A little blue heron stands perfectly still, its eyes locked on a tiny froglet just below the waterline. In that split second, Gloucester photographer Joyce Wood pressed the shutter — and captured the grand prize of the Essex Heritage Photo Contest 2025. Her image, “Little Blue Heron and Froglet,” is one of fifteen winning photographs that remind us why

75+ Valentine’s weekend events across Essex County, curated by Creative Collective Explores. Workshops, live music, comedy, romantic dinners, Galentine’s celebrations, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else — February 13–15, 2026.

The North of Boston tourism awards Destination Excellence Summit gathered more than 200 professionals at Salem’s Hawthorne Hotel on November 19 to address a critical question: how does a region coordinate tourism strategy across 34 cities and towns while maintaining authentic local character? The timing proved symbolic—the Hawthorne Hotel celebrated its 100th birthday while hosting discussions about the next century

What if your next gift could tell a story? That’s the magic of CCIY – Creative Collective It Yourself, where you can discover all things DIY in Essex County to create a gift that feels personal, creative, and truly unforgettable. CCIY isn’t just about making things – it’s about fostering connections and building community through creativity and supporting local talent