Some 1,500 guests gathered at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Tuesday night to sip beer and wine, sample tasty bites from local restaurants, and dance under a starlit sky at the 2019 Best of the North Shore event.
Guests were shuttled to the celebration from adjacent Crane Beach, enjoying sweeping, scenic marsh views and occasional wildlife sightings as they ascended the hill. VIP guests were ushered into a chandelier-strewn tent running alongside the 59-room Stuart-style mansion, where they enjoyed sparkling wine and a full bar, as well as charcuterie and rustic bread provided by Fireside Catering.
In the main event space, nearly 40 vendors lined the top of the Grand Allée, the rolling lawn that stretches from the Great House down to the shore, offering cold brew, pulled pork, striped bass crudo, gourmet mac and cheese, vodka-infused White Russian cupcakes, and much, much more. At the bottom of the gourmet gauntlet, 1606 Restaurant, Seaport Grille, and Vinwood Caterers offered up treats including ahi tuna bites, lobster rolls, and strawberry gazpacho with balsamic caviar. Local breweries True North Ale Co., Ipswich Ale Brewery, and 14th Star Brewing Co. had a wide range of beer available, and 90+ Cellars offered a selection of wine.
Entertainment was provided by a live band and a DJ, who collaborated to keep the dance floor – or should we say dance lawn – abuzz. Soul of Boston, an eight-piece band featuring several vocalists and even a brass section, served up classic songs, 80s pop sensations, and the latest hits; their cover of Old Town Road got the crowd moving. DJ Chris Roxx took over later in the evening, keeping the party going.
As always, the event was full of fun fashion that made people-watching one of the evening’s chief delights. Bright floral pants, sequined dress, flower-decked necklaces, and flowing, summery dresses in every color and pattern imaginable added festive and occasionally flamboyant touches to the night.
Presenting sponsor Boston Appliance raffled off a $10,000 gift card in support of disability services nonprofit NuPath. Sponsor Bentley Boston, a Herb Chambers company, provided a pair of Rolls-Royces for guests to inspect (and take some great selfies with!), and Baert Marine displayed a beautiful boat. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Home Furnishings was a VIP sponsor.
The event was also made possible by the generous sponsorship of Beauport Hospitality Group, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Salem Five, Anna Petropoulos Center for Classic Beauty, North Shore Medical, the Deborah Lucci Team from William Raveis, Mainvest, Tile by Design, Aruba Tourism, and Whole Foods.
Congratulations to our many worthy 2019 BONS winners and we look forward to celebrating with you all again next year!
Full Photo Gallery:
Photos by Jen Bolitho
