222 nshoremag.com August 2014
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Plum Island
Kayak
92 Merrimac St., Newburyport,
978-462-5510, plumislandkayak.com
Whether your interested in a kayak trip under the sun or
by moonlight, our readers' choice for Plum Island Kayak
pulled ahead of the rest in the water sports category. The
outfit offers paddle board tours as well. Exploring the salt
and freshwater marshes and estuaries along the Lower
Merrimack River makes for an adventurous outing.
WATER SPORTS
Essex River
Basin Adventures
1 Main St., Essex, 978-768-3722, erba.com
For exploring North Shore waters few can compete with
Essex River Basin Adventures's many offerings. Guided tours
(including night expeditions), group and private lessons, and a
new kids' camp make the place extremely popular during peak
kayaking season. Whether picking up a paddle for the first time
or looking to master the ins and outs of sea kayaking, a diverse
group of experienced guides provides trustworthy instruction.
After 18 years in business, owners Ozzie and Sandy understand
what people are looking for when they venture out onto the
water, and they deliver it—smart, safe, titillating adventure.
Play
TOURIST ATTRACTION
The Crane Estate
290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-
4351, thetrustees.org
➡
If your out-of-town guests
only have time to visit one
place on the North Shore,
point them in the direction of
The Crane Estate—they won't
be disappointed. The summer
estate of Richard T. Crane rivals
countr y manors dotting Eng-
land's countr yside. The spec-
tacular site includes more than
2,100 acres in Ipswich. Its great
house, Castle Hill, is a National
Historic Landmark. Designed
by renowned architect David
Adler, it is a masterpiece of the
Stuart-style manor home. (The
estate's first iteration was an
Italian Renaissance villa that
was torn down shortly after
it was finished—the Cranes
changed their minds on the de-
sign.) The allée, which extends
down to the sea is flanked with
Romanesque statuar y, and is
a magical place to roam and
spend the day in breathtaking
opulence.
READERS' CHOICE
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM
161 Essex St., Salem,
978-745-9500, pem.org
Play
PHOTOGRAPH
BY
KINDRA
CLINEFF
READERS'
CHOICE
Essex
River Basin
Adventures
makes
summer
extra fun!
KJ_NB_NS August BONS_Play.indd 222 6/19/14 5:39 PM
