Colby Farm
Location: 50 Scotland Road, Newbury If you’re coming to Goldfinch Cottage from highway 95, you’ll pass Colby Farm on your way about five minutes before you arrive. We recommend it for the excellent quality food and, if you happen to be lucky enough with your timing, the sunflower field. Store Colby farm has a farmstead store open seasonally selling their own fresh produce and a selection of other high-quality foods produced locally. If you want to skip the cooking, this includes ready-to-eat foods like soups and baked goods plus several refrigerated and frozen foods like quiche. Sunflower field For a short time each year in late August to early September…
Bird watching on the Massachusetts North Shore
It is not just Goldfinches. Spring bird migration is just beginning, making it a great time to go bird watching during your stay at Goldfinch Cottage. The North Shore is home to many excellent birding spots, from coastal marshes to quiet forest trails, all just a short drive from the house. The best times for birding are early morning and close to sunset when most birds are more active. Enjoy bird watching on the Massachusetts North Shore. If you’re new to birding or want a more structured experience, Mass Audubon offers guided bird-watching programs nearby. The closest events are typically held in the Newburyport area or at Parker River National…
Newbury Beach: Minutes from Goldfinch Cottage
8-minute drive | If you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic spot along New England’s North Shore, Newbury Beach is a wonderful choice. Situated a mere 8-minute drive from Goldfinch Cottage, this quiet stretch of shoreline sits just before the bridge to Plum Island. It’s a little more tucked away than the main beach access points, offering a calm, peaceful atmosphere. This beach is perfect for a laid-back afternoon by the ocean, a morning stroll, or a casual beach picnic. On your way to or from the beach, you’ll pass several local spots that are great for grabbing a bite. Mad Martha’s Café is a cozy favorite. It is known for hearty breakfasts and…
Firehouse Center for the Arts (theater)
5-minutes drive | If you’re interested in enjoying some live entertainment during your visit, consider making a stop at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, located in the heart of downtown Newburyport. Just a quick five-minute drive from most parts of the city, the Firehouse Center is a vibrant hub for the performing arts, offering a diverse lineup of theatrical productions, concerts, and special events throughout the year. Housed in a charming historic building in Market Square, the Firehouse is an intimate venue with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. One of its standout features is its commitment to showcasing both…
The Cormorant, Newburyport
5 minute drive | We really love the Cormorant Restaurant in Newburyport. It’s has a lot of traditional comfort foods like sandwiches, and burgers but they have some options with combinations of flavors you don’t see too often. (at the moment, I see a beet and artichoke sandwhich on the menu). The food is high quality. The salads are fresh and the ice cream extra creamy. The menu changes seasonally. Don’t miss the milkshakes and floats for dessert. They’re open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday and also for brunch on Sundays only. The restaurant is not very large and doesn’t have any very large tables. 228 Merrimac St,…
Clipper City Rail Trail
3 minutes from house (by car) 6 minutes (by bike) | Newburyport’s Clipper City Rail Trail is a bike and pedestrian trail with sculptures along the path. The nearest trailhead is about a mile from the house on Parker Street in Newbury. The trail is paved and continues from the rural end in Newbury to the waterfront in Newbury. From there, it connects with other trails in the Coastal Trails Network including toward the seashore or across the river to Salisbury and Amesbury.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
7 min. from house to entry gate | Not to be missed. The refuge has short hikes on boardwalks over marshes and dunes; beaches (including two listed above); and lookout platforms. You can launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from the boat launch across from Lot 1 or contact Yankee Clipper Tours for guided kayak tours. Enjoy sunsets over the marsh and some of the best birding in New England. Go early morning or late afternoon on summer weekends. Gates close when parking lots are full. Wear long sleeves and pants in July to protect yourself from biting flies. Sandy Beach, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge You can find further information…
