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What to See & Do in Ipswich MA |
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Famous for its clams, Ipswich also has several outstanding places to visit: the Crane Estate, Crane Beach, and historic houses. |
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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. Ipswich is famous for its clams, and also for 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, including the Whipple House (1677) and Heard House Museum (1800), both administered by the Ipswich Historical Society and Museums (tel 978-356-2811), 54 South Main Street (MA Route 1A). Heard House is the Society's headquarters, and also the information office. 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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Crane Great House, on the Crane Estate in Ipswich MA.
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