The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour
Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the summer home of the Sedgwick family, Long Hill offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Boston’s North Shore elite while also highlighting the many hands that… Read More
Fruitlands Fairy Forest
Calling All Woodland Fairies and Gnomes! The Fruitlands Fairy Forest is back! While living at Fruitlands, 10-year-old Louisa May Alcott wrote in her diary that she “had a lovely time in the woods with Anna and Lizzie. We were fairies, and made gowns and paper wings. I ‘flied’ the highest… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Kayak in the Crane Wildlife Refuge
There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular sunsets than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this outing into the… Read More
CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes
CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to the little ones* while giving their parents a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Crane Estate. These hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our CraneOutdoors guides. Not just… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon
Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience. We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Master Urban Gardener Practicum
This event has sold out. Please submit applications by April 20th To apply please submit the completed form here – 2026 Master Urban Gardener Practicum Application – Fill out form For the first time ever The Boston Community Gardens Team will be hosting a hands on Master Urban… Read More
City Natives Workshop – Foraging + Herbalism Pt.1
Each month City Natives will be hosting a different skill building workshop at our native plant nursery. Milly and Me Apothecary presents: A wild edible forage/ Plant ID walk in and around City Natives. We will meet at city Natives and walk the land inside the property and I identify… Read More
Designing for Delight: A Garden Tour of Naumkeag
Explore stunning terraces and garden rooms with sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills as our passionate garden guides share the stories behind the creation of this iconic estate. These popular tours take visitors beyond the blooms to focus on the fascinating history of the Choate family, the vision of landscape… Read More