Essex, Massachusetts

Cogswell Grant is a working farm and living history home museum in Essex that was originally constructed in 1728 and restored in 1937 by prominent American decorative arts collectors Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little. The 165-acre property was bequeathed to Historic New England in 1984 and was adapted for use as a visitor center and living history facility. Today, the colonial-era farmstead showcases the Littles' celebrated American folk art collections, which were assembled carefully over the course of more than six decades. The beautiful residence features folk art portraits, furniture, textiles, and collectibles still arranged according to the family's design schemes. Guided tours of the facility are offered June through October on Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.

60 Spring St, Essex, MA 01929, Phone: 978-768-3632

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is a cultural maritime museum that showcases historical displays related to Essex's history of wooden shipbuilding. Between the 17th and 20th centuries, the city was known as America's top producer of wooden fishing schooners. Today, the museum displays ship models, half hulls, and other maritime artifacts throughout its lovely facility, including exhibits and artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Photography, shipbuilding tools, and shipyard dioramas are showcased in exhibits, along with preserved ships such as the Evelina M. Goulart, which was constructed in 1927. Visitors can also explore an adjacent boatyard, which still constructs ships according to historic area traditions.

66 Main St, Essex, MA 01929, Phone: 978-768-7541

Crane Wildlife Refuge is a lovely wildlife refuge located on the former estate of 20th-century Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr. The refuge is located across seven island habitats and a portion of the Castle Neck area and is surrounded by the Great Marsh, New England's largest contiguous salt marsh. Visitors can explore areas such as the 135-acre Choate Island, which is home to spruce forests, grasslands, savannahs, and native animals such as deer, coyotes, and otters. 3.5 miles of nature trails are showcased throughout the refuge, offering moderately easy hiking experiences. Outdoor activities permitted in the refuge include dock and boat launch facilities for kayaks, canoes, and motorized craft.

Ipswich, MA 01938, Phone: 978-412-2557

Activities for Couples

Cape Ann Golf Club is Cape Ann's only public golf course, owned and operated by the Stavros family and overseen as part of a private land protection agreement with the Trustees of Reservations. The club is located on a gorgeous salt marsh site along the picturesque Essex Coastal Scenic Byway and has been in operation since 1931. Its course takes advantage of the region's natural coastal beauty, showcasing nine holes set on water overlooking the Essex River. Notable golfers at the course throughout the years include renowned author John Updike, who considered the course a favorite golfing spot and mentioned the course in several stories. After hitting the links, golfers can enjoy delicious pub-style fare at the club's Fairway Pub and restaurant, which showcases dishes from executive chef Norrie Stavros.

99 John Wise Ave, Essex, MA 01929, Phone: 978-768-7544

Cape Ann Stand Up Paddleboards was opened in Essex in 2010 within a former antique barn facility in the city's downtown district. The 2,500-square-foot shop showcases paddleboards and equipment that have been carefully hand-selected for the highest possible quality, including bathing apparel and temperature-controlled water bottles. International and local paddleboard brands sold at the facility include boards from Prana, Boga, One Ocean Love, and Bounce SUP, while apparel options include selections from IMSY Swimwear and Xcel Wetsuits. Paddleboard lessons and tours are also offered by the shop, lasting one to two hours and led by experienced instructors and guides.

2 Southern Ave, Essex, MA 01929, Phone: 978-233-1787

CK Pearl is a family-owned restaurant in Essex overseen by executive chef Patrick Shea, showcasing modern twists on classic New England fare in a lovely space overlooking the Essex River. The charming restaurant is known for its award-winning clam chowder and other high-quality seafood selections, along with delicious barbecue plates and traditional New England favorite recipes. Diners can enjoy creative fish taco selections or choose from excellent entrees such as tuna poké, rhubarb gazpacho mahi mahi, or classic beer-battered fish and chips platters. A full raw bar is also offered, along with shareable plates like coconut shrimp and bluefish pate. Inventive cocktails, fine wines, and local craft brews are served up from the restaurant's full-service bar.

112 Main St, Essex, MA 01929, Phone: 978-890-7378

Stavros Reservation is a nature reserve in Essex Massachusetts which protects more than 50 acres of salt march habitat for a wide range of coastal birds and migrating songbirds. The reservation has been declared an Important Bird Area and attracts many avid bird watchers. Hikers are also attracted to the reservation and many come to enjoy the amazing views of the Essex River estuary and Crane Beach which you will find when you hike to the top of Whites Hill. The ¾ mile hike will lead you to the base of a 3-level tower built back in 1880. The top of Whites Hill is a great vantage point for spotting herons and raptors in the surrounding salt marshes.

Stavros Reservation, Island Road, Essex, MA 01929, 978 356 4351