Location: Wakefield
Top Things to do in Wakefield
The 10 Best Things to Do in Wakefield, United States
Ann Santos (through 2019)
Paul R. DiNocco (through 2018)
Edward F. Dombroski, Jr.(through 2020)
Brian E. Falvey (through 2018)
Anthony Longo (through 2019)
Peter J. May (through 2019)
Mehreen N. Butt (through 2020)
Restaurants in Wakefield
1. Rebecca Nurse Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The Rebecca Nurse Homestead sits on 25+ acres of an original 300 acres occupied by Rebecca Nurse and her family from 1678 until 1798. This is the only home of a person executed during the Salem Village Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692 open to the public. Another unique feature is a reproduction of the 1672 Salem Village Meeting House where many of the early hearings surrounding the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria took place. Located on the grounds is the Nurse Family Cemetery. It has been a longstanding family tradition that Rebecca's son and husband retrieved her body after her execution and secretly buried it here. A monument with a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier was erected years later to commemorate this. Recently another victim of the Hysteria, George Jacobs, was buried here after being found in the middle of the last century on his former property in a lone unmarked grave. This is the only known burial site of anyone convicted of witchcraft during the Salem trials. Open seasonally May-November Saturday & Sunday 10-3 July & August extended summer hours Wednesday-Sunday 10-3 October extended hours Friday-Sunday 10-3 The Rebecca Nurse Homestead is a private non-profit museum owned by the Danvers Alarm List Coy. It is an entirely volunteer group of 18th century living history reeanactors that portray the militia, minute and alarm companies of Danvers and surrounding communities. The Alarm List Coy. Presents its impression to the public through demonstrations, exhibitions, parades, living history encampments and battle reenactments.
Reviewed By LeppardLady - Ashland, Ohio
This was a nice stop for Danvers history. I personally was hoping to hear/learn more about Rebecca Nurse and her family, instead got a blanket review of the witch hysteria. The tour guide Candace was knowledgeable but wanted more of Rebecca. We did like the family cemetery on the property where John Proctor and George Jacobs (hanged accused witches) are laid to rest. Weren't told they were buried there on the tour it was a pleasant surprise we stumbled upon.
2. Saugus Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened. Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.
Reviewed By SUSAN M - Hollywood, Florida
Saugus Iron Works is a National Historic Park. This one apparently is not very popular; tours are offered only once a day and the park opens May 1st for only six months of the year. Both my husband (not a history buff) and I found it fascinating. Perfect sunny weather didn't hurt. By the time we arrived at 1:30, the day's visitor count was only 26.
This site was the first successful plant for the production of cast and wrought iron in the Americas. Production began in 1646 using technology equal to that used in Europe at the time. Iron products were needed for farm tools, barrel straps, wagon wheels, blacksmiths, building materials, etc. The men working there were indentured servants, not Puritans – arrested English artisans as well as Scottish soldiers deported after capture.
The work was demanding and dangerous. Moisture was the worst. A tiny drop of water falling on molten metal could blow up the entire furnace. Due to financial issues and embezzlement, the mill closed in less than ten years. The workers, however, stayed in New England starting other ironworks that formed the foundation of the future US iron and steel industries.
Our guide demonstrated the actual workings. Water from the adjacent Saugus River drove water wheels that provided needed power. In one building (all are reconstructions) the iron was smelted in a blast furnace and cast into pig iron (workers thought the sand molds for casting resembled a sow with piglets – thus the name). In the next it was forged into varying qualities: pounding with massive 500 pound hammers changed the molecular structure forming 'wrought' iron. Different quality iron was needed for varying products. A third building contained rolling and slitting machinery that could change the iron’s shape, producing flat and/or small items. The park museum contained a number of excavated artifacts and small working models as well as film.
The Ironworks House is the only structure at the park that survives from the 1600s. After more than a century of owner modifications, it was restored in the early 1900’s to its original condition. We were the only two on a tour through the House. The park ranger explained how original wood beams were recognized and dated, and pointed out two different saw cuts in the wood. Every screw, hook, wood shingle and nail was handmade. He really made it interesting.
Before the early 20th century excavations there was no above ground sign of any part of the Ironworks or House other than a slag heap at the edge of the river. A road actually ran across the property. So the creation and restoration of this Historic Site is quite amazing. We stayed more than three hours
3. Lynn Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By ADoucy1211 - Boston, Massachusetts
We take our dog here every weekend- it's a hidden gem! I never realized how much land is at Lynn Woods but there are multiple trails for both walkers, hikers, bikers- even for campers I've heard.
We go to the baseball field parking lot- as opposed to pennybrook which is also a nice parking area. We do the 5 mile loop to the left up toward Stone Tower and hug the trails left and all the way around until you loop back to parking lot. Beautiful trails, monuments, brooks, and views.
Highly recommend. Gets quite busy during weekends in the afternoon, especially during nice weather- the summer. Favorite time to go is early morning in the Fall or Winter where it's quiet and beautiful
4. Night Shift Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Dublin3 - Dublin3
Great micro-brewery with some really tasty beers. They have rotating small batch brews, and their regular beers. Lots of seats, inside & out, and there is usually a food truck parked outside for eats. It's a great spot for a beer on the way home, or some evening with friends.
5. Stoneham Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Martha T - Lowell, Massachusetts
This show was excellent. The Trio all have fantastic voices and the show is loaded with Italian music information from Opera to Italian artists. We loved it.
6. Jordan's IMAX Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By YotaPwr - Maine
We drove over 4 hours to watch F8 here. This place is everything you hope it will be and more. There are only 8 Imax theaters in the world and it was like being there the entire time. The online ticket experience was simple and the concessions were probably the most reasonable prices we have seen in a long time. It was nice to pay a reasonable price for a change. We got there early and had our pick of seats. Parking is ample and there is plenty to do before or after the movie. We can't wait to do another movie here soon!
7. Market Street Lynnfield
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
MarketStreet Lynnfield is the North Shore's largest open air shopping village, located directly off of I-95/128 at Exit 43. The center offers a vibrant mix of over 70 national brand and local boutiques, more than 10 exceptional restaurants, Whole Foods Market, and Kings Bowl America. Spend you day enjoying MarketStreet Lynnfield's green spaces, community events, performances and gatherings. Our event calendar is filled with fun family events and even a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink!
Reviewed By Armachians - Armagh, United Kingdom
This area is nicely landscaped and very well kept but has only average store offerings. Would be difficullt to spend more than an hour or two if not dining.
8. Horn Pond
9. Boda Borg Boston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Are you ready to break out of prison, be on a TV game show, explore a haunted house or run an obstacle course? Boda Borg Boston has seventeen Quests to challenge your team. You'll climb, crawl, explore and fail -- a lot -- as you work together to conquer our challenging Quests.
Reviewed By Trapezegirl - Connecticut
We went to Rockport MA for a long weekend. Took a drive to Malden (about 50 minutes) to go here. Heard good things. IMPORTANT - Make a reservation ahead of time!! When we made our reservation it was $20 for 2 hours or $30 for as long as you would like. What a deal. Where can you go this cheap???? The unlimited hour time slots were all booked, so we did the 2 hours. How we wish we had more time....... Had the time of our life. Me and my 2 sisters. You need AT LEAST 3 people. Cant say much more that that, otherwise I would have to give away secrets to the quests. Just if you are in the area you need to go
10. Lake Quannapowitt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By CarlosIII - Wakefield, Mass
Lake Quannapowitt is about 3 and a half miles around. - good for walking, running or biking.The Main street side is a bit quieter and the walkway goes right along the lake. Sometimes I'll walk or run from the bandstand around to the Nahant street Stop sign, then turn around and come back along Man street again. - about 4 miles. Sailing is also a major activity on the lake. The Quannapowitt Yacht Club is welcoming and does give sailing lessons.
