Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1373686
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 34 JUNE + JULY 2021 FAC E S + P L AC E S cranberry bogs. Two observation towers offer panoramic views along the coast. The refuge's popular Hellcat Marsh Loop Trail was recently renovated and is now fully wheelchair accessible. To truly explore the length of the island, consider bringing a bike along to avoid the possibility of summer traffic and parking challenges, suggests Tyler Thompson, general manager of the Blue Inn, a waterfront hotel adjacent to the refuge (which offers free bikes to guests). Though nature is the heart of a visit to Plum Island, several restaurants offer a chance to relax and refuel. Bob Lobster has an outdoor, beach-shack vibe and a unique variety of lobster rolls (wasabi lobster, anyone?), the Plum Island Grille serves up Mediterranean- influenced fare with breathtaking sunset views, and the Plum Island Beachcoma is a local favorite watering hole. Between the beaches, the natural beauty, and the welcoming atmosphere, the region might have you wondering if you really want to leave. Grillo certainly doesn't. "Every time I think about selling my house, I just can't do it," she says. "It's just a beautiful place." MUST-DO: L I V E + P L AY PHOTOGRAPHS, LEFT TO RIGHT BY MIKHAIL BOGDANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK, BY CHRISTINE RICHENBURG Salisbury Beach State Reservation Come for the day to enjoy the beach or rent a campsite and settle in for a few days of waterfront relaxation. State Reservation Road, Salisbury, 978-462-4481, mass.gov/locations/ salisbury-beach-state- reservation Blue Inn This breezy, modern hotel is set right on a private beach and features hot tubs, fireplaces, and expansive porches for an easy-to-reach escape. 20 Fordham Way, Plum Island, Newbury, 978-463-6128, blueinn.com Blue Ocean Music Hall Catch solo acts, comedy shows, and the best tribute bands in an intimate, music hall venue. 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury, 978-462-5888, blueoceanhall.com Joe's Playland More than 100 years old, this nostalgic waterfront arcade and ice cream stand offers old-fashioned fun like skee-ball and air hockey, as well as more modern video games. 15 Broadway, Salisbury, 978-465-8311, joesplayland.com Parker River Wildlife Refuge A must for bird-lovers, the refuge is also an enchanting place to explore marshes, sandy dunes, and even cranberry bogs. One of the most popular trails is fully wheelchair accessible. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, 978-465- 5753, fws.gov/refuge/ Parker_River Captain's Fishing Parties Get out on the water with a half-day, full-day, or private charter fishing trip off Plum Island with this family-owned local favorite. 2nd St., Newburyport, Plum Island, 978-462-3141, captainsfishing.co, Eastern Marsh Trail/ Ghost Trail Get a feel for the town by strolling or biking along the miles of trails that make up the Salisbury leg of the region's coastal rail trail network. Salisbury, coastaltrails.org Pettengill Farm Let your gardening dreams blossom with a visit to the display gardens at this heritage farm that has been in business since 1792. 45 Ferry Rd., Salisbury, 978-462-3675, pettengillfarm.com Plum Island Soap Co. Browse the selection of soaps and scrubs and butters and balms, all handcrafted in small batches on premises. 205 Northern Blvd., Plum Island, Newburyport, 978-465-0238, plumislandsoap.com Above, Pettengill is a heritage farm in Salisbury. Below, Parker River is home to an abundance of wildlife.