Berry Picking and Lobster Rolls on the North Shore

Note from my current self in October: Just discovered this draft of an adventure I wrote in June!! I figured it would be better to post it than let this go to waste. Here’s a little flashback to summertime (:

Between applying to grad school, COVID-19, and the craziness of work, it really has been a while since we have last adventured. However, after taking the GRE on Saturday, Connor and I decided it was time for a little trip to one of our favorite places: Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA. The adventure doesn’t stop there! I took him to Rockport for the butteriest lobster roll ever and we finished our day off at Spot Pond for a little fishing. Here we go! This is the perfect little trip outside of Boston for a taste of the North Shore and the breath of fresh air that we all need.

Russell Orchards

Armed with our quarts, we made the hike to the furthest strawberry fields and it did not disappoint! The new rules implemented included mandatory face masks, no tasting, and of course, social distance appropriately. Thankfully, this was not hard because we were the only people in field #3. Afterward, we said hi to their little animal farm and washed our hands at the outdoor sink. I’m so glad Russell Orchards is open for U-Pick because it brings me so much nostalgia. Their ducks were a source of inspiration for one of the paintings I painted this spring. U-Pick is $4/person and that admission rate is credited towards the berries at $5.75/pound! I can’t wait to return in July for cherries, currants, blackberries, and raspberries.

Downriver Ice Cream

Connor and I’s relationship started with a backward dinner, so we have no problem dipping into an ice cream cone before lunch. Besides, no Ipswich trip is complete with a visit to Downriver. To maintain social distancing, we popped the trunk of the car and enjoyed our ice cream from the safety of our vehicle.

Rockport, MA

When I think of summer in Massachusetts, I think about the dreamy beach towns washed out with pastels and sea spray. Rockport, MA is a beautiful quaint town along the North Shore dotted with colorful boats and little boutique shops. Parking is not too difficult if you venture along the side streets and it’s well worth it: I love admiring the florals and houses along the walk into town. What really makes the trip into Rockport worthwhile is the hot lobster roll at Bearskin Neck Bistro. On your stroll to the harbor, there’s a ton of tiny gift and ice cream shops and I can’t wait to go back to try My Place by the Sea, a small restaurant with the best patio view of the water. Rockport Harbor was another subject matter in a painting I created and you will find that the assortment of brightly colored rowboats is iconic to this seaside town. Though the weather was a bit chilly, there are a ton of beaches nearby- we made a stop to Good Harbor Beach where people were still braving the chill to get a little sunkissed.

Spot Pond

Connor and I made a stop at Spot Pond on our way back to Boston for a little fishing. This serene spot reminds me a lot of Lake Waban on my college campus so that made me love this body of water even more. We tried several spots along the water with a variety of tackles but the fish were not biting. The most interesting part of this little trip was a snake we spotted in the water - we’ve got some researching to do because we can’t figure out what species it is.