. Unlike some other local coastal areas, the beaches on the refuge also have a very narrow shoreline. This makes keeping humans and their impacts on the environment at a safe distance from the plovers much more difficult. It is recommended that people stay at least 55 yards from piping plover habitats. At high tide, many stretches of Parker River are only 15 yards wide, making keeping a safe distance impossible.

There are a few exceptions to the Plum Island refuge closure. Because the popular Sandy Point State Reservation, located at the southern tip of Plum Island, is run by the state and not federally controlled, the beach remains open. There are marked off areas and signs to protect piping plover nesting zones. The reservation also keeps open a small stretch of beach at Parking Lot 1 where the shoreline is wider open a bit longer than the rest of the refuge, but it does eventually close too. But luckily you can still catch some rays on Plum Island during nesting season. Visit the Plum Island Beach page for other options during the Plum Island refuge closures.

The good news is these annual closures are working. Breeding pairs have increased since they began closing the beaches each year and Parker River is now home to the second largest plover population on the North Shore.

How can you help? Make sure to take away any food or trash that could attract piping plover predators to the area. If you happen across a plover, make sure to watch from a safe distance.

Threatened birds use up energy needed for growth and migration fleeing to safety. Finally, you can volunteer to become a plover warden. These volunteers help inform visitors about the rules for the Plum Island refuge closures and report any violations. To volunteer, call Visitor Services at (978) 465-5753.

For the most up-to-date information on beach closures, be sure to check the refuge’s official site.

Nature School Land and Sea Learning at Merrohawke

By Joe, Joe

Nature School Land & Sea Learning, Newburyport

Nature School Learning Programs

Land & Sea Nature Exploration in Newburyport’s Outdoor Classroom

Photos
Videos

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Strong Kids, Healthy Planet.

Part of the Merrohawke Nature School, Outdoor Boating Programs focus on Building Outdoor Appreciation Through Curiosity and Maritime Programs.

Led by Erica Lee and Captain George, this week-long program connects kids with nature through maritime education and activities.

Departing each day from Newburyport or Plum Island Point, Merrohawke Nature School students travel by water to explore the coastal ecology of Ipswich Bay and the Gulf of Maine.

On past trips, students have spotted dolphins, gannets, bluefish and mackerels, with no two days ever the same.

The experience continues as students haul lobster traps, collect and examine sea life and fish off the Isles of Shoals.

From marine biology, coastal ecology and oceanography to maritime history and navigation, during the course of this two-week Boat and Nature Program, kids will gain plenty of knowledge and memories.

The lead educators and captains have decades of experience taking children out on the water, and guiding them in nature, with a mission to, “Provide meaningful education outdoors along the Merrimack River Watershed and nearby coastal waters to inspire a lifelong connection to land and sea.”

In addition to Boating Programs, the Merrohawke Nature School also offers Forest Kindergarten and Teen Wilderness Programs.

If you’re interested in supporting this nonprofit education organization, please read more about donating here.

*Pictures from the Merrohawke Nature School Photo Galleries Aboard the Erica Lee & Captain George.

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Merrohawke Nature School

PO Box 235, 54R Merrimac Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

978.463.2233

explore@merrohawke.org

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Sandy Point State Reservation: Tips to Plan Your Trip

Sandy Point State Reservation, located at the southern point of Plum Island, offers beautiful views, a protected cove with calm waters, and an escape from overcrowded beaches. While Sandy Point is considered one of the most coveted beaches in the area for locals and visitors alike, planning ahead is a must for a successful trip. Newburyport.com, utilized pictures taken by local photographer/resident Lani Shumway to create the featured slideshow video. Check out Lani’s website to view more of her beautiful photos.

The most important thing to know before heading to Sandy Point is that there is extremely limited parking. There are about 15 spots at the main lot with the closest access to the beach, and an additional 25 spots a short walking distance away from the beach entrance. During summer months, and many times even off-season, these lots fill up quickly and cars line up to wait for spots to open up as visitors exit. The best way to score a place to park at Sandy Point State Reservation is to arrive early in the morning or to flip your beach day and opt for a dinner picnic. While parking is a challenge, it is also the reason why you will never find Sandy Point overcrowded, even on the best beach days.

To access Sandy Point, visitors must enter through the guard gate at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. The entrance fee is $5 per car, or opt for an annual $20 pass if you plan on visiting often. The pass gives you access to Sandy Point as well the other beaches and hiking trails located on the refuge.

The refuge will post a sign at the gate if Sandy Point’s lot is already full. Visitors can then choose to either still make the trek out to Sandy Point and wait in the 1-in-1-out car line or park in one of the other five lots on the refuge that offer beach access.

From the gate, it’s about a 20-minute drive, traveling 6.5 miles along paved and dirt roads. While the drive is slow-moving, it’s a great opportunity to take in spectacular views of the beaches, marshes, and wildlife that make up the refuge. Beware, your car will kick up a lot of dust along the way, so save any planned car wash trips for after your beach excursion!

A visit to Sandy Point State Reservation is always well worth all the planning when you can snag a spot and spend the day. Families love to visit this beach to swim in the calmer waters during high tide and to explore the tidal pools filled with ocean life and shells during low tide. Sandy Point also offers amazing views of Crane Beach for photographers, a quiet sanctuary to observe wildlife, and is a favorite place to drop a line and fish.

Know Before You Go:

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset
There are no bathrooms at Sandy Point State Reservation. The closest one is located at Lot 4.
Campfires, drones, kites, and pets are prohibited everywhere on the refuge
During Piping Plover season, certain areas of the beach may be marked off to protect nests. However, unlike other parts of the refuge, Sandy Point State Reservation does not completely close to the public.

Premier 18 Hole Mini Golf Course for the North Shore

By Steve Flynn Sr., Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Steve Flynn Sr. has worked in the greenhouse business since he was in his teens and has owned Nunan’s for over thirty years. Nunan’s is a family oriented and run business with three generation actively involved in the business. Steve enjoys the ever changing seasons of the greenhouse industry, and has built the business to be for both retail and wholesale customers .
Nunan Florist & Greenhouses

Have you been to Nunan’s lately? Last year, we proudly opened Kallie’s Kones, a full-service ice cream parlor, and Garden Golf, a premier 18-hole, beautifully landscaped mini golf course. Our General Manager and Co-Owner Stephen Flynn, Jr. came up with the idea of building a miniature golf course to our property after seeing a rise in agritourism—a term that simply means an activity or attraction that brings visitors to a farm. Wanting to venture away from corn mazes, Stephen began planning for a miniature golf course. Construction began shortly after, and on July 29, 2016, Nunan’s Garden Golf celebrated its grand opening with a weekend of miniature golf, hot dogs, and ice cream!

Nunan’s Garden Golf is in the quaint town of Georgetown, MA, surrounded by our growing greenhouses,and a full-scale garden center, flower shop, and landscape company set on our 22+ acre lot. It’s not your run-of-the-mill mini golf course, as Garden Golf boasts no windmills or dinosaurs. Instead, our 18-hole course is set amongst a beautiful botanical garden that has some of the most alluring and unique annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that grow in the northeast. The course takes you over bridges, through water hazards, by an 18’ waterfall and many other obstacles that make it a fun and challenging experience for the entire family! Throughout the garden, each plant has an identification label and our scorecards are designed with a “Plant Wish List” on the back of it so that you can write down what you like. After your game of golf, you can walk through our beautiful blooming front displays to our ice cream parlor and enjoy a Richardson’s ice cream as you shop for the plants on your wish list.

Now, Nunan’s Garden Golf has opened its doors to new opportunities within the community by offering a number of different programs, including youth programs and field trips, private events such as birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate events. Garden Golf and Kallie’s Kones have already hosted a number of birthday parties and they’re a huge hit!

Hosting a corporate event for your business? Try something new and host a mini golf tournament for your employees. Many companies have standard golf tournaments, but the problem with that is not everyone plays golf and it takes an entire day. Mini golf is comparatively shorter, sweeter, and easier to play! With a Nunan’s Garden Golf corporate event, you can bring everyone together for a fun-filled day. Mini golf is a great outing activity for your employees—it helps improve communication amongst coworkers, helps employees get to know each other better, celebrate company achievements, show appreciation, energize your team, and boost morale. At Nunan’s, you can rent the entire area to play mini golf, bring in food or have it delivered, play music, or host family games, company awards, and presentations.

Dogs on the Beach – Plum Island & Newburyport Area Beaches

Taking your dogs on the beach in the Newburyport area is a great outdoor adventure for you and your furry sidekicks. While most area beaches welcome your pups for a visit, depending on the season, there are restrictions. Before you head out for some fun in the sun, make sure to check out our guide to where and when you can hit the beach with your dogs. And for more dog specific tips check out the Dogs in Newburyport articles.

Beaches—Hoping to explore the local sandy beaches? First and foremost, your dog will need to stay on leash at all times at all of the beaches in the area. But you can still walk, run, and play with your dogs on the beach if you follow the rules! Below are tips to make each beach trip a success with fido.

Plum Island: Note that Plum Island beaches are broken into three different sectors (North Point/Newburyport, Center/Newbury and South Point/Parker River Wildlife Refuge), all of which have their own rules regarding dogs on the beach.
The North Point of Plum Island is considered the Newburyport section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on the North Point from September 16th through May 14th and must be leased at all times.
Plum Island Center is the Newbury section of the beach. Dogs are allowed on this sections of the beach all year long, however there are time of day restrictions during the Summer seasons. From May 15th through September 15th, dogs are only permitted before 8:30am and after 5:30pm, so make sure to take your furry friend on a morning stroll or a post dinner walk!
As for the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, their area of beach includes the South Point of Plum Island, dogs are never allowed on this section of the beach (including Sandy Point).
It is important for dog owners to assist the folks who spend countless hours trying to protect the plovers by being considerate and aware of keeping dogs away from any nesting plovers. There have unfortunately been instances where dogs are taking nesting plovers and hatchlings out of their nests.
For the most up to date information, check with the town of Newbury and Newburyport’s official site.

Salisbury Beach: Dogs are actually allowed on this beach ALL year long, but within restricted areas. While you and your fur babies can roam the entirety of Salisbury beach during the off season, from May 1st to September 15th you need to keep your dog’s beach walks on the riverside of the beach only. An important note, due to strong currents at this beach, dogs are never allowed in the water.

Crane Beach: From October 1st through March 31st you can bring your dogs on the beach for a leisurely walk at this picturesque location in Ipswich. The only catch is it will cost you $3 per dog you bring along for the stroll. During the peak season, no dogs are allowed.

And While taking your dogs on the beach is a fun adventure, sometimes your pups just need to get off leash to run and socialize.—make sure to check out all the great dog parks Newburyport also has to offer.

Photo Courtesy: Thank you to Mariah Eaton of Beach Dog Daycare for letting us feature her dogs, Dozer and Tonka! Planning to visit the beach on a day your dogs can’t join you? Drop your pups off at Beach Dog Daycare where they can play while you’re soaking up some rays!

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail also called Hellcat Interpretative Trail – Plum Island

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail, Hellcat Interpretative Trail, Parker River, Plum Island, MA

The Hellcat Boardwalk Trail Trail, often referred to as the Hellcat Interpretative Trail for its planked pathway, is located in Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The trail, which is handicap accessible and appropriate for kids and adults alike, offers a guided experience and breathtaking views.

The 1.4 miles long Hellcat Trail is divided into two different paths on either side of the road that runs through the refuge— a 0.6 mile Dunes Trail and an 0.8 mile Marsh Trail. Each section features lookout points and interpretive stations along the way to learn fun facts about the refuge and habitats. Visitors can choose to do just one of the paths or the entire loop. To reduce disturbance to wildlife all hikers must stay on the boardwalk at all times. Maps are available online and at the ranger station when you enter the refuge.

The Hellcat Interpretative Trail was originally built in the 1970s by high school students in the Youth Conservation Corps but recently got a Hellcat Interpretative Trail Parker River Boardwalk Trail, Plum Island, MA big upgrade in the fall of 2020. The wooded boardwalk was replaced with synthetic plastic planks and widened to make it more accessible. Along with upgrades to the Hellcat Trail, The Marsh and Dune loops, which were previously two separate paths, are now connected with a new portion of the trail.

Ready to head out on a hike to the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail? Here’s what you need to know before you go. All visitors must pay $5 per car to enter the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, unless they have an annual parking pass. Once on the refuge, the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail is about 3.5 miles from the entrance and closest in vicinity to parking lot 4 (the same lot you would also find the lookout tower from). And while your pup may love a good hike, you need to leave all four-legged family members at home—pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge.

The Hellcat Trail is open year-round but make sure to keep tabs on when the greenheads arrive in mid-July. These pesky horseflies are prevalent on Plum Island and make for a less than ideal hike. Another environmental factor to keep an eye out for is poison ivy, which is present on parts of the trail. When possible wear pants and a long shirt to protect yourself. If you’re hoping to cool off with a swim after your hike, be aware there is no beach access available from the Hellcat Trail. You will have to exit the trail and walk or drive to a parking lot that offers beach access.

Bartlet Mall

A Scenic Park Rich in History

Bartlet Mall, a gorgeous historic park at the intersection of Pond and High Streets, is a great place for ice-skating, sledding, and enjoying nature. Its scenic views provide the setting for a wide variety of popular community events, including Yankee Homecoming Olde Fashioned Sunday, Art on Bartlet Mall, and the Newburyport Lantern Festival.

Bartlet Mall is an ideal place for taking a walk, walking the dog, having a picnic, biking or running. The Mall features a basketball court and one of the top 8 playgrounds in the Newburyport area, which means fun for people of all ages!

There are wide walkways and a series of footpaths that border the Mall and lead to the Frog Pond. It has also become a highly photographed area by many local photographers. The benches, walkways and shade trees create a beautiful setting. And the view of Frog Pond, with its resident ducks and ornate cast iron fountain, is lovely.

Bartlet Mall dates to the 1600s when the first English settlers used the area as a place to water and graze sheep. It was also a training area for militias that would go on to fight in the Revolutionary War. The Mall was professionally landscaped in the late 1880s using plans by landscape architect, Charles Eliot. This work resulted in the beautiful paths and grassy lawns enjoyed by visitors today.

The historic Superior Court building, constructed in 1805, sits at the edge of Bartlet Mall. It is one of the oldest active courthouses in the U.S. Charles Bullfinch, who designed the Massachusetts State House in Boston, was also the architect for the Superior Court Building. In fact, both Bartlet Mall and the Superior Courthouse are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bartlet Mall is a shimmering and beloved jewel in the heart of Newburyport’s historic district.

Bartlet Mall

High & Pond Sts.
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-465-7223

For upcoming events at Bartlet Mall, check the Newburyport.com Events Calendar.

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Top Eight Playgrounds in the Newburyport Area

By Emily Cowan, Newburyport.Com Correspondent

We’re lucky to live in an area with more than its fair share of wonderfully designed and maintained playgrounds, including one rated top ten in the state! From relatively small but centrally located urban parks to expansive play structures banked by rolling hills and ballfields, there’s a playground for every age range and activity level. Here’s our insider’s guide to the top eight playgrounds in the Newburyport area, as rated by Macaroni Kid readers. Click the links below for an information-packed review of each park, including key details on shade structures, water play opportunities, and restroom access.

ACTION COVE

15 Bachelor St. West Newbury MA 01985

Action Cove’s whimsical, nautical-themed wooden play structure offers enough steps, slides, lookouts, and hideyholes to keep kids entertained for hours.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Action Cove

AMESBURY TOWN PARK PLAYGROUND

Lion’s Mouth Rd., between Friend and Highland Sts. Amesbury MA 01913

This expansive, newly renovated playground forms the heart of Amesbury’s park-recreation scene, boasting state-of-the art play equipment and a splashpad in summer.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Amesbury Town Park

BARTLET MALL PLAYGROUND
151 High St. Newburyport MA 01950
This relatively small playground overlooking the “Frog Pond” (Bartlet Mall Pond) benefits from easy access both to downtown Newburyport and to the footpath that rings the pond.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Bartlet Mall

CASHMAN PARK
202 Merrimac St. Newburyport MA 01950
Stop by Cashman Park on any given afternoon in good weather and you’ll find a social scene populated by parents, their babies and kids, and a wide variety of strollers, scooters, trikes, and bikes.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Cashman Park

INN STREET PLAYGROUND
25 Inn St. Newburyport MA 01950
What tiny Inn Street Playground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in location, location, location
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Inn Street Playground

MOSELEY WOODS
Spofford St. Newburyport MA 01950
Tucked into the woods just off the Merrimac Street traffic circle in Newburyport lies a 16-acre park featuring a playground, shaded picnic area, and hiking trails.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Moseley Woods

PERKINS PLAYGROUND
10 Beacon Ave. Newburyport MA 01950
Boasting a playground with a generous sandbox, Perkins Park is the go-to recreational area for families in Newburyport’s South End.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Perkins Park

PIRATE SHIP PARK
Little Neck Rd. Ipswich MA 01913
At this picturesque oceanview playground on Ipswich’s Little Neck, a modern play structure shaped like a – you guessed it – pirate ship offers lots of climbing opportunities.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Pirate Ship Park

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Historic Farm in Newbury

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a historic 231-acre property in Newbury with events and activities for you and your family to enjoy. The property features exhibits and interactive activities that demonstrate what it was like to live on a farm throughout the centuries. Much of the land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is still under active agriculture!

Visit the expansive open land and tour the farmhouse to see what life was like in Newbury in the 1690s! The farm was originally used to raise cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and chickens. In addition, fruit, vegetables, flowers, barley and fresh meadow hay have been grown on the land. The main house was built with local stone, most likely from nearby Plum Island. There are several outbuildings including a large barn and visitor center that was originally a carriage barn.

There are many fun outdoor events at the Farm including Vintage Baseball from May to October. It’s a lot of fun to watch baseball being played with rules from 1881!

You can also visit sheep, goats, chickens and a horse on the property. The Farm partners with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to foster these friendly animals. The Farm Friends is a program geared toward children 3 to 6 years old. The children who sign up for this program get to spend time with farm animals, listen to a story, and create a neat craft item to bring home. Programs run at various times throughout the year so be sure to check the Farm’s website for details.

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm owned and operated by Historic New England, a cultural preservation organization. The season for Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is from June 1st to October 15th, the grounds are open year round during daylight hours. It’s a great place to enjoy a stroll, ride bikes, cross-country ski, and ride horses. There is plenty of parking at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

5 Little’s Lane
Newbury, MA 01951
978-462-2634

Directions: Take I-95 to Route 113, Newburyport. Route 113 turns into Route 1A (High Road). Follow Route 1A for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Little’s Lane.

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Clipper City Rail Trail

The Clipper City Rail Trail –
A Bike Path Lined with Exceptional Local Art

Run, Bike, Scoot, Skate or Stroll it!

Experience the Clipper City Rail Trail – Newburyport’s Bike Path

The Clipper City Rail Trail is more than just your average bike path! Whether you live local to the Newburyport area or you are just coming for a visit, the Clipper City Rail Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. In addition to the natural beauty that sounds the Clipper City Rail Trail, you will find many wonderful works of art that line this popular bike path. Enjoy unique sculptures, murals, unique signage and even a a steel “Steam Locomotive” play sculpture with a cow catcher, coal car, bell and whistle by artists Scott Kessel and Matt Niland.

Inspiration for Newburyport’s Clipper City Rail Trail came from The City of Newburyport’s Senior Project Manager Geordie Vining. On a family trip to Paris, George and his family enjoyed the art along the Seine River and realized that art shared in a public space had far more ability to have broader cultural impact than art behind closed doors.

The original phase of the bike path runs from the MBTA Commuter Rail Station over to Cashman Park, a picturesque spot on the Merrrimack River. Construction has extend the path through the South End neighborhood of Newburyport down to the river so that folks can experience even more of Newburyport via the Clipper City Rail Trail. The last phase of the project is slated to connect the two ends providing folks a safe connection across the Rt. 1 traffic circle. Whether your ready for serious exercise or a leisurely stroll with the dog, this local bike path is a wonderful place for all to enjoy.

Along your bike route stop and experience exciting Newburyport destinations such as the Newburyport Art Association and the Custom House Maritime Museum. If you work up an appetite, stop at one of the many restaurants along the way such as Metzy’s Cantina right next to the Newburyport Commuter Rail Station or Sea Level Oyster Bar to enjoy beautiful water views as you pass through downtown.

Clipper City Rail Trail

Merrimack River to the MBTA Station
Merrimack River through the South End

Rail Trail Map

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Detailed Rail Trail Overview

Waterfront Park

By Joe, Joe

Newburyport’s Waterfront Park

You’ll be having some fun down at the boardwalk

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Experience the Sunrise at Waterfront Park

Newburyport Waterfront Park is positioned in the center of downtown Newburyport, Massachusetts.

A perfect green space, Waterfront Park has a great boardwalk that runs along the Merrimack River and plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the waterfront views and boating activity.

Waterfront Park also plays hosts to a variety of exercise classes, the occasional summer wedding and plenty of live entertainment from local theater performances to world class bands during Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming and Riverfront Music Festival.

As part of an Urban Renewal Project in the 60’s, Waterfront Park was taken by eminent domain by the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority (NRA) and is now maintained and managed by the Newburyport Waterfront Trust, a team of five Trustees appointed by the Mayor. The duty of the Trust is to, “Keep the public ways and Boardwalk “open” for the benefit of the general public.”

Some have expressed interest in a new vision for the park as seen in this Waterfront Master Plan by Union Studio Architecture and Design. In this design the park would increase in size with the addition of two three-story mixed-used buildings and more parking, costing a developer an estimated $30 million.

Citizens for an Open Waterfront remain in support of open views of the Merrimack River including recreational activities like volleyball and a wading pool, as well as improved parking, however the group rejects the proposed buildings as the centerpiece of the design.

Waterfront Park

Downtown Newburyport, behind the Firehouse Center of the Arts
Newburyport, MA 01950

Managed by the Newburyport Waterfront Trust

Special events that require use of any portion of the Waterfront Park require approval. Park Use Application

Newburyport VIPs

Receive VIP treatment at Best of Newburyport^™ restaurants, accommodations, shops & attractions.

Figtree Kitchen

10% Off Purchase of $10 or More

Riverside Cycle

10% Off Over $50 Excluding Bikes, Trailers and Parts

Inn At Rings Island

10% Off, Excludes Suites. Must mention when booking & show card at check-in.

MetroRock Indoor Rock Climbing, Newburyport MA

MetroRock Newburyport

Free Equipment Rentals for All Day Pass Participants

Newburyport Life On The Water

By Krissy Ventura, Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Residential Sales Specialist for the BENTLEY'S Real Estate Team, Krissy works as a buyer’s agent, tirelessly to find her clients the perfect home, as she understands the importance of getting it right the first time. As a listing agent, Krissy will work her hardest to sell your home at the highest price, in the shortest amount of time, and with the most favorable terms. Krissy has outstanding communication skills developed over many years working in the business world, and she makes it a top priority to stay in touch with her clients at all times with updates on their particular situation. She is a happily married native of Newburyport with three children. Contact Krissy to schedule an appointment!
Krissy Ventura

Newburyport on the Water, Newburyport MA

The weather has finally started to brighten and spring is in the air…and nowhere is that more apparent than in Downtown Newburyport on the water. The marina workers are busy getting all of the docks into the water. They pulled them out last October/November and they have been sitting in the boatyards all winter, under ten feet of snow, as was the case this year. Well the snow has melted and the docks are being painstakingly moved from their winter storage and into position all along the banks of the Merrimack River. Its hard work and takes some time, but this group of guys have been doing it for over 25 years, so they know their stuff!

The largest marina in the area is called Newburyport Marinas and it includes the docks at Newburyport Harbor Marina, Hilton’s Marina, Windward Yacht Yard and the Newburyport Boat Basin. They are all located along the Merrimack River in historic Newburyport, with more than 500 slips for seasonal/transient dockage and accommodations for boats ranging in size up to 125′. We happen to have a small 22’ Sea Ray and moor it at Hilton’s Marina, right next to the Black Cow restaurant. HILTON’S MARINA is just 3 miles from the mouth of the Merrimack River with 65 slips. Hilton’s Marina can accommodate boats ranging in size up to 100’ feet and is a short walk to shopping, dining and activities in the downtown area. It’s a wonderful place to keep your boat, as it is a short ride up river or even out through the mouth of the river to enjoy the ocean on your way to places like Cranes Beach, the Isles of Shoals, fishing at Jeffries Ledge or other local harbors.

Along with personal boating, the City offers many other options to enjoy the water. We have a whale watching company, kayak and paddle board rental company, the Ninth Wave catamaran for rentals and a small river cruise trip from the main docks on the waterfront. Enjoy the water and then head up town to enjoy some great shopping or have a delicious meal in one of our many restaurants. Newburyport has a lot to offer the frequent visitor but really makes life feel like a permanent vacation when you live here!!! ENJOY!

Plum Island Beach

By Joe, Joe

Plum Island Beach

Newburyport’s Beach – Explore, Play, Relax!

Plum Island Beach is a beautiful New England barrier island offering locals and visitors an opportunity to explore, play and relax. A family-friendly Newburyport attraction, Plum Island Beach offers many fun and interesting things to do. Discover amazing bird watching and the natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking or just chill out on the beach and make sure to visit the cool Plum Island restaurants. Slideshow video created by Newburyport.com, utilizing pictures taken by local photographer/resident Donna Landry. Check out Donna’s Instagram page to view more of her beautiful photos (dlandry5) or watch her perform live with her band, The Boondock Sinners.

Plum Island is named for the beach plum shrubs that grow in the dunes and is 11 miles in length. There are three popular Plum Island Beach destinations on the island: The Refuge, Plum Island Center and The North Point. As you come across the bridge towards Plum Island, turn right on Sunset Drive to reach the Refuge entrance. If you’re heading to Plum Island Center continue straight a few blocks on Plum Island Boulevard. As you pass through Plum Island Center, follow the road as it veers to the left. Continue a few miles on Northern Boulevard to the North Point parking lot. Each area of Plum Island Beach has a parking lot and offers either public rest rooms or portable restroom options.

The Refuge, (Parker River National Wildlife Refuge) runs through Newbury, Rowley and down to Ipswich spanning 4,700 acres including 3,000+ acres of salt marsh and provides habitat for over 300 species. On the far Southern Point of the Island you will find Sandy Point State Reservation, a very picturesque Plum Island Beach located across from Cranes Beach in Ipswich, MA. The Hellcat Interpretive Trail is another very popular destination also located on the Refuge. Make sure to check the Refuge website or facebook page before planning your trip as the Refuge closes at certain points for the protection of Piping Plover breeding and nesting. The Refuge offers beach access from the following Refuge parking lots: 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Public restrooms are located at lot 1, lot 4 and the Refuge maintenance area and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Other Refuge lots offer portable restroom options.

Plum Island Center is located in Newbury and is the best choice if your priorities include being near restaurants, ice cream and convenience stores. There are a few parking lots just across the street from the the main beach entrance and portable restrooms are located on the edge of the beach.

The North Point of the Island is located in Newburyport and is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Merrimack River at the mouth of the Newburyport Harbor. This part of Plum Island Beach offers beautiful views but swimmers are warned to stay close to the shore and not to swim out to the sandbar as the tides are known to change rapidly causing dangerous conditions. The Plum Island Light House is a picturesque historic landmark located at the Northern end of the Island, across the street from the North Point parking lot and public restrooms. If you have kids they are certain to spot the cool playground on the edge of the beach next to the parking lot. Captains Fishing Parties is a another popular destination located directly on the beach offering both public and private boat trips.

Although Plum Island is a popular vacation destination, the majority of residents live on the Island year round. If you’re looking to purchase a home on Plum Island you will find a very broad range of homes and price points.

Plum Island Beach
Newburyport, Newbury, Rowley & Ipswich, MA

Plum Island Real Estate

Things to Do:

Plum Island Light House

Captain’s Fishing Parties

Plum Island Pink House

Plum Island Airport

Hellcat Interpretative Trail – Boardwalk Trail

Sandy Point State Reservation

Things to Know:

Plum Island Parking Lots

Piping Plovers

Rules for Dogs on the Beach

Suggestion for Dog Daycare

Greenheads

US Harbors Tide Guide for Newburyport’s Merrimack River

Directions from Boston

Take I-95 North to Exit 86, Rt. 113 East. As you drive through Newburyport, MA Rt. 113 will become Main Street and then will turn back into Rt. 113 as you leave Newburyport and pass into Newbury. You will pass the Newbury Town Green on your right and take a left at the traffic light on to Rolfe’s Lane. At the end of Rolfe’s Lane you will take a right on to Newburyport Turnpike and follow it over to the beach. You will pass the Newburyport Airport on your right and Bob Lobster on the left.

If you want to go to the Parker River National Wildlife Reservation Beach, take a right at the Plum Island Grille, on to Sunset Drive. Keep straight if you want to head to the main public beach.