Newburyport, the smallest coastal city in Massachusetts, is a 30-minute drive from Logan Airport. Situated at the mouth of the Merrimack River, the area is so uniformly crafted and built, it looks like a stage set.
A fire in the town in 1811 meant the space was rebuilt in the style of the time- Federalist Era red brick being the chosen material. The streets are graceful, without a gaudy shopfront insight.
Rows of dazzling white mansions, museums, churches and shops culminate in a riverfront promenade and miles of pristine beach.
With echoes of the past present in its current charm, Newburyport revels in its white sand, lobster diners, beautiful jewellery shops and mouth-watering bakeries
Lunch and Cocktail:
Tuscan SeaGrill & Bar overlooks the Merrimack River and boasts sweeping harbour views. It serves locally sourced seafood and Neapolitan-style pizzas. A very impressive raw bar takes centre stage.
Al-fresco dining is an option all-year round as indoor fire pits are dotted around the space to create warmth and atmosphere even when the outdoor temperatures have reached that New England winter chill.
Breakfast and Coffee:
Pastry lovers will quickly notice that Newburyport has an abundance of good bakeries. Walk to Greta’s Great Grains Bakery and Cafe and choose from the enticing Austrian pastries with Bavarian cream, fruit and, of course, chocolate.
A Gift:
This is a tough choice- the shopping in Newburyport is dreamy. Forget American malls or outlets, this town is full of stunning boutiques with the most divine cashmere, luxury bathroom items and jewellery. M.K Benatti Jewellers is run by 10 professionals and their expertise is in custom design. All budgets are catered for and they house the Cape Cod Collection of elegant and timeless pieces.
A Walk:
Magically, Plum Island is named for the beach plums that grow wild along its dunes. Located off the coast of Newbury, the island stretches for 11 miles. It’s perfect for a walk and fascinating to see the many different styles of houses built on the sound- many on stilts in marshy terrain.
A Pint:
With a rotating menu of 32 craft beers, Grogg is a fun spot and a bit more casual than the majority of Newburyport watering holes. Decorated in nautical style, this is a quaint spot with great service. The turkey club sandwich is what it is known for and with good reason. After the Lobster Roll, the Turkey Club surely takes a top spot for dishes that New England serves up best.
Food Market:
Tendercrop Farms is a family-run business, since 1985. It offers a delectable bounty of apples, asparagus, beets, broccoli, corn, lettuce, melon, nectarines, peaches, tomatoes and strawberries -from its own farm and fields. The produce is harvested at the peak of its flavour and look (and taste) divine. This is the kind of wholesome-looking market that features on the big screen in romantic films.
