🍂 A–Z Fall Fun Guide: North Shore
Looking for ways to make the most of crisp days and colorful leaves? From pumpkin patches to coastal trails, here’s your A–Z guide to fall adventures across Amesbury, Merrimac, Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Ipswich, Rowley, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Gloucester, Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead, Swampscott, and Beverly.
🍎 A – Apple Picking (Ipswich & Amesbury)
Pick your own apples at Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury) or Russell Orchards (Ipswich)—don’t forget cider donuts!
🍂 B – Beach Walks (Gloucester & Beverly)
Fall is the perfect time for a peaceful stroll along Good Harbor Beach or Lynch Park.
🎃 C – Corn Mazes (Danvers)
Get lost in the legendary maze at Connors Farm, complete with hayrides and fall fun.
🍩 D – Donuts (Everywhere!)
Stop at Cider Hill Farm or Brooksby Farm (Peabody) for hot apple cider donuts.
🌽 E – Essex Scarecrow Festival (Essex)
Celebrate autumn with quirky scarecrows popping up around town.
🐑 F – Farm Fun (West Newbury & Rowley)
Enjoy hayrides, animals, and pumpkins at Long Hill Orchard (West Newbury) or Maple Crest Farm (Rowley).
👻 G – Ghost Tours (Salem)
Step into spooky season with walking tours in historic Salem—fun for brave kids and curious adults alike.
🏞 H – Hiking Trails (Ipswich & Newbury)
Explore foliage at Appleton Farms (Ipswich) or birdwatch at Parker River Wildlife Refuge (Newbury).
🍦 I – Ice Cream with Fall Flavors (Salem & Beverly)
Try pumpkin or apple crisp ice cream at Captain Dusty’s (Salem & Beverly).
🎨 J – Jack-o’-Lantern Displays (Merrimac & Newburyport)
Local PTOs and town groups host glowing pumpkin events—keep an eye on town calendars.
🧣 K – Keep Cozy (Newburyport)
Browse local shops like Soak & Shoreline for scarves and fall gifts.
🍁 L – Leaf Peeping (Rowley & Boxford Roads)
Drive scenic backroads for stunning foliage—especially along Route 133.
🎶 M – Music & Festivals (Salem & Ipswich)
Check out live music at Salem’s Haunted Happenings or Ipswich Chowderfest.
🌙 N – Nighttime Hayrides (Danvers & Ipswich)
Haunted or not, night rides at Connors Farm or Marini Farm are a must.
🏐 O – Outdoor Markets (Newburyport & Amesbury)
Shop handmade crafts at the Newburyport Fall Harvest Festival or Amesbury’s seasonal fairs.
🥧 P – Pumpkin Patches (Merrimac & Ipswich)
Pick your perfect pumpkin at Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury) or Russell Orchards (Ipswich).
🚶 Q – Quaint Downtown Strolls (Marblehead & Rockport)
Fall shopping, galleries, and seaside charm in two of New England’s prettiest coastal towns.
🌊 R – Riverwalks (Newburyport & Amesbury)
Take in fall foliage along the Merrimack River with scenic family strolls.
🌽 S – Salem Haunted Happenings (Salem)
From parades to costume contests, Salem is the epicenter of October fun.
🌳 T – Trails & Treks (Manchester & Beverly)
Hike Coolidge Reservation (Manchester) or Long Hill Reservation (Beverly).
🎭 U – Unique Museums (Peabody & Gloucester)
Visit Peabody Essex Museum (Salem/Peabody) or Maritime Gloucester for culture with a fall twist.
🚜 V – Visit Local Farms (All Around)
So many farms—from Russell Orchards to Brooksby Farm—offer hayrides, cider, and animals.
🍷 W – Wine & Harvest Festivals (Ipswich & Essex)
Parents can sneak in tastings at Appleton Farms events or Essex’s Harvest Wine Fest.
❌ X – X-tra Fun Fairs (Rowley & West Newbury)
Smaller town fairs offer family fun without the crowds—check town rec calendars.
🍫 Y – Yummy Fall Treats (Everywhere)
Caramel apples, fudge, kettle corn—find them at local festivals and orchards.
🎉 Z – Zany Costumes (All Towns)
Wrap up the season with trunk-or-treats, parades, and Halloween events across the North Shore.
✨ From apple orchards to zany costumes, the North Shore and Merrimack Valley are brimming with fall magic. Whether you’re strolling historic downtowns, hiking colorful trails, or snacking on cider donuts, you’ll find something special around every corner.
With help from ChatGPT
