Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1187612
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 38 DECEMBER 2019 FAC E S + P L AC E S Miles of undulating shoreline, a trove of historical homes, and a lively, walkable downtown all make Ipswich an appealing destination in the summer. When the beachgoers head home and the temperature drops, however, the town becomes a different place, ready to reveal unexpected pleasures to visitors willing to take the time to seek them. From peaceful views over the marshes in late fall to lush Christmas celebrations, Ipswich in the off-season is worth a visit. "It's more than just the beach," says Ray Morley, president of the Ipswich Chamber of Com- merce and owner of the Ipswich Inn Bed and Breakfast with his wife, Margaret. The character of Ipswich is tied to its history. Nestled against the expansive marshes that surround Ipswich Bay, the town was founded in 1633 by settlers drawn to the safe and pleasant harbor the land offered. The nearby deep-water harbors of Newburyport and Sa- lem, however, attracted more commerce, and Ipswich never developed a thriving signature industry. Lace-making and stocking produc- tion each had their day, but Ipswich remained primarily a fishing and farming community. Bound together by a common cause, early inhabitants of the town developed the self-sufficiency and community spirit that characterize it to this day. Even now, residents often refuse to call their town a suburb of Boston, preferring to identify as an independent community. Historians believe that these circumstances also explain the disproportionate number of homes remaining in Ipswich that date to the 17th and early 18th centuries. Residents had little time or money to spend on updating and upgrading their houses, so the historic features survived. The town's spirit emerges in full force during the holiday season, which begins in earnest with Halloween, Morley says. The town closes down a portion of High Street, and hundreds of trick-or-treaters come through. By the time December approaches, the town is decked out and abuzz with Christmas energy. A towering evergreen downtown is strung with lights and hung with stars bearing D A T E O F S E T T L E M E N T 1633 D A T E O F I N C O R P O R A T I O N 1634 A R E A 42.5 square miles P O P U L A T I O N 13,810 Z I P C O D E 01938 M E D I A N H O U S E H O L D I N C O M E $ 80,829 THE DETAILS Winter walks along the coast are restorative. The landscape is tranquil this season. PHOTOGRAPH, TOP TO BOTTOM, BY SHUTTERSTOCK, BY ELISE SINAGRA the names of loved ones residents have lost. Santa Claus arrives by boat and is escorted to the town center by firetrucks and children ea- ger to catch a glimpse of the big guy. Churches hold Christmas bazaars and carol singalongs. At Morley's inn, traditional décor and a towering trees make the common rooms festive. "You come in here and you're going to smell the tree right away, you're going to smell pies baking," the innkeeper says.