"Essex, Massachusetts" Essex by Pawtuxet

Essex Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 35 photos

Antiqueing in Essex

Essex is a very small village with one main street, a collection of old homes, antique shops, and sea food restaurants. At one point there is water on either side of the narrow road...inlets...small cove filled with boats...a small marine museum. Spend the day walking, antiqueing, and enjoy a fresh lobster or a bowl of wonderful chowder.

Long history of boat building

Essex has built the Gloucester fishermen's boats and sailing boats for generations. The trade continues today. Many boats fill the inland waterways...and just driving thru you can see that the water has played a major role in this town's development over the years. Makes for some very charming sights.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Typical "down east" town ...lots of antique shops & seafood
Cons:never enough
In a nutshell:A little treasure

Last visit to Essex: Oct 2002
Intro Updated Sep 19, 2008
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Reviews (7)

Treasure hunting Things to Do (5)

You could do a lot of searching, poking, and treasure hunting in Essex. The town is devoted to antique shops with... more travel advice

Old farm preserved in Essex Things to Do (5)

Cogswell's Grant is an entire farm with barns and livestock....expansive fields...all preserved by Historic New... more travel advice

A Yankee Tradition Since 1914 Restaurants (2)

"Best Seafood in America" is how they bill themselves. They don't stand on ceremony...nothing fancy, certainly 'salty'.... more travel advice

Every table has a view Restaurants (2)

River dining in Essex* I was alone one late afternoon looking for lunch. A local Rockport shopkeeper had recommended... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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deecat Feb 26, 2009 at 4:24 PM

Woodman's of Essex sounds wonderful...yum Lobster! Like the tip about the Folk Art and the farm/barn. What a grand place for perusing antiques. You've done a seductive page for those who love antiques, food, and art.
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hunterV Sep 19, 2008 at 8:03 AM

Hi, Janet! Thanks for your introduction about that attractive place... ~ Take care~ ~
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ObsessedWithSalem Jul 25, 2007 at 7:52 PM

Thanks for the nice page on Essex Janet!! I am planing on spending some time here on my trip..as I love antiques and what could be better the antiques and seafood? :)
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TempNomad Jul 6, 2006 at 8:16 AM

Wow! Every place I'm looking at for this weekend has a page with your name on it! Very interesting tips...thanks!
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tiabunna Mar 16, 2006 at 4:47 AM

Now, that looks like a very pleasant little place for a visit - and a good meal to go with it. Another enjoyable page, Janet.
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matcrazy1 Jan 14, 2005 at 1:26 PM

I love tiny towns and rural USA a lot! Great page.
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kenHuocj Sep 8, 2004 at 6:10 AM

hand made reproduction furniture - heard of Vista Alegre in Lisboa? they do antique bonehina repros ;-)))
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Imbi Aug 25, 2003 at 5:31 PM

is it better then our essex? good page.
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crazyguitar May 23, 2003 at 5:53 AM

Great new page!!! Thanks!!