Essex (Massachusetts)

By car

From the South
Take Interstate 93 North to the Route 128/Peabody exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.
From the North
Take Interstate 95 South to the Route 128/Gloucester exit. Follow 128/I-95 North staying to the left (Route 128) at the 128/I-95 split. Take Exit 15 Manchester/Essex. At the end of the ramp turn left.

By Train

While there is no direct train service to Essex,
on weekends during summer months the Ipswich Essex Explorer connects with the MBTA commuter rail at Ipswich on the Newburyport line.

• The Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum

  phone: +1 978 768-7541
  address: 66 Main Street
  Photographs, tools and artifacts associated with the town's 300 year history of shipbuilding. The museum also offers historical interpretation of several other properties including an 1835 schoolhouse.

• Cogswell's GrantSpring Street. Open June 1 - Oct 15 W-Su. Tours houly noon-4PM. $10. A 1728 farmhouse richly decorated with American folk art pieces.

• Essex River Cruises

  address: 35 Dodge St

• Essex River Basin Adventures

  address: 1 Main St
  Sea kayaking for everyone. Wildlife tours, instruction, rentals.

Essex is famous for its antique stores, many of which are converted from 1800s era residences. There is, perhaps, no finer array of antique shops, with over 35 establishments to browse.

• Blue Marlin Grille

  phone: +1 978-768-7400
  address: 65 Eastern Ave

• Essex Seafood

  address: 143R Eastern Ave

• J.T. Farnham’s

  phone: +1 978-768-6643
  address: 88 Eastern Ave

• Fortune Palace II

  address: 99 main St

• Periwinkles

  phone: +1 978-768-6320
  address: 74 Main St

• Shea’s Riverside

  phone: +1 978-768-6931
  address: 122 Main St

• Windward Grille

  phone: +1 978-768-0050
  address: 109 Eastern Ave

• Woodman’s of Essex

  phone: +1 978-768-6451
  address: 121 Main St
  Seafood in the rough.

• Red Barrel Pub

  address: 171 Eastern Ave

• George Fuller House

  address: 148 Main St
  Nice downtown bed and breakfast.

• Essex River House Motel

  address: 132 Main St
  One night stays available.

Rockport and Gloucester are interesting next stops.