Top Things to See1. Meet the Queen. The history of the Library is illustrated by the many works of art housed within its walls. The most precious of these is a miniature enamel portrait of Queen Victoria, painted by her Court Painter F.A. Each piece tells the story of an individual, a donor or an artist who contributed of himself or herself to the cultural growth and enrichment of the inhabitants of the town such as J.J. Audubon's "Birds of America" portfolio as well as several paintings by Emile Gruppe. 82 Main St.
2. Bull Pen Mural. The Old Bull Pen mural by Waldo Peirce, circa 1940 is located in the former post office (now the community art center). The recently restored WPA mural depicts an early scene when the area was used for cattle and sheep pens. 22 Foster St. 3. Ship Rock. Ship Rock is the second largest glacial erratic in Essex County. 4. Elizabeth Cassidy Folk Art Museum. The Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits of unique works from the Peabody Historical Society’s extensive collection of folk art, including architectural embellishments, funerary art, pottery, portraits and needlework. Also on exhibit are portraits by noted 19th-century artists Asa Bushby and Charles Osgood. 33 Washington St. 5. George Peabody House & Leather Workers Museum. The George Peabody Birthplace & Library celebrates the life of the well-known international merchant, financier, and benefactor of numerous philanthropies, both in the United States and in England.Adjacent to the George Peabody House Museum, The Peabody Leatherworkers Museum commemorates Peabody's history as the "Leather Capital of the World." The Museum's exhibits feature leather working machinery and tools, photographs, and other artifacts that document the three hundred year history of tanning in Peabody. 205 Washington St. 6. Wiggin Auditorium. City Hall was built in 1883 in the French mansard style, but wasn't used as a place of city business until 1917. Wiggin Auditorium was intended to serve as an opera house with its spacious stage designed with acoustics in mind, according to local historians. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 24 Lowell St. 7. Soldiers & Sailors Statue. City Hall was built in 1883 in the French mansard style, but wasn't used as a place of city business until 1917. Wiggin Auditorium was intended to serve as an opera house with its spacious stage designed with acoustics in mind, according to local historians. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 8. Peabody Historical Fire Museum. The circa 1875 building housed the Peabody Engine Company No. 3. The Museum features exhibits of rare firefighting artifacts from Peabody and the North Shore. The building is also the site of the Society's monthly lecture series. For more information, call 978-531-0805. 9. Woodland Gardens. The Society maintains a beautiful garden in the lush woodlands behind the Nathaniel Felton Junior House. This site was once the location of extensive, formal gardens that were cultivated by the Smith family in the early 20th century. Visitors can experience the year-round beauty of the Woodland Gardens, from the blooms of the perennials in the spring and summer, to the rich reds and oranges in the fall and the verdant evergreens in the winter. 10. Little Depot Diner. Cozy doesn’t even begin to describe the 15-seat diner located in the heart of downtown Peabody. The iconic diner in Peabody Square, across from the courthouse, has been in Peabody for more than 50 years and is housed inside a 1929 Worcester Lunch Car. |
Top Things to Do 1. Attend a Free Concert. The City plays host to free summer concerts on Sunday nights from 6-8pm on Leather City Common (Lowell St) and The Peabody Institute Library offers a wide range of musical performances throughout the year.
2. Golf at The Meadow. This 18-hole regulation length public golf course is situated on 259 acres with rolling terrain and various elevation changes. It offers big greens, great fun, and a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. 80 Granite Street. 3. Walk/Bike/Run the Independence Greenway Bike Trail. 8 miles of trail in three disconnected segments passes by wetlands and ponds that are home to herons, swans, and other wildlife. follows the abandoned railroad lines at Russell Street near the Middleton town line and continues east towards Route 1 ending at the North Shore Mall. Open year round from dawn to dusk and connects to the south end of the Danvers Rail Trail 4. Visit Brooksby Farm. A 275 acre working farm and conservation area. Visitors can pick peaches in August and apples in September, visit the petting zoo, browse the farm stand, hike or cross-country ski on the many trails on the property. Footpaths and trails wind through ancient houses, huge red barns and 65 acres of orchards. The farmstand offers a large variety of fruits, vegetables, plants, eggs and other novelties. 38 Felton St. 5. Play Disc Golf. Grab your frisbee and play this incredibly popular game which is essentially the same as ball golf, except that instead of hitting a ball into a hole with a club, you're throwing a disc (frisbee) into a basket. The course is a technical, beginner-friendly design that caters to the largest demographic of users — newcomers to the sport and recreational level players — while still appealing to advanced players by providing a variety of required shots. Entrance located at 100 Summit Street. 6. Visit the Community Art Center. ArcWorks is an inclusive art center, serving artists and viewers of all talents, skills, interests and backgrounds. Exhibits change every 6-8 weeks. 22 Foster Street. 7. Creativity Lab. A community makers space located at the Peabody Institute Libary, it's mission is to provide the place, tools and learning opportunities you need to become an inspired creator of art, technology, science and fabrication. The Lab houses tools for: 3D fabrication (including two 3D printers), sound recording, computer programming, graphic design, woodworking, jewelry making, electronics, and sewing. 82 Main St./Lower Level 8. Tanner Skate Park. Hang with the skaters or pull off a sick trick of your own. The park is built west coast style; meaning that it’s basically a large concrete bowl with 6-7 feet high banked walls fitted with round metal copings. Because of its individuality, it is like nothing else in the area, which makes it worth visiting. Perkins Street. 9. Visit Tillie's Farm. Growing community since 1940 on Lynn Street in South Peabody, this city-owned farm offers beautiful flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Tillie's uses sustainable farm practices with a focus on education for community members, youth, and vocational training. P.S. - Try their corn on the cob! 189 Lynn St. 10. Visit the North Shore Mall. In operation since the 1950s and formerly known as the North Shore Shopping Center, the region's largest mall features over 120 stores, restaurants, and specialty businesses. Located between the intersection of Route 128 and 114. 11. Walk/Bike/Run the Bonfanti Nature Trail. Enjoy all that the outdoors have to offer - trees, ponds, and wildlife - along the Bonfanti Nature Trail and Conservation Area. The trail links 300 acres of South Peabody's city-owned open space. 12. Relax at East End Veterans Memorial Park. Once the site of one of Peabody's many tanneries; this beautiful park was designed using sustainable materials. Even the walkway lining the perimeter of the park is made from recycled glass! A perfect space to spread out and read a book, toss a ball or just sit back! Walnut Street. 13. Explore the Peabody Institute Library. Check out a book or two, rent a DVD, surf the web, take a class, or dive into historical records at the Peabody Institute Library on Main Street. Established in 1854, the historic library has been a staple in the community for generations. 82 Main Street. 14. Rejuvenate at Breaking Grounds Cafe. A social enterprise of the Northeast Arc, Breaking Grounds is living up to its name. The cafe functions as an employment training program for people with disabilities. Tasty sandwiches, rich coffee, and healthy smoothies make it a local hot spot for business meetings, reading a book, or just getting some work done. Music fills the cafe each weekend at their popular Open Mic Nights. 67 Main Street. 15. Get involved at the Torigian Community Life Center. Managed by the Peabody Council on Aging, the Torigian Community Life Center is the North Shore's premiere senior center. Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, the center's 30,000 square feet are all handicapped accessible. The center meets the diverse needs of Peabody residents with programs in areas such as entertainment, fitness, education, social services, daycare, and recreation. 75R Central Street. 16. Entertain or be entertained at the Black Box Theater. Operated by Northeast Arc, the Black Box Theater is designed to provide opportunities for actors, musicians, set builders, and artists of all types. A flexible and open space, the theater can be rented for use by performance groups, businesses, and civic organizations. 22 Foster Street. 17. Produce or host a show at Peabody TV. Peabody Access Telecommunications is the community media center for the City of Peabody. Membership at PAT opens the door to their state-of-the-art production equipment, talented production team, and classes and workshops. 119 Foster Street, Building 13, Suite 2B. 18. Enjoy ALL the open space. The City of Peabody has dozens of parks, playgrounds, and open space areas. From downtown's Leather City Common, South Peabody's Raddin Road Park or West Peabody's Lt. Ross Park; every area has an open space nearby! |