Текст
                    WEDDING
AWARDS
THE BEST CAKES, BOUQUETS, GOWNS, AND MORE

W I N T E R HEARTY
SOUPS FOR
WA R M E R S THE SOUL

JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024

Ways
TO BEAT THE

WINTER BLUES
ICE-SKATING, CROSS-COUNTRY
SKIING, DRINKS BY THE FIRE,
MUSEUM VISITS, AND MORE
ON THE COVER
Squash Soup from
Newburyport’s Brine

E X P LO R E

BEVERLY
COOL SPOTS TO VISIT IN
THIS COASTAL TOWN

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THE iX M60 ELECTRICITY IN ITS ULTIMATE FORM. Experience the evolution of elegant performance in the all-electric BMW iX M60. From its opulent touches to its dynamic M parts, the iX M60 is all you’ve ever wanted from an electric vehicle with all you’ve come to expect from the Ultimate Driving Machine. It’s sustainably crafted, M-engineered and fully equipped with intuitive technology for every kind of adventure. Lavish finishes cover every surface of the iX M60’s impeccably refined interior, while a panoramic moonroof with liquid crystals allows you to create an instantaneous shading effect when desired. With 610 max horsepower and a range of up to 280 miles, your 3.6-second acceleration from zero to 60 is just the beginning of a ride unlike any other. The iX M60 is 100% electric and 100% BMW. This is the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine. Contact BMW of Peabody 221 Andover St., Peabody, MA 01960 ©2022 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW trademarks are registered trademarks.
DAN AGGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY ANNMARIE SWIFT PHOTOGRAPHY SEAMLESS PHOTOGRAPHY ERICA FERRONE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS & EVENTS Willowdale Estate is one of the North Shore’s most inspiring backdrops for hosting an unforgettable occasion – from a company event, to a family celebration, to a memorable starlit wedding! Mention “NSM” for a special offer. ARTIFACT IMAGES JESSICA DESFORGES PHOTOGRAPHY WILLOWDALEESTATE.COM | 978.887.8211 | 24 ASBURY STREET, TOPSFIELD, MA 01983
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JAN + FEB FEATURES 2024 VOLUME 24, ISSUE 1 Beat the Winter blues. Cape Ann Marina’s Mile Marker One restaurant brings back its popular igloo dining this season. Page 80 Beat the Winter Blues BY NATALIE GALE Celebrating Chocolate The North Shore is chock-full of activities and events to make the most of the season! 80 ON THE COVER Brine’s Savory Squash Soup Page 88 8 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 BY NATALIE GALE 22nd Annual Salem So Sweet is back in Witch City this winter. 86 Soup’s On HANNAH SELINGER Warm up this winter with a piping hot bowl of goodness. 88 Winter Wellness BY NANCY E. BERRY Three hotel spas get high ratings for luxury, tranquility, and serenity. 94 PHOTOGRAPH BY ELISE SINAGRA NORTHSHOREMAG.COM ILLUSTRATION BY DANIELE SIMONELLI
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM pem.org/venues 161 ESSEX STREET | SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 978-542-1615 | weddings@pem.org EXCLUSIVE PARTNER Photo by Bob Packert/PEM. Make your wedding a work of art.
C ONTE NTS JAN + FEB DEPARTMENTS 2024 EAT+DRI N K LI VE+P LAY Beauty and the Plate Our Daily Bread Ipswich’s Brown Square Bistro crafts dishes that are local, flavorful, and artful. 18 A new brewery with a twist comes to the Witch City. 24 Things to Do North of Boston during January and February 44 Master of Plans Seasonal Sips Three eateries serve up some of the best hot chocolate in the region. 28 Joe Faro is crafting a city within a city at Tuscan Village 48 FACES +PL ACE S SH OP +REN EW Winter Survival Guide: Beverly Forever Ring Beverly might be known for its seaside, but it’s also a fun place to while away the winter months. 32 28 38 What to Do This Winter Salem Brews 18 Former president of Trader Joe’s tackles food insecurity in Salem. Pop the question with one of these breathtaking diamond rings. 52 Winter Warmers Seasonal accessories to keep you cozy all season long. 54 All in the Family Marblehead mother and daughter team create a successful jewelry business. 56 See who won for best cake, gown, bouquet, venue, and more! 32 STARTS ON PAGE 64 IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s Letter Page 12 / northshoremag.com Page 14 / Where to Buy It Page 98 10 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP TO BOTTOM BY ANTHONY TIEULI, ELISE SINAGRA, AND ADOBE STOCK
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EDITOR’S NOT E JAN + FEB WELCOME TO THE ISSUE 2024 NEW BEGINNINGS With a new year on the horizon, I am hopeful that 2024 will be a little kinder than 2023. I had a great loss this past year when my sister Patty succumbed to a very rare cancer. With losing Patty, I realize I need to be a bit kinder to myself. Get more rest, go for walks, and share my thoughts and feelings when the grief becomes too much to bear. The greatest lesson of all is that health is everything. We all need to take better care of ourselves when life becomes stressful. I won the wellness lottery this issue as I got to write about 5-star spas in Boston and beyond. Visiting the Mandarin Oriental, Encore Boston Harbor, and The Four Seasons One Dalton spas was healing, therapeutic, and rejuvenating. Each has a luxurious spa that could rival ancient Rome’s baths. We find ways to beat the winter blues with a list of local activities and events to enjoy all winter long. Whether it’s cross-country skiing at Appleton Farms, ice-skating at MarketStreet, Lynnfield, indulging in chocolates at the Salem So Sweet festival this February, or cozying up by the fire, we’ve got you covered. We try some local chefs’ soups—from savory French onion to vegan carrot and squash to hearty chowders—that are sure to warm the soul this season. And you don’t have to be a child to appreciate our ideas on where to grab a delicious hot chocolate on the North Shore. Our January-February issue would not be complete without announcing the Best of the North Shore Wedding Awards. See who won for best cake, gown, ring, and more in this issue! Congratulations to the winners! Don’t forget that BONS voting begins on February 1! Happy New Year to you and yours, Nancy E. Berry, Editor Top to bottom, See who won for best cake, ring in the New Year, Encore Boston Harbor Spa, and Salem So Sweet festival WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Send comments to the editor: nberry@northshoremag.com 12 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, BY SHUTTERSTOCK, BY BARBARA KRAFT/ COURTESY OF ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR, AND COURTESSY OF DESTINATION SALEM
The 35th Annual Boston Wine & Food Festival Join us for an array of events featuring intimate winemaker-hosted dinners, brunches, tastings, seminars, and a myriad of captivating events this January through March 2024. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: NONPROFIT PARTNERS: EVENTS T. +1. 617 748-1878 | 70 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110 | BOSWINEANDFOODFESTIVAL.COM Photography by Andy Katz
N ORT HS HORE M AG.C O M JAN + FEB CONNECT WITH US ONLINE 2024 01 04 WHERE TO EAT Looking for great seafood? Let us give you some suggestions. northshoremag.com 02 WHAT TO DO Check out happenings on the North Shore. northshoremag.com 03 WHERE TO SHOP The best places to find the latest looks. northshoremag.com/Fab-Finds/ JARED CHARNEY Jared Charney is a portrait/photojournalist working with local and national publications exploring the lives of people in New England. Jared can also be spotted playing tennis, sipping coffee at the many independent coffee shops on the North Shore, and trying to keep up with his teeangers, wife, and very small dog named Lulu. More of his work can be viewed at jaredcharney.com 14 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 BONS 2024 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Nominations open! Voting Begins February 1! northshoremag.com/bons-2024/ GLENN SCOTT Glenn Scott has been creating images at his GSP studio in Beverly’s downtown Arts District for more than 25 years. His favorite projects feature simple subjects complemented by inventive surroundings. See Glenn’s portfolio at glennscottphotography.com NORTHSHOREMAG.COM DANIELE SIMONELLI Daniele Simonelli is a freelance Illustrator based in the eternal City of Rome, from where he has fought against the use of clipart for ten years (and counting) and has created work for editorial, advertising, and design industries with international clients. danielesimonelli.com ALEXANDRA PECCI Alexandra Pecci grew up on the North Shore and writes about its people and places. Her travel, food, and lifestyle stories appear in Rachael Ray Every Day and the Washington Post.
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JAN + FEB 2024 New Ipswich eatery, Korean inspired brews, top hot chocolate spots BEAUTY AND THE PLATE Ipswich’s Brown Square Bistro crafts dishes that are local, flavorful, and artful. BY JEANNE O’BRIEN COFFEY Squid Ink Gnocchi with Grilled Octopus 18 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTHONY TIEULI

EAT + D RINK Consider carefully the components on any restaurant dish, and you might notice far more than initially meets the eye—in terms of technique, plating, and care. Certainly, that is the case with the Coffee & Cacao-Crusted Venison Loin at Brown Square Bistro in Ipswich. The farm-raised venison is tender and flavorful, standing on the plate in thick slices, held in place with a woodfireroasted chestnut purée. But, honestly, that is just the beginning of this earthy dish. For between the slices of venison stands a rectangle of sweet potato pavé. Look closely: Each piece is composed of impossibly thin slices pressed together. To create this side requires a lot of patience. The sweet potato is sliced and layered into a baking pan, each tier brushed with brown butter, then the whole thing is baked at low heat for two hours before being weighted and chilled overnight, then sliced and browned prior to plating. In addition to the slices of pavé, the plate also holds a crépinette, a small This page, Duck Pavé perfected Right, top to bottom, Coffee & Cacao– Crusted Venison Loin and ProsciuttoWrapped Monkfish sausage made from the venison trim, as well as charred baby carrots, persimmon chutney, and pickled cranberries, all lightly dressed with a venison jus. Each component adds to the overall experience of the dish, and as a whole, it represents the work of hours and hours in the kitchen as well as the bounty of the region—carrots, sweet potato, and cranberries are all stars of local farms during New England winters. As with every dish on Brown Square Bistro’s menu, the plate represents the collaboration between chefs Liam Gove and Joseph Garrity. Johnson & Wales graduate Gove got his formative experience in a storied two-Michelin-star French restaurant in England, while Garrity, who attended New England Culinary Institute, spent six years focused on farming and provides some of the restaurant’s produce from his Living Soil Gardens organic farm. The pair met while working in the kitchen at Deuxave in Boston more than a decade ago, and the menu displays both chefs’ expertise. THE MENU Squid Ink Gnocchi with Grilled Spanish Octopus $17, Steak Tartare $18, Fall Salad with Squash Custard $16, Coffee & Cacao-Crusted Venison Loin $49, Prosciutto-Wrapped Monkfish $40, Sweet Potato Bread Pudding $13 20 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM
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EAT + D RINK Everything is made in house, starting with the complimentary focaccia served with smoked butter. Order a cocktail while looking over the menu. The Beachfire, a balanced combination of smoky mezcal, amaro, and lime juice topped with pink grapefruit soda, is a bit like a wintry spritzer. Small plates are indulgent and surprising. The Fall Salad with Squash Custard featured kale and radicchio greens scattered over orange half-moons of a firm, rich purée of winter squash, yielding a balance of textures and a unique spin on a classic combination. Similarly, the Squid Ink Gnocchi with Grilled Spanish Octopus was a riot of flavors and textures. The tender black gnocchi was made in house, tossed with smoked butter and the chunks of octopus, served atop a layer of purple sweet potato, and topped with pickled onions, husk cherries, crispy pork belly, and house-made black ink tuille crackers. Crunchy, creamy, savory, and sweet all came together with a comforting wintry balance. Even the steak tartare surprises, arriving at the table in a beautiful crock, with a seal of duck foie gras hiding the decadent chopped beef tossed with a sunchoke aioli underneath. In addition to the venison, current entrées include a Prosciutto-wrapped Monkfish— medallions of moist monkfish stand on a plate adorned with grilled maitake mushrooms and hand-made mushroom ravioli, sprinkled with bright-green romanesco, a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower. It was as lovely to look at as it was satisfying to eat. Because of the local and seasonal influence, the menu changes frequently, but the chefs anticipate working winter citrus into the menu to welcome the new year, in dishes like scallop crudo with bitter winter greens and coveted white Alba truffle. Berkshire pork with chayote, crispy salsify, and sauce Robert is also coming this winter. The comfortable space—formerly Ithaki Mediterranean Restaurant—is done in muted blues and grays, with stylish lighting and a number of seating options, from cozy corners to high-tops in the bar. Owner Tom DiSilva intentionally eschewed white tablecloths, crafting an environment that welcomes casual diners and special occasions alike. Servers are knowledgeable about the wine list, and nearly every selection is also available by the glass, so you can try a taste before committing to a bottle. Servers will also share the details of the compact dessert list, which changes frequently. A recent offering of Sweet Potato and Apple Bread Pudding amply displayed the hallmarks of the entire menu: The pretty round of bread Clockwise from pudding was served with left, Baja fish apple spaghetti and house-made maple tacos, the interior walnut iceandcream, topped with a sprinkle of is eclectic fun,and a classic granola. Creamy, crunchy, local, balanced, mojito is on offer. and beautiful. Top, Executive chef Liam Gove and sous chef Joe Garrity. Right, The presentation of the dishes is just as important as the flavor, and the interiors are sans white tablecloths to give a more relaxed vibe. CONTACT 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-312-6590, brownsquarebistro.com 22 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM
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EAT + DRIN K D RINK Couch Dog creates its brews with Korean herbs. SALEM BREWS A new brewery with a twist comes to the Witch City. BY ANDREW CRUMP Salem’s historical background and year-round fondness for skeletons, spirits, and haunts offer up a freebie concept for any brewery mulling over the town as a possible location: Lean into the spookiness when designing the space and developing a tap list. Lafayette Street’s Couch Dog Brewing, which opened doors last June, pays tribute to The Witch City’s character with Portergeist, one of two dark beers on the menu. But the 24 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 brewery actually draws more personality from the Korean-American heritage of one of its cofounders. Adam Shoemaker and his partner, Alli, got their start home brewing, as many brewery owners do, experimenting with flavors and ingredients uncommon in modern craft beer, but staples in Korean kitchens. “I think it’s a lot like cooking in some ways,” Shoemaker says about their approach to brewing. “It’s NORTHSHOREMAG.COM knowing what flavors you have access to, knowing the best ways to get that flavor into your beer.” Visits to H Mart are a source of inspiration. There, they find Korean herbs like tart mugwort and minty perilla, and fruits like maesil (Korean green plums) to incorporate into beer styles popular with American craft consumers: IPA, pale ale, sour ale. “We’re trying to add something new to the scene,” Shoemaker says, “something that we haven’t seen at too many other places. Every year there’s more and more great beer, and great places to drink it. But we’re excited if we can offer something that people haven’t experienced, or something new.” Mint in IPA is certainly new, or at the very least, rare, which makes the Perilla IPA an PHOTOGRAPHS BY SCOTT GOODWIN
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EAT + D RINK instant standout in Couch Dog’s lineup. There are only so many ways even veteran hopheads can describe flavor profiles in hop-heavy beers: tropical, citrusy, juicy. That crowd might gravitate toward Perilla IPA right away. It’s the most popular style on the market going back 20 years, after all, so Shoemaker and Alli fully expect people to order theirs. “But then we might convince them to get a flight and try some other beers, and then we get a whole range of answers to what each person’s favorite was in the flight,” Shoemaker says. It could be the Five Spice Wheat Beer, or the Session Rice Ale with yuzu, another East Asian mainstay. Adam Shoemaker began homebrewing before opening Couch Dog. “We try to nudge people out of their comfort zone,” Shoemaker explains. If part of the fun for him and Alli is broadening the palate, it’s natural they’d want to pass that fun on to their customers. Acclimating Couch Dog to Salem’s culture is part of the goal, too. “I love it when a brewery is unique to a location and a time, and does its own thing,” Shoemaker professes. “I think there’s something nice about the craft scene when it can highlight the area that it’s in.” Couch Dog uses Salem water with grains malted in Massachusetts, as the base for its Korean-influenced beers—one of the keys of Couch Dog’s mission. CONTACT couchdogbrewing.com 26 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM The other, Shoemaker jokes, is to “get as many dogs in [the space] as possible.” The brewery’s name and logo is a nod to their own dog, a Jindo mix, who, as one might guess, likes lounging. That’s crucial for keeping the brewery’s atmosphere relaxed, right alongside the rest of the brewery’s standout details. “Some of it’s the beer, some of it’s the people they go with, and some of it is the space,” says Shoemaker. He and Alli want Couch Dog to reflect comfort while highlighting her roots. But they’re making a community within a community, too—a place where they can get to know Salem’s locals and their brewery can become a part of their lives.
A high end, beachfront, dining destination with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, only miles from downtown Boston and conveniently accessible by public transportation. Owner Michael Aldi teamed up with Executive Chef Adriano Silva to provide classic New England dishes with a focus on fresh seafood, local ingredients, and house-made pastas. DRYFTREVERE.COM | 781.629.1842 | 500 OCEAN AVE COMING SPRING 2024 Fine Line offers residents of Revere Beach and beyond a comfortable haven to relax, enjoy, and engage with one another. Both our drink and food menus are curated by those who love their work. With twenty rotating draft lines, we always keep a selection of offerings that spotlight local breweries. Indulge in gourmet handmade pizzas straight from our brick oven to your table. Experience a vibrant atmosphere at Fine Line, where our friendly staff ensures a memorable time, making us the perfect destination for both casual outings and special occasions. FINELINEREVERE.COM | 781.629.1839 | 500 OCEAN AVE
EAT + DRIN K D RINK Consider it a grown-up cocoa: no whipped cream or marshmallows, just the finesse of chocolate, with a little sweetness on the back palate, and a solid late-afternoon pick-me-up on a very cold afternoon. Why drink coffee, I thought, when I could have a cup of this instead? Like any beverage, hot chocolate is diverse in its iterations. The version served at A&J King Artisan Bakers, in Salem, is a richer style—and that certainly isn’t a bad thing, particularly for those who are fond of chocolate. “Just like anything that is inherently simple, if it’s made well, it should stand on its own,” Andy King, the bakery’s owner, says of the iconic beverage. A&J King’s rich beverage is made, he says, from a ganache, made with a 60:40 ratio or Richardson’s half-and-half and Callebaut semisweet chunks. The ganache is then mixed with a steamed milk of the customer’s choosing, and can be customized with the addition of syrups, like hazelnut, cinnamon, and mint. DeVille Cafe & Market in Beverly makes delicious hot cocoa. SEASONAL SIPS Three eateries serve up some of the best hot chocolate in the region. BY HANNAH SELINGER On a recent and chilly afternoon, I stopped in at the newly opened DeVille Cafe & Market in Beverly, a sweeping, curated space that was, until just a few months ago, home to Frank McClelland’s critically acclaimed restaurant FRANK. I had come on a mission: to sample hot chocolate (other items, like Fly by Jing’s chili sauces, which have a cult following online, caught my eye, as did a refrigerator case full of artisan products: Red Jacket Orchards juices; cheeses from Cypress Grove, in California; 28 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 Maestri slow-cured charcuterie). DeVille’s culinary curation is headed by Annika Firestone—her cookbooks were on display as I browsed—a chef known for her work at the Tatte Bakeries across Boston. At the counter, I ordered a hot chocolate (and a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich on a croissant, for good measure), which was made to order with my choice of milk—oat, in this case. The result was a light, frothy drink that read more like a mocha than a saccharine dessert for the very young. NORTHSHOREMAG.COM A&J King Bakery offers decadant chocolate drinks. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELISE SINAGRA
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EAT + D RINK The measure of a hot chocolate, King says, is really in its ingredients. “A great hot chocolate is made-to-order, with real-deal, simple ingredients,” he says. “You should be able to taste a high-quality milk product, and high-quality chocolate in equal measure, and you should be satisfied with one mug.” The balance, he says, lies in making a drink that is rich enough to satisfy the craving for chocolate but not so rich that it overpowers. The bakery offers customers full-fat cow’s milk, skim milk, oat milk, and various other types of milks. “You can make a hot chocolate with any type of milk, of course,” he says. “As long as it’s steamable.” In Amesbury, Kate and Theo Dewez recently took over the Market Square Bakehouse, a 10-year-old stalwart that has offered locals a place to congregate over coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. Although the new owners may be initiating some changes as time marches on, Kate Dewez stands by the Bakehouse’s hot chocolate. “I think it’s very good the way it is,” she says. The Bakehouse makes its own powder in-house, sourcing unsweetened Dutchprocess cocoa powder and blending it with sugar. The blend, Dewez says, is then added to fresh steamed milk to-order, along with a splash of vanilla syrup. “It can be served with or without whipped cream,” she says. “We also have another one, which is kind of different, and that’s the Mexican hot chocolate, where you have some cayenne pepper. It’s a little spicy.” Around the holidays, the Bakehouse also offers a peppermint version, which may remain on the menu throughout the winter. The Bakehouse aims to make its hot chocolate less sweet than some other versions, Dewez says. “It’s more muted, and you can actually drink the whole thing without feeling like you’re going to be sick, because it’s not too sweet,” she says. Customers can personalize their orders by including their preferred milk (the Bakehouse offers a variety, including almond milk, oat milk, cow’s milk, and more). Whether you prefer your hot chocolate rich and luscious or dry and refined, there is a cup out there for you. With the long New England winter ahead, there’s no harm in trying them all. Market Square Bakehouse was recently taken over by Kate and Theo Dewez. CONTACT ajkingbakery.com; devillebeverly.com; marketsquarebakehouse.com 30 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM

JAN + FEB 2024 What to do in Beverly this winter. WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE: BEVERLY Beverly might be known for its seaside, but it’s also a fun place to while away the winter months. BY ALEXANDRA PECCI 32 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPH BY ADOBE STOCK
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FACES + PL ACES Beverly is known for its beaching and boating, but this seaside town offers lots of winter fun, too. For instance, most North Shore locals know that Beverly’s 16-acre Lynch Park is the city’s “crown jewel,” thanks to its lovely rose garden, two beautiful beaches, performance venue, ice cream stand, and splash pad that attract visitors from across the region all spring, summer, and fall. But what you might not know is that Lynch Park has an awesome wintertime secret. “Lynch Park has the best sledding hill around,” says Bruce Doig, parks, recreation, and community services director for the city of Beverly. In fact, there’s such a great sledding hill for kids (and adults) that the city doesn’t plow the back one-third of the Lynch Park parking lot to accommodate the sledding area. Even better? The city offers a sled swap. Snow bunnies can bring their own sleds or take advantage of a bin that’s stocked up with sleds for people to borrow from or donate to. Lynch Park isn’t alone in offering a winter wonderland. In fact, Beverly has almost 40 open spaces around the city, from waterfront parks, to hiking trails, to beaches, Doig said, allowing people to hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and enjoy the outdoors even when it’s cold outside. He points to the city’s Kelleher Pond, which is especially good for ice skating and pond hockey, since it’s manmade and shallow. “This area’s gorgeous,” Doig says, even in the winter. Of course, there’s a lot more to do in Beverly than just spending time outside on the ice and the snow. For people who want a warmer way to pass the time, the city offers a full slate of shopping, dining, theater, comedy, and art. People can not only create art themselves at hands-on places like Clay Dreaming Pottery Studio or the DIY craft studio Hammer & Stain, but they can also visit one of Montserrat College of Art’s many galleries, which host shows and exhibitions from both professional and student artists. “I think that college and university art galleries are really wonderful places,” says Lynne Cooney, PhD, Montserrat’s director of exhibitions and galleries. “They’re always free, and Montserrat is a really welcoming place.” 34 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 Ellis Square Social offers elevated dishes in a casual and inviting setting. MUST-DO: EAT + DR I N K gastropub with a focus on cool cocktails and a fun atmosphere. 252 prepared food and pantry goods, plus a restaurant that’s slated to open in the new year. 112 Rantoul Cabot St., 978-998-4450, ellissquaresocial.com St., 978-529-2166, devillebeverly.com Soma offers great beer Bonefish Harry’s is a cool, laid-back spot for tiki drinks and tacos. 214 toul St., 978-969-0165, toscanabaritaliano.com Cabot St., 978-969-6972, bonefishharrys.com Bonny Breads serves up Ellis Square Social is a and cocktails, locally sourced seafood and produce, and a creative and fun menu. 256 Cabot St., 978-524-0033, somabeverly.com DeVille Cafe & Market is a brand-new spot for NORTHSHOREMAG.COM The Falconer Taproom and Kitchen features clas- sic British pub fare and locally crafted brews from Riverwalk Brewing. 280 Cabot St., 351-223-8147, thefalconertaproom.com Toscana Bar Italiano is a cozy and intimate spot for great Italian food downtown. 90 Ran- rustic breads and pastries made with simple, local ingredients. 188 Cabot St., 978-720-8111, bonnybreads.com PHOTOGRAPH BY GLENN SCOTT
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FACES + PL ACES MUST-DO: SHO P + R E NE W Copper Dog Books is an independent, downtown bookstore with a great selection and awesome events. 272 Cabot St., 978-969-3460, copperdogbooks.com Harbor Sweets opened its newest location in downtown Beverly, where you can find all the beloved chocolates and more. 140 Rantoul St., 978-969-2779, harborsweets.com Soy Much Brighter of- Simply Placed is an soymuchbrighter.com Cabot St., shopsimplyplaced.com fers clean, handmade, great-smelling candles made by a fun and sustainably focused team. 285 Rantoul St., The Rustic Mandala stocks unique gifts and items for the home in a cozy, welcoming shop. 296 Cabot St., 978-5785037, therusticmandala. com exquisitely curated home goods shop that will make you relax the moment you walk inside. 281 Bridge Nine Records is an independent record label and record shop specializing in hardcore and punk. 282 Rantoul St., bridge9.com MUST-DO: LIV E + P LAY The Cabot Lodge is a boutique hotel, with “petite” rooms inspired by clipper ships, in the very heart of downtown Beverly. 278 Cabot St., 978-998-4460, thecabotlodge.com Lynch Park and its beaches are incredibly beautiful all year (the Rose Garden is a particular jewel), but it’s also a popular winter spot for sledding. bevrec.com/the-park In addition to talks and events that will be scheduled throughout the winter (check online for dates), the college will host two winter shows in its main galleries. One will run in the newly renovated Montserrat Gallery from February 5 to March 9 and feature works by the printmaker Simonette Quamina. The other will showcase the painter Karmimadeebora McMillan and run February 5 to March 16 in the Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery. “These are two strong Black women artists,” Cooney said, and the shows will run during Black History Month. Black History Month will also be celebrated February 2–3 over at The Cabot during “Amplifying Voices: A Celebration 36 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 Top to bottom, Catch a show this winter at the Cabot or head to and Bill Haney’s North Shore Music Theatre. Wylie Inn offers a seaside stay at the iconic and historic Tupper Manor at Endicott College. 295 Hale St., 978-867- of Diversity in Film,” an annual two-day event, which will feature “all brand-new films by filmmakers of color,” along with Q&As and discussions with the filmmakers and actors, says J. Casey Soward, The Cabot’s executive director. That’s just one of many events that The Cabot is hosting this winter. “Many times in the winter months, things can be a little bit slow, and people are getting back from the holidays, but we NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 1800, wyliecenter.com/ accommodations The Cabot hosts music, film, comedy, and more in a beautifully restored, 1920s-era theater in the heart of Beverly. 286 Cabot St., 978-9273100, thecabot.org Off Cabot Comedy & Events is a sister venue to The Cabot and hosts comedy shows, open mic nights, drag shows, and more. 9 Wallis St., offcabot.org Larcom Theatre offers music, comedy, and fun events (like “The Dating Game Live” in late January) in a historic venue. 13 Wallis St., 978-922-6313, thelarcom.org North Shore Music Theatre is a regional icon, from the musicals it produces to concerts to classes for adults and kids. 54 Dunham Rd., 978-232-7200, nsmt. org Montserrat College of Art boasts several art galleries that are free and open to the public, and hosts exhibitions and events all year. 23 Essex St., 978-921-4242, are very, very busy with events,” Soward says, pointing to a huge slate of programming ranging from a screening of the film High Fidelity hosted by its star, John Cusack, who’ll do a Q&A afterward, to live music, comedy, children’s programming, and more. “The Cabot is a rare gem,” Soward says. “It’s a national treasure, and it’s right here in our backyard.” And actually, the same can be said for Beverly itself, all year long. PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP TO BOTTOM BY ADOBE STOCK, BY JOEL BENJAMIN
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JAN + FEB 2024 Fighting food insecurity in Salem, winter activities and events, new luxury hotel in Salem, New Hampshire OUR DAILY BREAD Former president of Trader Joe’s tackles food insecurity in Salem. BY SARAH SHEMKUS Our Daily Table in Salem works to keep costs down. 38 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED CHARNEY

LIVE + PLAY Daily Table, Salem’s newest grocery store, is a modest, brightly colored shop just outside the bustling, tourist-filled downtown. The shelves and cases are stocked with all the basics—piles of vibrant fruits and vegetables, packages of lean meat, stacks of pasta and baking supplies—as well as prepared meals and soups cooked up specially for the store. A closer look, however, suggests that there’s something a little different about this shop, which opened in early September. There are no cookies or candy or fruit juice available. None of the prices are high, and some, in fact, are surprisingly low: $1.99 for a chicken dinner complete with brown rice and vegetables, $5.99 per pound for swordfish fresh from the docks. It’s all part of the strategy behind Daily Table, a nonprofit organization with the goal of tackling food insecurity in the neighborhoods that need help the most. “Our mission is to democratize access to the good food that should be a right for all of us,” says Doug Rauch, founder of Daily Table and former president of Trader Joe’s. The idea first came to Rauch in 2010. He had retired from Trader Joe’s after 31 years—13 as president—and had taken a fellowship with the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, a program that helps experienced executives refocus their energies and skills on solving social problems. Driving into Cambridge one day, Rauch saw a billboard declaring that one in six Americans deals with hunger. He was blown away by the number. “I thought, that’s like 50 million Americans. Can that be right?” he recalls. “I know we’ve got the food, so something’s wrong here.” He focused the remainder of his fellowship, and the years that have followed, on designing ways to address this monumental need. What he came up with is Daily Table, a nonprofit grocery store that sells nutritious foods at very affordable prices in neighborhoods that have limited access to healthy options. The first Daily Table store opened in Dorchester in 2015, followed by locations in Mattapan, Roxbury, Cambridge’s Central Square, and now Salem. The organization works with suppliers to negotiate discounts to keep prices low. For example, Little Leaf, a hydroponic lettuce grower based in central Massachusetts, has agreed to a price that allows the stores to sell four-ounce boxes of greens for just $1.99, a 40 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 The store’s mission is to give access to good food for all. NORTHSHOREMAG.COM
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L IVE + PLAY Store manager Francisco Rodriguez-Roig little more than half the price at major chain supermarkets. And to maximize the benefit for shoppers using SNAP ( formerly known as food stamps), the store participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches benefits used to buy fresh produce. To make sure the stores deliver nutrition to customers, Daily Table worked with experts from the Harvard School of Public Health and area hospitals to create dietary guidelines for sugar, sodium, and other major nutrients to be followed in choosing products. “We want to make sure what we’re putting out there isn’t causing hypertension or diabetes or other problems,” Rauch says. Salem landed on Rauch’s radar shortly after the first store opened. Kim Driscoll—then mayor of Salem, now lieutenant governor—got hold of Rauch’s cell phone number and called him unexpectedly to ask that Daily Table open a store in Salem. The Point, the neighborhood in which the store is located, has a median household income of less than $48,000, well below the state median of $89,000. Rauch told her the model was still new and he needed some time to work out the kinks before thinking about expansion. Two years later, Driscoll called again. “She was persistent,” Rauch says. “And she’s very persuasive.” Daily Table operates stores instead of a more traditional food pantry model for several reasons. Financially, the model means roughly two-thirds of the organization’s operating costs are covered by its revenue, which amplifies the impact of the money it receives in donations, Rauch says. Furthermore, the powerful societal stigma against accepting handouts often prevents people in need from taking CONTACT dailytable.org 42 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM advantage of free resources, Rauch’s research found. Shopping and paying for groceries can give people in need a valuable sense of agency and dignity, he says. “The vast majority of our customers don’t even know we’re a nonprofit—and why should they?” Rauch says. Running stores also allows Daily Table to create local jobs: Most of the employees at the Salem store live within a four-block radius of work, and all are paid more than minimum wage. There is also room for advancement in the organization, Rauch notes. Managers’ pay is competitive with other grocery chains, and the jobs come with an extra dose of pride, says Salem store manager Francisco Rodriguez-Roig. “It feels like being part of something big,” he says. “It’s not just a big company trying to make a profit.”
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L IVE + PLAY the stage company’s theatre at 267 East Main Street in Gloucester. gloucesterstage.com MARKET DAZE AT BAREWOLF BREWING Sundays, Jan. 7–April 28 Every Sunday now through April, head to Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury for Market Daze, featuring artisan vendors, musicians, chefs, and creators of all kinds. The indoor winter market runs from noon to 4 p.m. weekly. The family- and friends-operated brewery features a rotating selection of smallbatch brews from its spot in an old Amesbury mill building. Grab a drink and a pub snack after shopping! barewolfbrewing.com/ OLD NEWBURY CHRISTMAS TREE BONFIRE Above, PEM Our Time on Earth exhibit Tin and Ed, Life Forces, 2021. Installation view at the Barbican Centre. © Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Left, Marshmallow Laser Feast in collaboration with James Bulley and Andres Roberts, Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest, (detail) 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Sandra Ciampone Jan. 13 The Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury once again hosts the Old Newbury Christmas Tree Bonfire, this year on Saturday, January 13, from 3 to 8 p.m. The annual event features local food and drink vendors, and the bonfire begins at dusk. Parking is $20, cash only, at 5 Little’s Lane and 71 High Road, and proceeds from the event go to the Newbury Fire Department and Historic New England. facebook.com/ OldNewburyChristmasTreeBonfire PEM’S DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION WHAT TO DO THIS WINTER Things to Do North of Boston during January and February BY NATALIE GALE It might be the depths of winter now, but we certainly don’t suggest hibernating. Take advantage of the off-season on the beautiful North Shore and visit some of the region’s top-notch cultural institutions, venues, and restaurants. Below, you’ll find information about artisan markets, shows and exhibits, and a couple of seasonally appropriate celebrations of chocolate. Read on for a few ideas to get you started this January and February. 44 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 Jan. 15 On Monday, January 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem once again celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While you’re there, check out exhibits like “Let None Be Excluded: The Origins of Equal School Rights in Salem” and “Bethany Collins, America: A Hymnal.” pem.org/events GLOUCESTER’S SO SALTY CAN MY BABY FLY? AT GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY Jan. 6–7 On the first weekend of the year, Gloucester Stage Company puts on “Can My Baby Fly?,” a one-man show starring Dr. Brian G. Orr as he shares stories from more than 40 years as a pediatrician. He currently practices at Cape Ann Pediatrics in Gloucester. The show runs on Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 7 at 3 p.m., at NORTHSHOREMAG.COM Jan. 20–21 Gloucester hosts its third Gloucester’s So Salty festival this year, the town’s answer to Salem’s annual Salem So Sweet. On January 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to downtown Gloucester can expect ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, and free children’s art activities. The Cape Ann Museum and Discover Gloucester host the free event, in partnership with other local businesses and cultural institutions. capeannmuseum.org/events
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LIVE + PLAY SALEM COMEDY FESTIVAL Jan. 25–27 The Salem Comedy & Spirits festival returns to Witch City on the last weekend in January. Founded in 2016 by comedian Mark Scalia, the non-competitive festival is all about networking and having fun, drawing comedians from across the country. The fest features three nights of stand-up comedy performances at local Salem breweries this January 25 through 27. salemcomedyfestival.com/ Salem Comedy Festival is held January 25 through the 27. CHOCOLATE EXPO WILMINGTON Jan. 27–28 The Chocolate Expo returns to the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington this January, this time for a whole weekend of family-friendly fun. The event, which runs on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., features samples from dozens of vendors including artisan chocolatiers, candy shops, bakeries, and wineries, along with the chance to chat with the makers. Timed tickets are currently on sale for $20 for adults and $10 for children. SALEM SO SWEET Feb. 9–11 The 22nd annual Salem So Sweet chocolate and ice sculpture festival returns to Salem this February 9 through 11. The weekendlong celebration kicks off on Friday with a welcome party, late-night shopping, and the installation of ice sculptures around town that’ll be illuminated each night of the festival. On Saturday and Sunday, keep an eye out for the Chocolate Hearts Challenge—scan the QR codes at businesses around town for the chance to win prizes, all while you’re stocking up on chocolate for Valentine’s Day! SALEM FLEA Feb. 10 The Salem Flea hosts one indoor winter market this season on Saturday, Feb. 10. The market will feature dozens of local purveyors of vintage and handmade goods at Ames Hall on downtown Salem’s Sewall Street. Salem Flea does an annual summer market series, too, running on every third Saturday from May through September. thesalemflea.com/ salem-flea PEM OUR TIME ON EARTH EXHIBIT Feb. 17–June 9 Opening Feb. 17, “Our Time on Earth” at PEM is a celebration of the Earth’s biodiversity and of a potential shared future where both humans and the earth thrive together. The traveling exhibition from the Barbican Centre in London features interactive installations by artists, designers, and scientists that help viewers see the world through different lenses, peering at magnified plankton or the microscopic organisms inside a tree. Part of PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative, the exhibit runs through June 9. pem.org/exhibitions/ our-time-on-earth Old Newbury Christmas Tree Bonfire 46 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP TO BOTTOM BY PAUL KRAVITZ, COURTESY OF SALEM COMEDY FESTIVAL, BY SHUTTERSTOCK
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LIVE + PLAY The new Artisan Hotel in Tuscan Village, Salem, New Hampshire. MASTER OF PLANS Joe Faro is crafting a city within a city at Tuscan Village. BY JEANNE O’BRIEN COFFEY When Joe Faro first looked at the 170 acres that he is crafting into Tuscan Village, a brand-new urban center in Salem, New Hampshire, it held 1,400 horse stalls in 62 different buildings, all in various stages of decay. The site of Rockingham Park, a storied thoroughbred racetrack founded in 1906, was completely abandoned, recalls Faro, CEO and founder of Tuscan Brands. “Triple Crown winners ran there,” Faro says. “But over the course of the last 30 years, that business went into decline.” This yielded a rare opportunity, a vast blank slate with its own exit off the highway. “It’s almost 48 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 serendipity,” Faro says. “It takes vision, of course, but it also takes timing.” Faro had been thinking about crafting a mixed-use development for more than a decade, when he built his first Tuscan Kitchen on part of a 10-acre parcel he purchased on Main Street in Salem. “We had always had this vision of a live, work, stay, play destination,” he says, noting that combination makes sense for supporting the four pillars of his business empire: hospitality, real estate development, food production, and philanthropy. So, when this opportunity arose, it was impossible to pass up. NORTHSHOREMAG.COM However, all that real estate was a bit more than the organization wanted to handle, Faro said, explaining, “four-and-a-half-million square feet is really impossible for any one group or individual to develop.” So Tuscan Brands made strategic partnerships, and sold off select parcels to desirable businesses like Market Basket, all with an eye toward crafting from scratch exactly the blend the team thought will be most successful. “There are leaders and followers in the real estate business,” Faro says. “If you can’t make the deals, all you have is dirt.” The Tuscan team has certainly made the deals, as the Village has been filling out with a wide range of businesses, from Williams-Sonoma and L.L. Bean to Mass General Brigham. Tuscan Brands still controls the majority of the land, expecting to own and operate just under 3 million square feet when the development is complete in 2027. Already, in addition to Mass PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TUSCAN BRANDS
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L IVE + PLAY General and those retailers, the complex holds many restaurants, other shops, apartments, townhomes, a hotel, and a pedestrian-friendly center featuring large community gathering spaces. It’s already become a big draw. Nearly 10,000 people visited the Village’s 2023 Christmas tree lighting, where they enjoyed 100 street vendors and 15 food trucks, and the infrastructure handled the crowds gracefully. “That’s what makes us different from other developments,” Faro says. “We were able to really visualize and master plan our own downtown . . . because we owned all the land. We weren’t buying a pad in the middle of another development or in a city.” The project recently unveiled the “Central Village” phase, anchored by the Artisan Hotel, a 165-room property featuring two new restaurants—a Tuscan Kitchen and The Rooftop, a bar with 360-degree views of the whole development—as well as the Residences at 18 Artisan, a luxury apartment building. Guests and residents alike appreciate amenities like free outdoor concerts in the summertime, and a small lake, stocked with fish and fed by a natural spring uncovered during the construction process. The lake is more than just visually attractive. It’s also outfitted with a dock, a beach, and that L.L. Bean store, which offers paddleboards to try out, as well as flyfishing lessons, canoeing, and kayaking. Experiential retail, like those kayaking lessons on Tuscan Lake or classes at the Cooking School at Tuscan Market Salem, go hand in hand with the community space, creating a destination people want to return to again and again. “A lot has to go right in order to create a vision like that,” Faro says. “First, you have to have cooperation and collaboration with the state of New Hampshire and the Town of Salem to create a zoning overlay that envisions this thriving community downtown destination.” In fact, Faro says, collaboration across the board is a key to his success. “What we really do well, I think, is collaborate,” he says. “We collaborate with the community, we collaborate with our employees, we collaborate with our customers, we collaborate with our tenants and any other codevelopers.” The Artisan Hotel is a 165room property featuring two new restaurants— Tuscan Kitchen and The Rooftop. The interiors are sophisticated yet inviting. Ultimately, Faro says, it’s about making the right connections. “My journey has been a puzzle that we’re always trying to solve,” he explains. “You have to put all the pieces together to make that beautiful picture. Sometimes the puzzle will evolve and change, but you always have the vision of that beautiful picture at the end.” CONTACT theartisanhotelattuscanvillage.com 50 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM
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JAN + FEB 2024 Engagement rings, winter warmers 4 3 6 5 2 1 Forever Ring Pop the question with one of these beautiful designs from local jewelers. 7 8 1. ELYSE PURE PASSION™ COLLECTION RING WITH A 2.25 CT NATURAL ROUGH FANCY INTENSE YELLOWISH-GREEN DIAMOND CENTER AND WHITE DIAMOND HALO SET IN 18K YELLOW GOLD, Priced Upon Request, Elyse Jewelers 2. 14KT YELLOW GOLD SLYVIE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING SET WITH TWENTY-TWO ROUND, BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS WEIGHING .25CTS. TOTAL WEIGHT, $2,795. (center stone sold separately), DeScenza Diamonds 3. PLATINUM THREE-STONE EMERALD-CUT ENGAGEMENT RING, CENTER STONE 2.03CTS WITH BAGUETTE SIDE STONES, .32 CTS, $40,300, Long’s Jewelers 4. 14 KY WHITE GOLD SYLVIE OVAL HALO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING SET WITH TWENTY-SIX ROUND, BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS IN HALO AND DOWN THE SHANK OF RING WEIGHING .65CTS. TOTAL WEIGHT $3,150. Center stone sold separately, DeScenza Diamonds 5. ELYSE COUTURE BRIDAL COLLECTION™ HIDDEN HALO ENGAGEMENT RING WITH A NATURAL 3.50 CT GIA CERTIFIED ANTIQUE CUSHION-CUT DIAMOND SET IN TWO-TONE 18K ROSE & WHITE GOLD, Priced Upon Request, Elyse Jewelers 6. 18K YELLOW GOLD ROUND DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING, CENTER STONE 2.28 CTS, SIDE STONES, .43 CTS, $48,110, Long’s Jewelers 7. CUSTOM MADE PLATINUM & GOLD TWO TONE CEYLON SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND THREE STONE RING. Priced Upon Request, Tesoro Boston 8. CUSTOM MADE WHITE GOLD PEAR BRILLIANT DIAMOND HALO ENGAGEMENT RING. Priced Upon Request., Tesoro Boston FOR SHOP INFORMATION, SEE CREDITS, PAGE 98 52 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPH STYLING BY GLENN SCOTT BY JULIE PAQUETTE/ ANCHOR ARTISTS
glavas Ioannis P. Glavas, MD EYELID SPECIALIST BOSTON, NEW YORK & THE NORTH SHORE DR. IOANNIS GLAVAS, MD Oculoplastic and Cosmetic Surgery Before Before After For your eyelids only! Blepharoplasty Before After Dr. Glavas takes a multidisciplinary approach to cosmetic enhancements with expertise in several surgical and non-surgical techniques, providing more choice for his patients. Regularly quoted as an expert in his field across all media, Dr. Glavas is also the author of numerous articles and reviews in major scientific journals and book chapters on cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Dr. Glavas is the founder and Director of the Glavas Centre, and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at NYU School of Medicine and Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital in New York. He is also on staff at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston. Board Certified , Member or American Academy of Facial Plastic surgery, Member of the Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Enhancing your natural beauty Eyelid Lift/Blepharoplasty Asian Double Eyelid Surgery Laser Eyelid Lift Surgery Face Lift Botox® & Dysport® Facial Fillers Earlobe Repair Skin Laser Resurfacing Kybella® Restylane® Refyne & Defyne Optima IPL Liposuction Now offering! Syndeo™, The Future of Hydrafacial for amazing skin & Agnes RF - one of a kind micro needling for neck, jowl, and eyelid rejuvenation without surgery 100 Cummings Center, Suite 106-D, Beverly, MA 01915 | 978-712-8090 9 Newbury Street, Suite 6, Boston, MA 02116 | 617-262-0070 www.eyelidspecialist.com Scan Me
SH OP + RE N EW Winter Warmers Keep cozy all season with these fashion accessories. 5 4 3 6 2 7 8 1 1. GRAY HANDWARMERS, $60, Shine Boutique 2. OLIVE FLUFFY MITTEN, $30, J. Mode 3. PINK HAT, $50, Chic Streets 4. BUCKET HAT, $48, Aine's Boutique 5. SCARF $30, Aine's Boutique 6. BLUE BALACLAVA, $95, Chic Streets 7. WHITE SCARF, $25, J. Mode 8. GREEN MITTENS, $30, Shine Boutique FOR SHOP INFORMATION, SEE CREDITS, PAGE 98 54 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPH STYLING BY GLENN SCOTT BY JULIE PAQUETTE/ ANCHOR ARTISTS
A trusted independent agent with over 100 years in the business. Let us work with you to determine your individual needs and ensure your assets are protected. 239 Main Street, Stoneham, MA 02180 • 781-279-9035 angeloristorante.com AUTO · HOME · LIFE · BUSINESS Agent for As well as several other leading insurance companies. Join Us at Angelo’s Ristorante for an Authentic Dining Experience You’ll Think You’re in the Heart Of Italy Thomas P. Cares, Jr., CIC, President • Kelly Clifford Watrous, CPCU, CIC, Vice President 205 SOUTH MAIN STREET, MIDDLETON, MA | 978-774-6126 FOLLOW US ON | WWW.EASTEVENSINS.COM Relax Celebrate Explore Modern guest rooms and suites Weddings • Social events Salem’s Pickering Wharf Indoor pool • Free parking and wifi Regatta Pub Downtown Salem • Full-service Marina 225 Derby St. Salem, MA 01970 Book Your Stay: 1.978.740.8788 salemwaterfronthotel.com
SH OP + REN EW Lia and Lexi Lombardi at their shop on Newbury Street. ALL IN THE FAMILY Marblehead mother and daughter team create a successful jewelry business. BY DAVID THOMSON Lia Lombara and her mother, Dorothy Davis, owned the popular boutique, Windsor & Davis Homestyles, in Newburyport for 13 years. It was a labor of love working together while selling specialty gifts and home décor. During that time, there was another labor 56 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 of love that greatly impacted Lombara’s life. The birth of not one, not two, but three children . . . all at once. Yes, triplets! On September 12, 1998, Lia and her husband, John, welcomed her two daughters, Lexi and Taylor, and son, PJ, to the world. As you can imagine, Lombara’s life NORTHSHOREMAG.COM changed dramatically, but some might be surprised to learn that she continued to run the Newburyport store. “As they got older, the kids, especially the girls, loved coming to the store and helping me and their grandmother with the displays and stocking shelves,” says Lombara. As school, sports, and other activities became more important to the children, Lombara decided to close the store so she could spend more time with them. While she loved staying at home and actively participating in her children’s lives, Lombara, who has a fine arts degree from Boston College and a jewelry minor from School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston, couldn’t get the thought of creating jewelry and opening another business off her mind. On a family vacation in Greece, Lombara came up with the idea for Colby Davis of Boston, a company focused on creating pendants, necklaces, and other fine jewelry inspired by moments of everyday life. The moniker is a nod to her daughters’ middle names. At that time the triplets were 15 years old, and the idea of creating another motherdaughter business intrigued Lombara. This time, however, she was the mother, and Lexi and Taylor would be the daughters in the venture. The girls quickly said yes, and in a matter of months they were ready to sell their products, starting with their signature glass enamel pendants which are individually fired and hand-engraved to capture their originality. For the last nine years the team has been selling beautifully designed jewelry online, at specialty shows, and in boutiques across the country, but their dream was to open a retail store on Newbury Street in Boston. In 2020, the trio found a space, but with the uncertainty of a global pandemic, which was in its early days, the timing wasn’t right. The search continued, and the timing was right this past September when they opened their flagship store at 33 Newbury Street. Starting and running a business at such a young age has been a learning experience that Lexi and Taylor have treasured and applied to other aspects of their lives. Now 25 years old, Taylor and Lexi are still very involved in the business while also pursuing their own careers. Lexi serves as an adviser for business operations at Colby Davis of Boston while also holding a full-time job as PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED CHARNEY
“Being able to do what I love with the people that I love is a dream come true. I hope this tradition of mothers and daughters working together in our family continues for generations to come.” – Lia Lombara an assistant project manager at a company focused on the hospitality industry. Taylor works as a registered nurse at a major Boston hospital and serves as a member of the sales team at the flagship store. “I love showing customers our unique enamel designs to help make them feel confident, happy, and beautiful,” says Taylor Lombara. “It is important for customers to know that each pendant is individually fired to capture the originality and craftsmanship that goes into making glass enamel jewelry of the highest quality,” says Lexi Lombara. “From the hand-engraving and glass-enameling process to the sterling silver chains and 18K gold embellishments, every piece of Colby Davis jewelry is 100 percent made in the USA.” “Our Newbury Street store also carries select products from other companies that have been curated to complement the Colby Davis brand, including stunning prints by Forrest Rodts, Nantucket baskets by Patti Baker, both of Marblehead, and beautiful handcrafted jewelry by Whale Tail Weavers from Winchester,” adds Taylor Lombara. The store also sells 727 Sailbags from France and custom-made blazers from Blazers by Design in Germany. As the business expands, so does the founders’ desire to give back. In October, they launched “Pendants with a Purpose,” a new campaign where customers can purchase a specialized pendant each month, and a percentage of the sale benefits a nonprofit organization. The campaign’s first beneficiary was Casa Myrna, Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “In November we decided to support the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund because my father is currently battling the disease,” says Lombara. “Every month we plan to choose a charity that is important to us or our customers to make an impact that is both personal and meaningful.” “Being able to do what I love with the people that I love is a dream come true,” says Lombara. “I hope this tradition of mothers and daughters working together in our family continues for generations to come.” CONTACT colbydavisofboston.com 57 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024
s p e c i a l a d v e r t i s i n g s e c t i o n January + February 2024 NUPTIALS From the perfect gown to beautiful bouquets to delicious cakes to breathtaking venues, our guide shares some of the top offerings on the North Shore to make your big day exceptional.
Juniper Studios Making a short drive from home feel like a world away. Idena Beach Gary Hall Idena Beach Cassi Claire 700 Private Acres | Luxurious Lodge, Cabin, & Guest House Accommodations | 740 Acre Lake | Artfully Crafted Cuisine On-Site Floral Services | Spa & Salon | Spacious 4-Season Event Barn | Dedicated Event Coordinators | Private Beach XC Skiing & Snowshowing | Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides | Ceremony Sites with Spectacular Views M O U N TA I N T O P R E S O R T Mountain Top Resort | Chittenden, Vermont | 802.483.2311 | mountaintopresort.com | @mountaintopresort
s p e c i a l NUPTIALS a d v e r t i s i n g s e c t i o n January + February 2024 MOUNTAIN TOP RESORT Mountaintopresort.com, 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, VT, 05737, 802-483-2311 Mountain Top Resort is a stunning four-season destination wedding venue located in central Vermont. This 700acre resort sits atop a private mountain with spectacular, uninterrupted views of meadows, a pristine lake, and Vermont’s National Forest. With a talented team of wedding professionals leading the way, Mountain Top offers seasonal indoor and outdoor ceremony and event sites, on-site catering from an accredited culinary staff, salon and floral services, and dedicated wedding coordinators. The resort has luxurious lodge rooms, cabins, and guest houses (some pet friendly), so your entire guest list can gather for one day or several to celebrate your special event. There’s no shortage of on-site activities to keep the fun going for the whole trip, like horse-drawn sleigh rides, a spa and salon, a restaurant/tavern, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, a private beach, boating, a pool, miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and more. Your wedding day is one of life’s most special occasions. Whether your dream is an intimate moment for just the two of you, a days-long celebration with all of your family and friends, or something in between, Mountain Top Resort might just be the perfect choice. Mountain Top’s teams are masters at delivering the perfect wedding for each couple and the resort’s beautiful setting and unrivaled views create a backdrop that dreams are made of. The resort is just a short drive from home, but a world away. THE CLIFF HOUSE cliffhousemaine.com, 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME, 03902, 207-361-1000 Just one hour from Boston, you will find one of New England’s most sought-after destination wedding venues. Perched high atop a private ninety-foot cliff, with uninterrupted views of the majestic Atlantic, Cliff House Maine is heralded as one of the most captivating waterfront destinations in the United States. A full-service venue, the resort offers enchanting indoor and outdoor event settings, luxurious accommodations (each with private balcony), delectable food, full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, Forbes 4-star awarded service and more. Year-round guests are treated to mesmerizing sunrises over an infinite horizon and breathtaking views along Maine’s rugged coastline. Whether an intimate event for two, or a celebration with 175 cherished family and friends, Cliff House Maine is the perfect backdrop for that special day. THE WILLIAMS INN williamsinn.com, 101 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA, 01267, 413-458-9371 Embrace the beauty of the Northern Berkshires as you discover The Williams Inn, an upscale lodging experience in the heart of Williamstown. Our hotel is surrounded by the art and culture of the Berkshires region and connects visitors to a variety of local attractions. Your Williamstown experience is anchored by our Spring !"#$%#&'(")&#($*#+#(,$-#..)/0$1#/2# SIMPLY INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLY SIMPLE 101 SPRING STREET, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA 413-458-9371 | WILLIAMSINN.COM www.michaelslimousine.com 978.532.8488 info@michaelslimousine.com
s p e c i a l a d v e r t i s i n g s e c t i o n January + February 2024 NUPTIALS Street location, offering easy access to local shopping and dining, as well as the nearby Williams College, Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. Our new inn features 64 well-appointed guest rooms with a contemporary design reflective of the architecture of area farmhouses. The inn creates the perfect wedding day backdrop, too, with a modern ballroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Our experts work hand in hand with you to ensure your vision comes to life for your special day. MICHAEL’S LIMOUSINE CO, INC. renee@michaelslimousine.com, Michaelslimousine.com, 161 Lynn Street, Peabody, MA, 01960, 978-532-8488 Michael’s Limousine Co., Inc. is most proud to be family owned and operated. Our family has been providing wedding transportation for more than 25 years, securing a reputation of outstanding dedication and service with our thousands of satisfied customers. Our commitment to customer service has made us the most professional transportation company on the North Shore. Operators are available to answer your questions promptly and professionally. Our chauffeurs are always dressed appropriately in black suit and tie. Knowing how to set the proper mood for a wedding or special occasion is a high priority for us. We also take pride in our fleet of vehicles including limousines, shuttles, and coach buses. We offer a wide variety of new vehicles that always leave our garage looking impeccable, as a luxury vehicle should. Our goal is to continue to provide professional, dependable, and quality service. We strive to obtain new customers each year based on our exquisite service, as well as professionally maintaining our existing clientele. WYLIE CENTER & TUPPER MANOR AT ENDICOTT COLLEGE wyliecenter.com, cmagliar@endicott.edu, 295 Hale Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, 978-867-1987 Situated on a picturesque stretch of the Atlantic Coast on Boston’s North Shore, Wylie Center & Tupper Manor at Endicott College offers the perfect spot for a wedding or event. They have well-appointed comfortable accommodations with an on-site café restaurant and bar, state-of-the-art IACC-certified conference center, and an elegant social event venue, Tupper Manor. Weddings at Tupper Manor are magnificent—the gorgeous fountain welcomes you to the property with its historic architecture and beautiful interior. The marble foyer is surrounded by stunning floor to ceiling mirrors and a striking curved staircase. As you leave the foyer, tall French doors lead you to a glass-enclosed conservatory. On the first floor you’ll also find a library and billiards room. Tupper Manor is surrounded by spectacular ocean views that provide the ideal backdrop for your wedding, while talented on-site wedding specialists will assist you in planning the perfect day, including innovative personalized menus from
s p e c i a l NUPTIALS a d v e r t i s i n g s e c t i o n January + February 2024 the culinary team. Located just 20 miles north of Boston, in the historic town of Beverly, the Wylie Center & Tupper Manor at Endicott College is also ideal for a weekend getaway, retreat, or conference. The lush 10-acre inn and conference center is just minutes away from historic downtown Salem, restaurants, scenic Cape Ann, shopping, museums, and more, all offering visitors to the North Shore endless sights, sounds, tastes and experiences. CONNEMARA HOUSE connemarahousefarm.com, 252 Rowley Bridge Road, Topsfield, MA, 978-767-6381 Open from May to October, Connemara House in Topsfield is where your happily ever after begins, nestled among rustic stone walls, rolling meadows, and a beautiful fruit orchard. Our historic colonial mansion sits at the end of a long and winding tree-lined drive, allowing you to indulge in privacy and serenity. Exchange vows at one of multiple picturesque sites on property — the sprawling lawn with views of the orchard, pond, and rolling meadows; the lower garden, edged with a stone wall, waterfall, stream with a small footbridge, and beautiful flowers; or by the pool area. Whatever your choice, you’ll have breathtaking photos to cherish for a lifetime. For the reception, our custom Sperry tent offers an elegant, inviting space to celebrate under the stars. Permanent decorative lighting provides a lovely ambience for your guests. Our concrete tent floor makes for a comfortable experience, and prepare to dance the night away on our wooden dance floor. The wedding party can get ready on the first floor of the mansion, with its beautifully carved millwork, hardwood floors, and multiple fireplaces. The stunning attached three-season porch offers a bright and open space for the wedding party to enjoy cocktails and relax while taking in the sweet fragrance of the outdoors. FLUSH sales@flushservices.com, Flushservices.com, 75 Main Street, North Reading, MA, 978-778-8000 Flush offers luxury portable toilets and bathroom trailer rentals to a variety of clients in the Greater Boston area, like wedding venues, movie production sets, and other large events. Our clientele demand comfort, cleanliness, and top-notch service. All of our equipment is PSAI certified, delivered by experienced, teamster affiliated drivers, and accompanied by a professional attendant to ensure the highest level of comfort, cleanliness, and quality. For top tier comfort during an outdoor event, we offer two- and three-stall bathroom trailers, with up to ten trailers available. The trailers include full plumbing, heat and A/C, and surround sound stereo equipment. We also offer portable toilets and portable hand wash sinks. Our professionals maintain qualifications and follow professional standards for all operations and personal conduct. We take the time to listen to your needs and understand your expectations, and we strive to provide nothing less than an amazing experience. Where your happily ever after begins .... Connemara House, an elegant New England estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts is a dream venue brought to life. Set on 36 acres, the rolling lawns and pristinely manicured grounds nestled among a beautiful fruit orchard provide couples with a stunning backdrop for their once in a lifetime event. 252 Rowley Bridge Road Topsfield, MA | events@connemarahousefarm.com | 978.767.6381 Bharat Parmar Photography Bharat Parmar Photography
Flush offers luxury portable toilet restrooms to a variety of events including weddings and movie productions. Our priority is to provide our clientele with the superior service you deserve. All of our equipment is PSAI certified, delivered by experienced, union affiliated drivers, and accompanied by a professional attendant upon request to ensure the highest level of comfort, cleanliness, and quality. Call / Email us to book now! 978.778.8000 sales@flushservices.com Flush Portable Services - 75 Main Street, North Reading, MA - www.flushservices.com
T HE E DIT OR S’ A N D R E ADER S ’ CH OICE S ARE I N FOR T HE BE S T BRIDA L SHO P, CAT E RE R , BAK E RY , FL O RI ST , F ORMA LWE AR, AN D MORE ! A T T I R E M E N U B E A U T Y S E T T I N G PAGE 65 PAGE 66 D E T A I L S PAGE 66 64 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 70 PAGE 72 T H E P L A N PAGE 78
A T T I R E ACC E S S O R I E S G OW N E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E The wedding bands have been chosen, but what about the rest of your accessories? At DeScenza, the friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you complete your wedding day looks with necklaces, earrings, tie clips, and cufflinks from a carefully curated selection of elegant pieces. 161 Andover St., Peabody, 978-977-0090, descenza.com The knowledgeable buyers at Bella Sera Bridal work closely with designers to stock a range of styles, from classic princess to edgy and modern, so every bride can find the gown of her dreams. Book a private appointment in the VIBE Lounge to enjoy champagne, treats, and pampering while you find that dress you can say yes to. 85 Andover St., Danvers, 978-774-4077, bellaserabride.com DESCENZA DIAMONDS, PEABODY R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E BELLA SERA BRIDAL, DANVERS bellaserabride.com A LTE R ATI O N S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E JANICE GOODWIN, BRIDAL SEAMSTRESS, MIDDLETON An expert at getting the dress to fit just right, Janice Goodwin books up quickly with her bridal clients—because she simply is the best! Jan’s Bridal Alterations, 95R Liberty St., Middleton, 978-790-1164 R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E BELLA SERA BRIDAL, DANVERS bellaserabride.com FORMAL WEAR E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E GIBLEES, DANVERS Whether you’re the best man, father of the bride, or simply a guest who wants to look your best, Giblees is your destination for a wide selection of high-quality, stylish suits. The staff is deeply knowledgeable and dedicated to spending as much time as it takes to find you the ideal look and the perfect fit. 85 Andover St., Danvers, 978-774-4080, giblees.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E GIBLEES, DANVERS giblees.com PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK BELLA SERA BRIDAL, DANVERS R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E PURE BLISS BRIDALS, NEWBURYPORT pureblissbridals.com J E W E LRY E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E ROYAL JEWELERS, ANDOVER A family business in operation for 75 years, Royal knows a thing or two about long-term commitments. Customer service and unique selection are at the heart of the store’s philosophy, making it the perfect destination for helping couples choose the right sparkle for their big day. 58 Main St., Andover, 978-475-3330, royaljewelers.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E DESCENZA DIAMONDS, PEABODY descenza.com RINGS E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E TESORO BOSTON, MIDDLETON Tesoro is all about helping you find—or create—the ideal ring for you, whether you’re choosing a classic at the Diamond & Design Bar, thinking outside the box with other NORTHSHOREMAG.COM gemstones, or looking for ways to reinvent an heirloom piece. And with plenty of lab-grown and conflict-free stones available, you can feel good about your purchase. 149H South Main St., Middleton, 978-539-8720, tesoroboston.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E ELYSE JEWELERS, READING elysejewelers.com TU X E D O E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E GIBLEES, DANVERS If you think tuxedos are all the same, Giblees will change your mind. With 75 styles and thousands of accessory and color combinations to choose from, this North Shore formalwear institution will help you craft a look that will turn heads. 85 Andover St., Danvers, 978-774-4080, giblees.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E RUSSO TUX, DRESS & LIMOUSINE, STONEHAM russolimousine.com WO M E N ’ S F O R M A L E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BOSTON BRIDAL ATELIER Visiting the Boston Bridal Atelier, formerly known as Cristina’s, lets bridesmaids, mothers of the bride or groom, and other special guests get in on the fun of finding the perfect dress. The staff’s genuine passion for what they do and their deep knowledge makes the experience warm and special. 1 Main St., Andover, 978-470-3956, bostonbridalatelier.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE ULTIMATE, PEABODY theultimatepromandbridal.com 65 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024
B E A U T Y DAY S PA R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E THE SPA AT ENCORE BOSTON, EVERETT Whether you simply want to relax by indulging in a hot stone massage, or you want a full package of primping—from a VENN facial to brow shaping—The Spa at Encore Boston’s highly trained staff and menu of leading-edge services will help you look and feel your best for the big day. 1 Broadway, Everett, 857-7703900, encoreboston.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE BEAUTY BAR, READING thebeautybar.glossgenius.com HAIR TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL, STONEHAM MAKEUP E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E KACIE CORBELLE, REVERE With deep experience in both bridal and commercial makeup, Kacie Corbelle knows how to create makeup that looks great both in-person and on-camera. She travels to you to do your application on site and will even stick around to do touchups or give you a more dramatic look for the reception. kcbridalbeauty.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E SALON INVI, ANDOVER Dedicated solely to hair, eight-time winner Salon Invi brings a singular focus that results in gorgeous, sophisticated hair that reflects your individual vision. The inviting modern salon is the perfect place to relax and let yourself be transformed for your big day. 28 Chestnut St., Andover, 978-378-3333, saloninvi.com BRITTNEY EILEEN BEAUTY, STONEHAM brittneyeileen.com PE R S O N A L TR A I N I N G E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E FUEL TRAINING, NEWBURYPORT Whether your goal is weight loss, toning, or simply building up your stamina for the dance floor, the nonjudgmental and motivating trainers at Fuel can help you achieve your goals. Programs are developed using a proprietary method to avoid plateaus and ensure continuous progress. 22 Graf Rd., Newburyport, 978-270-0020, fueltrainingstudio.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E FORTIFY TRAINING, LAWRENCE fortify-training.com S PA S E RV I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BODISCIENCE, BEVERLY BodiScience operates with a unique philosophy about the connection between inner balance and outer beauty. The result is a spa and wellness experience that applies custom treatments tailored to your needs that will leave you both looking and feeling radiant. 100 Cummings Center, Suite 101D, Beverly, 978-927-9909, bodiscience.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E SPA NIJOLI & SALON, METHUEN nijoli.com D E T A I L S B R I D E S M A I D S’ G I F T S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E LONG’S JEWELERS, BURLINGTON In business for more than 140 years, Long’s has a reputation of providing the highest quality pieces delivered with thoughtful service. The highly knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you choose the perfect 66 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 necklace, earrings, or bracelet to express your gratitude to your wedding party. 60A South Ave., Burlington, 781-272-5400, longsjewelers.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E ROBIN’S NEST BOUTIQUE & FINE GIFTS, WINTHROP NORTHSHOREMAG.COM E NTE R TA I N M E NT E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E LISA LOVE EXPERIENCE, PEABODY With more than 1,000 weddings under their belts, the Lisa Love Experience knows how to keep guests dancing. Offering a five-piece band as well as DJ services, the dynamic and entertaining

R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E each couple to create dreamy designs full of color and texture, using only the freshest seasonal blooms. The results are lush centerpieces and bouquets that will elevate your event. 27 Barnard St., Andover, 978-475-9669, lesfleurs.com lisalovexp.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E team will help plan the right musical lineup, then keep everything moving smoothly throughout your wedding. 617-216-9326, lisalovexp.com LISA LOVE EXPERIENCE, PEABODY FAVO R S (E D I B LE ) E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E TREAT CAKES & CONFECTIONS, HAMILTON For favors as sweet as your love, you can’t beat Treat. Founder Carol Harlow-Carlson works with each couple to come up with the perfect flavors and decorations for your cookies, cupcakes, or cake pops. Have a unique vision? They love making new ideas and flavor combinations come to life. Hamilton, 978-233-1045, treatcakesandconfections.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E HARBOR SWEETS, SALEM harborsweets.com FAVO R S (G I F T S) E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E MARIPOSA, MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA Known for its organically inspired, shining serving pieces, Manchester-based Mariposa also designs frames, barware, bottle stoppers and openers, and more, all with its signature style and dedication to sustainable production values. 5 Elm St., Manchester, 800-788-1304, mariposa.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE CHINA GROVE, WEST NEWBURY thechinagrove.com F LO R A L D E S I G N S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E LES FLEURS, ANDOVER Owner Sandra Sigman draws floral inspiration from her love of Paris—what could be more romantic? She works with 68 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 EVANS FLOWERS, PEABODY evansflowers.com G RO O M S M E N G I F T S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E DESCENZA DIAMONDS, PEABODY From classic money clips and cufflinks, to splurgy watches, this family-owned business offers the highest quality items, sold by a highly trained and knowledgeable staff. And you can feel good about your purchase: The company prides itself on maintaining the highest environmental, social, and ethical standards in their sourcing practices. 161 Andover St., Peabody, 978-977-0090, descenza.com LI M O S E RV I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BLACK TIE LIMO, HAVERHILL R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E Dedicated to providing stress-free transportation for your celebration, Black Tie Limo has built a reputation for impeccable service. From traditional stretch limos to a timelessly elegant Rolls Royce, the fleet has the vehicle you want to ride in style on your big day. 25 Bond St., Haverhill, 800-624-9990, blacktielimo.com longsjewelers.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E LONG’S JEWELERS, PEABODY I N V ITATI O N S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E CALLIDORA LETTERPRESS + DESIGN, TOPSFIELD The goal at Callidora is to create an invitation suite that becomes an heirloom piece. Each invitation is designed in collaboration with the couple, then individually letterpress printed on vintage presses that are more than a century old. And the founder’s background in fine art ensures the final result is unique and exquisite. Topsfield, 207-730-1592, callidoradesign.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E CALLIDORA LETTERPRESS + DESIGN, TOPSFIELD callidoradesign.com NORTHSHOREMAG.COM MICHAEL’S LIMOUSINE CO., PEABODY michaelslimousine.com O F F I C I A NT E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E MARRY ME KARLA, TOPSFIELD Ordained minister Karla Firestone will work with you to create an original ceremony that is true to your values and vision, whether you are eloping or throwing a big bash. She is open to working with couples of all religions, cultures, beliefs, and genders to celebrate the common denominator that unites them all: love. Topsfield, 781-710-0272, marrymekarla.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E MARRY ME KARLA, TOPSFIELD marrymekarla.com
PH OTO G R A PH E R E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E JIM BARBERE PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWBURYPORT L to R: Maura Lewis, Portfolio Associate; Timothy Hoffman, Wealth Management Associate; Ian O’Brien, Group Director; Jacob Fudge; Jason Traino; Mike Scott; James Henry, Registered Client Service Associate; Michele Vincent, Wealth Management Associate Capturing the authentic joy of a wedding amidst the constant movement, changing lighting, and unexpected moments is where Jim Barbere thrives. Going well beyond stock group photos and dance floor shots (though you’lll get them too!), Barbere’s team will go to any lengths to create dramatic, beautiful, and emotional images of your day. 781-526-1135, jimbarberephotography.com Forbes’ R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E JIM BARBERE PHOTOGRAPHY, NEWBURYPORT jimbarberephotography.com S PE C I A L TR A N S P O R T E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E SALEM TROLLEY, SALEM Make the ride part of the celebration by loading the whole wedding party onto a replica turn-of-the-century trolley that holds as many as 38 people and is sure to turn heads on the road. Decorate your trolley ahead of time to personalize the experience. 8 Central St., Salem, 978-744-5469, salemtrolley.com The TSF Group at Morgan Stanley Jason Traino, CFP®, CLU® Mike Scott, CFP®, CLU® Jacob Fudge R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E SALEM TROLLEY, SALEM salemtrolley.com 978-739-3918 V I D E O G R A PH E R E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E 617 WEDDINGS VIDEOGRAPHY, WOBURN Gorgeous visuals, crisp audio, and up-to-the-moment knowledge of cinematic techniques ensure your matrimonial memories are preserved—and even enhanced—for years to come. The staff of professional filmmakers earns consistent praise for their ability to make couples comfortable in front of the camera, allowing them to capture authentic moments. 400 W. Cummings Park, Woburn, text 617-207-0003, 617weddings.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E COURTNEY KENT PRODUCTIONS, PEABODY courtneykentproductions.com 69 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 Forbes Forbes
M E N U BA R S E RV I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E VINWOOD CATERERS, IPSWICH Long a favorite for their food offerings, Vinwood also offers bar and beverage service. One of the first caterers in Massachusetts to receive a caterer’s liquor license, Vinwood can provide cash or open bar options and is, naturally, fantastic at helping couples choose cocktails, wine, and beer that complement their food. 3 Union St., Ipswich, 978-356-3273, vinwood.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE HOTEL SALEM, SALEM larkhotels.com/hotels/the-hotel-salem B R I DA L S H OW E R E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BEAUPORT HOTEL, GLOUCESTER Whether you want to host an intimate gathering of 10, or collect all your nearest and dearest, Beauport has the beautifully appointed space and gorgeous views that will elevate your party. With food from the acclaimed in-house chefs, your shower will be unforgettable. 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-282-0008, beauporthotel.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E GROVE AT BRIAR BARN INN, ROWLEY groverowley.com CAKE E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E MAYFLOUR CONFECTIONS, ESSEX A bakery with a distinct—and delicious— point of view, Mayflour uses organic ingredients, farm-fresh eggs, and all natural flavors and colorings, avoiding shortening, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. Their gorgeous cakes reflect this philosophy as well, decorated in simple elegance with silky Italian meringue buttercream and flowers from local farms. 162 Main St., Essex, 978-216-2606, mayflour.co R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E TREAT CAKES & CONFECTIONS, WENHAM treatcakesandconfections.com C ATE R E R E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E VINWOOD CATERERS, IPSWICH Most important, of course, is the food: Vinwood’s creative, seasonal menus and impeccably high standards mean every bite will be fresh and delicious. Then add in the polished service, exquisite attention to detail, and willingness to tailor their fare to your tastes and traditions, and it’s clear why Vinwood routinely wins accolades. 3 Union St., Ipswich, 978-356-3273, vinwood. com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E WOODLAND CATERING, MERRIMAC woodlandcatering.com D E S S E R T TA B LE E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E WILLOWDALE ESTATE, TOPSFIELD Wedding cake is great. But what if you could also have fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies? And maybe a s’mores bar, an ice cream sundae bar, or a pie station? At Willowdale Estate, the culinary team puts together lavish dessert tables that will make sure your marriage gets off to a very sweet start. 24 Asbury St., Topsfield, 978-887-8211, willowdaleestate.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E TOPSFIELD BAKESHOP, TOPSFIELD topsfieldbakeshop.com REHEARSAL DINNER E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E GROVE AT BRIAR BARN INN, ROWLEY With a menu driven by local ingredients and a passion for flavor, Grove will make your rehearsal dinner a memorable culinary adventure. The setting—an elegantly rustic, barn-inspired space—is equally impressive. 101 Main St., Rowley, 978-484-5165, groverowley.com Mayflour Confections and Treat Cakes & Confections win for Best Cake R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE HOTEL SALEM, SALEM larkhotels.com/hotels/the-hotel-salem 70 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Santa Knows, WE’RE NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE. IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS. Sea Level Oyster Bar offers an unmatched seafood and other exquisite dining offerings – plus refreshing beers and inspired cocktails in a scenic setting! Looking to have an event? Sea Level Oyster Bar can plan the perfect event for you. Let us help you plan your next social gathering, or corporate dinner. sealeveloysterbar.com NEWBURYPORT 1 Market Square SALEM 94 Wharf Street / Pickering Wharf Please be sure to also visit FINZ - our other restaurant in Salem/Pickering Wharf
S E T T I N G Plum Island wins the Readers’ Choice for Best Beach CEREMONY PA R T Y R E NTA L S V E N U E , B E AC H E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E Here’s the scene: sprawling, impeccably manicured grounds, wrapped around an elegant historic mansion, overlooking the drama of the ocean waves crashing on the rocks. Add in a room in the stately brick home for the bride to get ready, and plenty of gorgeous photo ops in and out of the building, and there might be no better place to say “I do.” 407 Hale St., Beverly, 978-232-2128, misselwood.com Tents of every shape and size, chairs, dance floors, decorative lighting—if you need it, The Event Co. has it. In addition to stellar selection, the company has 25 years of experience making sure products are in perfect condition, deliveries are on time, and set-up is seamless, so all you need to do is hit that dance floor. 212 Magnolia Ave., Gloucester, 978-283-4884, rentent.com If your dream wedding involves natural beauty, an authentic clambake, and maybe even some lawn games, Steep Hill Beach is an unbeatable choice. At the foot of the Crane Estate, the beach offers a gorgeous backdrop for a smaller, relaxed wedding, but rest assured—there is nothing casual about the attention to detail and quality the seasoned event planning staff will lavish on your event. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 781-221-3003, craneestateevents.com MISSELWOOD ESTATE, BEVERLY R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE MEADOW AT RED RIDGE FARM, SALISBURY redridgemeadow.com 72 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 THE EVENT CO., GLOUCESTER STEEP HILL BEACH, IPSWICH R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E thechinagrove.com cityofnewburyport.com THE CHINA GROVE, WEST NEWBURY NORTHSHOREMAG.COM PLUM ISLAND, PLUM ISLAND PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Chef Spotlight - BOSA Coastal Italian What is your signature dish? Where can you be found when At BOSA Coastal Italian, opening in Haverhill in early 2024, our signature dish will likely be our Sardinian paella made with toasted you’re not in the kitchen? When I’m not in the kitchen at 34 Park or planning the opening of fregola, wife, children and extended family hanging at Lake Winnipesaukee or mom’s house for Sunday dinner. sofrito, shrimp, clams, mussels, confit chicken leg, charred squid, chorizo and saffron tomato brodo, bottarga. BOSA, you can find me with my What’s your favorite dish to make at home? My favorite dish to make at home is roasted chicken. The pure simplicity of a superb quality chicken can be found by looking for “locally sourced” when shopping at the grocery store. I prepare with herbs, extra virgin olive oil, Maldon salt then cook the chicken low and slow in the oven. Favorite place to eat on the North Shore? Maggie’s Farm is a great spot for burgers or maki rolls, and Brine is my go-to for crudo and oysters in the summer. Comfortable Living Contemporary Kitchens Cozy Tavern Jimi Gallant, Regional Executive Chef, Lupoli Companies BOSA Coastal Italian & 34 Park Modern Italian Sparkling Heated Pool Learn about the Nichols Village Lifestyle ~ Call 978-372-3930 Nichols Village One Nichols Way, Groveland, MA 01834 Nichols-Village.com
NORTH SHORE FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALIZING IN FACE LIFTS AND RHINOPLASTY V E N U E , FA R M E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E APPLETON FARMS, IPSWICH An authentic working farm for centuries, Appleton Farms is overflowing with bucolic charm. Enjoy a ceremony with a background of lush spring flowers or vibrant fall foliage, let the in-house culinary team prepare a meal using produce grown on site, then dance the night away in a charmingly rustic historic barn. 219 County Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-5728, thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E CONNEMARA HOUSE, TOPSFIELD connemarahousefarm.com VENUE ( I N D O O R , OV E R 1 5 0 G U E S T S ) E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BEAUPORT HOTEL, GLOUCESTER A wedding at the waterfront Beauport Hotel merges natural beauty and upscale luxury. Several lavish event spaces give you options for your unique indoor or outdoor function, and the beautiful boutique hotel makes it easy—and luxurious— for out-of-town guests to join the festivities. 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-282-0008, beauporthotel.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E TUPPER MANOR, BEVERLY tuppermanor.com DR. DAVID CHRZANOWSKI With over 15 years in practice, Dr. Chrzanowki is a fellowship trained, boardcertified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as a board-certified head and neck surgeon. FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY WITH NATURAL RESULTS Dr. David Chrzanowski performs both surgical and non-surgical facial plastic surgery as well as cosmetic procedures including: • Botox • Juvederm • Rhinoplasty • Restylane • Face Lifts • Voluma • Eyelid Surgery • And more CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION! 9787456601 104 ENDICOTT STREET | DANVERS, MA | NSFPS.COM Appleton Farms wins Editor’s Choice for Best Farm Venue 74 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK
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The Crane Estate wins Editor’s Choice for best Outdoor Venue www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org VENUE (UNDER 150 GUESTS) E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E TURNER HILL, IPSWICH With an authentic Elizabethan mansion and exquisite formal gardens nestled among rolling hills, Turner Hill can give your wedding a bit of fairy tale magic. The venue’s team will help plan every detail and facilitate the plan of the day of, so you can enjoy the romance without a worry. 3 Manor House Ln., Ipswich, 978-356-7070, turnerhill.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E BARN AT BRADSTREET FARM, ROWLEY bradstreetfarm.com VENUE (OUTDOOR) E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E THE CRANE ESTATE, IPSWICH Have your ceremony at the top of the Grand Allée, looking down the rolling lawn to the waves at Crane Beach below. Mingle with your guests at cocktail hour on the lawn beside the 59-room Great House mansion, then dine on food from one of the area’s premier caterers under the tent on the stone terrace. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 781-221-3003, craneestateevents.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E THE MEADOW AT RED RIDGE FARM, SALISBURY redridgemeadow.com 76 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK
THE PERFECT WEDDING TAKES A LOT OF PLANNING. The flowers, the invitations, the groom – all impeccable. Be sure you are, too. • Skin Tightening & Resurfacing • Fillers • Botox Parties • • Body Contouring • Upper Eyelid Surgery • Laser • Own your special day with Beauty By Dr. Jean Keamy, the MD with the artist’s touch! JEAN KEAMY, MD • EYE & AESTHETIC SURGEON 978-239-4746 • 508-836-8733 47 OCEAN AVENUE, SALEM, MA VENUE, INDOOR WWW.KEAMYCOSMETIC.COM ( R E S TA U R A N T ) Located inside Andrew Michaels Salon and Spa E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E TERESA’S PRIME, NORTH READING A wedding at Teresa’s Prime is all about the classic glamour. Say your vows on the gorgeously landscaped grounds underneath a stately pergola, then head inside to dine on a custom menu by the culinary team behind the acclaimed restaurant, and dance and mingle under the crystal chandeliers of the luxe ballroom. 20 Elm St., North Reading, 978-276-0044, teresasprime.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E GROVE AT BRIAR BARN INN, ROWLEY groverowley.com VENUE, UNIQUE E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BEAUPORT CRUISELINES, GLOUCESTER Let your love set sail with a wedding aboard Beauport Cruiselines. The ship can accommodate up to 300 guests across the open-air top deck and comfortable interior (including dance floor) as you cruise through Gloucester Harbor. And the event-planning staff will help you with every detail for a seamless and joyous celebration. 6 Rowe Sq., 978-865-3210, beauportcruiselines.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E HAMMOND CASTLE MUSEUM, GLOUCESTER hammondcastle.org 77 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024
T H E P L A N B R I DA L S H OWS E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E BEAUPORT HOSPITALITY GROUP WEDDING SHOWCASE Beauport Hospitality Group’s wedding teams and the best professional vendors in every category come together at Beauport. Meet with all the exclusive preferred vendors while viewing one of the North Shore’s premier wedding venues, Cruiseport Gloucester. 6 Rowe Sq. #3057, Gloucester, 978-2829700, cruiseportgloucester.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E DANVERSPORT, DANVERS danversport.com DA N C E LE S S O N S E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E ARTHUR MURRAY, BURLINGTON/ DANVERS For more than 80 years, the name Arthur Murray has been synonymous with ballroom dancing, and there’s a reason the dance centers have endured so long. The schools operate on the belief that everyone can dance, and the patient, highly trained instructors use a patented teaching method to make sure your first-dance moves are flawless. 209 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 781-229-7970; 60 Maple St., Danvers, 978-777-4995; arthurmurray.com Janie Haas Events and Tangorra Wedding Planning win for Best Wedding Planner R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E ARTHUR MURRAY, BURLINGTON/ DANVERS arthurmurray.com W E D D I N G PL A N N E R E D ITO R S’ C H O I C E JANIE HAAS EVENTS, NORTH ANDOVER Like any top-notch wedding 78 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 planners, Janie Haas and her team have exquisite attention to detail, a great sense of style, a love of collaboration, and exceptional organization skills. What truly elevates their work, however, is the deep relationships with vendors Haas has developed over more than four NORTHSHOREMAG.COM decades in the business. 125 Coachman’s Ln., North Andover, 978-725-5956, janiehaasevents.com R E A D E R S’ C H O I C E TANGORRA WEDDING PLANNING, NEWBURYPORT PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK
NON-STOP ADVENTURES. ONE-STOP SHOPPING. Since 1965, Ski Haus has provided snowsport enthusiasts — from beginners to hotshots — with all the gear and apparel they need on and off the slopes. A curated selection of high-quality equipment and fashion-forward layers are all tailored to Northeast winters. Expect competitive prices, easy shopping environments and ultimately, your complete satisfaction. With knowledgeable and certified service staff in all three stores, you’ll appreciate the guidance offered in every department. Ask about earning In-Haus Cash when you shop in-store, and save throughout the season! S K I & S N OW B OA R D G E A R • S N OWS P O R T E Q U I P M E N T • W I N T E R A P PA R E L FO R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY • J R L E AS I N G • C U S TO M F I T T I N G & T U N I N G
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to Beat the Winter Blues T HE N ORT H SH O RE I S C H OC K- FUL L OF AC TIVI TI ES AND EVENTS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON! BY NATALIE GALE // ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIELE SIMONELLI 81
I love winter. I STILL FEEL LIKE A LITTLE KID WHEN I HEAR, “DID YOU SEE OUTSIDE?” IN THE MORNING, INDICATING SNOW. THE COLD WEATHER BRINGS A DI F FER E NT FL AVO R OF FU N. S K IIN G , H AVIN G A D RIN K S OM E WH E RE WA RM, REA DI NG BY A FIRE PL ACE , CO OK IN G A C OZ Y ME AL—ALL T HI NG S TH AT ARE BET TE R T HE LOWE R TH E ME RC URY DROPS . R EAD ON F OR TWO DOZ E N WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES NORTH OF BOSTON THIS SEASON. YOU ’L L F IND OUR PI C KS FOR SHOWS AND FESTIVALS, LOCAL DINING INITIATIVES, STAYCATIONS, AND WAYS TO GET COZY. DON’T HAVE FUN IN SPITE OF THE COLD WEATHER—HAVE FUN BECAUSE OF IT. ICE SKATE AT MARKETSTREET (AND BEYOND!) The Rink at Marketstreet Lynnfield is back, operating daily through February 25. Admission is $12, and you can check out some of Marketstreet’s top-notch restaurants and shops while you’re at it. Keep an eye out for other skating opportunities throughout the season, too, like weather-dependent rinks on Topsfield Common, Stoneham Common, and at Amesbury Town Park. HEAD TO A MUSEUM EXHIBIT Capitalize on the North Shore’s world-class arts scene by visiting an exhibit this winter. The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is currently running “Let None Be Excluded: The Origins of Equal School Rights in Salem,” and “Bats!,” plus ongoing shows like “Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global.” Gloucester’s Cape Ann Museum is currently showing exhibits like “Above the Fold: The Photographers of the ‘Gloucester Daily Times,’” and “Coming Home: Selections from the Janet & William Ellery James Collection.” 82 The Liberty Hotel offers curling throughout the winter season.
CURL AT THE LIBERTY HOTEL OR SNOWPORT Mile Marker One offers igloo dining in cold weather. Try your hand at curling this winter in Boston. Curl for free (with reservations!) at Snowport in the Seaport district, or head to the Liberty Hotel to book one of its synthetic rinks on the weekends for up to six people, complete with snacks and boozy beverages. HAVE DRINKS BY THE FIRE AT THESE RESTAURANTS Warm up with dinner or drinks by these restaurants’ sprawling, crackling fireplaces this season. Some of our editors’ best picks: Teresa’s Prime in North Reading, La Fina in Andover, the Port Tavern in Newburyport, Davio’s at Marketstreet, and the Indo in Beverly. SHOP A WINTER FARMERS MARKET Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get fresh local produce! The area has a handful of winter farmers markets this year, where you can find tons of storage and root vegetables along with other specialty foods. Try checking out the winter market at Groundworks in Lawrence on every second and fourth Saturday, or the market on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maxwell’s of Chelmsford. DINE IN AN IGLOO AT MILE MARKER ONE The Cape Ann Marina’s Mile Marker One restaurant brings back its popular igloo dining this season. Originally a pandemic necessity, it’s back for another winter season by popular demand and means you can stay warm and cozy while still dining “outside” on the water in January! ATTEND THE BOSTON WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL There’s hardly a better reason for a little staycation in town than the 35th annual PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK 83
Boston Wine & Food Festival. The event brings dozens of wine dinners, tastings, and seminars to the Boston Harbor Hotel between January 12 and March 29, and the hotel offers a special room rate of $295 for festivalgoers. OR CHECK OUT THE HERMITAGE INN’S GONDOLA DINING Fancy a little getaway? Vermont’s Hermitage Inn does a gorgeous outdoor dining experience in the winter— inside vintage ski gondolas. The inn partners with New England farms for its Piedmont-inspired dining and aprés ski menus that feature local cheese, meats, and produce. We highly recommend booking a room at the charming inn while you’re at it. SIP SOME HOT CHOCOLATE Warm up at cafés around the North Shore with some hot cocoa. Everyone has their personal favorites, but some of our suggestions include Kakawa Chocolate House in Salem, Honeycomb in Hamilton, Ovedia in Amesbury, and Putnam Pantry in Danvers. CELEBRATE MLK DAY AT PEM (AND OTHER MUSEUMS) On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15, local museums honor the late civil rights leader with a day of special programming. Head to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem or get free admission at the MFA or ICA in Boston. HEAR MUSIC AT UPSTAIRS ON MAIN AT THE SHALIN LIU Shalin Liu in Rockport’s “Upstairs on Main” hosts laid-back shows perfect for grabbing a drink with friends or adding onto a date night. The intimate, lounge-like venue has both table seating and standing room, and this winter hosts artists like Cassandre McKinley on Jan. 21 and the Rum Runners String Band on Feb. 10. 84 New England is the place to ski on the East Coast with plenty of slopes and ski resorts to visit all winter long. SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH AT SALEM SO SWEET The 22nd Salem So Sweet returns this year on February 9 through 11—and it’s the perfect excuse to visit Witch City without all the Halloween craziness. The festival brings ice sculptures along with shopping and restaurant specials to downtown Salem on the weekend before Valentine’s Day, so make sure to check out the whole scene while you grab some artisanal chocolate. HAVE A VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER DATE When V-Day itself comes along, celebrate the holiday with a dinner date—with your sweetie, with friends or family, or by yourself. A few of our top romantic spots: La Rosa’s in Andover, Ledger and Turner’s Seafood in Salem, or Tonno and Short & Main in Gloucester. SEE A SHOW AT THE CABOT The 100-year-old theatre in Beverly is now a hub for shows of all kinds, from music and dance to improv and movies. Some of this season’s highlights: an evening with John Cusack and a High Fidelity movie screening on Jan. 25, and “Symphony by the Sea: A Winter Serenade” on Feb 4. TAKE A NIGHT HIKE AT WARD RESERVATION Go on a hike to remember at Ward Reservation in Andover. On both Jan.
20 and Feb. 9, the Trustees host their “All Things Glowing” night hike—a lanternguided hike that starts at 6:30 p.m. and finishes with s’mores by the firepit and a fire-spinning performance by Phoebe Flows. CATCH A GLOUCESTER STAGE COMPANY PERFORMANCE Another small performance venue on the North Shore that you shouldn’t miss: Gloucester Stage Company. They’ll put on a handful of shows at the Main Street theatre this winter, including “Can My Baby Fly?” on Jan. 6 and 7, and “Fish Tales: Illumination,” a storytelling showcase, on Jan. 19. HIT THE SLOPES And if you’re up in the mountains, why not take a day for skiing, too? The Hermitage Inn is close to Mount Snow in Vermont, but some of our other favorites just a couple of hours away from the North Shore include Sunday River in Maine and Attitash, Crotched Mountain, and Loon in New Hampshire. STAY OVERNIGHT AT THE BEAUPORT HOTEL One of our favorite properties north of Boston, the Beauport Hotel on the Gloucester waterfront, makes for the perfect staycation spot in wintertime. Take advantage of the peace and quiet of Gloucester in the off-season while you dine at Beauport’s 1606 Restaurant. And make sure you snag a room with a fireplace and a private balcony. taking a class at Tuscan Village in Salem, NH—cookbook author Mary Ann Esposito teaches about Italian food on Jan. 20. Or take Appleton Farms’ class “Indian Cooking Made Easy” on Jan. 12, Feb. 3, or March 1. HEAD TO MARKET DAZE AT BAREWOLF BREWING VISIT THE WILMINGTON CHOCOLATE EXPO Every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., now through April, Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury holds “Market Daze,” markets featuring artisan vendors, musicians, chefs, and creators of all kinds. Make sure to grab a pint and a bar snack while you’re at it. On Jan. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Chocolate Expo returns to the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington for a weekend of samples from dozens of artisan chocolatiers, candy shops, bakeries, and wineries. Door tickets are limited, so we suggest booking your ticket in advance! GO CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING OR SNOWSHOEING You don’t have to travel up north to ski around here! Try your hand at crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing—a fantastic way to enjoy outdoor exercise in the winter. Check out the North Shore Nordic Association’s groomed trails at Appleton Farms or Bradley Palmer State Park, or Brooksby Farm in Peabody, which does ski and snowshoe rentals. CHECK OUT GLOUCESTER’S SO SALTY Hosted by the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester’s alternative to Salem So Sweet is back for the third year this Jan. 20 and 21. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, visitors to downtown Gloucester can expect ice sculptures, live music, children’s art activities, and other events. TAKE A COOKING CLASS GET COZY AT A BREWERY It’s never too late to learn a thing or two to add to your kitchen repertoire. Try There’s no better reason than bitterly cold weather to post up at a brewery on a weekend afternoon. And there’s no shortage of breweries on the North Shore offering interesting brews plus other temptations like live music or trivia nights. Some of our faves: Granite Coast Brewing in Peabody, Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport, and East Regiment Beer Co. and Notch in Salem. LAUGH AT THE SALEM COMEDY FESTIVAL Tuscan Village offers Italian cooking classes. PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK The Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival returns to Witch City for three nights this Jan. 25 through 27. Each night of the non-competitive fest features local and national stand-up comedians performing sets at Salem taprooms. 85
Celebrating 22ND ANNUAL SALEM SO SWEET IS BACK IN WITCH CITY THIS WINTER. BY NATALIE GALE Insider tips for how to visit the chocolate and ice sculpture festival that returns to Salem this February. In 2023, Salem welcomed a record 1.2 million visitors to the city in the month of October alone. Sure, Witch City is magical in October during the spooky autumn days leading up to Halloween. But for us locals on the North Shore, we recommend an off-season trip over an October one. The town’s winter highlight? The Salem So Sweet festival, back this year for its 22nd annual celebration February 9 through 11. The festival features ice sculptures, restaurant specials, shopping discounts, and lots and lots of chocolate. The timing is perfect—it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day. The fest kicks off on Friday with a fundraiser at a private downtown location —the PEM Connect Space—where ticket holders get treats, complimentary wine, and commemorative glasses. And after the fundraiser, the fun continues. Businesses throughout downtown offer shopping specials and late night hours, and ticket holders can find wine tastings and other treats. Some shops have live music, —it’s like a neighborhood-wide party. And throughout the weekend, play the 86 “Chocolate Hearts Challenge” by looking for the Salem So Sweet QR code at participating businesses for a chance to win prizes. You’ll probably get a bit of free chocolate, too. The ice sculptures are back this year, illuminated on both Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. On Friday, find them on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and at Lappin Park and then all throughout downtown on Saturday night. Head to salemsosweet.com for a full sculpture map, along with tickets to Friday night’s event. The ice sculptures and shopping discounts are great on their own, but they’re also a jumping-off point to explore the rest of the city. Make a night of it with dinner at one of our favorites: Turner’s does seafood in a charming, cozy space, and Ledger serves upscale New England cuisne in a beautiful historic building. Salem Food Tours owner Karen Scalia has also sung the praises of Opus, Finz, and the Flying Saucer Pizza Company. If you really want to explore the town’s culinary scene, you should probably book one of Scalia’s award-winning food tours.
Scenes from Salem So Sweet, a chocolate lover’s festival in February. Don’t forget to stop for a drink before or after dinner, too—some of our places for imbibing include East Regiment Beer Company, a down-to-earth taproom that does small batch brews in the basement, and All Souls Lounge, a cozy, no-frills bar with a great vintage cocktail program. And since Salem So Sweet gives you the perfect staycation excuse, we recommend checking in to one of Salem’s cozy inns or hotels like the Hawthorne Hotel, the Hotel Salem, The Merchant, or the Salem Waterfront Hotel. Don’t forget to stock up on Valentine’s Day chocolate while you’re in town—Salem has an incredible artisan chocolate scene. We’re partial to Kakawa Chocolate House, known for original concoctions like drinking chocolate elixirs and chocolate-dipped chilis, and the Chocolate Pantry, which is picky about sourcing superhigh-quality imported chocolates. While you’re enjoying all of Salem’s cozy winter vibes, don’t forget that you’re still in Witch City. You can visit the Witch Museum or take a ghost or trolley tour to learn a thing or two about what gives Salem its character. You’ll miss all the crowds and get to eat a bunch of chocolate while you’re at it. salemsosweet.com. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DESTINATION SALEM 87
Humming Bird’s Roasted Carrot Soup soothes the soul. 88 88
BY HANNAH SELINGER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELISE SINAGRA WARM UP THIS WINTER WITH A PIPING HOT BOWL OF GOODNESS. 89
One way to cure those top-of-the-year, cold weather blues? A traditional New England curative. Something hot. Something soothing. Something in the vein of a steaming bowl of soup. ’Tis the season not for decorating or exchanging gifts, but for settling into the chill of winter with the bone-warming delights of local soups. And local chefs are leaning into the flavors and traditions with iterations that are as warming as they are inspirational. Soup from scratch is coming to a bowl near you. In Haverhill, at Hummingbird Nutritious Eats, a nutritionally focused restaurant that opened last fall, chefs and owner-operators Matthew Morello and Chris White have made soups part of their fast-casual concept’s rotation. “We do two different styles of soup service,” White says. The restaurant offers hot soup service for dining in—leek and potato, for instance, was one recent soup on the menu, as was roasted carrot with a carrot chutney. The restaurant also has a refrigerated section with prepared foods to-go, where soups, changed weekly, are available for customers to purchase and take home with them. “We’ll do like three or four different soups just for people to buy cold and bring home and reheat,” White says. “They’re constantly changing.” The key to a good soup, he notes, is allowing the produce and the process to shine. “It’s all about technique, and ingredient driven. I don’t like to complicate things too much,” he says. “There’s an art in making a really great soup with just a couple of ingredients.” Coaxing flavor from vegetables and relying on purées for thickness as opposed to dairy, White says, adds complexity and flavor to these soups, which are vegetarian and vegan. White and Morello source produce from local farms, when available. “A lot of these guys start to cellar their potatoes and their turnips and their celery root, so there is a lot that will 90 be available in the next couple of months,” Morello says. Justin Horyn, the executive chef at Newburyport’s Brine, also leans into vegetables during the coldest time of year. “I order a lot of root vegetables,” he says. “It’s fun, because you can compound tons of flavor. I like to do a lot of puréed vegetable soups, because I feel like you can just keep adding flavors and adding flavors.” To thicken his soups, Horyn says, he blends in rice, which he says adds “silky body” to them. “For our current squash soup, I take honeynut squash, and I halve them and I rub them down in olive oil, salt, and miso paste, roast them in the oven until they caramelize,” Horyn says. Separately, he sweats onions in butter and adds rice to toast it, similar to how one might begin a risotto. The pot then gets garlic, wine, and more miso, vegetable stock, and an herb sachet. Additional spices like cloves and cinnamon sticks go into the simmering pot, which cooks for about an hour before being strained and blended. The result
is an umami-forward soup that harnesses the flavors of fall and winter. Brine, Horyn notes, always has its signature clam chowder on the menu, too. “That’s always a staple,” he says. “It’s been here since before I got here.” The clam and pork chowder, he says, is a recipe he inherited, and is made gluten free, for those with sensitivities (it is thickened with potatoes, rather than with a flour-based roux). At Andover’s Elm Square Oyster Co., soup, even in appetizer form, can be an upscale affair. “People around here really like a French Above and opposite, Brine’s Squash Soup and clam chowder are seasonal winners. Right, Hummingbird’s potato and leek soup is a must-try. 91
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Left, Elm Square’s chestnut soup is a perfect winter warmer. Above Chef Michael Sherman’s French onion soup uses aerated gruyere cheese on top of bone marrowroasted croutons. onion soup,” says executive chef Michael Sherman. “So, we’ll do aerated gruyere cheese cloud on top of bone marrow-roasted croutons. There is some short rib at the bottom.” The soup also has a caramelized onion purée, and guests can swoon as beef consommé—essentially a very clear, very pristine beef broth—is poured into their bowls tableside. Texturally, Sherman says, the soup is different from a traditional French onion soup, though it retains the soup’s traditional and concentrated flavors. Like his regional counterparts, Sherman also gravitates toward root vegetables in the colder months. Soups of late have included parsnip purée, for instance, but he will also be including a chestnut soup on his winter menu. Peeled chestnuts are cooked in vegetable stock, cream, and brown butter. “We’ll purée that and then we’ll do chestnut chips,” he says. “You toast them in brown butter and you just keep on toasting them and toasting them and toasting them, and they’re really nice, thin chestnut chips.” He serves the soup with a duck confit at the bottom, an added touch of luxury. With so many options for from-scratch soups this winter, the hardest part may just be choosing where to go for the next hot bowl. Then again, who says you have to choose? brineoyster.com; elmsquareoysterco. com; hummingbirdnutritiouseats.com 93
Winter Wellness Catering to mind, body, and spirit, these three hotel spas get high ratings for luxury, tranquility, and serenity. BY NANCY E. BERRY 94
Mandarin Oriental in Boston offers a tranquil spa environment and treatments to reduce stress and get you feeling your best. Winter in New England, without a bloom in sight for months to come, may feel more like a time to hibernate that to rejuvenate. But I beg to differ: This is the perfect time to start on your wellness journey for mind, body, and spirit. A little pampering from these five-star luxury hotel spas can help you get in the mindset of self-care and healing. Crystal steam rooms, vitality pools, and sleep rituals are just some of the innovative restorative offerings at three toprated spas in the region. Zen Zone Located on Boston’s bustling Boylston Street, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is an oasis of soothing elegance. Upon entry to its marble lobby, you can feel the stress slip away. The hotel recently received a $15 million renovation, giving spacious guest rooms a chic, residential feel. Marble bathrooms offer deep Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in rain showers. Although it’s hard to leave the posh accommodations, the star of the Mandarin is its 16,000-square-foot spa. It truly is one of the finest hotel spas, according to World Spa Awards, which awarded it top honors in 2022. As soon as you enter the space, you know you are somewhere special. The ultra-calm and quiet surroundings, eight treatment rooms (five with their own personal showers), including two private couples’ suites, tell you you’ve come to the right place for the latest in spa offerings. With ice baths, dry saunas, a quartz crystal steam room, invigorating whirlpools, a vitality pool, and treatments such as Himalayan singing bowls and guided meditations, you have entered the epitome of restorative care. One of the spa’s latest offerings at the Mandarin Oriental for 2024 is its wellness retreats called Inner Strength and Outer Strength. In addition to a daily itinerary of spa treatments and fitness offerings, the retreats include wellness dishes with organic, plant-based and gluten-free options. Inner Strength is designed for mindfulness, contemplation, and renewal while Outer Strength incorporates fitness/movement classes, muscular healing massage treatments, and the spa’s signature Intelligent Movement posture therapy. During my stay I opt for a customized massage to target those areas on my body where I hold stress. I love that a questionnaire asks whether I prefer oils or creams, what type of music I would like to listen to, and where my trouble spots are. Tension melts away from my shoulders as I embrace this nurturing hour of peacefulness. mandarinoriental.com PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL 95
Sophisticated Slumber With breathtaking Boston skyline views, The Four Seasons One Dalton, Boston, is the quintessence of sophistication. The 61-story skyscraper, designed by famed architect firm Pei, Cobb Freed & Partners, offers 160 private residences and 215 hotel guest rooms, which provide the ultimate of comfort and luxury. The curated collection of artworks found throughout the hotel common areas and guest rooms ranges from Duke Riley’s mosaic “They Say, On a Really Hot Day,” depicting the city’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919 to small images shot by photographer Alexander Coster Scott. Aside from the elevated interiors and impeccable and personable service at every touchpoint, the hotel offers an entire floor to wellness, including a 64-foot curved lap pool, custom Italian mosaic art installations throughout the space, five treatment rooms, a eucalyptus steam room, and a state-of-the-art fitness center designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. The spa recently launched its five new rituals, spa treatments developed in partnership with Ground Wellbeing, a company that curates award-winning spa experiences. I opted for the sleep ritual, an ultra-relaxing massage that begins with setting an intention and uses crystals and aromatherapy oils to lull you into a state of tranquility. The massage, gentle and meditative, nourishes the entire body and mind and spirit. You truly will get one of your best night’s of sleep after this healing experience. I felt like an Egyptian queen ready to float off to a dreamfilled slumber. fourseasons.com/onedalton Temple of Wellness Arriving at the Forbes Five-Star Encore Boston Harbor, there is a buzz of excitement as you enter the lobby. A giant floral-laden Ferris wheel greets you as Francis the bellman is at your service, ushering you through a breezy check-in and off to your spacious and bright guestroom, where everything is state of the art. Alexa is on the job to open your drapes, adjust the temperature in the room, dim the lights, or even turn on the TV to your favorite show. The 671 guest rooms are awash in cream tones with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the inner harbor, the Zakim Bridge, and Logan Airport. Although you see a city of activity off in the distance, the expansive guest rooms are quiet and serene. The capacious gold-toned marble bathroom—with its Jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower, and double sink—feels like a mini spa in itself, the perfect place to primp and pamper before exploring the hotel and casino. If the rooms were not spectacular enough, the spa is like stepping into a Roman temple with Venetian chandeliers, hand-painted silk walls, lockers covered in cream-colored crocodile leather, a tranquil lounge area, and 17 treatment rooms. I opted for the VENN Pure Results Facial. A Korean skin brand, VENN is supercharged with collagen-activation peptides and antioxidants to boost firmness and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The soft lighting and soothing music swaddled me as I lay down on the table heated to the perfect temperature. Aesthetician Alexa is an expert in her field and gently begins the process of rejuvenating very tired skin. After my skin feels perfectly polished and hydrated, I head to the opulent whirlpool to further relax and continue my healing and wellness journey. encorebostonharbor.com 96 Above, The Four Seasons One Dalton is a sophisticated sanctuary Below, Encore Boston Harbor spa is opulent and reminiscent of a Roman temple with statuary and mosaics. PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP TO BOTTOM COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS ONE DALTON, BY BARBARA KRAFT/COURTESY OF ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR
Winter Skin Rescue If you are looking for skin care services designed to give winter skin a boost, we have you covered, thanks to expert advice from five local skincare professionals all committed to helping your winter skin be the best it can be no matter how low those temperatures drop. —Lauren Torlone Mahoney HOLISTIC HEALING This time of year feels like the perfect time to indulge in a treatment. At BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa, owner Dawn Tardif encourages clients to learn more about BodiScience’s exclusive EPAQ supplement, a secret elixir for internal hydration, which enhances elasticity, texture, and vibrancy. BodiScience’s Ageless Face Kur treatments sculpt, tone, and hydrate— delivering results that redefine your reflection. BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 101D, Beverly, bodiscience.com RELAXED ENVIRONS In Salisbury at Ciao Bella Skincare, owner Karen Damon recommends treatments that deliver results—as well as relaxation. “We always strive to provide you with services that are as effective as they are calming,” Damon says. Remember that self-care should be a priority, and that includes keeping up with your daily product regimen if you can’t squeeze in a service. Ciao Bella Skincare, 102 Bridge Road, Salisbury, ciaobellaskincare.com GLOW UP At INTERLOCKS MedSpa in Newburyport, the PRX Derm Perfection Treatment is the ideal noninvasive winter treatment to help regenerate the skin. It provides immediate improvement with no downtime. Aesthetician Kassandra Carusso explains that PRX is a collagen- stimulating treatment that targets texture, laxity, and wrinkles to help your skin glow throughout the winter season. INTERLOCKS MedSpa, 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport, interlockssalon.com CORRECTIVE MEASURES In Wakefield at Shaun Charles Med Spa, owner Shaun Spanos says cold and dry air in winter poses challenges to skin health. “In order to maintain or rejuvenate winter skin, I like to focus on correction and hydration.” Skin treatments like Neogen PSR, Moxi, and IPL help correct skin issues—including irregularities like pigmentation and fine lines by stimulating collagen production, promoting smoother, more even-toned skin. Shaun Charles Med Spa, 29 Albion St., Suite 5, Wakefield, shauncharlesmedspa.com KEEP HYDRATED With three North Shore locations, the team at RN Esthetics is ready to take on winter skin challenges. They believe hydration and protection from the elements are key as we approach the colder weather. The most popular skincare treatment in the winter is the Hydrafacial. The facial artisans love Alto Advanced serum from SkinBetter Science, which has 19 antioxidants plus vitamin C. They recommend combining it with their trio hydrator and Tone Smart mineralbased sunscreen. RN Esthetics, 2 Market St., Newburyport, rnesthetics.com 97
s p e c i a l a d v e r t i s i n g FABfinds s e c t i o n / life / eats NO PLACE LIKE HOME DOG WALKING As a professional dog walker servicing the North Shore area for over 20 years, No Place Like Home offers vacation care visits for all kinds of pets and daily dog walks 7 days a week! Proud member of pet sitters international, insured, bonded and great references to boot. Call, email or text to set up a meet and greet for your pet. No Place Like Home by Joanne Dog Walking 978-618-1590, noplacelikehomebyjoanne@gmail.com, Facebook: No Place Like Home by Joanne Dog Walking THE PEDDLER’S DAUGHTER North Shore’s Irish Pub for 24 years, authentic Irish hospitality from Michael & Mags Conneely. “Best Community Pub in the Americas” by Irish Pubs Global. Scratch kitchen of Irish fare, Scotch Eggs, Corned Beef, Traditional Fish & Chips in Newspaper/Ped’s ketchup, craft cocktails, local brews & refreshing “pints” an Irish welcome awaits. Brunch Sat & Sun, live entertainment. “Great Craic, Pure Irish”. The Peddlers Daughter, 45 Wingate Street, Haverhill, MA, 978-372-9555, 48 Main Street, Nashua, 603-821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com THE CHINA GROVE FOREVER RING, page 52 DeScenza Diamonds, 161 Andover St., Peabody, 978-977-0090, descenza.com; Elyse Fine Jewelers, 95 Main St., Reading, 781-942-4565, elysejewelers.com; Long’s Jewelers, 60 South Ave., Burlington, 781-2725400, longsjewelers.com; Tesoro Boston, 149 S Main St., H, Middleton, 978-539-8720, tesoroboston.com WINTER WARMER, page 54 Aine’s Boutique, 662 Main St., Reading, 781-944-0429, ainesboutique. com; Chic Streets, 43 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781-400-8014, chicstreets.com; J. Mode, 17 Front St., Salem, 978-744-7007, jmodefashions.com, Shine Boutique, 28 State St., Newburyport, 978-255-7264, shinenewburyport.com 98 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2024 PHOTOGRAPHS BY GLENN SCOTT STYLING BY JULIE PAQUETTE/ ANCHOR ARTISTS Focused on You, Community, and The Earth. Your local source for event rentals of creative vintage place settings. Perfect for weddings, showers, backyards and venues. Collaborate directly with designer Sandy Keene for a personal and fun rental experience. Visit the gift shop for favor ideas and lasting products for all occasions. The China Grove, 282 Main St. West Newbury, MA, 978.457.6929, Instagram, Facebook and at thechinagrove.com, thechinagrove@gmail.com
s p e c i a l a d v e r t i s i n g FABfinds METZY’S CANTINA #MeetUpAtMetzys! Metzy’s has brought back our wildly popular Fajitas! Come on down to your favorite local Cantina to enjoy all we have to offer. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly option or a new date night spot, Metzy’s is the place! Located at the train station in Newburyport, at the end of the @ClipperCityRailTrail, we can be reached by car, train, bike or foot. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for our award-winning food truck! / s e c t i o n life / eats FRESH PRESSED FLORALS We are a Boston based floral studio bringing you an organic, minimalistic, and modern take on floral preservation. Your wedding flowers will be pressed, preserved and framed for generations to admire. We source only the highest quality frames, and take the utmost care in the design process. We create timeless works of art for all life’s moments; weddings, engagements, births, anniversaries, and memorials. Metzy’s Cantina 5 Boston Way, Newburyport, MA, 01950, 978-255-7347, metzys.com Fresh Pressed Florals, 978-335-5586, freshpressedflorals.com, hello@freshpressedflorals.com HOST THE MOST TALKED ABOUT PARTY! RIDE IN STYLE WITH SALEM TROLLEY Elevate your event with The Boom Boom Room. Our glam bars provide extraordinary event enhancements, including facial glitter, hair feathers, tinsel extensions, UV glow makeup, and gold leaf makeup. Take themed events to new heights with our exceptional services. Enjoy VIP glam pre-parties for weddings and special occasions. Experience unparalleled luxury and glamour. Contact us for an unforgettable and radiant event. The Salem Trolley can provide exceptional quality transportation for every event imaginable aboard one of our replica turn-of-the-century trolleys. Whether you're planning a private ceremony or a grand affair, count on the Salem Trolley to transport your guests in style, comfort, and grace. For weddings, bar/ bat mitzvahs, private events, and guest transportation, let us help make your event memorable! The Forum Studio B, One Dundee Park Drive, Building One, 4, 5, & 6, Andover, MA, Facebook Wicked Boston Weddings, Facebook Indra Salon, Instagram @aprillynpro, 508-572-3910 Salem Trolley, 8 Central Street, Salem MA, 978-744-5469, salemtrolley.com J. MODE FLEUR CUISINE HARBORSIDE J. Mode, 17 Front Street, Salem, MA, 978-744-7007, jmodefashions.com, @shopjmode Fleur Cuisine Harborside, 1 T-Wharf, Rockport, MA, 01966, 978-309-5199, fleurcuisineharborside.com At J. Mode you’ll be sure to find something special...designer shirts, jeans, dresses, sweaters, jackets, an array of irresitible accessories, and gift certificates. Shop expertly currated pieces from top independent designers including CP Shades, Oliphant, Rails, Joe’s Jeans, Johnny Was, Xirena, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, and Antik Batik. Located in beautiful historic Salem, J.Mode is definitely for the style obsessed. Host your next private event or party in the carefree Miami vibe of Fleur Cuisine! Everything on the menu is fresh and delicious, melding New England cuisine with Haitian roots. A sunny January day with a pineapple drink on the deck—at one of the few places in Rockport with a year-round liquor license— is the perfect antidote to a New England winter! Visit the welcoming space and inquire about hosting your next event!
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Discover Elegance, Explore Possibilities. 49 Riverside Avenue, Unit 49 • Gloucester, MA 169 Main Street • Wenham, MA 40 Haskell Street • Beverly, MA Residences at Turner Hill Country Club Contact us today
CHURCHILL PROPERTIES Gloucester | $2,650,000 Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a prime mixed-use property in the iconic Willow Rest. This property is a true gem, boasting a combination of 4 residential units and 3 commercial units. Extensive renovations already completed, it’s now poised for its new owner to take the reins and further enhance its value. Debra L. Lovelace | 978-879-7356 Essex | Call for Price Chic Contemporary walls of glass, panoramic marsh views, idyllic days, brilliant sunsets and access to the Essex River. Separate one bedroom guest house and workshop. Karen Bernier | 978-807-5580 Boston | $1,224,900 Welcome home to this lovely 2 bed, 2 bath condo situated on one of the South End’s highly sought after tree-lined cul-de-sacs in the heart of the vibrant South End. Open concept layout, perfect for hosting your next dinner party. The granite & stainless chef ’s kitchen gracefully leads to a generous living/dining area with an adjoining, modern ¾ bath. The living area features a gas fireplace, built in cabinet & shelves, lofty exposed brick and a glass door leading to your private patio oasis. Theresa DiPiro | 617-275-6624 Manchester | $928,900 A rare opportunity awaits the new owner of this well maintained, end unit Condo that sits on a quiet, private lane, but is conveniently located in the center of Manchester. John Kotch | 978-500-4271 Hamilton | Call for Price Colonial offering 5 bedrooms and many updates, 3 floors of living space and manageable fenced in yard located about amile to downtown Hamilton. Tracey Hutchinson | 978-473-9720 Ipswich | $829,000 Single level living! Open concept great room and cathedral ceiling. Stunning move-in condition home with a beautiful level yard and an oversized four car garage. Philio Cushing | 978-884-9904 www.ChurchillProp.com | Info@ChurchillProp.com | 833-668-4649 Beverly | Danvers | Gloucester | Hamilton | Manchester-by-the-Sea | Newburyport
Opening New Doors for You TM Beverly | $5,250,000 Waterfront/Beach/New Construction – Seize this rare opportunity to purchase a 1.83 acre waterfront building lot on Boston’s North Shore Gold coast, including 228 ft Robin Martyn | 978-815-4497 Manchester | $12,650,000 this sensational one of a kind 6 bedroom 7.5 bath waterfront home with 3 bay garage and in-law suite. Karen Bernier | 978-807-5580 Newbury | $1,789,000 New Custom Designed Modern Farmhouse with a 1 year warranty! This exquisite home sits on a private, level 1 acre lot abutting farmland in a fabulous location with the perks of a serene, quiet setting while being a 7 minute drive to downtown Newburyport and close to beaches, the train station and easy access to Routes 1, 95 & 495. Leshia Crestin | 617-543-3104
Real Estate M A R K E T WATC H Winter 2024: Real Estate Market Trends • February 2, 2024 • 9:00AM–11:00AM • Ferncroft Country Club / Middleton, MA For more information: events@northshoremag.com Stay updated at: nshoremag.com/events