Lobsters, Beer and Clams…oh, my!
It’s no secret, the Boston area has some of the regions best seafood and breweries. But did you know the North Shore has some of the best in the country? Both Bonnie and I love a good beer with our clams and we will now take you on a little tour of our favorite places on the North Shore. Some of the these businesses have been around since we were kids and some are brand new. We hope you can take your own tour this summer and enjoy these New England treasures!
Many thanks to The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) for this great list of places to visit this summer. This state agency is dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. We can’t agree more!
If you happen to visit any of the these locations tell ’em Mom’s Lifesavers sent you.
Seafood Stops:
Woodman’s ~ Essex
Back in 1916, Laurence “Chubby” Woodman served the first fried clams to the public at the Essex 4th of July Parade, forever changing New England cuisine. 98 years later, Woodman’s of Essex continues to serve locally shucked fried clams to over five generations of seafood lovers. Open year-round, today’s restaurant features coastal views, gluten-free dishes and award-winning clam chowder.
Check out their awesome website. Word on the street is that they have a brand-new gift shop!
JT Farnham’s ~ Essex
This seafood shack encourages boaters to anchor up and order right from the Essex River. Idyllically situated along Eben Creek, JT Farnham’s offers views of both the creek and the river with outdoor seating. Their menu features four types of homemade chowders, award-winning fried clams and a long list of traditional New England fare. The restaurant reopened for the 2014 season this past March, serving until November.
Check out Farnham’s on the Food Network!
Lobster Pool ~ Rockport
Famous for serving great “seafood in the rough” and “no-nonsense lobster rolls” (without the celery and other filler ingredients), the Lobster Pool has been in business since 1954. Christine has been eating here since 1080 and LOVES it!
With pet-friendly outdoor seating featuring unforgettable views of Ipswich Bay and the distant New Hampshire and Maine coasts, customers return for the atmosphere in addition to the freshly caught seafood. Open every weekend in April 2014, the Lobster Pool will extend its hours to 7 days a week in May 2014.
Check out their website here!
Night Shift Brewing has some of the best brews on the North Shore!
Brewery Stops:
Night Shift Brewing ~ Everett
Night Shift Brewing is three friends who turned a passion for nocturnal brewing into a profession. Started in a Somerville kitchen, they now brew at an Everett, MA microbrewery. Fusing unique ingredients into an array of rich, complex flavors, Night Shift presents and pours small-batch creations throughout Greater Boston.
Check out everything you need to know on their website.
Salem Beer Works ~ Salem
Located in historic downtown Salem since 1996, Salem Beer Works offers 15 freshly brewed beers on tap each day. Salem Beer Works is a spinoff of Boston Beer Works, the elder statesman in the Boston craft beer community, which opened in 1992. Salem Beer Works was the second location opened and has been creating craft beer for nearly 20 years. Various Beer Works locations have opened around MA since then.
Ipswich Ave ~ Ipswich
Since 1991, this microbrewery has proudly produced high-end craft beers featuring local ingredients, such as the five-ingredient 5-Mile. In fact, Ipswich Ale is the oldest running craft brewer in New England. Famous for brewing completely natural, unfiltered ales, brew aficionados keep track of events and their signature Tapmobiles throughout the North Shore area for tastings. While Ipswich Ale currently distributes to select retailers throughout New England, the brewery is expected to open a restaurant in Fall 2014.
Need some more info? Check out their website!
Clown Shoes ~ Ipswich
Headquartered at Mercury Brewing Company’s brewing facility in Ipswich, Clown Shoes Beer has been in business since 2009. Notable fan favorites include the Clementine (a white ale), a double IPA, and a chocolate stout. But with drafts only available through select distributors across the country, Clown Shoes Beer is a rare find for the seasoned beer enthusiast. Connoisseurs in the area can get their hands on a draft at vendors such as Boston Wine Exchange (181-185 Devonshire St, Boston) and State Liquor Exchange (370 Park Ave, Worcester) and various tastings, bars and restaurants throughout the state.
More info about Clown Shoes on their website.
Cape Ann Brewing Company ~ Gloucester
Tucked away in Gloucester’s classic downtown, the Cape Ann Brewing Company offers enthusiasts delicious pints of their specialty brews, ranging from seasonal to year-round. Enjoy a glass of their signature Fisherman’s beer, made in-house, paired with their highly rated pub faire. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday and on weekends upon request (call 978-282-7399 for reservations).
Cape Ann Brewing has a great website. Check it out.
Check out The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) online!
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