Short
bicycle tours of historic Ipswich and Newburyport MA
Ipswich
and
Newburyport, Massachusetts are historic communities in the
Essex National Heritage Area, rich with history, their streets lined with
first period (1625-1725) American architecture that will transport you to the
17th century on your way out to their scenic barrier islands, Plum Island and
Crane Beach.
This
ride starts
at the
commuter rail station in Ipswich. Your first stop is
downtown at the
Ipswich Riverwalk Mural which portrays the fascinating history of the town.
Continuing through the town's historic district, you'll pass by dozens of
well-preserved "first period" homes, built soon after the town's founding in
1630. Then head out to Jeffrey's Neck, where after
a moderate climb you'll be awed by the panoramic view of salt marshes,
Plum Island, and the open Atlantic. Sometimes we stop by the
Cuvilly Earth and Arts Center, which promotes ecological sustainability and
environmental education. Then the ride takes us out and back
on beautiful Argilla Road to a view of
Crane Beach. and the
Great
Salt Marsh . After stopping at
Russell Orchards for refreshments, the ride takes us to the former
Chebacco section of Ipswich, which became Essex in the 1700's. A few
miles along these pastoral l roads with horse farms, forests, and winding
roads lined with old stone walls is a wonderful way to wrap up our tour
of Ipswich, one of the best preserved of New England's colonial-era
towns. Having ridden 25 miles, return to the commuter rail station
in time for the
3:00 pm train to Boston.
Go to the
Ipswich Ride Page
for more details and an interactive map of the town's historic district.
Join this tour through Brookline Adult and Community Education
Start
at the
commuter rail station parking lot C just south of Newburyport at
10:30 a.m. and head out on the new
Clipper City Rail Trail which takes you to the wide Merrimack River
that has helped sustain the economy of this popular small coastal city
for almost four centuries. Our ride crosses Newburyport's lively downtown
and continues through the historic colonial-era neighborhood shared
by
Newburyport and adjoining Newbury. Soon we're on the bike path to
Plum Island, and a brief stop at the
Joppa Flats Audubon Center. We reach Plum Island after crossing
the Great
Salt Marsh and turn to ride for several miles through the Parker
River National wildlife Refuge, where you'll see many species of waterfowl
that thrive in the extensive salt marshes. Back in Newbury, we head
south on the bicycle lane along scenic Rt. 1A, and stop at
Tendercrop Farm for refreshment
before winding our way along the marsh on Hay Street. Our return takes
us to High Street in Newburyport, riding past Federal-style mansions
built by sea captains in the 1800's, reaching the commuter rail station
after 25 miles in time for the
2:48 pm train back to Boston.
View details and more links to this
beautiful town at the
Newburyport
Ride Page .
Join this tour through Brookline Adult and Community Education
Tour Price:
$42 for four hour tour,
The area: Our
scenic tours visit the most beautiful and historic cycling destinations
north of Boston. Your trip will be greatly enhanced if you familiarize
yourself with the area by clicking on the links in the text descriptions
above and on the
Ipswich and
Newburyport
ride pages.
Place and time:
Ipswich or Newburyport commuter rail stations, 10:30 on occasional
Sundays throughout the summer, weather permitting. Check the
calendar for
dates.
Sign up online for
Newburyport tour or
Ipswich tour
Bicyle Rentals: Jamis Coda hybrid
road bikes, $25 / day. Please specify bike size or your height when
reserving.
Above: the Old Ipswich Post Office, circa 1769.
