Holiday homes in Newburyport

Cobblestone streets wind between Federal-style mansions and salt-weathered wharves in this historic coastal haven. The Custom House Maritime Museum reveals seafaring tales that shaped America's early economy. Take a sunset sail on the Merrimack River where locals might point out osprey nests hidden along the shore. Plum Island's pristine beaches and wildlife sanctuary offer prime bird watching without the Cape Cod crowds. Market Square buzzes with independent boutiques housed in buildings that have witnessed centuries of maritime commerce. The Firehouse Centre for the Arts hosts performances in what was once the town's actual firehouse. Locals recommend timing visits to the waterfront promenade for high tide, when fishing boats return with their daily catch.