Essex (Massachusetts)

Essex[1] 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.

Travel to Essex (Massachusetts) - Visa Requirements

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.

Tours and Getting around Essex (Massachusetts)

Essex (Massachusetts) tourist attractions and sightseeing

• The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, 66 Main Street, Phone: +1 978-768-7541, fax: +1 978-768-2541, e-mail: info@essexshipbuildingmuseum.org, [2]. Adults, $7; Seniors, $6; ages 6-18 $5, under 6 free. 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.
• Cogswell's Grant, Spring Street, Phone: +1 978-768-3632, [3]. Open June 1 - Oct 15 W-Su. Tours houly noon-4PM. $10. A 1728 farmhouse richly decorated with American folk art pieces.

Essex (Massachusetts) city tours

• Essex River Cruises, 35 Dodge St., (978) 768-6981, [4].
• Essex River Basin Adventures , 1 Main St., (978) 768-3722, [5]. Sea kayaking for everyone. Wildlife tours, instruction, rentals.

Essex (Massachusetts) souvenirs and shopping

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.

Essex (Massachusetts) Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

• Blue Marlin Grille, 65 Eastern Av., 978-768-7400.
• Essex Seafood, 143R Eastern Av, 978-768-7233.
• J.T. Farnham’s, 88 Eastern Av., 978-768-6643.
• Fortune Palace II, 99 main St., 978-768-3839.
• Periwinkles, 74 Main St., 978-768-6320.
• Riverside, 112 Main St., 978-768-7750.
• Tom Shea’s ,122 Main St., 978-768-6931.
• Windward Grille, 109 Eastern Av., 978-768-0050.
• Woodman’s of Essex, 121 Main St., 978-768-6451. Seafood in the rough.

Essex (Massachusetts) nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

• Red Barrel Pub, 171 Eastern Ave. 978-768-7210.

Essex (Massachusetts) cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

• George Fuller House, 148 Main St., Phone: 978-768-7766. Nice downtown bed and breakfast.
• Essex River House Motel, 132 Main St., Phone: 978-768-6800. One night stays available.

Get out

Rockport and Gloucester are interesting next stops.

This page was last edited by Wikitravel user Tjmather. Based on work by David. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license