Welcome to the North Shore!

Located less then 30 miles North of Boston in Topsfield Ma, within the heart of the North Shore region, Willowdale Estate is situated just above the banks of the Ipswich River amid pristine woodland surroundings of the 720 acres Bradley Palmer State Park. 

A popular destination for tourists and international travelers, a visit to the North Shore can include visits to many significant historical sites, dining on world class seafood; fabulous antiques shopping, fun water adventures, hiking, biking, beaches and more. 

For a listing of current events, visit www.northofboston.org/calendar/calendar.php

For more information on the significance of the North Shore visit www.essexheritage.org

Topsfield

A charming New England Community proud of its rural heritage, Topsfield is best known as home of the annual Topsfield Fair - the oldest agricultural fair in America - held at the beginning of every October. Lush vegetation and glistening streams help accentuate the attractiveness of this picturesque town. 

Boston

Located just 3o minutes away from WillowDale Estate, Boston is one of our favorite places. For official information on where to go checkout http://www.bostonusa.com/visit.

Having lived and worked in the city here are some of our recommendations.

• Duck Tours- hands down best way to see the city, a history lesson and a dip in the Charles
• North End- cute little area filled with Italian restaurants and pasty shops. See the infamous Old North Church from Paul Revere's ride.
• Newbury St- lots of fun shopping and restaurants
• Harvard Square- so this is technically Cambridge but this area is home to Harvard, some of our favorite restaurants and our first date spot!
• Museum of Science, New England Aquarium and the Prudential Center are all fun spots
• Davis Square- our hometown! Check out the historic Somerville movie theater, Redbones BBQ, and JP licks ice-cream
• Bean Town Pub- have a beer in downtown Boston across from Sam Adams gravesite- yup that's right

Salem

Salem was founded 384 years ago in 1626 and is now best known for its distinct history rich in American lore focused around the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 when twenty innocent people were condemned for practicing witchcraft. Salem also has a magnificent seafaring history and its relationship to ports around the world are still evident through the city's museums, architecture, and historic waterfront. Visit www.salemweb.com.

Ipswich

Ipswich, a neighboring town of Topsfield, celebrated its 375th anniversary in 2010 - in 1633 English colonists settled in the ancient Native American village called Agawam and quickly developed it into an active and prospering community of farmers, fishermen, shipbuilders, and traders. There are nearly 40 first period homes in Ipswich, more than anywhere else in the country, and Crane Beach at the Crane Estate is recognized as one of the most scenic beaches in all of New England with its more than four miles of pristine white sand beach. Visit www.ipswichma.com.

Newburyport

An easy 20-minute drive up Route 1 brings you to the City of Newburyport, birthplace of the US Coast Guard and one of the oldest seaports in the nation. From town you can spot three historic lighthouses erected by the coast guard. Newburyport boasts a bustling center and today you can stroll in and out of the many fine shops and restaurants lining State Street and the historic Inn Street brick path. Neighboring Plum Island offers miles of public sandy beaches and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 800 species of birds, plants and animals on 4,662 acres. Visit www.newburyportchamber.org.

Cape Ann (Essex, Gloucester, Manchester by the Sea and Rockport)

Just miles away is historic Cape Ann. Often times referred to as Massachusetts' other Cape, this beautiful area is known for its essential maritime heritage, specifically Gloucester - America's oldest working seaport. Popular Cape Ann features include sandy beaches, whale watching excursions, historic museums, fun boutique shops, art galleries, and fresh seafood. Rockport hosts the oldest Art Association and Essex is the home some of the best clam shacks and seafood restaurants. Visit www.capeannchamber.com.