Amesbury, located in Essex County right on the New Hampshire border, is a town rich in history and charm. Settled in 1642 and incorporated in 1668, Amesbury became a city in 1998. The town has a population of 17,366, according to the 2020 Census. Before European settlement, the Pentucket Tribe inhabited the area. The Powwow River runs through Amesbury, playing a crucial role in its industrial heritage. Notably, Josiah Bartlett, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born here. Fun fact: the fictional President Jed Bartlett from The West Wing is depicted as a descendant of Josiah Bartlett, making this town a must-visit for fans of the show.
Pizza Downtown
A Scenic Walk on the Riverwalk
The Amesbury Riverwalk, a paved 1.3-mile trail, was our next stop. We encountered walkers, joggers, and bicyclists along the trail, which parallels the Powwow River and follows the historic Salisbury Branch of the Eastern Railroad. The trail, which connects to others like the Ghost Trail, Marsh Trail, and Clipper City Trail, provided some nice shady stretches. Along the way, we discovered painted rocks with positive messages like "Together We Can," "Peace," and "Love." The trail was a peaceful and uplifting experience, perfect for a family walk.
Al Capp Mural and Amphitheater
Our walk led us through some residential streets back toward downtown, where we discovered the Al Capp mural. Al Capp, a cartoonist best known for Li'l Abner, spent most of his life in Amesbury. Born in Connecticut, Capp lost his leg in a trolley car accident at age 9. He later met his wife at art school in Boston, and his comics reached over 60 million readers at their peak. Amesbury honors his legacy with this mural and the nearby Al Capp Amphitheater, which features tables, shade, a solar-powered charging station, musical flowers, and free public WiFi. The amphitheater was a fun and interactive spot for the kids.
Amesbury Carriage Museum
The highlight for the boys was the Amesbury Carriage Museum. The museum had an art installation of spinning gears etched with donor names, which made a lot of noise and was a hit with the kids. The museum is packed with artifacts like buggy wrenches, carriages, tools, bobbins, badges, bicycles, and more. It’s free to visit, though donations are appreciated, and it offers plenty of hands-on experiences for kids, including antique tools and machines they could try out.
Sweet Treats
No summer day out is complete without ice cream, so we headed to Hodgie’s Ice Cream. This great ice cream stand offered generous portions (the kiddie-sized dish of ice cream was huge!) and a wide variety of flavors. The staff was friendly, and there’s a shaded picnic area off to the side where we enjoyed our treats. Although they offer grilled food, we were all about the ice cream and slushes after our busy day.
Conclusion
Our day in Amesbury was filled with history, fun, and delicious treats. From exploring the charming downtown and walking along the Riverwalk to learning about Al Capp and spinning gears at the Carriage Museum, Amesbury offered a perfect mix of activities for the whole family. And of course, Hodgie’s Ice Cream was the cherry on top of a wonderful day. If you’re looking for a day trip that combines history, scenic walks, and family-friendly attractions, Amesbury is a fantastic choice. Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit!
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