Northshore Magazine

218 nshoremag.com August 2014 back riding, and picnicking spots, as well as for the original wrought-iron gate that once led to the estate and grounds, and are now referred to as "The Gates of Hell." The rem- nants of a hillside entrance to an old root cellar and tales of arson that supposedly brought down many of its structures— which at one time included two mansions—add to the haunted stor yline. Dilapidated barns and boarded up ser vant houses, a pet cemeter y, an old Italian garden, a dair y farm, and a few stone bridges are to be mar veled at. Purchased by the state in 1985 , the park now accommodates wedding cer- emonies and cultural events; and in winter, a portion is set off limits for the sake of roost- ing bald eagles, though there PARK Maudslay State Park Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport, 978-465-7223, mass.gov ➡ Once home to investment banker Frederick Strong Moseley, the 450 acres that comprise Maudslay State Park are not only rich with mature 19th-centur y plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally occurring stands of mountain laurel in the state, but the place also smacks of lore. Listed as a haunted location on several paranormal websites and pub- lications, the 1860s estate sits on the banks of the Merrimack River and garners attention for its walking, biking, horse- are plenty of trails left open for cross-countr y skiing. READERS' CHOICE MAUDSLAY STATE PARK PITCH, PUTT, AND PLAY Golf Country 160 S. Main St., Middleton, 978-774-4476, golfcountry.org/locations/middleton/ ➡ With two mini-golf courses, a long, deep driving range featur- ing plenty of targets, and nine batting cages offering a variety of speeds for baseball and soft- ball, the whole family can get in on the fun at this longtime summer hot spot. Perfect your swing with PGA professional Joe Rocha at the driving range, which boasts 50 tees—16 of which are covered and heated for year-round practice—and a premium natural grass hitting area. Mini-golf courses are well maintained and landscaped. And it is a must to stop into Richardson's, next door, for ice cream after you play. READERS' CHOICE GOLF COUNTRY POOL Manchester Athletic Club 12 Atwater Ave., Manchester-by-the- Sea, 978-526-8900, manchesterathleticclub.com ➡ With an outdoor pool, an indoor hot tub, and an indoor saltwater pool that's kept at 86 degrees, the aquatics experi- ence at Manchester Athletic Club is favored by many North Shore swimmers. Aquatics di- rector Beth Lott says the warm saltwater pool is ideal for water aerobics, stretching, and teach- ing kids and babies to swim. She also says the saltwater is healthier and more natural than chlorinated pools. "It's much better for your skin and your hair," she says. "In Europe, almost all pools are saltwater." But the pools themselves aren't the only things that attract members and nonmembers to Manchester Athletic Club; Lott says it's also the highly qualified instructors, lifeguards, and other staff who have been working there for years. READERS' CHOICE LATITUDE SPORTS CLUBS 194 Newbury St., Peabody, 978-536-0777, latitudesportsclubs.com B O N S n o r t h s h o r e Play PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT BOYD Golf Country in Middleton is a great spot to putt and play. KJ_NB_NS August BONS_Play.indd 218 6/19/14 5:39 PM

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