Things to Do Year Round
With the inn’s prime location, one block from the historic downtown, Newburyport is your oyster waiting to be discovered. Around the corner from the Compass Rose Inn, you will find State Street, Market Square and Inn Street – all an easy five minute walk. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the brick paved sidewalks, taking in the unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants, many of which are housed in historic brick buildings – all a reminder that you are visiting one of New England’s charming seaside communities that has maintained its small village graciousness and relaxed atmosphere.
Don’t forget to venture down to the waterfront and take a panoramic view of the Merrimac River, possibly enjoying an ice cream cone from one of the local shops as you meander along the boardwalk.
Historic Marketplace
Another fine example of Newburyport’s historical renovations is the Tannery, also located around the corner from the Compass Rose Inn. Originally a leather mill, the Tannery is now a historical marketplace, housing a wide selection of unique and independent shops, fine restaurants and specialty food stores. If you would like to sample some of the local produce, the Tannery is known for hosting the Farmer’s Market on Sundays.
Something for everyone to experience!
The original town of Newbury was settled in 1635. A small section of the town along the river, occupied by merchants and marine interests separated from Newbury and formed the community of Newburyport in 1764. The many churches and cemeteries evoke memories of the early families and colorful personalities of the city’s history.
The city has been thoughtfully returned to its former glory. Visitors are quick to appreciate the adaptive reuse of the older mill buildings and tanneries blended with beautifully restored colonial houses and federal and Georgian period manor homes.
The marine activities centered on the riverfront boardwalk provide tourists with their choice of water attractions from charter boats to whale watching. Plum Island National Wild Life and the Joppa Flats Educational Center will satisfy the tourist’s curiosity about all things that fly! Bring your binoculars and camera to capture the stunning variety of resident and migratory populations.
OUR WATERFRONT
Whale Watch, River Cruise, Deep Sea Fishing, kayaking, catamaran charters
OUR BEAUTIFUL SHORELINE
Plum Island, Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Ecotours, Fishing
OUR HISTORICAL PLACES OF INTEREST
Custom House Maritime Museum, Cushing House Museum, Historic cemetary tours, Lowell’s Boat Shop and so much more.
OUR LOCAL ART GALLERIES
Walsingham, Lepore Fine Arts, Newburyport Art Association
OUR PERFORMING ARTS
Firehouse Theater, Actors Studio, Newburyport Choral Society,
Maudslay Arts Center, The Newburyport Literary Festival
OUR RECREATION
Enjoy the sights and smells of the area on one of the featured bike tours. Cast a line off Plum Island for a day of fishing. Hike or bike at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Suit up for some windsurfing, boating or kayaking. Charter a boat for some deep sea fishing, or spend the afternoon on the local Whale Watch.