New England Archives - Maura Allard Realtor

Spring has officially sprung. Days are longer, the weather is slowly getting warmer, and the sun is shining just a little brighter as we move past the cold and dreary winter months into a season filled with renewal. Is there anything better than that?

Although I love every season in New England, springtime maybe my favorite. There is so much to enjoy in what feels like the perfect spring weather. So whether you love spending your time outdoors or are hoping to expand your horizons this year by becoming one with nature, there are plenty of spring activities to enjoy.

From walking through the cobblestone streets of Boston to hitting local trails for a nice mid-day hike, the options are endless.

Let’s dive into some of my favorite outdoor activities on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Explore the House of the Seven Gables

(115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970)

This famous seaside mansion was the inspiration behind Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. It offers two unique ways to explore the grounds and home. One way is through a guided tour. The second is through a grounds pass, which comes with a 30-minute narrated historic site tour on your personal device.

You can even share your experience with a friend who lives across the country (or world) by telling them about their virtual guided tour. Although not outdoors, it allows them to experience the home in all of its glory.

Fun fact: this home on the Salem harbor was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007. Plan your visit today!

Snap a selfie in front of Motif No. 1

(Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966)

Motif No. 1 is an iconic and world-known red fishing shack on Bearskin Neck wharf in Rockport. It is often referred to as “the most painted building in the world.”

Why not explore this famous location while snapping a selfie in front of it with your favorite family and friends? Or set up an easel and paint the scene before your eyes on canvas. Add it to your “must-see” spring list.

Pick strawberries at Russell Orchards

(143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938)

There may be nothing more delicious than biting into a freshly-picked strawberry from a local orchard.

Russell Orchards is a family-owned and operated 120-acre fruit farm in Ipswich that invites visitors to enjoy strawberry and raspberry picking in June and blueberries, cherries, and blackberries throughout the summer months.

If you love berries, this outdoor activity is a win-win. Not only are you getting fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, but you’re also enjoying the outdoor weather and supporting a family-owned community staple.

Fun fact: Russell Orchards offers apple-picking in the fall, so don’t forget to make your rounds there in the cooler months, too.

Become one with the ocean on a Cape Ann Whale Watch

(415 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930)

When we think of the coastline of Massachusetts, there is one outdoor activity that always comes to mind: whale watching.

On the Cape Ann Whale Watching tours, you’ll depart to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This section is part of the Massachusetts Whale Trail and is almost guaranteed to provide you with the best whale sighting opportunities.

The season opens on April 23 each year.

Enjoy local artwork on the Clipper City Rail Trail

(Washington Street, Newburyport, MA 01950)

Clipper City Rail Trail is more than just your average bike trail.

As you find yourself riding, gliding, walking, or scootering through, you’ll pass by sculptures and murals created by local artists. If the art wasn’t enough, you’ll also enjoy beautiful water views as you pass through the downtown Newburyport area.

From unique sculptures to murals, signage, and even a steel “Steam Locomotive” play sculpture, there is something for everyone of all ages to admire and enjoy.

Go birdwatching at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Spring is when all the birds return to the North after a mild winter in the warmer states. What better time than to go bird watching, right?

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,700 acres nature preserve in Newburyport, home to more than 300 species of birds. So grab your birdwatching notebook and your favorite pair of binoculars, and enjoy all that nature offers.

Massachusetts activities for everyone.

We hate to sound like those people, but there is so much more to Massachusetts than Boston. Sure, we believe it’s the best big city in the world, and you should definitely explore it and enjoy it often, but there is a lot to do outside of the city limits.

There are so many ways to enjoy Massachusetts, both indoors and outdoors. This spring, we encourage you to spend some time exploring your current town or neighboring cities and towns to get the most out of your state. If you’re from out of town, Massachusetts has a lot to offer everyone. Here are some other great ideas for enjoying the springtime in the Bay State.

You never know- you may discover a city or town on your exploration that you fall in love with and decide to move to on the North Shore. Either way, we’d love to hear from you on your springtime adventures- even if that adventure involves purchasing a new home.

1.Ranch

This one-level home first made its appearance in the 1920s as an economical way to house your family in a suburban-developed area. From then, until about the 1970s, ranch-style homes were one of the most popular home options throughout the country. Post World War II, their ease of build, flexibility in design and low cost were a perfect match for families throughout the United States suburbs. Ranch-style homes are one of the main reasons many families moved from the cities into the suburbs, growing the suburban area greatly post-war. Ranch-style homes are simple in design appearance, boasting clean lines and a simple color palette, without many intricate design elements. Many of these homes utilize an L-shaped floor plan on a single story. They also, often, include an attached one or two-car garage. Other features include a patio with sliding door, a covered front porch and a pitched roof. Most floor plans do not exceed 2,000 square feet of living space.

2. Split Level

An upgraded modification to the standard ranch-style home, the split level gained traction in the late 1950s. Similar in features to the ranch, a split level includes all of the same elements as a ranch, but adds in extra room and features for a larger overall floor plan. In addition to the added space, there is an upper and lower level, divided at the entry. This splits the home into three separate spaces: a basement, an open upper level that includes the kitchen and living area and a sleeping quarter that includes all of the bedrooms down a specific hallway. Often, the basements on split-level homes are finished to add more living space to the home.

3. Cape Cod

Cape Cod homes, or capes for short, have been around since England’s colonization in America. Gaining traction again in the early 1930s, many original capes, built in the 1600s, were remodeled to fit the living space and requirements for the era. Some of the most popular features found in cape homes include wood or brick siding, a one-and-a-half-story design, wide shutters, a gabled roof, a single chimney and a centered front door. From the front door, there is a hallway that extends from the front to the back of the home and opens to each room throughout the house.

4. Colonial

The most popular two-story design, the colonial is a staple home throughout the country. Boasting either two or three stories, these homes typically feature 3 to 5 bedrooms and are ideal for larger families or those looking for more space. The first floor is the living area, including a den, a kitchen and, at least, a half bath. The second story houses all of the bedrooms while the third can include an additional bedroom or attic area. Other features include one to two brick chimneys, a front entryway, a high pitched roof, crown molding and other more intricate design features.

5. Victorian

Gaining popularity in the early 1900s due to new manufacturing techniques, the Victorian is a staple American home. Although older in age, these expansive homes feature elaborate and unique design features like turrets, specialized shingle shapes, multiple gabled roofs, bay windows and non-symmetrical floor plans. Often, they can be found in more eye-catching colors that vary throughout the interior and exterior. They are sometimes referred to as “gingerbread houses,” because of their intricate design elements.

New England includes homes of all eras and design backgrounds, but many pinnacle American homes can be found in the heart of this area. The New England states are filled with vast history of the United States and that can be seen in the home designs that still pop up on the market. If you are in the market for a new home or hoping to decide on your ideal home design this year, I can help. Let’s connect and discuss what your home goals are and tackle your plan together.