NORTH SHORE – As summer ends, there are tremendous opportunities to get out stretch your legs and soak in unique landscapes on land and sea, while navigating scenic trails and visiting historic sites.
The biggest is Essex Heritage Commission’s Trails and Sails. It will allow you to discover special places in your backyard and throughout the Essex National Heritage Area. Find what makes Essex County like nowhere else. All events included in this series take place in various locations throughout Essex County and are completely free.
Sails & Trails has been extended to 16 days from Sept. 14 to Sept. 29.
Also on Saturday, Sept. 21, Essex County Greenbelt will hold its 10th annual Tour de Greenbelt cycling event. The Tour de Greenbelt includes road and gravel options and several different distances.
All routes take cyclists through areas protected by Greenbelt, featuring rolling farmlands, forests, salt marshes and scenic coastlines.
Open to all levels of experience, “this scenic ride offers participants a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Essex County’s protected landscapes,” the tour organizers said.
The cycle, sponsored by the Institution for Savings, is a fundraiser for Greenbelt’s conservation efforts.
Start Time: 9 a.m.
- Starting Location: Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex.
- Routes (all self-paced): half-century (50 miles) on paved roads; recreational route (25 miles) on paved roads; two gravel excursions (30 miles & 45 miles) through protected forests and fields
- Registration Options: Participants can register as an individual, team member, or fundraising pledge rider
- Specialty Cycling Jersey: Order by August 21 to ensure delivery of a custom-made, high-quality tech fabric cycling jersey before the ride, cost is $75
Post-ride festivities on the Cox Reservation include food from A&B Burgers, beverages from Bent Water Brewing Company, and live music.
Online registration is open through September 13. Day-of registration will be open the morning of the event, starting at 7:30 a.m.
Trails & Sails
Rowley, 9 p.m. – 2 p.m. Sat. Sept. 14 — Rowley Public’s Library’s little-known treasure is the Local History Room. Join Rowley Historical Society representatives to learn more about local history, research your family history, or maybe trace ownership of your home. At 141 Main St. Rowley.
Visit the historic Sanctuary and Burying Grounds of First Parish Church at 20 High Road, Newbury. First Parish is the “Mother Church” of the Newburyport/Newbury area. The church was settled in 1635 at a location on the Upper Green, and several church buildings followed that were destroyed by fire. The current building was built in 1869. The Burying Grounds contains the graves of many of Newbury’s first settlers and their descendants as well as those of veterans of all US wars. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tour St. James Church in downtown Amesbury from 10 to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 to enjoy the magnificent stained-glass windows, created by Boston artists over generations. St. James’ historians will be available to guide you and answer questions about the interesting life of this historic fieldstone church. You must be able to ascend seven front steps. 120 Main St.
