Things to do in Marblehead
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Abbott Hall
Every American is familiar with The Spirit of ’76, the patriotic painting (c 1876) by Archibald M Willard. It depicts three American Revolution figures – a drummer, a fife player and a flag bearer. The painting hangs in the selectmen’s meeting room in Abbott Hall, home of the Marblehead Historical Commission. The red-brick building with a lofty clock tower is the seat of Marblehead’s town government, and houses artifacts of Marblehead’s history, including the original title deed to Marblehead from the Nanapashemet Native Americans, dated 1684.
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Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Marblehead Neck, a 2-sq-mile swath of land that juts into the ocean, is mostly residential and very fancy, with only a few points of public access to the water. On the southeastern side of Marblehead Neck, a short walk takes you to Castle Rock, with views of the Boston Ship Channel and Boston’s Harbor Islands. At the northern tip of Marblehead Neck, Chandler Hovey Park, by Marblehead Light, offers views of Cape Ann and the islands of Salem Bay. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is not on the water, but it is a peaceful place for a stroll.
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Jeremiah Lee Mansion
The Marblehead Historical Society operates the Georgian Jeremiah Lee Mansion, which was built in 1768 on the order of a prominent merchant. It is now a museum with period furnishings, and collections of toys and children’s furniture, folk art and nautical and military artifacts.
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Landing
The atmosphere is staid, but the setting is the draw at this classic seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Choose from the full-service restaurant or the pub, which has lighter fare. Either way, don’t expect anything too exciting: just sit back and enjoy the view.
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Barnacle
Perched on a rocky outcropping at the harbor’s edge, the Barnacle is what waterside dining is meant to be. Specialties include steaming hot clam chowder and lobsters straight off the boat. Excellent outdoor seating.
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Marblehead Arts Association
Housed in the King Hooper mansion, four floors of exhibit space have shows changing monthly. Besides rotating exhibits, this facility hosts lectures, classes, receptions and occasional performance pieces by local artists.
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Crosby’s Market
Visit this large, upscale market in Old Town for all of your picnic needs, including wine and beer. Its extensive deli is rife with the scent of freshly baked pumpernickel, dill pickles and roasted veggie salad.
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Pellino’s
‘Quaint’ is the operative word at this tiny family-run trattoria. The constantly changing menu of regional Italian treats and the excellent wine list make this a North Shore favorite.
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Maddie’s Sail Loft
The place to come for local color. Set in a historic house, old-timers pack into this little pub to wolf down fried seafood and swill some beers. It’s one block inland from State St Landing.
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Fort Sewall
Walking east on Front St, you will reach Fort Sewall, perched on a rocky rise at the mouth of the harbor. The 17th-century fort expanded during the American Revolution and is now a pleasant park.
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Foodie’s Feast
This sweet little café serves ‘legendary’ scones and rock cakes for breakfast or satiating soups and sandwiches for lunch. The turkey black bean chili gets rave reviews.
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Artists & Authors
Offering ‘rare books/fine art’. That means thousands of antiquarian books and hundreds of signed prints. Occasional shows feature contemporary artists.
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JOJ Frost Folk Art Gallery
A historical and artistic exhibit of paintings by local artist JOJ Frost, depicting life in 19th-century Marblehead.
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King Hooper Mansion
The historic King Hooper Mansion, built in 1728, is the home of the Marblehead Arts Association.
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