Essex (Massachusetts)
Essex is a town in on Cape Ann in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Settled by direct descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the early 1600s, it was later world-renowned as North America's fishing schooner construction center. Today, history permeates the town, enhanced by its many antique stores. Its population was shy of 4k during the 2020 census.
Get in
By car
From the South Take Interstate 93 North to the Route 128/Peabody exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.
From the North Take Interstate 95 South to the Route 128/Gloucester exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.
By Train
While there is no direct train service to Essex, on weekends during summer months the Ipswich Essex Explorer connects with the MBTA commuter rail at Ipswich on the Newburyport line.
See
- 🌍 The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, 66 Main Street, ☏ +1 978 768-7541, fax: +1 978-768-2541, info@essexshipbuildingmuseum.org. Photographs, tools and artifacts associated with the town's 300 year history of shipbuilding. The museum also offers historical interpretation of several other properties including an 1835 schoolhouse. Adults, $7; Seniors, $6; ages 6-18 $5, under 6 free..
- Cogswell's Grant, ☏ +1 978 768-3632. Spring Street. Open June 1 - Oct 15 W-Su. Tours houly noon-4PM. $10. A 1728 farmhouse richly decorated with American folk art pieces.
Do
- Essex River Cruises, 35 Dodge St, ☏ +1 978 768-6981.
- Essex River Basin Adventures, 1 Main St, ☏ +1 978 768-3722. Sea kayaking for everyone. Wildlife tours, instruction, rentals.
Buy
Essex is famous for its antique stores, many of which are converted from 1800s era residences. There is, perhaps, no finer array of antique shops, with over 35 establishments to browse.
Eat
- Blue Marlin Grille, 65 Eastern Ave, ☏ +1 978-768-7400.
- Essex Seafood, 143R Eastern Ave, ☏ +1 978-768-7233.
- J.T. Farnham’s, 88 Eastern Ave, ☏ +1 978-768-6643.
- Fortune Palace II, 99 main St, ☏ +1 978-768-3839.
- Periwinkles, 74 Main St, ☏ +1 978-768-6320.
- Shea’s Riverside, 122 Main St, ☏ +1 978-768-6931.
- Windward Grille, 109 Eastern Ave, ☏ +1 978-768-0050.
- Woodman’s of Essex, 121 Main St, ☏ +1 978-768-6451. Seafood in the rough.
Drink
- Red Barrel Pub, 171 Eastern Ave, ☏ +1 978-768-7210.
Sleep
- George Fuller House, 148 Main St, ☏ +1 978-768-7766. Nice downtown bed and breakfast.
- Essex River House Motel, 132 Main St, ☏ +1 978-768-6800. One night stays available.
Go next
Rockport and Gloucester are interesting next stops.
| Routes through Essex |
| END ← | N S | → Hamilton → Beverly |
| Georgetown ← Ipswich ← | W E | → Gloucester → Ends at |