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The Cottage, Market Sq., Newburyport, Mass.
Ireland on the Square, Market Sq., Newburyport, Mass.
Book Rack Bookstore, State St., Newburyport, Mass.
Pawsitively Best Friends, Market Square, Newburyport, Mass.

Early Fall In Newburyport, Massachusetts

Warm and breezy are two words to describe this north shore coastal town in late September. The crowds attracted to the nearby beaches have gone home and you are left with a relaxed feeling as you wander the shops, restaurants and historic streets of Newburyport. Inn Street is for pedestrians only and has shops, cafes and a playground. There are a variety of shops, boutiques and everyday local businesses. The heart of the district is in Market Square. This is where Water, State and Merrimac Streets form a triangle not far from beautiful Waterfront Park. There are plenty of benches in downtown and grassy spaces where you can enjoy sea breezes and water views. A long boardwalk hugs the waterfront and you can walk along here to see boats and ocean views as the Merrimack River flows out to the Atlantic Ocean. There are many options for tasty treats like ice cream, gelato and chocolate from (More)

Waterfront Park boardwalk, Newburyport, Mass.

Dolce Freddo Gelato, Harbor Creamery and Simply Sweet. Also, there are several coffee cafes such as Cafe Magna, Souffles, Plum Island Coffee Roasters and Commune Cafe. If you love independent bookstores, you can have your coffee and your books under one roof at Book Rack Bookstore on State Street. There is an interior opening between Cafe Magna and the Book Rack, both great spots to visit across from the Richdale convenience store, another fun place to check out in downtown.

 

If you enjoy boutiques, Newburyport has several. Elephant's Trunk, J. McLaughlin, Smitten, Pretty Little Things, Gentry's, Amy Williams, ReNew Revolution, Clay's and Talbots are among the women's clothing shops you can visit. John Farley Clothiers has men's clothing covered with casual as well as formal and custom pieces. Home decorating is another errand easily accomplished in downtown Newburyport. Brass Lion, Ivy Lane, The Cottage, Partridge in a Bear Tree, Vintage Chic Boutique, Flukes and Finds, and Piper & Chloe are some of the many shops with unique products to decorate your home. Several jewelry stores, and gifts shops with jewelry are fun to shop in as well, including Kaya Jewelers, Nazarian Jewelers, M.K. Benatti Jewelers and Ireland on the Square.

 

Your pets are not forgotten in downtown Newburyport. In fact, there are four pet stores where you can get food, treats and accessories that you need to keep your cats and dogs happy. In particular, Pawsitively Best Friends, Just Dogs, Quinn's Canine Cafe and The Natural Dog are located in or close to downtown Newburyport. Many shops have water bowls outside for your canine pal. Newburyport is certainly a pet friendly Scenic Shopping town.

 

Walking east along Water Street from Market Square, you will come to Tannery Marketplace. This is an indoor and outdoor marketplace with restaurants, shops and spa services. There is also a farmer's market that takes place here on summer Sunday's, and continues twice a month in winter. There is a collection of specialty food and gift shops here in this historic mill complex close to the waterfront.

 

About three and a half miles east of Market Square, is Plum Island, an eleven mile long barrier island with beautiful beaches, a wildlife refuge and hiking trails. Having very little commercial activity, the island is simple and picturesque. Combining a visit to Plum Island in early autumn gives you a chance to explore without the crowds and take in the natural beauty of this unique place.

 

Popular with tourists, locals and those who work in the businesses here, Newburyport is a well cared for gem with a love of the arts and culture, and a strong sense of community. Newburyport is a great Scenic Shopping town for a vacation, day trip or getaway weekend. Enjoy it any time of year, but especially in September when visitors enjoy unhurried shopping and warm ocean breezes.

 

For more information and helpful links see our Newburyport page.

 

-M.A. Barrett (October 2017)

 

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Market Square, Newburyport, Mass.
Unitarian Universalist Church and Pleasant St., Newburyport, Mass.
Waterfront Park, Newburyport, Mass.
Market Square, Newburyport, Mass.
Merrimack River, Downtown Newburyport, Mass.
Smitten, boutique on Inn St., Newburyport, Mass.