16 Days of Extraordinary Discovery, 24 Years of Celebration
Uncover one-of-a-kind treasures in your own region during Trails & Sails, an exclusive collection of complimentary experiences curated by Essex National Heritage Area. Journey through exceptional adventures on land and water, explore singular historic properties, and immerse yourself in distinctive cultural encounters. Discover what makes Essex County an irreplaceable destination unlike anywhere else in the world.
Trails & Sails unlocks exclusive access to Essex County’s rarest experiences – from intimate guided expeditions and private paddling adventures to behind-the-scenes historic tours, authentic reenactments, and master artisan demonstrations. This distinguished National Heritage Area reveals hundreds of extraordinary opportunities each September for curious explorers seeking hidden treasures and uncovering secrets.
How These Rare Experiences Come to Life
Essex Heritage partners with an exclusive network of local organizations to curate these one-of-a-kind adventures. Historical societies share forgotten stories, conservation groups lead expeditions through pristine landscapes, arts collectives open private studios, and historic vessels offer intimate harbor tours found nowhere else. Essex Heritage then connects adventurous souls to these precious experiences through specialized guides and targeted promotion.
From climbing historic clock towers to learning ancient hunting techniques, this collection features the most extraordinary and distinctive experiences you can only find in Essex County, Massachusetts.
Most Unique & One-of-a-Kind Events You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Waterpower at the Saugus Iron Works Tour (Saugus, Sept 13, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
How did water drive early industries in colonial Massachusetts? Join park staff as we demonstrate a variety of waterwheels. Learn how waterwheels were made historically and how modern carpenters repair and rebuild them today.
Live Sheepherding Demonstration (Haverhill, Sept 14, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
While experiencing the beautiful rolling fields of Tattersall, attendees will watch a live demonstration on sheepherding with farm dogs. The sheep herder will interact with the audience and will be available for questions.
Jeff Peart Memorial Game “Graybeard Cup” (Newbury, Sept 14, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Join Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm and the Essex Base Ball Association for a day of vintage base ball as we celebrate the 20th season of this partnership! The “Graybeard Cup” will be a triple header between the Essex teams. Pack a picnic and enjoy a beverage and hotdog from Ipswich Ale!
Forest Bathing and Nature Weaving at Ropes Mansion Garden (Salem, Sept 14, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Celebrate the abundance of nature in the Ropes Mansion Garden with forest therapy guide, Nadine Mazzola. Experience the benefits of forest bathing, inviting a deepened sense of belonging. Create a nature weaving that you can take home with you and join others in creating an ephemeral community nature weaving.
Hospital Point Lighthouse Tours (Beverly, Sept 14, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM & Sept 27, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Climb the 150-year-old lighthouse tower at Hospital Point, tour the property and experience the history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Closed to the public 360+ days a year, now is your chance to visit and enjoy a semi-guided tour of this amazing place!
Tour of the King Hooper Mansion (Marblehead, Sept 14, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
Rare opportunity! Interior tour of the c.1728 and c.1750 King Hooper Mansion, focused on Robert “King” Hooper’s family of 4 wives (in sequence), 11 children (by his 2nd wife of 28 yrs) and 4 stepchildren (from his 3rd wife), plus architecture (Georgian bedrooms, early cellar kitchen, early 1800s parlor, and 3rd floor ballroom).
Topsfield Town Hall Clock Tower Tour (Topsfield, Sept 15, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
The Topsfield Town Hall and clock tower is celebrating its 153rd year! Come with us up 71 stairs to see the clock mechanism and learn about its design, design improvements and history.
Colonial Hearth Cooking & Bridges House Tour (North Andover, Sept 18, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
This incredible and one of a kind experience will take you inside the Bridges House, one of North Andover’s oldest and best preserved homes to learn all about colonial architecture, gardening, and hearth cooking.
Pop-up Disc Golf Putting Course (Salisbury, Sept 19, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Disc Golf is a fun activity for all ages. In anticipation of the Partridge Brook Park Disc Golf course (coming soon!) we will be hosting a pop-up putting feature. Come check out our world-class baskets – the RPM Helix. Can you get it in? Anyone can try!
Atlatl Day (Danvers, Sept 20, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Try your hand at ancient hunting practices! Using an atlatl or spear throwing stick is an ancient global technology. Join the Eugene Winter Chapter of Mass Archaeological Society, as they teach you the finer points about hunting in the ancient world! Hunt a wooly mammoth or wooly rhinoceros.
Plum Island Lighthouse Tours (Newburyport, Sept 20, 15 min. tours available 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM)
Step inside the historic Plum Island lighthouse! Sign up for a free, 15-minute tour by visiting us online.
The Plum Island Museum of Lost Toys & Curiosities (Amesbury, Sept 20 & 27 Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sept 21 & 28 Sundays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
The Plum Island Museum of Lost Toys & Curiosities is a living installation fed by the incoming tide. Legos, Happy Meal toys, plastic soldiers, fishing lures and more serve as a reminder that all the plastic we consume still exists somewhere.
Make a Car or Boat Craft (Amesbury, Sept 27, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Build and decorate a 3D car or create an origami boat in a bottle….or both! Bring the family to the outdoor programming space of the Library for a fun do-it-yourself activity with some transportation books to read together!
Climb up City Hall Tower (Gloucester, Sept 27, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Climb up the interior of City Hall’s clock and bell tower to experience the wow factor of looking out over Gloucester and Cape Ann while learning about the history of Gloucester’s most significant architectural building that has defined our skyline for more than 150 years.
Learn to Clam (Rowley, Sept 27, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
Learn the basics of shellfishing at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. We will discuss the ecology of the salt marsh, look for wildlife, and dig! A permit is required from the Town of Rowley to take home clams. All materials provided, rubber boots recommended.
✨🌟 DISCOVER! Trails & Sails Adventure Guide 🔍💎
Before you embark on Essex County’s extraordinary trails:
📋 Check trailsandsails.org to secure your spot at these exclusive events
☀️ Watch the weather—these special experiences shine brightest on clear days
👥 Bring your fellow adventurers (share these rare moments together!)
💫 Thank your hosts—they’re preserving these FREE unique opportunities
📞 Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact hosts or info@essexheritage.org
Step into wonder… Essex County’s hidden gems await discovery! 🗺️✨
The Wonder of Trails & Sails
Essex County’s heritage isn’t just historic—it’s extraordinary, filled with one-of-a-kind stories that shine like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Through Trails & Sails, curious explorers can uncover thousands of remarkable heritage sites where unique traditions, rare artifacts, and extraordinary tales create unforgettable experiences. Essex Heritage knows that once visitors encounter these special places—from distinctive architectural marvels to exclusive cultural treasures—they become passionate advocates for preserving these irreplaceable wonders.
From singular colonial estates with unmatched craftsmanship to exceptional maritime collections found nowhere else, Trails & Sails ensures that every generation can discover—and help protect—the most precious and distinctive elements of Essex County’s cultural legacy.
Visit the Trails & Sails website https://trailsandsails.org/events/ to find more exclusive tours, rare exhibits, and special access experiences near you, as well as discover over 200 free events from September 13-28, featuring behind-the-scenes house tours, unique maritime adventures, distinctive outdoor excursions, and celebratory community gatherings throughout Essex County’s federally designated National Heritage Area, showcasing the region’s unparalleled shipbuilding innovations, exceptional colonial architecture, and breathtaking coastal vistas.
Essex National Heritage Area is a proud member of Creative Collective. For more information about Essex National Heritage Area, please visit: https://creativecollectivema.com/meet-the-member-essex-heritage/.
This story comes from the Creative Collective community – Essex County businesses who believe when we thrive together, our whole region becomes more vibrant. We’re entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers across all industries, collaborating to build the community we want to be part of. If you see your business as more than just commerce – as a way to contribute to our regional ecosystem – you belong here. Discover how to join our community →
Essex National Heritage Area | Heritage Tourism
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Essex National Heritage Area Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) is a non-profit organization managing the Essex National Heritage Area, a federally designated region encompassing 34 cities and towns in Essex County, Massachusetts. Established by Congress in 1996, Essex Heritage is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the area’s rich historical, cultural, and natural resources. Key Features: Manages 34 cities and
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