Editors’ Choice
Christmas at Castle Hill, Ipswich
Standout Qualities: The grandeur of a historic seaside estate mixed with Christmas? It’s like, well, Christmas! Does it get much better than this? We always feel the joy inside the gilded 1920s mansion, especially surrounded by gorgeous flower arrangements, complimentary treats, and pop-up stores for holiday shopping. A whole weekend in early December includes self-guided tours of the jaw-dropping Crane Estate, plus evening drinks for romantics and daytime carols and Santa visits for the kids.
Insider Tip: Some years, persons named Carol have gotten in free (with ID)!
Fun Fact: The Cranes hired some of their century’s most notable architects and landscape architects to make the place spectacular. Centuries before it was adorned with a 59-room grand summer estate with meticulous landscaping, filled with period antiques and owned by one of America’s wealthiest families, Castle Hill was well known by Native Americans, who called the area Agawam.
290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-4351, thetrustees.org
Readers’ Choice
Christmas at Castle Hill, Ipswich