Our Favorite Winter Activities on the North Shore
One of our favorite things about living on the North Shore is the changes in season. Having hot summers and snowy winters gives you the best of both worlds. Winters here may be quieter, but it’s the perfect time to take advantage of your own backyard. Whether you love the cold weather or prefer to embrace the cozy atmosphere, winter on the North Shore has something for everybody! Read on to learn a few of our favorite winter activities.
Enjoy the Outdoors
1. Ice Skating
One benefit of colder temperatures is the ability to enjoy skating outdoors. Whether you’re a hockey lover or just looking to be active outside, skating is a great way to enjoy the winter season on the North Shore. Many natural bodies of water exist throughout the area, like Lake Gardner in Amesbury, Chebacco Lake in Hamilton, and Bartlett Mall in Newburyport. If you’re looking for a more controlled environment, we love the MarketStreet Rink in Lynnfield and the Ice Rink on the Common in Topsfield.
2. Snowy Hikes
Another favorite outdoor winter activity is hiking! There are so many trails throughout the North Shore that are perfect to explore all year round (just be sure to bundle up!). Old Town Hill in Newbury is a beautiful mix of tidal rivers, salt marsh, open fields, and woodlands. It’s also dog-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy it. Appleton Farms in Ipswich/Hamilton is another fantastic place for an outdoor adventure. Not only can you use the plethora of trails on the property for hiking, but you can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Afterward, warm up at one of their fire pits.
3. Run with Wolves
Wolf Hollow in Ipswich is a unique, non-profit wolf sanctuary and educational facility. Here, visitors are given the opportunity to meet their pack of gray wolves while enjoying an illuminating educational presentation. While this refuge is open year-round, there’s something special about seeing wolves interact in the wintertime.
4. Year-Round Driving Range
Golf isn’t just for the summer! At Newbury Golf Center, you can hit the driving range all year. The largest golf practice facility on the North Shore includes a 300+ yard driving range and 30 mats, 10 of which are in a covered building with radiant heat for year-round use. They are open seven days a week and open to the public.
Stay Cozy
1. Spa Day
There’s nothing better than a relaxing spa day to chase away the winter blues. On the North Shore, there’s no shortage of rejuvenating adventures. The Spa at Briar Barn Inn in Rowley offers a boutique spa experience. Specializing in Facials, Massage, Foot Soaks, Makeup, and Lash treatments, they have everything you need to unwind. In Newburyport, Interlocks MedSpa has a variety of custom facial options as well as clinical treatments like Botox, Filler, Laser Treatments, Chemical Peels, and Vitamin Injections for people looking for the next step up in skincare rejuvenation.
2. Dine-In
Another favorite way to enjoy the winter season indoors is with a cozy dining experience. There is no shortage of great restaurants here on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Sit by the fireplace at The Grog or enjoy a warm bowl of homemade pasta at Carmine’s in Newburyport. You can find great food in a comfortable space at Phat Cat Bistro in Amesbury. In Rowley, post-and-beam barn restaurant, The Grove, has a rotating farm-to-table menu you won’t want to miss. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic tavern like Fox Creek Tavern in Ipswich or Bradford Tavern in Rowley.
3. Bar Hopping
What better way to stay warm this winter than a visit to a local brewery? The North Shore is full of great local breweries. In the Newburyport / Amesbury area, you have Riverwalk Brewery, Newburyport Brewing Co., Barewolf Brewing, Silvaticus Brewery, and Mill 77 Brewing. A little farther south in the Rowley / Ipswich Area are Anonymous Brewing, Ipswich Ale Brewery, and True North Ale Company. Most of these breweries also host live music and other fun events, as well as provide games to entertain kids and adults alike.
4. Winter Market
Looking for some handmade items and tasty treats? Stop by Market Daze at Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury! Every Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm, a rotating group of local vendors, from artists and musicians to bakers and farmers, will be at the brewery selling their wares. Listen to some music and enjoy a sweet treat while you shop for everything from bread to tie-dyed sweatshirts.
