Massachusetts is rich with history, culinary gems, a thriving arts scene, and scenic beauty. One place that boasts all of these assets is the City of Lynn, located ten miles north of Boston.
History and Heritage
Lynn, Massachusetts—one of the state’s oldest settlements—has a rich history shaped by innovation, industry, and a spirit of “firsts.” Established in 1629, Lynn quickly became known for its thriving shoe manufacturing industry, which helped power the region’s economy for centuries. In fact, the boots worn by George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War were made in Lynn. At the Lynn Museum and Arts Center you’ll find constantly rotating exhibits, lectures, and events that celebrate Lynn’s innovative traditions as a city of firsts including information about early American electrification and the the first jet airplane engine in the U.S., built at Lynn’s General Electric plant in 1942.
Scenic Beauty
Lynn is proud of its scenic and historic land and seascapes. Highlights include the Lynn Woods Reservation, designed by famous American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, famed designer of Central Park in New York and Boston’s Emerald Necklace.
High Rock Tower, photo source: City of Lynn
Another must-see is the Diamond Historic District, listed on the National Register. The High Rock Tower, built in the 1840’s, was owned by the well-known Hutchinson Family Singers. Today the tower is home to the Meade Telescope with lenses powerful enough to view the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and her moons, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and wonders of the night sky.
Beautiful Beaches
A coastal city, Lynn has three beautiful beaches aligned next to each other: Nahant Beach, Lynn Shore Reservation and King’s Beach.
Coastal walkway in Lynn, photo credit: North of Boston CVB
Amenities range from a children’s playground to picnic areas and plenty of sandy beaches. Don’t be surprised to find yoga classes and family activities taking place along the picturesque shore in the nice weather.
Cultural Riches
Lynn is proud city of immigrants and celebrates many cultures through art, music, festivals, and cultural events. Lynn has one of the largest Cambodian communities in the country. The annual Khmer Cambodian New Year with a Blessing Dance is an incredibly popular community event. Lynn’s Latinx population thrives and you’ll find everything from restaurants, salons, barbershops, and bodegas as well as murals and art that capture the spirit of the countries where this community once called home. Another popular event that happens every Labor Day weekend is the annual St. George Greek Orthodox Festival, which includes Greek music, dancing and delicious food.
Beyond Walls, is a Lynn-based public art and mural advocacy group that partners with local organizations, municipalities, community members and experts to design, produce and manage projects and programs. You’ll see their work everywhere you look in Lynn. The Downtown Lynn Cultural District helps to emphasize the city’s art, culture, and history through special events and maintaining a hub of information.
Culinary Gems
Lynn has arrived a culinary destination on the North Shore thanks to a wide-range of dining options. Start with Rossetti’s for an excellent Italian meal, or the Blue OX, a stylish award-winning restaurant that serves authentic, American style cuisine. The Capitol Diner is a step back in time, offering home style American dishes at great prices. Don’t miss the tender Lengua De Res tacos at Tacos Lupita or the fresh-out-of-the-oven bagels at One Mighty Mill. Bent Water Brewing is a community fixture – not only offering tasty brews but also hosting game nights, fun runs, and book clubs, just to name a few.
Finally, don’t leave the City of Lynn without finding about Fluff, the wildly popular dessert spread created in the 1920s by two local veterans. The factory, located in East Lynn, continues to churn out the iconic treat that has won the praise of sweet teeth worldwide.
