Ipswich, Massachusetts

A coastal town in Essex County, Ipswich is recognized for its stone arch bridges, including America's oldest double stone arch bridge, The Choate, and for having more "First Period" houses (1620-1720) than any other town in the nation.

Founded on land originally inhabited by Native American tribes who called the area Agawam, Ipswich is on the Ipswich River that drains into Ipswich Bay, which has access to the Atlantic Ocean. Early residents were farmers, fishermen, shipbuilders, and traders but by the 19th  century Ipswich had a thriving textile industry.

About 29 miles from Boston via Route I-93, I-95 and Route 1, residents also have access to public transportation. An MBTA commuter rail station is in downtown Ipswich.

>> View Ipswich town stats & demographics

>> Visit Ipswich town website

>> Ipswich Chamber of Commerce

Ipswich has a long-standing recreational history that includes riding trails, stables and riding academies for equestrians. The Golf Club at Turner Hill ranks among the top courses in the country. A close-knit community, Ipswich offers its residents and visitors many forms of entertainment throughout the year.

Appleton Farms: is the oldest working farm in the United States with 1,000 acres offering community farming, grass-fed dairy and beef, a farm store, summer camps, and miles of trails.

Greenwood Farm: 2.5 miles of walking paths on this beautiful nature reserve which includes the Paine House built in 1694, a fine example of a first period home.

Russell Orchard: a working farm since 1920 offering in season apple and berry picking, fruit wines, famous cider donuts, homemade desserts, gifts and a barnyard with animals to visit.

Marini Farm: this farm has been bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers to the community for three generations. Bakery products available. Events for families.

Crane Estate - encompasses more than 2,100 acres and is made up of three properties:

• Castle Hill: a National Historic Landmark on 165 acres surrounded by sea and salt marsh. Trustees of Reservations holds many events at Castle Hill.
• Crane Wildlife Refuge: surrounded by the Great Marsh, the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England, covering more than 25,000 acres from Hampton Harbor, NH to Gloucester
• Crane Beach: a popular summer destination for residents and visitors. An expansive beach with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, its 1,234 acres include sandy dunes, pine forests and four miles of white sandy beach and shoreline.

Hamlin Reservation: one of the least disturbed parts of the entire 25,000-acre Great Marsh, this reserve offers a one mile loop trail to view marshland and its extensive wildlife.

Foote Brothers: Rent or bring your own canoe to take a leisurely ride down the Ipswich River.

Wolf Hollow: a preserve and educational opportunity to visit with and learn about the North American gray wolf.

Historic District:

• Ipswich Museum: a collection of fine art and furniture reflecting more than 100 years of acquisition and preservation.
• Riverwalk – Includes a 2,700-square-foot mural on an old mill building that chronicles the history of Ipswich from the time of its settling to the current day.
• Old North Burying Ground - Established in 1634. The first people known to be buried in the cemetery were the wife and child of John Winthrop, Jr., who led the settlement of the town. Many of the 1,300 gravestones date back to the late 1600’s.

Beaches

• Crane Beach miles of white sand beach and 5.5 miles of dune trails Crane is one of the finest beaches on the East Coast.
• Sandy Point State Reservation : 77 acres located at the southern tip of Plum Island featuring a beautiful coastal beach

Downtown Ipswich is a vibrant area with a wide variety of eateries, local shops, and services. Check out some of Ipswich's best places to shop:

• AnnTiques: features design inspired antique, vintage, mid-century furniture and decorative arts and costume, Native American and fine jewelry and artifacts.
• Be Modern:  guaranteed authentic and vintage Mid-Century Modern and vintage Danish Modern furniture design
• Betsy Frost Design: stunning handmade collection of unique jewelry pieces that impress and mesmerize.
• Coastal Green Grocer: full-service market offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and produce, fresh breads, a wide selection of craft beer and wine, cheeses and deli
• The Equestrian Shop: full service saddlery shop for new riders, recreational riders, seasoned competitors, and riders challenged by disabilities.
• Henry Bears Park:  handpicked, unique collection of specialty toys & gear from around the globe.
• Ipswich River Provisions - a general store at the turn of the century, now provides take out breakfast, lunch & dinner as well as beer & wine.
• Jetties Bagels - bagel bakery featuring fresh bagels, sandwiches, and coffee.
• Tetreault Jewelers: high quality, classic and contemporary jewelry and gifts. Special orders and custom pieces available.
• Zenobia: emporium of old and new gifts, art. and whimseys. Many pieces by local artists.
• Zumi's - serving fair trade certified organic coffee in a relaxed and friendly cafe environment.
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Ipswich is famous for clams, with dozens of restaurants featuring Ipswich clams and other local seafood. Check out:

• Clam Box – Nationally recognized landmark serving fried seafood since 1938.
• 1640 Hart House- Historical elegant country dining.
• Ipswich Ale Brewer's Table - nestled uniquely inside the brewery itself, features 15 tap lines of Ipswich beers, plus an eclectic lunch and dinner menu.
• Ipswich Clambake Company - award winning restaurant and clambake catering company.
• Ipswich Inn - delicious, home made breakfast elegantly served in the historic inn's dining room.
• Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market - impressive array of the freshest hand-selected fish and shellfish available plus prepared seafood to take home.
• Pomadori Roast Beef and Pizzeria - serving pizza, subs, full dinners, salads, and sandwich wraps in dining room or will deliver.
• Riverview Restaurant- Delicious pizza served in a casual family style dining room.
• Choate Bridge Pub- Delicious food in a comfortable, friendly environment.

Ipswich has an excellent public school system. 

There are two elementary schools - Paul F. Doyon Elementary School and Winthrop Elementary - which run through to 5th grade.

 Ipswich Middle School and Ipswich High School run from 6th grade to 12th.