Movie about Whitey Bulger is looking for background extras.
I’ve seen a few older cars rolling around Gloucester, they might want to cash in.
Spring Greetings Joey!
Below is a release highlighting fun and easy spring things-to-do with The Trustees of Reservations on the North Shore, including best first hikes, great picnic spots, gardens in bloom, and more! We’d love it if you would consider using this (or parts of it!) as a spring/early summer story. Many thanks and please give me a ring with any questions.
Cheers,
Holly Hannaway
Fun and Easy (and Wallet-Friendly!)
Spring Things to Do with The Trustees of Reservations
This spring The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) offer a slew of fun (and affordable) ideas for people of all ages to get out and enjoy their 112 properties – from Stockbridge to Boston. Their reservations offer something for everyone, encompassing thousands of acres of wide open spaces that include woodlands trails, historic homes, community farms, gorges and waterfalls, miles of coastline, and formal gardens.
Whether you’re looking to take a breather from a hectic day or itching to spend the afternoon enjoying your favorite outdoor activity, you can easily find a Trustees property near you to unplug with family or friends. Check out these properties below for a few ideas, as well as The Trustees website for fun programs and events for all ages this spring: www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/.
PACK A PICNIC…No reservations required!
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich
The rolling half-mile-long Grand Allée with sweeping ocean views makes a wonderful spot for spreading a blanket. Pack your favorite lunch or, beginning in May, grab a delicious sandwich or salad from our Castle Hill Café. Take a historic house or landscape tour or throw a Frisbee or fly a kite. While you’re there, check out our “preservation in action” project on the rolling front “lawn” of this National Historic Landmark.
Coolidge Reservation, Manchester-by-the-Sea
For the perfect mix of views and picnic-friendly terrain, this ocean side property on the North Shore is hard to beat. Follow the pathway that leads to the Ocean Lawn and stop. This broad expanse of green is matched only by the blue waters of Massachusetts Bay spreading before you.
FIRST HIKES…It’s a walk in the park, literally!
Appleton Farms and Grass Rides, Hamilton and Ipswich
Explore the farmstead and surrounding fields and woodlands of a 350-year-old working farm. With more than 12 miles of flat or gently rolling trails that are either grass and gravel, the farm is the a perfect spot for a first hiker or stroller. If you have more time, stop by and say hi to the animals on the farm, pick up some fresh farm milk or cheese in the Dairy Store and learn about the many programs offered throughout the spring and summer at this special place.
With 10 miles of carriage paths and trails that meander through the park, there are plenty of options for exploring. Children love the Ledge Hill Trail – a two-mile round-trip walk among magical-looking, fern-covered boulders. Use the Cape Ann Discovery Center as your jumping-off point – check out the Investigation Station and borrow a Discovery Detective Backpack for your outdoor exploration.
GARDENS IN BLOOM…Stop and smell the roses!
The Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover
Soak up history and horticulture as you explore the gardens behind this renowned country house. Highlights include a perennial garden, a rose garden, the greenhouse complex, and a potager garden (or French vegetable garden) with a brick serpentine wall. Intermingling with the formal gardens are rustic elements, including hay fields, an orchard, and woodlands.
Long Hill, Beverly MA
Explore cultivated gardens, an extraordinary woody plant collection, an apple orchard and meadow, a network of woodland trails – even a children’s garden and organic farm!
QUESTING…Learn and discover as you go!
Exploring a Trustees property is easy and fun with a Quest, or outdoor scavenger hunt. Follow the series of clues that lead to you a hidden box. Local Quests include:Hermit’s Haven at Ravenswood Park and Pinnacle Quest at Appleton Farms Grass Rides. For a complete list of participating properties visit: thetrustees.org/quest. You can find the Quest maps at the parking lot bulletin board of participating properties. Kids can also download a special Quest Detective booklet online (thetrustees.org/detective) and stamp their “passport” when they complete a Quest.
HISTORY BUFFS…Find your Home Sweet Home!
In celebration of Massachusetts heritage and preservation month, tour one of the many Trustees historic homes across the state during their FREE Home Sweet Home Open House Day on May 31st. Participating Northeast & Greater Boston homes include: The Great House at Castle Hill, The Old House at Appleton Farms, The Paine House at Greenwood Farm, The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, and The Old Manse in Concord. Visit: thetrustees.org/homesweethome for all the details.
ATANK (OR FERRY) AWAY…Grab a friend and go!
Why not pick a Trustees property you’ve never seen and go? Check out thetrustees.org for a full list of their reservations. A few great ideas include Dunes Edge campground in Provincetown and several “hidden gems” and beaches on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees are the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust, one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations and an established leader in the conservation and preservation movement nationally and internationally. Supported by more than 100,000 members, donors, and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 112 spectacular reservations – including working farms, historic homesteads and gardens, community parks, barrier beaches and mountain vistas – located on more than 26,000 acres. In addition, The Trustees work closely with permanent affiliates including Boston Natural Areas Network and the Hilltown Land Trust as well as hundreds of community partners to preserve and protect special places and provide year-round programs for all ages. Visit www.thetrustees.org.
Good Morning Gloucester 