Wander Historic Streets And Museums In The Coastal Town That Gave Birth To The Continental Navy

Massachusetts is high on the list as a destination for travelers, and for good reason. There are many New England towns with scenery and simplicity, and there are cities like Boston and the hidden gem of Watertown that offer local art and exceptional eats. One spot worth knowing is the town of Marblehead. With a population of a little over 20,000 residents as of 2023, this coastal town is a worthwhile visit for any traveler for a variety of reasons. Situated less than 20 miles from Boston, Marblehead is a serene destination. Its location is an interesting one. It is a perfect seaside peninsula town with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and  Salem Harbor to the north. The town's history, sites, and seafood will have you wishing you had come here sooner. 

Settled in 1629, Marblehead was officially incorporated as a town in 1649. The streets of Marblehead are historic as they will make you feel like you're wandering the world of the 17th century. The town's historic district is notable for its narrow streets reminiscent of the Colonial Era, and as a visitor, you'll be passing places like the nearly 300-year-old Georgian-style mansion of Robert "King" Hooper, built in 1728. The town also has alleyways and steps that date back to its early settlement days, with paths to the harbor still open for public use.

Marblehead is also notable for being the birthplace of the American Navy. In 1775, George Washington (then a general) commanded the Continental Army. As the burgeoning American Revolution heated up, a resident of Marblehead named John Glover was commissioned by Washington to arm the merchant vessels. Glover provided the ships, the men, and the organizational leadership. It was likely Glover (not officially verified) that chose another Marblehead resident, Nicholas Broughton, to command America's first Naval ship, the Schooner Hannah. Additional naval vessels were later put into commission against the British Navy, thus forming the American Navy. 

When visiting Massachusetts, it's hard not to steep yourself into its rich history. Towns like Hadley have summit trails and historic museums that are a can't-miss. Marblehead, too, recognizes its own history with a series of excellent museums. A must-visit is Marblehead Museum, a family-friendly attraction that showcases various properties, collections, and programming that teaches visitors about the history of the town. One favorite part of the museum is the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, which was built in 1768 for the merchant of the same name and is still nicely preserved. The mansion highlights the Georgian architecture aesthetic, and visitors can see the gardens as well as the original decorative woodwork and wallpaper. The house is full of treasures from the Colonial era, including early American furniture. 

Uniforms, weapons, and photographs are on display at the Civil War Museum, where visitors can learn how the war impacted the town of Marblehead. Be sure to check out the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) room, a historic meeting space used by an organization for veterans of the Civil War. These spots are open by appointment only, so be sure to contact the museum at least one week in advance. Various other programs and exhibits are happening year-round and are well worth the trip.

Another great museum is Abbot Hall. Still used today as a town hall and for meetings and performances, the destination also houses a Maritime Museum on the first floor, which highlights the town's naval history. This museum includes the story of how Marblehead became the birthplace of the American Navy and the town's role in the development of aviation. It is also home to the famous painting called the "Spirit of '76," which showcases three Revolutionary War figures playing musical instruments and marching forward.

For seafood straight off the dock, you can go to The Landing restaurant. Rated number one on Tripadvisor as the best restaurant in the town, The Landing restaurant is located right on the historic Marblehead Harbor. In addition to offering picturesque views of the harbor, the establishment serves up local seafood, like grilled oysters, swordfish, and lobster rolls, to name a few. Another great spot for dining out in Marblehead is 5 Corners Kitchen. This award-winning establishment offers delicious mains, including duck confit, Duroc pork chop, steak frites, and so much more.

If you want to stay the night in the town, then you should aim to lodge at the Harbor Light Inn, ideally located in Marblehead's historic district. It offers guests a lovely variety of rooms as well as an on-site tavern and a continental breakfast that includes all kinds of fruits, coffees, teas, and more. The inn has a historic, cozy vibe and offers amenities including seasonal fireplaces and jetted spa tubs.

While its coastal location was useful for its role in providing ships for the American Continental Navy and for its fishing and shipbuilding trades, visitors can also take advantage by visiting beaches like Devereux Beach and Fort Beach. At Fort Beach, visitors can enjoy a great view of the Marblehead Neck and Chandler Hovey Park. If you want to travel to Marblehead, then your best bet is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport, which is about 16 miles away.