188 nshoremag.com August 2014
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PHOTOGRAPH
COURTESY
OF
THE
TRUSTEES
OF
RESERVATIONS
BEACH
Crane Beach
310 Agrilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4354, thetrustees.org
➡
Par t of The Crane Estate maintained by The Trustees of
Reser vations, Crane Beach is an oasis of natural beauty on the
Nor th Shore. The Crane family, who purchased 2,100 acres
to transform into a summer estate in 1910, would invite the
entire Ipswich elementary school for a day at the beach each
year to play with the Cranes' two children. In their will, they left
a trust to the town of Ipswich so children could continue to enjoy an
annual picnic at the beach in perpetuity. More than four miles of
trails meander along the coast and dunes. Crane Beach is one of
the world's most important nesting sites for piping plov-
ers. Even in the height of summer, the beach does not feel
crowded, so purchase a members-only parking permit or
pay the $20 fee and take a drive down Agrilla Road in Ipswich to the
North Shore's top tranquil coastal beauty spot.
READERS' CHOICE
CRANE BEACH
REV2_188,190,202_NS August BONS_Play.indd 188 6/20/14 3:48 PM
