A spectacular mix of tidal rivers, salt marsh, open fields, and woodlands define Old Town Hill—a site Indigenous Peoples called Quascacunquen—and lands to the west. In the upland, second-growth forest and fields support ground-nesting birds and serve as hunting grounds for hawks and owls. Mud snails, green crabs, and ribbed mussels live in the tidal creeks and provide food for wading birds, such as egrets and great blue herons. Salt meadow grass, cordgrass, seaside goldenrod, and sea lavender thrive in the tidal salt marsh, created through glacial action some 12,000 years ago. And today, the ebb and flow of the Parker and Little rivers—freshwater streams with sources miles inland that become increasingly tidal as they approach the coast—remain critical to keeping the marsh healthy.
Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a family-friendly National Historic Landmark with activities for all ages. The 230-acre site includes a 1690 manor house that served as the country seat of wealthy Newburyport merchants and an attached farmhouse that was home to a Lithuanian family for most of the twentieth century. Take a tour or come to one of the farm’s many outdoor events, including Vintage Base Ball from May to October. LOCATION 5 Little’s Lane Newbury, Mass. 01951
DAYS & HOURS Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays June – October 15
Grounds open Daily from dawn to dusk
Tours on the hour 11 AM – 4 PM
ADMISSION $10 adults $9 seniors $5 students and children
Free to Historic New England members.
Grounds: free
Come enjoy a walk through two floors of this 1808 brick Federal-style home, full of objects and stories of Old Newbury. From June 1 - October 8, the house is open for tours Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm. See additional information on this page.
From mid-October-May with advance notice, private tours are available. Please contact the museum with as much notice as possible. Private tours are a benefit of membership. Call 978-462-2681 to schedule your tour for up to 8 people. Note - you must become a museum member or have an active membership to schedule an off-season tour - please call first to make sure we can accommodate your group. Regular Season Museum Tours (June 1 - Oct. 8, 2023)
Thursday-Sunday - open between 11am-5pm* Tours are on the hour and limited to ten people - please arrive 10 minutes early. *Last tour is at 4pm.
Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 youth Free for members of the Museum of Old Newbury (join here) Free for residents of “Old Newbury”: Newburyport, Newbury, or West Newbury
From High Street to the shores of the Merrimack, the neighborhoods of Newburyport are steeped in maritime history, rich with stories of the people who helped build this city, explore these waters, and found our nation. From its settlement to its rise as a maritime hub to its rebirth, we’re here to tell its story. To share its legacy. To show you how you’re a part of where we will go. We are the Custom House Maritime Museum, the stewards of your maritime history. Summer Hours:
Mondays – Closed
Tuesday – Wednesday 12-5
Thursday – Saturday 10-5
Sunday – 12-5
ADMISSION
$7 for Adults $5 for Seniors & Students Free for Newburyport Residents
Newburyport’s downtown shopping caters to a broad scope of business types. Whether you’re in the market for: fashion boutiques, antiques, art, jewelry, specialty foods & wine, furniture, home décor, floral, pet products, sport’s, health/beauty, or giftware, you’re certain to enjoy the shopping experience! You’ll score the latest seacoast fashions at The Nauti Pearl, and find the perfect jewelry to complement at Pam Older Designs. Gift your kids cool sports memorabilia from the Cuckoo’s Nest, your puppy gourmet treats at Just Dogs Newburyport and yourself a beautiful vintage from Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese Shop.
Maudslay State Park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. It's the perfect place for a walk, bike ride or picnic. Educational programs are offered during the summer. Parkingat Maudslay State Park Daily parking fees charged year round
MA resident $5
Non-MA resident $20
Resident and non resident status is determined by the vehicle license plate
Amesbury's largest island, and the only one accessible by car, Deer Island briefly splits the mighty Merrimack river in half as the river begins to open up to form Newburyport Harbor. Two private homes sit on the west side of the island, but the east side is protected conservation land, which was purchased by the city in 1984.
A short loop trail goes around the forested part of the island, and smaller trails branch out to fishing spots on the shore line, an east-facing beach area, and beautiful rocky outcroppings frequented by painters and photographers.
Access Deer Island is an island in the Merrimack on the Amesbury/Newburyport border. Follow Main St. or Merrill St. to the bridge, and look for the parking on lot on the left after crossing the first bridge, but before you get to the chain bridge.
Or Google yourself over to this location. Parking is available for a few dozen cars.