Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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Ann and Newburyport with Cape Ann Foodie Tours to kayaking the coast on a guided tour with Essex River Basin Adventures. FOR YOUR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS Surprising out-of-town guests with a welcome bag or care package in their hotel room is a great way to say thank you for attending your nuptials. In addition to including the requisite schedule of events, maps, and menus from your favorite restaurants, get guests acquainted with the North Shore with locally inspired gifts. For instance, food-lovers will sa - vor a copy of the cookbook Baking by Hand by Andy and Jackie King, of the Salem bakery A & J King Artisan Bakers, tucked into a picnic basket along with a bag of decadent cookies from Essex-based Lark Fine Foods, pumpkin whoopie pies from The Whoo(pie) Wagon in Topsfield, or Honey Bee Mine Granola from Pure Pastry in Beverly. History buffs will appreciate a printout of one (or all) of the Essex National Heritage Area's themed visitor guides, available for free online (essexheritage.org/theme- guides), which include detailed information about attractions re - lated to everything from the Salem witch trials to maritime history. They'll also love a gift certificate redeemable for tickets to The House of the Seven Gables (visit the museum gift shop to purchase) or a bag of old-fashioned candies from Ye Olde Pepper Candy Com - panie, the country's oldest candy company, which has locations in Salem and North Andover. If relaxation is in order, look to Plum Island Soap Company for a great variety of locally made soaps, scrubs, lotions, and more. A bottle of wine from Mill River Winery in Rowley, Russell Or - chards in Ipswich, Willow Spring Vineyards in Haverhill, or another local winery is also a nice touch (don't forget to include glasses and a corkscrew, too). FOR YOUR WEDDING FAVORS When it comes to forgettable gifts, nothing takes the (wedding) cake more than favors. That's why edible gifts are often the best bet— and maybe the least likely to get tossed in the trash. From homemade saltwater taffy to handcrafted chocolates, there's no shortage of North Shore spots to shop for candy, including Putnam Pantry in Danvers, Harbor Sweets in Salem, Tuck's Candy in Rockport, and Winfrey's Fudge & Chocolates in Newburyport and other locations. Baker - ies, like Buttermilk Baking Company in Newburyport, also offer individually wrapped and custom-decorated cookie favors for wedding guests. Other edible options might include little jars of jam or locally sourced honey from farm stands or specialty shops, or even small packets of coffee beans from a local roaster, like Atomic Café in Beverly. Philanthropically minded cou - ples often opt to skip the keepsake route altogether and donate to their favorite charity in lieu of giv- ing their guests favors. There are a wide variety of North Shore-based charities to choose from, like Beverly Bootstraps, which helps struggling families get on their feet. The Beverly-based organiza - tion just began a program in which couples who choose to donate in lieu of favors will receive a PDF to print out information cards for their guests. Another option is Amesbury- based Lucy's Love Bus, which provides grants to help children with cancer get therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, or horse - back riding, to help manage the sometimes devastating side effects of traditional cancer treatment. The organization was founded in 2006 by 11-year-old Lucy Grogan, just six months before she died of cancer. Among the many other local or - ganizations couples might choose to donate to are the Lynnfield- based Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance; the Women's Fund of Es - sex County in Danvers; the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center at Nevins Farm in Methuen; and Groundwork Lawrence. Whatever their interests or passions, local couples will find no shortage of lovingly made gifts, exciting activities, and wor - thy causes. Whoopie pies and sweets from local bakeries like Buttermilk Bakery are a nice idea, and beans from Atomic Coffee Roasters or local jams are sure to please. JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2015 nshoremag.com | 67