Right in the center of Ipswich (map), the stone Choate Bridge still arches the Ipswich River as it has since its construction "by Town & County" in 1764.

On MA Route 133 on the south side of the bridge, toward Essex, is the Hall Haskell House holding the town's Visitors Center. A bit farther south town green, Ipswich Museum, and historic Whipple House.

Every New England seafood lover has heard of Little Neck clams. Most people think the name is a description of the clam, but in fact it describes the Little Neck isthmus in Ipswich (near Great Neck) where the clams are dug.

Another Ipswich claim to fame is the Crane Estate, a 1400-acre historic and nature reservation maintained by The Trustees of Reservations. Center of interest on the estate is the 59-room Great House, which you can visit. More...

The estate includes Crane Beach, a beautiful four-mile-long stretch of fine white sand that's a sun-, sea- and surf-lovers mecca in summer. More...

In Ipswich town proper there are bed-and-breakfast guesthouses, restaurants, and several historic houses. You can visit the Whipple House (1677) and Ipswich (Heard House) Museum (1800), both administered by the Ipswich Historical Society and Museums.

Hamlin Reservation(tel 978-356-4351), on Argilla Road (the road to the Crane Estate), is another property of The Trustees of Reservations. Its 135 acres (55 hectares) of fields, salt marsh and marsh meadow are open daily from sunrise to sunset for birdwatching, walking and nature study, for free.

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (tel 978-887-9264), 87 Perkins Row in neighboring Topsfield, is a 2800-acre (1133-hectare) nature reservation of the Audubon Society with 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching and canoeing. There's an admission fee.

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