Guidebook for Amesbury
Parks & Nature
One side is on the ocean, the other (campground & boat ramp) on the Merrimack River where it meets the ocean. Beautiful views of Plum Island. Ocean side (on the left) has food and restrooms and even a playground at the very last parking lot. Handicap accessible. Admission is $14 per day...which is a steal compared to other North Shore beaches that charge $25 & up.
If you don't want to sit in a line to get in, go before 10 a.m. Give yourself about 30 minutes when leaving the beach, as traffic on Beach Road tends to move slowly. If it's a holiday or very crowded beach day, try to leave before 2:30-3:00 or after 7:00.
WARNING: Vicious greenhead flies come out in early July, from full moon to full moon. Personally, I avoid this and any marshy beach until they're gone. Their bites are unforgettable and hurt long after. Okay, I warned you. :-)
33 habitants recommandent
Réserve d'État de Salisbury Beach
1 Beach RdOne side is on the ocean, the other (campground & boat ramp) on the Merrimack River where it meets the ocean. Beautiful views of Plum Island. Ocean side (on the left) has food and restrooms and even a playground at the very last parking lot. Handicap accessible. Admission is $14 per day...which is a steal compared to other North Shore beaches that charge $25 & up.
If you don't want to sit in a line to get in, go before 10 a.m. Give yourself about 30 minutes when leaving the beach, as traffic on Beach Road tends to move slowly. If it's a holiday or very crowded beach day, try to leave before 2:30-3:00 or after 7:00.
WARNING: Vicious greenhead flies come out in early July, from full moon to full moon. Personally, I avoid this and any marshy beach until they're gone. Their bites are unforgettable and hurt long after. Okay, I warned you. :-)
This is my favorite beach of all time. It's about a 25 minute drive from my house. Take I-95 north to the Hampton Tolls, the take 101 EAST to route 1A and follow up the coast. If you want to avoid the lines at the tolls, get off at exit for route 107 and go right . Follow Route 1 north to Route 27 East to 1A north.
The water is clean, the beach at low tide is stunning, and the drive winding along the coast is really not to be missed. There are restrooms at the beach... and usually lines for the ladies. Restrooms close at 5pm. Food is across the street -- a convenience store that sells sunscreen and beach stuff, plus a sub shop next door.
I suggest parking in the field BEHIND the sub shop. The guy charges $15, and it's easy to get in and out. Plus there are port-o-potties if you are desperate.
AVOID the metered parking at the beach unless you get there super-early (7:30-8:00 am). Why? Once you enter the lot, you are STUCK. And people are waiting for someone to walk to their car and leave so they can grab their spot. This can take forever. Not fun. And if you're there for the day, you'll spend as much as you would for the field.
NOTE: This is one of only two beaches north of Boston that aren't plagued with the nasty greenheads (for the most part) in July. Ssssssssshhhhh. Don't TELL. The other beach is Good Harbor in Gloucester, MA...but it's an hour drive and you have to get there by 9 am to get in...AND admission is $25 or higher.
29 habitants recommandent
Rye Beach
This is my favorite beach of all time. It's about a 25 minute drive from my house. Take I-95 north to the Hampton Tolls, the take 101 EAST to route 1A and follow up the coast. If you want to avoid the lines at the tolls, get off at exit for route 107 and go right . Follow Route 1 north to Route 27 East to 1A north.
The water is clean, the beach at low tide is stunning, and the drive winding along the coast is really not to be missed. There are restrooms at the beach... and usually lines for the ladies. Restrooms close at 5pm. Food is across the street -- a convenience store that sells sunscreen and beach stuff, plus a sub shop next door.
I suggest parking in the field BEHIND the sub shop. The guy charges $15, and it's easy to get in and out. Plus there are port-o-potties if you are desperate.
AVOID the metered parking at the beach unless you get there super-early (7:30-8:00 am). Why? Once you enter the lot, you are STUCK. And people are waiting for someone to walk to their car and leave so they can grab their spot. This can take forever. Not fun. And if you're there for the day, you'll spend as much as you would for the field.
NOTE: This is one of only two beaches north of Boston that aren't plagued with the nasty greenheads (for the most part) in July. Ssssssssshhhhh. Don't TELL. The other beach is Good Harbor in Gloucester, MA...but it's an hour drive and you have to get there by 9 am to get in...AND admission is $25 or higher.
You'll end up at the same great place for seeing whales -- Stellwagen Bank -- as the boats from Cape Cod. http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/whalewatching/whalewatching.html
27 habitants recommandent
Newburyport Whale Watch
54 Merrimac StYou'll end up at the same great place for seeing whales -- Stellwagen Bank -- as the boats from Cape Cod. http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/whalewatching/whalewatching.html
Gorgeous walking trails and fields on the grounds of a former estate. Beautifully situated on the Merrimack River. Very popular with families, nature lovers, dogs.
57 habitants recommandent
Maudslay State Park
74 Curzon Mill RdGorgeous walking trails and fields on the grounds of a former estate. Beautifully situated on the Merrimack River. Very popular with families, nature lovers, dogs.
Essentials
This is the closest supermarket. Pretty good selection of everything you need. A little more $ than Market Basket, but much better selection.
45 habitants recommandent
Stop & Shop
259 Main StThis is the closest supermarket. Pretty good selection of everything you need. A little more $ than Market Basket, but much better selection.
Usually one of the cheapest gas stations. Good convenience store, too. Mind-blowing baked goods.
Cumberland Farms
241 Main StUsually one of the cheapest gas stations. Good convenience store, too. Mind-blowing baked goods.
Hillside Launderette
200 Elm StIt's clean and the machines work. Nice BIG machines, too.
Market Basket
1465 Woodbury AveWalmart Supercenter
700 Lafayette RdEntertainment & Activities
Vibrant community in historic town on the water, just 30 minutes north. Lots of great shops, restaurants, walking around, outdoor festivities .
221 habitants recommandent
Portsmouth
Vibrant community in historic town on the water, just 30 minutes north. Lots of great shops, restaurants, walking around, outdoor festivities .
Shopping
Several interesting shops right in the heart of downtown Amesbury, all within a short walk of each other.
Amesbury
Several interesting shops right in the heart of downtown Amesbury, all within a short walk of each other.
One of the favorite destinations for outlet shopping. Only 20-30 minutes away. Google it to see store listings. Note: it's not really a shopping mall. It's a series of little shopping plazas right on Route 1 in Kittery, so you drive up and down the road to get from one cluster to the next. Some real bargains can be found...especially when the timing is right.
71 habitants recommandent
The Kittery Outlets
306 US-1One of the favorite destinations for outlet shopping. Only 20-30 minutes away. Google it to see store listings. Note: it's not really a shopping mall. It's a series of little shopping plazas right on Route 1 in Kittery, so you drive up and down the road to get from one cluster to the next. Some real bargains can be found...especially when the timing is right.
The Mall at Rockingham Park
99 Rockingham Park BlvdApple store, Macy's, lots more
Newington Mall Shopping Center
HomeGoods
700 Lafayette RdT.J. Maxx
380 Lafayette RdTons of small shops with specialty items. Head up State Street and along Pleasant street for more stores, and also along Water Street.
Market Square
Market SquareTons of small shops with specialty items. Head up State Street and along Pleasant street for more stores, and also along Water Street.
Nest
115a Main StBeautiful selection of home decor and gifts.
Sightseeing
Oldest boat making shop in New England. Fun to see how they are still making small boats today. Gorgeous views of the Merrimack River.
Lowell's Boat Shop
459 Main StOldest boat making shop in New England. Fun to see how they are still making small boats today. Gorgeous views of the Merrimack River.
Historic seaport town next door to us. Newburyport is a popular destination for locals and out of towners. Great shops, restaurants, beautiful historic buildings and homes, and lovely to walk around. Market Square and the Newburyport Waterfront often have something going on...music, street fairs, free entertainment, and great people watching. Also a great night life. ____________Three public parking lots near the waterfront and they charge by the hour. The nice thing is that once you park in one of the public lots, you are within walking distance of most of the action. This is not a tacky-tourist town. It's not over the top expensive, either. Some of the shops are moderate to pricey, but good stuff can be found. _______________Yankee Homecoming (last week of July) is a BIG weeklong event with tons of activities every day, plus free concerts on the waterfront at night. Bring a blanket, a picnic and a lawn chair and enjoy the fun! .
120 habitants recommandent
Newburyport
Historic seaport town next door to us. Newburyport is a popular destination for locals and out of towners. Great shops, restaurants, beautiful historic buildings and homes, and lovely to walk around. Market Square and the Newburyport Waterfront often have something going on...music, street fairs, free entertainment, and great people watching. Also a great night life. ____________Three public parking lots near the waterfront and they charge by the hour. The nice thing is that once you park in one of the public lots, you are within walking distance of most of the action. This is not a tacky-tourist town. It's not over the top expensive, either. Some of the shops are moderate to pricey, but good stuff can be found. _______________Yankee Homecoming (last week of July) is a BIG weeklong event with tons of activities every day, plus free concerts on the waterfront at night. Bring a blanket, a picnic and a lawn chair and enjoy the fun! .
Food Scene
A destination restaurant for pizza lovers who want a very yummy, very different kind of pizza. Very thin pizzas with a lot of interesting varieties. Not the place to go if you just want a pepperoni or cheese pizza. A lot of the toppings are locally sourced and organically grown, and some nights part of the proceeds go to charities. The huge brick oven is at the back of the dining room, and the place has a rustic/historic feel to it. You can also get pizzas to go. Prices are in the $17 range.
16 habitants recommandent
Flatbread Co
5 Market SquareA destination restaurant for pizza lovers who want a very yummy, very different kind of pizza. Very thin pizzas with a lot of interesting varieties. Not the place to go if you just want a pepperoni or cheese pizza. A lot of the toppings are locally sourced and organically grown, and some nights part of the proceeds go to charities. The huge brick oven is at the back of the dining room, and the place has a rustic/historic feel to it. You can also get pizzas to go. Prices are in the $17 range.
Morning Buzz Cafe'
37 Friend StGreat breakfast place. Often has a line. Fun for groups or just two.
Open April - Columbus Day. A must for ice cream lovers. 1 mile from my house. Fantastic home made ice cream. Special flavors of the day. Half-gallons available to take home. And great burgers and other take-out food. You can eat on the picnic tables under the tall pines. Fun people watching. Open 11 am - 10 pm daily. Cash only, ATM on premises.
Hodgie's Ice Cream
71 Haverhill RdOpen April - Columbus Day. A must for ice cream lovers. 1 mile from my house. Fantastic home made ice cream. Special flavors of the day. Half-gallons available to take home. And great burgers and other take-out food. You can eat on the picnic tables under the tall pines. Fun people watching. Open 11 am - 10 pm daily. Cash only, ATM on premises.
Markey's -- and Brown's across the street -- is how most folks get their lobsters around here. Less $$ than a sit-down place with waiters. And it's beautiful in the late afternoon, early evening light as the sun sets over the marsh. (See my description of Brown's, also.)
Markey's is known for lobsters and other seafood "in the rough"...meaning you sit at picnic tables inside or on the porch, they call your number when your food is ready, and you go to the counter to pick it up. You also get your own drinks. And you throw out your trash after. It's well worth it, because this is great seafood and the prices are good (although they go up in season).
IF YOU GO: It's cash only. There is an ATM inside if you need to get some moola.
IF ORDERING LOBSTERS: Go to the separate counter closest to the door. If you want steamers, you can also order them (but not lobsters) at the counter/bar upstairs (two steps up). I highly recommend just getting the lobsters and maybe a salad or steamers and a drink (order at the bar). This will help you skip the long lines if there are any. If anyone in your party is getting fried food or side orders, though, your food may not come out at the same time. In any case, enjoy. And you can get an ice-cream next door afterwards.
23 habitants recommandent
Markey's Lobster Pool
420 NH-286Markey's -- and Brown's across the street -- is how most folks get their lobsters around here. Less $$ than a sit-down place with waiters. And it's beautiful in the late afternoon, early evening light as the sun sets over the marsh. (See my description of Brown's, also.)
Markey's is known for lobsters and other seafood "in the rough"...meaning you sit at picnic tables inside or on the porch, they call your number when your food is ready, and you go to the counter to pick it up. You also get your own drinks. And you throw out your trash after. It's well worth it, because this is great seafood and the prices are good (although they go up in season).
IF YOU GO: It's cash only. There is an ATM inside if you need to get some moola.
IF ORDERING LOBSTERS: Go to the separate counter closest to the door. If you want steamers, you can also order them (but not lobsters) at the counter/bar upstairs (two steps up). I highly recommend just getting the lobsters and maybe a salad or steamers and a drink (order at the bar). This will help you skip the long lines if there are any. If anyone in your party is getting fried food or side orders, though, your food may not come out at the same time. In any case, enjoy. And you can get an ice-cream next door afterwards.
Across the street from Markey's. I've been told NH people are loyal to Brown's; MA people go to Markey's. Personally, I'll go to whichever has the shortest lines. Brown's let's you BYOB. Markey's has a cash bar. Brown's makes you stand in the same line as everyone else even when you only want lobster, and this can take a really long time. Or you may get lucky. BROWN'S also has an outdoor deck where you can eat. MARKEY'S has a porch with a roof over it, so if you want protection from the sun, go here. If you want screened in venue, go to Brown's. See MARKEY'S for more info.
31 habitants recommandent
Brown’s Lobster Pound
407 NH-286Across the street from Markey's. I've been told NH people are loyal to Brown's; MA people go to Markey's. Personally, I'll go to whichever has the shortest lines. Brown's let's you BYOB. Markey's has a cash bar. Brown's makes you stand in the same line as everyone else even when you only want lobster, and this can take a really long time. Or you may get lucky. BROWN'S also has an outdoor deck where you can eat. MARKEY'S has a porch with a roof over it, so if you want protection from the sun, go here. If you want screened in venue, go to Brown's. See MARKEY'S for more info.
Great burgers, macaroni & cheese to die for, great fish and specials, typical pub bar fare. A local favorite and landmark. Behind it is the waterfall/Powow River running through downtown Amesbury. It's fun to walk over there and cross the little footbridge over the river. On the other side is a lovely brick-filled entertainment spot, and beyond that is Flatbread Pizza. Walk through the parking lot toward the trees and follow the sounds of rushing water.
Barking Dog Bar & Grill
21 Friend StGreat burgers, macaroni & cheese to die for, great fish and specials, typical pub bar fare. A local favorite and landmark. Behind it is the waterfall/Powow River running through downtown Amesbury. It's fun to walk over there and cross the little footbridge over the river. On the other side is a lovely brick-filled entertainment spot, and beyond that is Flatbread Pizza. Walk through the parking lot toward the trees and follow the sounds of rushing water.
I know it's part of a small chain, but they have great food, fun and casual atmosphere, and incredible views of the waterfront on one side, nice big patio facing Market Square on the other side. Get the chipotle chicken salad. Try not to eat your weight in bread!
Not Your Average Joe's
221 Daniel Webster HwyI know it's part of a small chain, but they have great food, fun and casual atmosphere, and incredible views of the waterfront on one side, nice big patio facing Market Square on the other side. Get the chipotle chicken salad. Try not to eat your weight in bread!
Because everyone runs on Dunkins. And you can't throw a rock in MA without hitting a DD.
13 habitants recommandent
Dunkin'
206 S River RdBecause everyone runs on Dunkins. And you can't throw a rock in MA without hitting a DD.
It's a drive-thru Starbucks! If you'd rather sit in your car than stand in line, this is the place to go. There's another Starbucks in Newburyport, but this is the only drive-thru. And if you want to get some work done, it's bigger and quieter than the other one.
7 habitants recommandent
Starbucks
271 Lafayette RdIt's a drive-thru Starbucks! If you'd rather sit in your car than stand in line, this is the place to go. There's another Starbucks in Newburyport, but this is the only drive-thru. And if you want to get some work done, it's bigger and quieter than the other one.
If you're on your way to Rye Beach and you need food and drinks, this is the place to stop. You can grab a sandwich, chips, beverages and be all set. They make an awesome BLT, and I love the roast beef, too. Really good desserts by the register (brownies, etc.). CLOSED on Sundays.
Joe's Meat Shoppe
229 Atlantic AveIf you're on your way to Rye Beach and you need food and drinks, this is the place to stop. You can grab a sandwich, chips, beverages and be all set. They make an awesome BLT, and I love the roast beef, too. Really good desserts by the register (brownies, etc.). CLOSED on Sundays.
Great food, beautiful views of the Newburyport harbor & Merrimack River. Long, lovely deck for warmer weather drinks and dinner. Fireplace, booths and tables inside. LOVE their calamari and salads. They do something that's magic with the haddock.
39 habitants recommandent
Black Cow Tap & Grill
40 Merrimac StGreat food, beautiful views of the Newburyport harbor & Merrimack River. Long, lovely deck for warmer weather drinks and dinner. Fireplace, booths and tables inside. LOVE their calamari and salads. They do something that's magic with the haddock.
Really good Mexican food and lovely atmosphere. Located right in the heart of Newburyport, on State St. (on your right as you drive up the street). Large nacho platter is unbelievable. I'm a fan of the green enchiladas.
25 habitants recommandent
Agave Mexican Bistro
50 State StReally good Mexican food and lovely atmosphere. Located right in the heart of Newburyport, on State St. (on your right as you drive up the street). Large nacho platter is unbelievable. I'm a fan of the green enchiladas.
I hear the Pad Thai is excellent, as are several other Thai dishes including: chive dumplings, Shumai, mixed stir fry vegetable dish, Drunken noodle and Pork Spicy Eggplants. Nice atmosphere & right across from The Tannery.
19 habitants recommandent
Brown Sugar by the Sea
75 Water StI hear the Pad Thai is excellent, as are several other Thai dishes including: chive dumplings, Shumai, mixed stir fry vegetable dish, Drunken noodle and Pork Spicy Eggplants. Nice atmosphere & right across from The Tannery.
"A relaxed environment with a great bar selection and a wide variety of New England comfort food."
42 habitants recommandent
The Poynt Newburyport
31 Water St"A relaxed environment with a great bar selection and a wide variety of New England comfort food."
Very popular local neighborhood bistro focused on using the best and freshest ingredients. A 90+ bottle wine list and local/craft beers on tap.
"Stopped by here after reading good reviews. It was unbelievable, from the bread to the dessert, just wow. "
"Everything about this place is great. Be forewarned that the exterior of the restaurant is very unassuming"
Phat Cats Bistro
65A Market StVery popular local neighborhood bistro focused on using the best and freshest ingredients. A 90+ bottle wine list and local/craft beers on tap.
"Stopped by here after reading good reviews. It was unbelievable, from the bread to the dessert, just wow. "
"Everything about this place is great. Be forewarned that the exterior of the restaurant is very unassuming"
"I love the food and the atmosphere. Small menu, great dishes. The new bar area is really beautiful. I'm in love with the tartare and the seared scallops and I like the way they serve the food. It feels really elegant and upscale, but not pretentious. You can wear your jeans."
6 habitants recommandent
Crave
10 Water St"I love the food and the atmosphere. Small menu, great dishes. The new bar area is really beautiful. I'm in love with the tartare and the seared scallops and I like the way they serve the food. It feels really elegant and upscale, but not pretentious. You can wear your jeans."
Right on the waterfront, with a fireplace and great river views. Good coffee, pastries. Very popular place to bring a laptop and hang out. A little hidden behind the Whale Watch place. It's to the left of the Black Cow as you face the entrance. Gravel parking lot.Look for the boats in the yard.
14 habitants recommandent
Plum Island Coffee Roasters
54R Merrimac StRight on the waterfront, with a fireplace and great river views. Good coffee, pastries. Very popular place to bring a laptop and hang out. A little hidden behind the Whale Watch place. It's to the left of the Black Cow as you face the entrance. Gravel parking lot.Look for the boats in the yard.
Drinks & Nightlife
A must ! Always good music. Very popular nightspot for locals and visitors. Right in downtown Newburyport, on a side street off Market Square.
37 habitants recommandent
The Grog Restaurant
13 Middle StA must ! Always good music. Very popular nightspot for locals and visitors. Right in downtown Newburyport, on a side street off Market Square.
Also a restaurant with great seafood, not expensive. Fabulous rooftop deck overlooking the Merrimack River. Very popular with the locals and visitors.
43 habitants recommandent
Michael's Harborside
1 Tournament WharfAlso a restaurant with great seafood, not expensive. Fabulous rooftop deck overlooking the Merrimack River. Very popular with the locals and visitors.
They get some good acts here...not the A list, but up and coming or old favorites from the 70's + up.
23 habitants recommandent
Blue Ocean Music Hall
4 Ocean Front NThey get some good acts here...not the A list, but up and coming or old favorites from the 70's + up.
Right on the ocean, with a large outdoor deck.
38 habitants recommandent
Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge
4 Ocean Front NRight on the ocean, with a large outdoor deck.