Coastal Lecture: Nibbling on the Wild Landscape of the North Shore
The North Shore is home to over 100 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. These include native species, like Shagbark Hickory and Beach Plum; non-native weeds, like Chicory and Burdock; and invasive species, like Autumn Olive and Japanese Knotweed. Read More
Sips & Stem: Floral Centerpiece Workshop
We are thrilled to partner again with Marble Ridge Winery, our neighbors in North Andover for our Sip & Stem: Floral Centerpiece Workshop. Their small-batch wines are made from the highest-quality, sustainably-grown grapes sourced from California and farm vineyard in Massachusetts. Join us at Marble Ridge… Read More
Family Cow Connection at Appleton Farms
Immerse your family in the heartwarming experience of being up close and personal with one of our favorite farm animals – cows! Cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms. Visit our scenic and historic farm and enjoy Family Cow Connection session with our two Jersey… Read More
Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows, goats, and rabbits, and find a spot to play under… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes
While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes,… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Formal Flowers, A Tour for Gardeners
Calling all gardeners! Are you interested in how the formal gardens at Castle Hill have grown and changed over the years? Are you looking for inspiration for your own garden? Formal Flowers will take you on a detailed journey into the way the Italian and Rose Gardens were designed and… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… 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
Befriend the Barnyard at Appleton Farms
Discover our special barnyard animals! Visit with our Angora rabbits, Nubian goats, dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, sheep and our friendly flock of heritage chickens and ducks. This friendly (and often very curious!) crew of animals will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique. Read More
Adult Cow Connection at Appleton Farms
Come meet, cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms! The mild heart rate and warm body temperature of the cows induces a slowing of our own heart rate, as well as the release of Oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Visit our scenic and historic farm and… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits
There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More