With beautiful harbors nestled throughout 30 miles of rocky coastline, North of Boston is a haven for beach lovers and seafaring types alike. But, with a rich history, it’s also the perfect destination for those interested in cultural activities — from Salem Witch Trial attractions to art museums to the many sites dedicated to the area’s seafaring heritage.
Then there’s Greater Merrimack Valley, where not one, but two revolutions took place. Lexington and Concord offer a vivid view into many of the most critical American Revolution events. While Lowell, with its 19th century mill buildings, is a testament to the Bay State’s large role in the Industrial Revolution and the textile industry.
Discover north of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley, where maritime lore meets American history.
Transportation
MBTA/ Commuter Rail – This is Boston and Greater Boston’s public transportation system. It includes the subway system (the “T”), commuter trains, boat shuttles, and bus service to 78 towns and cities in Eastern Massachusetts.
Cost: MBTA – $2.25 per ride – can purchase a Charlie card for multiple trips
Ferries – $3.50 to $18.50
Commuter Trains from Boston to North Shore – $ varies:
Commuter Train Schedule
Zip Cars – Car rental service that requires membership. Cars to rent from $7/hour or as low as &60 per day.
Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority
Buses to Boston, Salisbury and Hampton Beach and in and around Merrimack Valley
Lowell, MA
MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority) provides commuter rail service to Lowell. Originating at North Station on Causeway Street in Boston, the train runs seven days a week. Trains arrive at and leave from the Gallagher transportation terminal.
Gallagher Transportation Terminal
Lowell Regional Transit Authority
Events and Festivals
Summer:
Gloucester Fiesta (St. Peter’s Fiesta)
Bread and Roses Festival in Lawrence
Lowell Folk Festival – last week in July. Largest in the nation
Southeast Asian Water Festival held the second Saturday in August.
The Puerto Rican Festival held in July.
Fall:
Haunted Happenings – Salem
Topsfield Fair – Route One, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA Late September,
Kerouac Literary Festival
October
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Witch’s Woods
October 1 – 31 Thursdays – Sundays
Concord Festival of Authors
October
Winter:
“Christmas in Salem” – Salem
Attractions:
For Fun:
Lowell Spinners –
Season Pass is only $19.95
Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street in Stoneham, MA 02180. 781-438-5100.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
79 Power Rd, Westford, MA 01886. (978)692-3033
Butterfly Place,
See New England butterflies and tropical species from all over the world.
120 Tyngsboro Rd, Westford, MA 01886-1114. (978) 392-0955
Kimball Farm,
400 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886. (978) 486-3891. Mini Golf, Ice Cream and more.
Verrill Farm
11 Wheeler Road • Concord, MA 01742 • Tel 978-369-4494. Sustainable agriculture.
For Enrichment:
New England Quilt Museum
18 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA 01852. (978) 452-4207
American Textile History Museum
491 Dutton St, Lowell, MA 01854-4289. (978) 441-0400
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
67 Kirk Street, Lowell, MA 01852. 978-970-5000
Concord Museum
200 Lexington Road Post Office Box 146 Concord, MA 01742-0146
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House 399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742. (978) 369-4118
Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House
28 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742. 978-369-2236
Middlesex Canal Museum
71 Faulkner Street, North Billerica, MA, 01862. 978-670-2740
Liberty Ride
A Unique Trolley Tour of Lexington & Concord. Departs daily at 10:00AM, 11:30AM, 1PM, and 2:30PM from the National Heritage Museum. 781-862-0500, ext. 702
DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
51 Sandy Pond Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773. 781.259.8355