Essex Massachusetts Things To Do: The Best, Funkiest, Most Outrageous Activities You Can Do In Essex MA

Essex is a small town in eastern Massachusetts. It’s small enough that you can visit every part of it in one day, and still have time to spare. Its proximity to Boston and the Connecticut River Valley makes it a popular weekend getaway for people from the city, but it’s also situated in its own little corner of the world. The seclusion of the location lends itself to outdoor activities like hiking, white-water rafting, and camping. Whatever your interests, there’s something for you in Essex.  Here are some of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts.

Hike at Essex State Park

One of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to hike at Essex State Park. The park has more than 40 miles of trails, most of which are open to hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing during the winter. You can also camp at the park, which has over 30 of sites.  The park offers a variety of habitats, from wetlands to uplands, and visitors will see a lot of wildlife. The park is also home to the Great Swamp, which is the largest marshland ecosystem in New England. The park also has more than 1,200-year-old trees, and the hike to the top of Elk Mountain is considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the area. Our next article.

Go fishing at Lake Squam

One of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to fish at Lake Squam. The lake is stocked with trout, and is a popular destination for fly-fishing. The fishing season is open from May 1 to September 15. The park also has a nature center and various hiking trails that are great for exploring on your own. There are also several marinas on the lake where you can rent boats. More information here.

Visit the Essex Farmers Market

Another one of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to visit the Essex Farmers Market. The market is held on Saturdays from April to November, and is one of the largest in the state. You can find a wide variety of produce, meats, and other foods. It’s also a great place to take a stroll through the nearby town streets and see some of the other stores and restaurants in the area.  The farmers market is also a great way to support local farmers, who often sell at a loss because of the high cost of transportation. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair, as it’s a popular place to hang out.

Go on a ghost tour

One of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to go on a ghost tour of the area. There are several companies that offer these walking tours, and they typically visit some of the oldest parts of the town, which are said to be haunted. The tours are fun, informative, and a great way to learn more about the history of the area and its role in American history.  If you go on a tour, you might be able to see some of the ghosts that are said to haunt the town. It’s also a great way to spend a night in downtown Essex, as the town is beautiful and quiet, and the ghosts shouldn’t be too much of a distraction.

Browse local shops

One of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to shop at the local shops. The North Street District has shops ranging from clothing and art galleries to antiques and bookstores. The district is also the home of the Essex Museum, which has artifacts from the area’s history. You can also visit the Essex Farmers Market and the Essex Museum during your trip.  There are also a couple of breweries in the area, which make excellent beer. Middle East Down Low is one of the best, and you can find it in Essex. The brewery is located in a barn, and makes a wide variety of beers, from IPAs to stouts, that are all delicious.

Catch a concert at Middle East down Low

One of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to catch a concert at Middle East down Low. The venue is located in a historic fire station and is used for concerts, comedy shows, and more. The venue has a large outdoor stage that’s perfect for concerts, and the inside is equally impressive.  Middle East Down Low is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. It has a wide variety of food for every meal, from pizza and burgers to Middle Eastern and seafood dishes. If you go during a show, you won’t have to worry about finding parking, as there’s ample space in the lot.

Soak in the spa at The Essex Club

Another one of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to soak in the spa at The Essex Club. The spa has a variety of treatments, from massages and facials to yoga classes and hair treatments. The spa also has a pool with a waterfall and a hot tub. The gym on the grounds is open 24/7, making it the perfect place to work out after a relaxing treatment.  If you go during the summer, it’s worth noting that the Essex Club is a popular destination for weddings. The landscaping is beautiful and you’re sure to see a lot of happy couples soaking in the views.

Visit The Essex Museum

Another one of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to visit The Essex Museum. The museum is located on North Street and has artifacts from the area’s history, from Native American artifacts to Revolutionary War artifacts. There are also numerous interactive displays that are great for kids.  The museum is open from June to late October, when many of the events that take place near it are also held. You can also visit the museum’s shop, which is filled with books and souvenirs related to the area. You can also visit The Essex Farmers Market during your trip.

Explore the local pubs and bars

Another one of the best things to do in Essex, Massachusetts is to explore the local pubs and bars. The town has a lot of unique bars, including the Dog Days Downtown Bar and the Essex Taproom. You can also visit the Essex Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays from April to November.  During your visit, be sure to immerse yourself in the culture of the area. There are a lot of events that celebrate the local culture, and you’re sure to enjoy the food and music, as well as the activities.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of things to do in Essex, Massachusetts. Whether you want to hike, fish, shop, catch a concert, soak in a spa, visit a museum, or explore the local pubs and bars, there’s something for you. You can also find endless activities if you have kids in your party. There are plenty of campsites in the area, and a few water parks nearby, too. There’s also something for everyone in Essex, Massachusetts.

Point Of Interest #1 Essex River Cruises & Charters, 35 Dodge St, Essex, MA 01929

Point Of Interest #2 The Essex Room, 125 Main St, Essex, MA 01929

Point Of Interest #3 Ripple on the Water, 74 Main St, Essex, MA 01929