Notes From the Road

There are so many events and activities in the Boston area that cost a lot, especially around the holidays, but if you are looking for some more affordable ways to spend your time here are just a few free or cheap activities and outings just north of Boston to check out this year:

1. Enjoy the season at Northern Lights Farm

In the quaint town of Ipswich, MA, on the North Shore, you can visit the delightful Northern Lights Farm which is stocked with local produce, farm-grown seasonal flowers, and local honey, as well as seasonal favorites. They are open year-round and decorate seasonally, and you may even be able to find your Christmas decorations this year. In addition to the farm stand and store itself, outside is a magical place the whole family can enjoy:

They have an array of farm animals wandering the property like donkeys, ducks, pigs, and one of the largest bunnies I have seen in person. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall they have beautiful wildflower fields to see and pumpkins and flowers to take home. Their second location is in nearby Wenham. As an added bonus, right down the street is Todd Fam Antique Shops & Flea Market, which has year-round antique shops and a seasonal flea market filled with affordable treasures to take home.

2. See the sights at Bancroft’s Castle

For another unique and free day trip, visit the town of Groton, MA and hike up to walk around the ruins of Bancroft’s Castle atop Gibbet Hill. Built in 1906 by General William Bancroft as a castle bungalow, the structure turned hands and had a storied past before the structure caught fire during 4th of July fireworks in 1932 and only the stone exterior remained.

In 2000, the castle and the surrounding trails became open to the public, and now you can visit too! There are a few parking spots on Lowell Road, and then there is a short but steep walk to see the ruins, which is well worth it. On top of the hill there is a gorgeous view of the town and hills below, and it is a great place to enjoy a picnic, walk the grounds, and admire the past.

3. View sculptures at Andres Art Institute

Just 13 miles over the border into New Hampshire, you’ll find another free attraction in Brookline, NH. The Andres Art Institute is a fully outside sculpture garden with short hiking trails and over 100 sculptures from artists all around the world. At the entrance of the park there are maps and a list of all the sculptures, as well as a box to donate if you are able.

There are sculptures made of many different materials that are abstract in nature, and all of this surrounded by the New Hampshire forest. Lining the trails, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables, so you can take your time and enjoy the visit with friends and family. With just over 3 total miles across 15 trails, you can make the visit as long or short as you desire.

4. Sip on wine at Averill House Vineyard

In the same town of Brookline, NH and just a short distance from the sculpture park, you can check out a charming vineyard and winery that is over 250 years old. It is recommended that you make a reservation for wine tasting in advance, as their tasting room is a small barn-style room with limited seating, but the staff were so friendly and welcoming!

This can be a fairly affordable visit though for quite the experience, as it costs just $15 for a wine flight, where you can try at least 4 different types of their homemade wine. We also tried some incredible wine-cream, which was their homemade ice cream made with wine. They host many seasonal events on the property as well, including ornament making, igloo dates, and even summer live music outside in the vineyard. This elephant-themed winery also donates a portion of their merchandise sales to an elephant rescue.

5. Explore nature at Maudslay State Park

Once again on the north shore in Newburyport, there is endless beauty and nature to explore at Maudsley State Park. The park has almost 500 acres of trails, gardens, rolling meadows, and has ruins of a former estate including a horse stable and the remains of a house overlooking the Merrimack River. The property was an early 20th century estate of Frederick Strong Moseley, who was prominent in Newburyport, and is now operated by Department of Conservation and Recreation. To visit you typically just have to pay to park.

The trails can take you into a world of wonder that sometimes includes unique sculptures, tree canopies, and even a former wine cellar which has incredible acoustics inside. The park is beautiful to visit in every season, but is beaming with plants and flowers in the spring and summer, and even sometimes has art installations to check out.