Who: Kerry Healey
Job: Host, “Shining City,” NESN
Her Pick: Peabody Essex Museum
Location: Salem
“The PEM is a world-class museum, designed by a world-famous architect, with exhibits so newsworthy that they are featured in Time and Newsweek, sitting quietly and unpretentiously on a side street in downtown Salem… Don’t miss the Yin Yu Tang House, a historic Chinese house transported to Salem piece by piece and reassembled inside the museum by Chinese craftsmen! It’s incredible.”
Art Gallery
Cape Ann’s oldest artists’ cooperative, LOCAL COLORS in Gloucester currently showcases the works of 16 artists in a variety of media: glass, painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fine art woodworking, and sculpture, among others. Its spacious gallery is a one-stop shop for locally made treasures, be it the perfect gift for a special recipient on a momentous occasion, or a little something for yourself, well, just because. 121 Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-3996, local-colors.org
READER’S CHOICE: Walsingham Gallery, 47 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-499-4411, thewalsinghamgallery.com
Beach
No location epitomizes a classic New England summer day better than GOOD HARBOR BEACH in Gloucester. Spend the day soaking in the rays, riding the surf, or wading out to a small island just off the beach. Parking is $25, which can seem steep, but with such vast space, sparkling blue waters, working showers, lifeguards, and a well-stocked snack bar, we say it’s worth it. Thatcher Rd., Gloucester
READER’S CHOICE: Good Harbor Beach, Glouecster
Brewery
A North Shore favorite, the CAPE ANN BREWING CO., located right in scenic Gloucester Harbor, recently settled into its new digs, where guests can enjoy a variety of house-brewed options. Choose from smooth lagers, hearty IPAs, and seasonal brews, depending on your mood. Beer in hand, spend the day basking in the sun on the deck or make new friends at large communal wooden tables. 11 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-282-7399, capeannbrewing.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Cape Ann Brewing Co., Gloucester
Fair/Festival
Take the whole family to the nearly 200-year-old TOPSFIELD FAIR for a huge variety of games and rides, entertainment, shopping, and traditional country fair demonstrations, not to mention all of the requisite fair food (only better) you could want. Chomp on candy apples or waffle fries while you celebrate America’s oldest and finest agricultural event! 207 Boston St., 978-887-5000, topsfieldfair.org
READER’S CHOICE: Eve’s Rising, 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, 978-521-1686, everising.org
Irish Pub
Take a trip (if only imaginary) to the Emerald Isle at KITTY O’SHEAS IRISH PUB in Beverly. Here, patrons enjoy pints of Guinness in an authentically Irish atmosphere, where the bartenders know the regulars by name. Life’s not all about liquids here, though: true Irish dishes include bangers ‘n’ mash and Guinness beef stew. Stop by evenings Saturday through Wednesday for live music. 298 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-927-0300, northshoreonline.com/kittyosheaspub
READERS’ CHOICE: Port Tavern, 84 State St., Newburyport, 978-465-1006, theporttavern.com
Golf Course, Private
Over 7,000 yards of well-groomed grounds and a 311-acre estate inspired by European castles and manors are what make up the scenic TURNER HILL golf course in Ipswich. The award-winning 18-hole, par-72 course is just as breathtaking as it is challenging. 251 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-7070, turnerhill.com
READER’S CHOICE: Ferncroft Country Club, 10 Village Rd., Middleton, 978-739-4040, ferncroftcc.com
Golf Course, Public
BLACK SWAN country club in Georgetown gets our vote. The 18-hole, par-72 course comprises 6,803 yards of manicured grounds, and hazards aplenty to challenge even the most seasoned players. Head to the award-winning Keon’s for a celebratory post-game drink. 258 Andover St., Georgetown, 978-352-7926, blackswancountryclub.com
READER’S CHOICE, two-way tie: Middleton Golf Course, 105 South Main St., Middleton, 978-774-4075, middletongolf.com; Black Swan Country Club, Georgetown
Karaoke
Whether you love taking the stage or you’re just in the mood to sit back and enjoy a good laugh at the talent, Friday night Karaoke at SAND BAR in Lynn is a guaranteed good time. Gather your office mates and friends and celebrate the end of the work week by belting out “Build Me Up Buttercup” and other essential tunes. 714 Washington St., Lynn, 781-593-7263, sandbarlynn.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Sand Bar, Lynn
Live Music Venue
Complete with stunning waterfront views, the SHALIN LIU PERFORMANCE CENTER in Rockport welcomes a variety of famous musicians and music aficionados. The intimate setting of this 330-seat venue makes any concert special. The location hosts events year-round, from the nationally recognized Rockport Chamber Music Festival to jazz and pop acts. 37 Main St., Rockport, 978-546-7391, rcmf.org
READER’S CHOICE: Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport
Live Theatre Venue
NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE in Beverly has presented musicals, plays, and concerts since its opening in 1955. Approximately 250,000 patrons visit annually, many of them making the production of A Christmas Carol an annual holiday tradition. 62 Dunham Rd., 978-232-7200, nsmt.org
READER’S CHOICE: North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly
Lounge
VENETIAN MOON in Reading has repeatedly staked its claim as one of the swankiest lounges on the North Shore. The bar boasts more than 350 vodkas and 70 martini options, making this cosmopolitan lounge the perfect destination to meet and catch up with friends in style. 680 Main St., Reading, 781-944-3633, venetianmoon.com
READER’S CHOICE: Harbor Light Inn, 58 Washington St., Marblehead, 781-631-2186, harborlightinn.com
Marina
Situated in a fully sheltered harbor with a full-service fuel dock, DANVERSPORT MARINA is more like a self-sufficient village than merely a place in which to berth your yacht: It’s complete with a grille/bistro, a swimming pool, volleyball nets, and horseshoe pits, giving first mates plenty to do when it’s time to refuel. 161 Elliot St., Danvers, 978-774-8621, danversport.com
READER’S CHOICE: Hatter’s Point, Amesbury, 978-388-7333, marinahatterspoint.com
Movie Theatre
Forget the manufactured greetings and ho-hum staff of your neighborhood superplex. At CABOT STREET CINEMA theatre in Beverly, patrons are greeted by tuxedoed ushers and the melodies of a piano player. The elegant setting is complete with a 43-foot dome and bronze chandelier that overarches the seats of the orchestra and balcony. Finish your experience with coffee and a pastry at the mezzanine café. 286 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-927-3677, cabotcinemamovies.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Cinema Salem, 2E India Square Mall, Salem, 978-744-1400, cinemasalem.com
Museum
Bringing in a fantastic diversity of art and culture, The PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM became a fast favorite for the North Shore. Vast collections of local and global art and cultural artifacts lure a number of tourists and locals through its doors each year. With unique and interesting featured exhibitions, speakers, and events, there is always something new to see and to learn inside this treasured gem. 161 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-9500, pem.org
READERS’ CHOICE: Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Sports Bar
Grab some friends and head to BOSTONVILLE GRILLE in Lynnfield to catch the big game on more than 200 plasma televisions and 20 large projection screens. With a wide selection of bottled beers and drafts and over 100 menu items, it is the ultimate environment to experience your favorite sporting event. Not to mention, Bostonville has one of the largest full-service arcades on site featuring over 200 video games. 325 Broadway, Lynnfield, 781-592-1010, bostonvillegrille.com
READER’S CHOICE, four-way tie: Cala’s Restaurant, Café and Bistro, 7 Beach St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-525-3304, calasrestaurant.com; Great American Tavern, 303 Main St., North Reading, 978-207-1240, greatamericantavern.net; Lazy Dog Sports Bar, 328 Broadway, Lynn, 781-477-1988, lazydogoflynn.com; Tavern in the Square, 189 Washington St., Salem, 978-740-2337, taverninthesquare.com
Trivia Night
Test your knowledge in a variety of subjects at Wednesday night Trivia at ONION TOWN GRILL in Danvers. With great general question trivia, an extensive drink menu, and tasty American fare, this family restaurant will keep your stomach full and your brain sharp. 175 Water St., Danvers, 978-774-3343, oniontowngrill.com
READERS’ CHOICE: The Landing, 7 Central St, Manchester-By-The-Sea, 978-526-7494, thelandingat7central.com
