Amesbury MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Amesbury, Massachusetts.
1. Cider Hill Farm
SEASONAL FARM EXPERIENCE
Cider Hill Farm is a popular agricultural destination in Amesbury offering seasonal activities including apple picking and a variety of gourds. Visitors can enjoy freshly made cider donuts and other farm-fresh treats while experiencing the charm of New England farm life. The farm is beautifully decorated for each season, making it a perfect destination for families looking for outdoor activities.
2. Lowell's Boat Shop
HISTORIC MARITIME LANDMARK
Lowell's Boat Shop is a National Landmark and working museum dedicated to preserving the art and craft of wooden boat building. This historic site offers classes, exhibits, tours, repairs, and boat building experiences to visitors interested in maritime heritage. The boat shop continues the traditions established centuries ago, providing a living connection to Amesbury's rich maritime history.
3. Brewery Silvaticus
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Brewery Silvaticus is a small craft brewery located in a historic mill building on the Powwow River in downtown Amesbury. The brewery specializes in Rustic Ales and Fine Lagers, offering a unique tasting experience in a historic setting. Their small but vibrant taproom provides visitors with quality craft beverages in one of Amesbury's revitalized mill spaces.
4. Lake Gardner
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Gardner is a popular outdoor recreation area offering swimming, boating, and other water activities. The lake features a beach area that becomes staffed with lifeguards during the summer season, making it a safe place for families to enjoy. Visitors particularly enjoy the lake during the off-season when they can bring tubes and floats for a more relaxed experience.
5. BareWolf Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY
BareWolf Brewing is a highly-rated craft brewery in Amesbury that has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The brewery offers a selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. Their commitment to quality brewing has made them a standout destination in Amesbury's growing craft beverage scene.
6. The Macy-Colby House
HISTORIC COLONIAL HOME
The Macy-Colby House is a well-preserved specialty museum showcasing colonial life in early Amesbury. This historic home offers visitors a glimpse into the past with period furnishings and artifacts from Amesbury's early days. The house serves as an important educational resource about the colonial history of the region.
7. Main Street Congregational Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Main Street Congregational Church is a historic house of worship that stands as an architectural landmark in Amesbury. The church features beautiful historic design elements and has been a center of community life for generations of Amesbury residents. Visitors appreciate both the architectural significance and the church's role in local history.
8. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
RELIGIOUS HISTORICAL SITE
The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House preserves the legacy of the founder of Christian Science in a perfectly-rated historic site. This well-maintained property offers insights into the life and work of an influential religious leader with connections to Amesbury. The house provides educational tours that contextualize Mary Baker Eddy's contributions to American religious thought.
9. Amesbury Millyard
REVITALIZED INDUSTRIAL HUB
The Amesbury Millyard is a collection of historic textile factories now transformed into a vibrant community space along the Powwow River. This revitalized area hosts restaurants, shops, artist studios, and outdoor spaces for live performances and movie showings during summer months. The Millyard exemplifies Amesbury's successful blend of historic preservation and modern community development.
10. John Greenleaf Whittier House
POET'S HISTORIC HOME
The John Greenleaf Whittier House preserves the home of the famous 19th-century poet and abolitionist who resided in Amesbury. Visitors can explore the well-maintained residence featuring period furnishings and personal artifacts that offer insights into Whittier's life and work. The historic home serves as an important cultural landmark celebrating one of Amesbury's most famous residents.
11. Bartlett Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Bartlett Museum is housed in a charming former schoolhouse from 1870 that was converted into a museum for Amesbury's tricentennial in 1968. The museum features exhibits on local history, including Native American artifacts, natural history specimens, military heritage displays, and a preserved 19th-century schoolroom. On the grounds, visitors can also explore a carriage house containing authentic carriages and wagons manufactured in Amesbury during its carriage-building heyday.
12. Amesbury Carriage Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Amesbury Carriage Museum celebrates the city's significant role in the carriage-building industry that once thrived in the region. Exhibits showcase the craftsmanship and innovation that made Amesbury carriages renowned throughout the country during the 19th century. The museum helps preserve the industrial heritage that formed a cornerstone of Amesbury's economic and cultural development.
13. Amesbury Riverwalk
SCENIC PAVED TRAIL
The Amesbury Riverwalk is a beautiful paved pathway for pedestrians and cyclists that connects downtown Amesbury to neighboring communities. The trail runs alongside waterways, offering scenic views and access to natural areas within the urban setting. This recreational corridor extends through Amesbury and connects to paths in Salisbury, Newburyport, and beyond, making it an excellent resource for outdoor recreation.
14. New England Sports Park
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION COMPLEX
New England Sports Park offers year-round recreational activities for visitors of all ages in Amesbury. The facility is known for its winter tubing hills, providing snow-based fun during the colder months. During warmer seasons, the park transitions to offer alternative activities, making it a versatile destination regardless of when you visit.
15. Amesbury Downtown Shopping District
HISTORIC RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Amesbury's Downtown Shopping District features a charming collection of boutiques, antique shops, and galleries set along tree-lined streets. The historic downtown area combines local businesses housed in beautifully preserved buildings, creating a unique shopping experience with character and charm. Visitors can browse everything from handcrafted items to vintage treasures while enjoying the walkable layout of this historic New England town center.