Northshore Magazine

December 2015

Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.

Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/603345

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 52 of 292

50 | DECEMBER 2015 nshoremag.com Mayor Donna Holaday. "Interest in the arts continues to grow as more and more festivals and events are held to honor and support the amazing talent in the city." From the springtime literary festival to the chamber music festi- val to a documentary film festival, not to mention the granddaddy of Newburyport festivals, Yankee Homecoming—a celebration that attracts thousands of visitors each year—the city takes every oppor- tunity to trumpet and celebrate its offerings—something that has not gone unnoticed by tourists. That attention has only increased since the state's recognition of the Newburyport Cultural District, one of 29 in Massachusetts, Honegger says, adding that in the year since the designation, tourism numbers have increased 10 percent, with another three percent gain expected this year. "We are starting to entice Ger- mans, Chinese, Italians, Australians, and Brits," Honegger says, noting that additional increases in tour- ism—a natural stopping point for visitors exploring the coastline—are hindered by the lack of a hotel. Some may be drawn by the culture, and others perhaps by the history and the connection to the sea that comes with being an official Coast Guard City. But everyone who visits will find something great to eat. Newburyport is quickly gaining a reputation for its innovative food scene, with two craft breweries, an embarrassment of delectable baked goods, several gourmet food shops, and 54 restaurants serving every- thing from cutting-edge cuisine to traditional New England fare and gourmet pizza. "It has been very interesting and exciting over the past decade or so to watch the significant expansion of restaurants in our city," says Mayor Holaday. "The competition is clearly supporting the growth of the sector and drawing more residents and visitors to a range of places to dine in our downtown and other areas." To celebrate the diversity in eat- ing options, the city, in collaboration with the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry, debuted Savor Newburyport this past fall, a weeklong celebration partnering downtown shops, dining establish- ments, and even local fitness studios for a series of special events. The name "Savor" was meant to embrace all the city has to offer, says Ann Ormond, president of the chamber. "Whether you savor the water or the scene or the food, we have a nice package," Ormond says. "Many downtowns are missing a part of that package." Downtown Newburyport was al- most missing a big part of the pack- age—historic charm. "We were one signature away from losing down- town," notes historian Woodworth, explaining how in the 1960s, urban renewal funding favored tearing down old buildings. Then-mayor George Lawler, urged on by a group of concerned citizens, refused to sign the paper that would have led to mass demolition to create park- ing lots and strip malls, she says. These days, as the community tussles with growth and success and how best to serve everyone while addressing those needs, preservation is top-of-mind, says Mayor Holaday. "First and foremost, our com- munity strongly recognizes the significance of the urban renewal… effort [was made] that resulted in preserving rather than bulldozing our downtown," Holaday notes, adding that throughout the city's core, zoning protections for the historic buildings are in place, all sidewalks must be brick, and even signage is carefully regulated. Thanks to the foresight of those concerned citizens and ongoing preservation efforts, the city is well known for its unusually rich stock of early architectural styles. From First Period and Georgian to Federal and Greek Revival, a stroll along High Street reveals them all. Some say that new ideas require old buildings—such may be the case in Newburyport, which is often cit- ed as an example of urban renewal done right. Today's award-winning chefs, musicians and artists, fami- lies, and residents all benefit from the echoes of history and the solid brick architecture that signify this vibrant city. photographs by Robert Boyd Immaculate Conception School, Newburyport Montessori School, Inn Street Montessori School, Northern Essex Community College Newburyport High School, Rupert A. Nock Middle School, Edward G. Molin Upper Elementary School, Francis T. Bresnahan Elementary School, River Valley Charter School PRIVATE SCHOOLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Author Raymond Abbott, U. S. President John Quincy Adams, novelist Andre Dubus III, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, manufacturer Francis Cabot Lowell, actor Johnny Messner, Nobel Prize winner Robert S. Mulliken, inventor Jacob Perkins, author Harriet Prescott Spofford, Declaration of Independence signer Matthew Thornton, commander William S. Tilton, screenwriter, director, and producer Peter Tolan NOTABLE RESIDENTS Left, 17 State Street Café serves great burgers, and Eureka! is a beloved children's toy shop.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

view archives of Northshore Magazine - December 2015