Meet at the library and sketch the beautiful Essex Marsh. Bring a sketchbook, your favorite writing implement (pen, pencil, colored pencils), a towel or folding chair to sit on and a mask. This is a great FREE activity for families! Slow River Studio believes EVERYONE can learn to draw–it just takes the right steps and practice. To Register, email awanner@essexpl.org

Discover special places in your backyard! Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails & Sails 2020 features Virtual Events, Do It Yourself (DIY) events, or small, in-person outdoor-only activities (10 people max) that highlight and elevate many of the special sites in Essex County. Be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in cultural experiences of all kinds.

Come see us in Essex to stroll the self-guided Historic Essex Walking Tour! Learn how 350+ years of shipbuilding produced close to 4,000 wooden vessels; find a 1797 Paul Revere bell; discover the birthplace of the fried clam; learn about the grave robberies of 1818; gain insight into how Essex became known as America’s Antiques Capital; and other interesting stories–with shops and restaurants along the way! A map is available here online.

Sea Meadow Studio for the Arts invites visitors to see artist Molly Arnio at work creating her Papercraft. “I create art by cutting and layering paper. I love to make custom portraits of pets, kids, and cars. I also find inspiration in nature and recently started creating large-scale landscape and nature pieces using paper on canvas. Come in and see what I've been working on or to talk over any custom art projects I can create for you!” – Molly Arnio

After 25 years of bringing Sea Kayak Tours, Instruction and Sales to all ages of paddlers in Essex and the waters of Cape Ann, ERBA owners, Sandy and ”Ozzie” Osborn have announced their retirement.

ERBA, a trusted Essex icon for a quarter of a century, trained countless individuals to become confident, experienced kayak guides and welcomed all levels of abilities to explore the estuaries, inland islands, wildlife, beaches and dunes of the Essex River and coastal North Shore. Their dedication, popular moonlight and sunset tours and contagious enthusiasm for the sport will be missed by many! Though this spirit of adventure and respect for our beautiful surroundings that they instilled in so many, lives on!

For a glimpse of a few of the good times they brought to our community and visitors from across the globe, click the button below: