Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 20-29, 2019 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Participants can hike, bike, paddle, stroll or sail through the region and Essex National Heritage Area will provide a passport to fun and adventure. It’s all FREE and it’s all located within the 34 cities and towns of Essex County.
Come to Rebecca Nurse Homestead and get a little dirty as you become an archaeologist for the day! Come get dirty with us, as you become an archaeologist for the day! The Rebecca Nurse Homestead was at the center of a summer archaeology program, run by the University of Southern Maine and Phillips Andover Academy, teaching students of all ages how to become archaeologists.
Visit Valley View Farm to learn about Essex County's largest farmstead goat cheese maker. See nubian goat herd, learn about cheesemaking, see the cheese cave and sample cheeses. Cheese and farm products available to purchase.
One of Beverly's most familiar landmarks, this lighthouse commands a spectacular view of Salem Sound, and 3 other lighthouses. An enduring monument to Beverly's nautical heritage, it is one of 5 Massachusetts lighthouses that still retains its original Fresnel lens.
The Ipswich River Watershed Association’s headquarters at Riverbend is a great place to paddle and explore the river! Start your weekend with a morning paddle on the Ipswich River. Paddlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Before casting off, we’ll go over the basics of canoeing and kayaking. Our route will be determined by flow. Don’t have a boat? Reserve one from our fleet of boats when you RSVP. Spaces are limited.
Join Essex County Ghost Project on a FREE guided ghost tour of Hilldale Cemetary - one of the Merrimack Valley's most active cemeteries as part of Trails & Sails 2019. Join us for a weekend of paranormal enlightenment! On Friday night there will be an equipment class to learn how to use some of the tools we use today. After the class, tour one of the most haunted cemeteries in New England. On Saturday night the 21st and 27th you can bring any paranormal photographs you’d like to share and discuss before the tour. After the presentation, we will take a paranormal walk around the cemetery.
All ages are invited to the Patton Homestead in Hamilton, MA for a Kite Flying Day! Bring your own, or make a kite here. All ages and flying abilities are welcome. Come see some of the awesome kites the Kites Over New England members will be flying. Food vendors will be on site or bring your own picnic. There will also be family videos played in the Patton Homestead Living Room from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Recommended age for this part of the event is 10 & up.
As part of Trails & Sails 2019, tour the Newburyport Powder House, built in 1822 at Godfrey's Hill on Low Street. View the exterior and interior restoration and original cobblestone wagon path. The Powder House is an American Association of State and Local History merit award winner.
Join Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) aboard the Finback, owned and operated by Mahi Cruises & Charters to explore Salem Sound. Did you ever wonder what lives on the ocean bottom in our coastal area? Come check it out with an underwater camera and a Remote Operated Vehicle that you build yourself with SSCW as your guide. Participants must be comfortable on the water for almost 2 hours. Open to all ages.
Come to the Lynn Museum and Historical Society for free tours on during Trails & Sails 2019! Located in the heart of of the Downtown Lynn Cultural District, join us for a guided tour of our permanent collection and our newest rotating exhibits!
