Explore the coastal New England village of Essex, Massachusetts – known for shipbuilding, its estuary and pastoral landscapes, distinctive architecture, antique shops, outdoor recreation, restaurants and its clams.
MORE PLACES TO WALK IN ESSEX, MA
Please take precautions due to COVID-19: wear a face covering when advised to, and maintain at least six feet of distance from others.
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GREENBELT - ALLYN COX RESERVATION
82 Eastern Avenue (Rte. 133)
26 acres of upland, salt marsh, and farmland with magnificent views of the Essex River, the back of Crane Beach, Castle Hill and Choate Island. A rewarding place for natural history observation. In 1940, noted muralist Allyn Cox, whose work adorns the US Capitol Building and Grant’s Tomb, purchased this property as a summer home and used the barn as his studio.
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Open year round, sunrise to sunset. Free admission and free parking.
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HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND - COGSWELL’S GRANT
60 Spring Street
165-acre working farm with a 1728 restored farmhouse housing the renowned American folk art collection of Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little. The property overlooks the Essex River.
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Grounds open year round (Free). Admission fee and advance tickets required for Museum Tours offered Fridays and Saturdays only, June 3 - October 15, 2022 on the hour from 11 am - 3 pm. Free parking.
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MANCHESTER ESSEX CONSERVATION TRUST - WILDERNESS CONSERVATION AREA
School Street at Old School Street (near Rte. 128), Manchester, MA
A vast network of trails through several natural ecosystems. More than 25 miles of foot trails and old cartways provide easy access and wonderful outdoor exercise including hiking, running, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, botanizing, and biking on designated roads.
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Open year round, sunrise to sunset. Free admission and free parking.
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THE TRUSTEES - STAVROS RESERVATION
Island Road, immediately on right side off John Wise Avenue (Rte. 133)
A 3/4 mile moderate ascent to a hilltop with panoramic views looking east and north toward Choate Island, Crane Beach, the Essex River and Great Marsh.
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Open year round, sunrise to sunset. Free admission and free parking.
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