Locals know that the historic North of Boston area is a treasure trove of incredible eats, beaches and outdoor fun. When you think of the North Shore, you might think of its famous roast beef, seafood, beaches or love of Boston sports.
But you don’t have to know the right way to pronounce “Peabody” to take advantage of all this area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for fresh air with the family or dying to try a great new restaurant, our colleagues based in the area have you covered. We’ve pulled together their recommendations for all the best places to check out when you visit.
When Should I Visit?
Our experts say the great thing about North of Boston is that there’s always something to do, no matter the season. In particular, though, they recommend taking advantage of the area’s stunning beaches in the summer or the area’s apple-picking in the fall.
North Shore’s Best Places to Eat
If you know anything about North of Boston, you know the two must-try foods in the region: seafood and roast beef. While there’s heavy discussion about which local joint has the best of the latter, it’s hard to go wrong. Not craving either? Don’t worry — we’ve curated a list of favorites!
- Kowloon Restaurant — This Route 1 stop in Saugus not only serves delicious Asian cuisine, but it’s an iconic local landmark!
- Toscana’s Ristorante — Our colleagues swear by this high-quality Italian kitchen in Peabody.
- The Bell Inn & Tavern — This historic space, now a hotel and restaurant in Peabody, serves what banker Kellyn Lopez Ramirez calls “The best potato wedges EVER!”
Craving something different? We have several options for you to try!
- Want to check out the area’s famous seafood? Try:
- Woodman’s of Essex in Essex
- Seaport Grille in Gloucester
- Sea Level Oyster Bar in Salem
- Lobsta Land in Gloucester
- North of Boston, everyone has a favorite spot for roast beef. Some even say this area is the global HQ for roast beef sandwiches. Be sure to check out:
- Kelly’s Roast Beef which has 7 Massachusetts locations including Danvers, Saugus and Revere
- Nick's Famous Roast Beef in Beverly
- Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef in Salem, Woburn or Peabody
- The Modern Butcher in Danvers
- Feeling New American fare? Give these a try:
- Champions Pub in Peabody (Pro tip: They have the best steaktips!)
- Pellana Prime Steakhouse & Bar in Peabody (Note that this establishment is pricey — save it for a special occasion)
- Craving something with sugar? Satisfy your sweet tooth with:
- Gingerbread Construction Company in Wakefield
- Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe which has locations in Peabody, Gloucester, and Salem. If you find yourself down the cape, this North Shore favorite also has a location in Dennis Port
- Honeycomb in Hamilton (Pro tip from Phil Murphy, one of our commercial lenders: check out their French-inspired dinners on select days!)
- White Farms Ice Cream in Ipswich
- Harbor Sweets in Salem and Beverly (expect to pay for parking!)
- Start off your morning at one of the area’s many bakeries and coffee shops, including:
- Bonnie’s Breads in Beverly
- Bagel World which has locations in Peabody, Salem and Reading
- Blue Moon in Wakefield – our Branch Manager in Lynn recommends the Eggs and Benedicts!
- Daily Harvest in Danvers
- Kaffmandu Coffee House in Danvers and Beverly
Best Things to Do North of Boston
Other than enjoying some delicious food, there’s plenty to explore, see and do in this area. With a lot of natural beauty and history, the North Shore offers plenty of options that work on a budget.
- Take a beach day!
You’ll find a variety of amazing beaches, whether you want to take a swim or just enjoy the sunshine. Among local North Shore favorites are Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Crane Beach in Ipswich (a favorite by our Commercial Regional Executive Joe Wadlinger), and Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester — which locals describe as clean and family-friendly (although non-residents will need to pay for a parking permit in advance). But those are only a few the area has to offer!
- Richardson’s in Middleton
Whether you want to take the kids for ice cream, check out the driving range and batting cages or take a swing at mini golf, Richardson’s is packed with options. You can also check out the rotating selection of food trucks that park nearby, although it can be tricky to cross Route 14 on foot.
- Salem
Salem is the perfect place for spooky season, for tourists and locals alike. The area’s witch tours will get you in the Halloween spirit.
Trying to avoid the crowds? Salem Willows, an old-school amusement park and arcade, may be the place for you. Or, you can visit the Salem Cheese Shop to take care of your dairy cravings.
While thousands flock to Salem in the fall, it is a wonderful place to visit year-round with lots of great shopping, food and historical points of interest.
- Enjoy Local Sports
Loving New England and Boston sports teams are a way of life for many in Massachusetts. There are plenty of breweries North of Boston if you want to catch a game with locally made beer. You can cheer on the Sox, Pats, or the latest addition the Boston Fleet from local joints like Martha’s Exchange in Nashua, Notch Brewing and East Regiment Beer Company in Salem, Bent Water Brewing Company in Lynn, Granite Coast Brewing in Peabody and True North Ale Company in Ipswitch. They don’t all have TVs, but are a fun way to catch up with the locals! Bonus: Many local breweries are family- and pet-friendly.
Instagram-Worthy Sights North of Boston, MA
In addition to all of the area’s beautiful beaches, North of Boston has plenty of places to walk, hike and snap cool photos for your Instagram feed. Check out a list of spots our colleagues suggest to find a view:
- Danvers Rail Trail
- Halibut State Park in Rockport
- Plum Island in Newburyport
- Lynch Park Rose Garden in Beverly (Check out the stunning ocean views)
- Chestnut Street in Salem
- Lynn Woods Reservation
Local Shops to Tempt Your Wallet
Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, buying a gift, or just want to treat yourself, here are some local haunts in the North Shore area to check out:
- The Branch Olive Oil Co in Peabody
- The Farmland, a family-owned supermarket in Wakefield
- Good Linens in Gloucester
- The Loft at Stetson in Lynn
- Mahri in Manchester-by-the-Sea
- Nasty Nonni’s Wine & Spirits in Saugus
- Ravenstone in Lynn
- Shubie’s Gourmet in Marblehead
- Wicked Peacock in Rockport
North of Boston Landmarks
Want to brush up on Boston-area history? In addition to Salem, this area has plenty of it. Our colleagues recommend checking out:
- Taking a drive up Route 1, of course!
- House of the Seven Gables in Salem
- Lexington Battle Green
- Stage Fort Park in Gloucester
- Lynn Museum
- Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich
- Ipswich period homes and artist colony
- Peabody Essex Museum (surprisingly, located in Salem – not Peabody!)
- Wenham Train Museum
Visit a Rockland Trust branch North of Boston
As a proud community bank, we love getting to know the neighborhoods around our branches and supporting the businesses that make up the local economy. We want to help you achieve your financial goals and would be happy to see you at one of our branches across Massachusetts.
