If you are looking for a vacation in New Hampshire, look no further than the coastal towns of Ipswich, Concord, and Plum Island. These coastal towns are home to the world-renowned Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which consists of 3,000 acres of salt marsh and 6.5 miles of beach. There are also dune-beach complexes and freshwater impoundments on the island.
To reach these towns from Newbury, take Rt. 1A. This road will take you through the towns of Newburyport and Ipswich. After passing the first one, take Liberty St., which leads to Market Square. From there, you can exit at either High St. or State St. in Ipswich. This is an approximately 22-mile round trip. You’ll find parking at both locations.
If you’re looking for something more natural, you can visit the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which spans nearly 4,700 acres and is home to more than three thousand species of animals and plants. On the far southern tip of Plum Island, Sandy Point State Reservation provides an excellent view of the Merrimack River. Here, you can visit the Hellcat Interpretive Trail, which is a must-see for birdwatchers. It’s important to know that the refuge closes periodically during breeding season for the Piping Plover. The parking lot for the Refuge is at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7.
In 1649, the Massachusetts General Court divvied up the island into three towns. The island was largely used for grazing. Cattle and horses were allowed to roam the island, destroying much of its vegetation. However, by the mid-18th century, the General Court decided to make the island a National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, it was named after the first two. In addition to Plum Island, there are several other towns in Essex County.
The island was home to several settlements, including the towns of Ipswich and Rowley. Residents of Newbury and Newburyport once used the land for pastureland and fishing. Salt hay was valued for its insulation and mulching properties. Throughout the centuries, the island has been home to many people. The first smallpox hospital in Newburyport was built on Plum Island in 1769. Afterwards, Newbury and Newburyport had separate town governments.
After the turnpike was completed, the city’s first lighthouse was built. The lighthouse, built in 1788, was operated by W. Starling Burgess, a Marblehead boat builder. Burgess’s lighthouse was the first lighthouse in Newburyport. It burned down in 1933, but the town continued to develop. In the early twentieth century, Warren Frothingham leased land on Plum Island Turnpike. He continued to operate a successful aviation business from this site until he was forced to close his operations due to a federal ban on private flying. In 1945, the turnpike reopened.
The Sunset Club on Plum Island opened its doors in mid-August. The restaurant is owned by the Starlite Management Co., which also owns popular restaurants in Boston and Ipswich. The Sunset Club seats 130 guests outside and features a bocce court, picnic tables, and a sandbox for children. You can also find a variety of prices and styles at this beachfront restaurant.