Founded in 1982 by the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission and located in a restored mill, Brush Art Gallery and Studios oozes creativity. Designed to be educational, exhibitions delve into social and environmental issues, thanks to the ethnic diversity of Lowell. Whether you are an artist or an art lover, you’ll definitely find inspiration here and maybe even a few new pieces for your home.

Brush Art Galley and Studios
256 Market St., Lowell
978-459-7819, thebrush.org

Readers’ Choice:
Walsingham Gallery,
47 Merrimac St., Newburyport
978-499-4411, thewalsinghamgallery.com

Get a big-city night-out experience right in historic Salem at Strega. With a lavish red interior and plenty of boom in the sound system, Strega provides the perfect atmosphere to mingle, dance, and drink. Whether you are deep in conversation on one of the leather couches or burning some calories on the dance floor, there’s a good chance you’ll meet new people or, at the very least, put a stressful workday behind you.

Strega
92 Lafayette St., Salem
978-741-0004, stregasalem.com

Readers’ Choice:
Lobster Shanty
25 Front St., Salem
978-745-5449, lobstershantysalem.com

For a wicked good brew fit for Gloucester’s finest sailors and fishermen, nothing beats a “Beer on the Pier” by the docks of America’s oldest seaport at the Cape Ann Brewing Company. The Fisherman’s IPA is a favorite, handcrafted from two-row barley imported from Europe. See how it’s done on Mondays for homebrew night.

Readers’ Choice:
Cape Anne Brewing Co.,
27 Commercial St., Gloucester
866-233-7636, capeannbrewing.com

For the best round without membership fees, head to Far Corner Golf. Manicured greens, scenic tree lines, terrific service, and a variety of terrain make this Boxford course a prime spot. You can even enter Far Corner’s monthly drawing to win a foursome with carts.

Far Corner Golf
778 Main St., West Boxford
978-352-8300, farcornergolf.com

Readers’ Choice:
Tewksbury Country Club,
1880 Main St., Tewksbury
978-640-0033, tewksburycc.com

Spanning 7,021 yards of gorgeous, well-kept greens lies Turner Hill, an award-winning 18-hole par 72-championship golf course. The course’s extraordinary landscape combines the perfect proportion between awesome play and excellent scenery. Inspired by Europe’s grand castles and manors, the Turner Hill mansion has been a standout in Ipswich since 1903.

Turner Hill
3 Manor House Ln., Ipswich
978-356-7070, turnerhill.com

Readers’ Choice:
Ferncroft Country Club,
10 Village Rd., Middleton, 978-739-4040, ferncroftcc.com

For a taste of the Emerald Isle, it’s hard to beat Newburyport’s Port Tavern. The dark wood-and-brick interior, combined with a long bar with plenty of seats and televisions, makes tipping back pints and catching a game old hat. Throw in some Guinness Beef Stew and live Irish music on Wednesdays and Sundays and you’ll see why this is quickly becoming one of the best hangouts on the North Shore.

Port Tavern
84 State St., Newburyport
978-465-1006, theporttavern.com

Readers’ Choice:
Kitty O’Sheas
298 Cabot St., Beverly
978-927-0300, northshoreonline.com/kittyosheaspub

Located on the water in Salisbury, Blue Ocean Music Hall welcomes a variety of national and regional bands, solo artists, comedians, and children’s entertainers year round. Grab a table near the stage or, if the night is right, let down your hair and dance the night away. No matter what, with one of the finest audio and light systems available, as well as great food and ocean views, you’re bound to have a night to remember.

Blue Ocean Music Hall,
4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury
978-462-5888, blueoceanhall.com

Readers’ Choice:
Me and Thee Coffeehouse
28 Mugford St., Marblehead
781-631-8987, meandthee.org

In late 2009, Salem Theatre Company got a new lease on life, so to speak, with its new 60-seat venue on Lafayette Street. What hasn’t changed is the quality of performances you’ll find here, ranging from cultural to classic to contemporary. Whether it’s a musical, a play, or a concert, you’re bound to see a great show every time.

Readers’ Choice:
Salem Theatre Co.
90 Lafayette St., Salem
978-790-8546, salemtheatre.com

Blood Orange Grapefruit, Pacific Pineapple, Black Sambuca Coffee, Hipnotiq Haze, Liquid Hard Candy…what’s your pleasure? With a collection of 360 vodkas from around the world and 70 different martini selections, Venetian Moon has put Reading on the map of seriously swanky lounges. Spend a little time downstairs and you’ll swear you are in Miami Beach.

Venetian Moon
680 Main St., Reading
781-944-3633, venetianmoon.com

Readers’ Choice:
Glory Restaurant
19 Essex St., Andover
978-475-4811, gloryrestaurant.com

What separates Cinema Salem apart from its megaplex competitors is that it invokes the true essence of film viewing. Here, the personal touches go a long way. The popcorn is freshly made and right before each movie is about to begin, an employee comes down to the front of the screen to greet and thank everyone for coming to see the show.

Readers’ Choice:
Cinema Salem
2 East India Square Mall, Salem
978-744-1400, cinemasalem.com

Grab some friends, order wings and nachos, and settle in to watch a game at Salem’s Tavern in the Square. A massive number of televisions surround the bar for optimal viewing, so you will never miss an important play. With 30 beers on tap and over 90 selections on the menu, this is what every sports bar should be.

Tavern in the Square
163 Washington. St., Salem
978-740-2337, taverninthesquare.com

Readers’ Choice:
Maddie’s Sail Loft
15 State St., Marblehead
781-631-9824

Marblehead’s seafood hotspot, The Landing, fills with laughter every Tuesday evening for “Trivia Night with Brian.” Start studying your cocktails, love songs, and area codes because the categories are that random. Or at least, bring some smart friends with you.

The Landing
81 Front St., Marblehead
781-639-1266, thelandingrestaurant.com

Readers’ Choice:
The Landing at 7 Central
7 Central St., Manchester
978-526-7494, thelandingat7central.com