Only a half hour from Boston on the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport line, Ipswich is a scenic, sea-side Puritan town with red brick-paved High Street housing many historically restored homes from New England’s colonial period.
Full of some of the oldest homes in the country and rich with American history, Ipswich is a haven for historians and locals alike.
William Varrell, a trustee of the Ipswich Historical Society, has written a number of books about the town’s history and is an expert on the preserved buildings.
“Ipswich has more ‘first period’ houses — dating from 1625 to 1725 — than any other town in America,” Varrell said. “The Historical Society has two museum houses which are open for tours.”
Ipswich is also recognized for seamlessly combining the new with the old, creating a new footbridge spanning the picturesque Ipswich River, leading to an old New England mill.
“While most mills in New England have been torn down or turned into condos, this mill is still home to a business,” Varrell said. “On the side of the mill is a mural in progress by local artist, Allen Pearsall, which details the history of Ipswich.”
Yet a necessary stop is the more modern Zumi’s Ice Cream and Espresso, which blends coffee with idealism, thanks to its passionate owner, Umesh Bsuju.
“Zumi’s café is committed to the Fair Trade movement to support the farmers and the environment,” Bsuju said. “We only sell coffee that is organic, with no pesticides. That is the big difference between us and other coffee shops. Social and environmental responsibility is our goal.”
Zumi’s opened three and half years ago in a considerably smaller space, but has since expanded as a result of its success. Loyal customers from Ipswich and nearby North Shore towns flock to Zumi’s for its celebrated causes.
“We just started working with the Coffee Land Mine Trust, which is a charity,” Bsuju said. “Some of the countries that grow coffee have a problem with land mines. Proceeds from the sales of coffee go toward a fund to eliminate the land mines. We also directly donate money to it and try to get as many people involved as we can.”
Situated next door to Zumi’s, Nails Etc. Day Spa offers everything necessary for a completely relaxing spa experience.
“Nails Etc. Day Spa is a place to relax and get pampered from head to toe,” Nails Etc. owner Margaret Taylor said. “We do manicures, pedicures, brow waxes, complete facials and body massage therapy. We’re excited about our newest service of mini-facials and eyelash extensions.”
According to Taylor, the atmosphere of Nails Etc. isn’t business-like at all but rather like a group of friends — a natural set-up since most people in Ipswich know each other.
“I like that Ipswich is small and homey,” Taylor said. “It’s very personable here — people are warm and friendly. In a small town like this you’re not just a customer, we hope that you become a friend.”
For those feeling nostalgic for their childhood, Fun Among Us is the perfect escape from the reality of college life. Filled with unusual toys and games, the store also sells picture frames, bags and other items that would make the perfect gift for a child — or for those who are children at heart.
There are also many other restaurants in downtown Ipswich, including Zabaglione Café, which creates an ambiance from its cozy space and delicious homemade food.
“It’s mainly Italian food, but many other things too,” said Mike Elpibofors, owner of Zabaglione Café. “We serve traditional Italian lasagna, sausage and pastas. People also like our soups and I make them myself everyday. We have eight soups on the menu right now.”
The restaurant is located centrally in Ipswich and has a quaint décor designed by Elpibofors himself.
“My favorite food at the restaurant is so fattening, but delicious; the carbonara,” Elpibofors said. “It has eggs, pancetta and pasta.”
For information on more tourist favorites in downtown Ipswich, go to the Hall-Haskell house, which is the Visitor’s Center. There are brochures available and the building also houses a revolving art exhibit by local artists.