 Appleton Farm Dinner: Talise

Immersive and intimate, our Farm Dinners highlight the work of our farmers directly, with the bounty of each harvest brought to life by visiting local chefs. Dine at twilight on the patio of our historic farmhouse, overlooking the Great Pasture and the rolling organic fields from where your meal was harvested. Appleton Farms is delighted to announce the return of Gloucester’s Talise, for our November Farm Dinner. Guests will enjoy a multi-course journey of family style seasonal dishes under the setting sun on our Farmhouse patio.&nbsp;You won’t want to miss the experience of Talise bringing their seaside culinary magic to the farm. Pop your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy the last nights that summer has to offer with this special meal. BYOB! Menu subject to slight variation depending on the crops of our harvest. Staff gratuity is included in the ticket price. About Talise: We are Joshua and Ariel Smith, husband and wife team that run Talise, a seasonal restaurant located in the quaint village of Annisquam, MA. At Talise we work with trusted local farmers and fishermen who supply the ingredients that make up an ever-changing menu. We are grateful to be able showcase seasonal products, many of which come from right here in Cape Ann! In 2023, Chef Mark Lutz joined the Talise team for our fourth season. His passion for sourcing local ingredients – stemming from extensive travels and working in world class kitchens – instantly resonated with us. We are honored and excited to host our second dinner at Appleton Farms this fall with Mark by our side! Cost: Member: $132; Nonmember: $165;

Appleton Farms

 Appleton Farm Dinner: Mandarava

Immersive and intimate, our Farm Dinners highlight the work of our farmers directly, with the bounty of each harvest brought to life by visiting local chefs. Dine at twilight on the patio of our historic farmhouse, overlooking the Great Pasture and the rolling organic fields from where your meal was harvested. Appleton Farms is delighted to announce the return of Newburyport’s Mandarava, for our October Farm Dinner. Guests will enjoy a multi-course journey of family style seasonal dishes under the setting sun on our Farmhouse patio.&nbsp;There is no one better suited to showcase Appleton-grown organic produce than the talent behind Mandarava. Pop your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy the last nights that summer has to offer with this special meal. BYOB! Menu subject to slight variation depending on the crops of our harvest. Staff gratuity is included in the ticket price. About Mandarava: A celebrated private chef and the woman who taught her to cook set out to serve the public. What resulted is an oasis of organic scratch cooking. People are turning to sustainable, farmer-friendly restaurants; chefs are inspired, by demand, to include plant-based dishes. We’re happy to be at the heart of that. Cost: Member: $132; Nonmember: $165;

Oktoberfest at Appleton Farms

Raise your steins and join us for a spirited celebration of autumn at our annual Oktoberfest at Appleton Farms! Enjoy a German inspired afternoon filled with craft brews, live music, and family-friendly fun. During the event, participants can indulge in unique Oktoberfest inspired food offerings from Kefi Catering, DownRiver Ice Cream, and our very own wood-fired pizza and baked goods handcrafted by the Appleton Culinary Team! Tickets are sold by the carload. Participants will select either 12:00 noon or 2:30 pm for their timed ticket entry. The ticket cost will cover parking and access to this special event. Food and beer must be purchased separately. Whether you’re here for the craft brews, the polka, or just the good company; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your best dirndl or lederhosen and join us for a memorable afternoon! Live Music Wunder Kapelle (12:30 pm-3:30 pm) The Low Stakes (4:00 pm-5:00 pm) Local Craft &amp; Seasonal Beers Notch Brewing (beer, wine, cider) True North Ales Rockport Brewing Company Lawn Games, traditional German Hammerschlagen, and a stein-holding competition Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 12-5PM Cost- Member Carload: $20; Nonmember Carload: $30 <a href="https://thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms/">Appleton Farms</a> 219 County Road Ipswich, MA 01938

Long Hill House & Garden Tours

Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate, home of the Sedgwick family, as you learn about the elegant lifestyle of wealthy Bostonians on the North Shore, and the artisans who created it. The tour takes you through the Federal-style house and the spectacular gardens, with terraces, statues, fountains, and pagodas, each section filled with unique perennial flowers from around the world. Highlights of the tour include a room filled with stunning 19th century Chinese wallpaper, the evolution of the stunning Sedgwick gardens, and the hidden connection between the house and an old Southern antebellum mansion.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Long Hill House &amp; Garden Tours run most Saturdays and Sundays April through the end of September.&nbsp; Please check the calendar for specific dates or any cancellations. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Please dress appropriately for the weather. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended. Meeting point for the tour is in front of the Main House by the copper beech tree.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Space is limited.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Please note that Long Hill House &amp; Garden Tours will not be running on the following dates:&nbsp; Sunday April 20, 2025&nbsp; Saturday May 10, 2025&nbsp; Saturday June 26, 2025&nbsp; Saturday September 27, 2025&nbsp; Sunday September 28, 2025&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to the date of the event. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Membership: To locate information about your Membership, including Member ID, expiration date, and more please visit: <a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/membership">https://tickets.thetrustees.org/membership</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets: To look up your tickets or re-send an email confirmation, please visit: https://tickets.thetrustees.org/orders ﻿ Cost Member Adult: $12; Member Child: $6; Nonmember Adult: $20; Nonmember Child: $10;

Long Hill

Explore! North Shore – Long Hill Hike

The&nbsp;Explore! North Shore&nbsp;hiking series will get you outside and moving at some lesser explored Trustees properties across the Northeast Region, at the right time of year to see these special places shine. These hikes will not be too strenuous, and will offer frequent stops for learning and taking in the beauty of our special places. Join us at Long Hill in Beverly for some nature, nurture, and learning! Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature while learning about the history and unique qualities of this beautiful property. Travel the woodland trails and stroll through the outdoor “garden rooms” that were cultivated and stewarded by the Sedgwick family until they generously donated the property to The Trustees in 1979. This moderate hike will last ~2 hours and cover ~2 miles, over wooded, gravel, &amp; grass trails with moderate elevation change. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing, and boots or shoes that are appropriate for hiking in potentially wet and muddy spots, or over uneven terrain. We recommend you bring your own water bottle, snacks, and anything else you need to be comfortable outdoors. Accessibility: This hike has an easy level of difficulty, and requires hiking ~2 miles on unpaved and potentially muddy trails, with moderate elevation gain for approximately 2 hours. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This is appropriate for adventurous kids as young as 6 years old, but is geared towards learners of all ages including adults. Adult discretion on your child’s ability to manage this activity is advised. Cost:&nbsp;Member Adult: $15;Member Child: $12; Nonmember Adult: $25;Nonmember Child: $20

Summer BloomFest: Pressed Flower Workshop and Garden Tour

Celebrate the timeless art of flower pressing and explore the Stevens-Coolidge gardens in peak color and bloom season as part of Summer BloomFest. Participants will begin with a brief guided garden tour through the historic gardens to highlight the best blooms for pressing and gain insight into the design and care behind our floral displays. After the guided tour, participants will learn techniques for pressing flowers and create your own botanical keepsake-perfect for framing, gifting, or adding to your journal. Experience Includes:<ul><li>A guided garden tour focused on cut flower and pressing varieties.</li><li>An introduction to flower pressing tools and techniques.</li><li>A hands-on workshop where participants will design and take home a pressed flower creation.</li></ul>No prior flower pressing experience needed. All supplies and materials are provided. Capture a moment of Summer and preserve it forever in this inspiring floral workshop. Pre-registration is required. Please Note: If you have registered for a workshop or specialty tour, you do not need to purchase an additional General Admission ticket. Your workshop/tour ticket will grant you access to the event and daily general admission activities. Summer BloomFest: Pressed Flower Workshop and Garden Tour Cost Member: $36; Nonmember: $45;

Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

Summer BloomFest: Cut Flowers Garden Tour & Bouquet Workshop

Enter a world of early 20th-century country elegance and contemporary garden design with this specialty garden tour focusing on cut flowers at Stevens-Coolidge! Cut Flowers will take you through the expansive manicured gardens and European-inspired flower beds designed in the 1920s and our newly installed Cutting Garden, with a focus around a variety of cut flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos to name a few. Tour includes a history of the property and gardens with a dedicated focus on the care of cut flowers. After the tour, participants will gather with one of our Trustees staff as they lead participants in a workshop to create their own cut flower inspired bouquet to take home. Pre-registration is required. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to tour. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please Note: If you have registered for a workshop or specialty tour, you do not need to purchase an additional General Admission ticket. Your workshop/tour ticket will grant you access to the event and daily general admission activities. Summer BloomFest: Cut Flowers Garden Tour &amp; Bouquet Workshop Cost: Member: $48; Nonmember: $60;

Summer BloomFest: Yoga in the Gardens

Join us for a peaceful morning Yoga class among the beautiful blooming Summer gardens at Stevens-Coolidge during our Summer BloomFest weekend! During this outdoor yoga class, participants will enjoy a gentle flow to balance and stretch their body and connect with nature. With the sky for a roof, flowers for walls, and birdsong for music, the beautiful gardens of Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens is the perfect setting to connect to the earth and find peace in nature. No prior experience necessary and is appropriate for all levels. Please wear comfortable clothes to move in, water, and bring a large towel or mat. Instructor Lauren Tamburello is a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor with a passion for creating community for clients to move, grow, and connect. She brings a diverse skill set and an energetic approach to every class with her experience and training in yoga, barre, pilates, dance and other cardio formats. Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced practitioner, Lauren’s classes are designed to welcome, inspire and empower participants of all levels.  Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please Note: If you have registered for a workshop or specialty tour, you do not need to purchase an additional General Admission ticket. Your workshop/tour ticket will grant you access to the event and daily general admission activities. Summer BloomFest: Yoga in the Gardens Cost Member: $15; Nonmember: $25;

Summer BloomFest: Behind the Layers Historic Mural Restoration House Tour

Step inside our historic house for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of our most captivating features: a hand-painted historic mural in our Ballroom currently being restored to its former glory. This guided tour will take participants through the house for a brief overview of the property to tell the story of the Stevens and Coolidge families and then bring participants up to the mural. Here, paint conservator, Lisa Mehlin will discuss her current paint conservation work and how she delicately cleans, stabilizes, and revives these walls to their original colors, uncovering details hidden for decades. From artistic technique to historical significance, this tour reveals how preserving the past brings new life to the present. Pre-registration is required. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to tour. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please Note: If you have registered for a workshop or specialty tour, you do not need to purchase an additional General Admission ticket. Your workshop/tour ticket will grant you access to the event and daily general admission activities. Summer BloomFest: Behind the Layers Historic Mural Restoration House Tour Cost- Member: $24;Nonmember: $30;

Summer BloomFest: Sunset Picnic Concert

Celebrate summer in full bloom with an evening of music, flowers, and golden hour magic at our Sunset Picnic Concert. As part of our Summer BloomFest event, this laid-back picnic-style concert under the setting sun, featuring the genre-blending sounds of Cold Chocolate — a dynamic fusion of Americana, folk, and soulful grooves. What to Expect/Recommendations: – Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and set up on our event lawn. -Try the activities at Kids Korner and Wonder &amp; Bloom Scavenger Hunt. – Soak in the sunset surrounded by lush summer florals. – Enjoy a live performance by Cold Chocolate. -Enjoy local food and local beer vendor including The Frosty Pedal, Oak &amp; Iron Brewery, and more Whether you’re dancing barefoot in the grass or lounging with a beverage, this is your invitation to relax, connect, and bloom where you’re planted. This is a BYO chair event, we also recommend bug spray. Let the music play and the flowers sway — we’ll see you there! Please note: Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted upon entry. Picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and low tables are permitted. Please no tents, lawn umbrellas, grills, candles, or pets. Pre-registration is required. Tickets will not be sold on site. Ticket time represents your arrival window. Please Note: If you have registered for a workshop, specialty tour, or the picnic concert, you do not need to purchase an additional General Admission ticket. Your workshop/tour ticket will grant you access to the event and daily general admission activities. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to workshop. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Summer BloomFest: Sunset Picnic Concert Cost Member Adult: $15;Member Child: FREE Nonmember Adult: $20; Nonmember Child: $5

Summer BloomFest

Celebrate the height of summer in full floral splendor at Summer BloomFest! Nestled in the heart of North Andover, Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens welcomes you to in a weekend of botanical beauty, seasonal charm, and family-friendly fun. Join us Thursday 8/7 - Sunday 8/10. Stroll through our gardens in peak bloom, bursting with vibrant color and fragrance. Enjoy our daily garden tours, self-guided house tours, and interactive activities for all ages. During this festival style event, visitors will have access to the gardens and the opportunity to participate in our daily activities included as part of your admission. This includes:<ul><li>Little Sprout Kids Korner (Kids activities and craft station)</li><li>Storytime at 11 am and 2 pm</li><li>Little Sprouts in the Garden Education Cart</li><li>Self-Guided Historic House Tours (Available 10:30 am-4:30 pm)</li><li>Wonder &amp; Bloom Scavenger Hunt</li><li>Yard Games in our Event Lawn</li></ul>In addition to our daily offerings, we will be hosting a number of workshops and specialty tours at the property during the Summer BloomFest event including: <ul><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685d9acbff70bc3c136f22f6?view=list">Full Bloom Garden Tour</a>&nbsp;(Thursday)</li><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685d99109811c5135aba1eef?view=list">Sunset Picnic Concert</a>&nbsp;(Thursday)</li><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685d9d7df567c37606b37894?view=list">Behind the Layers-Historic Mural Restoration Guided Tour</a>&nbsp;(Friday)</li><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685d9f909811c5135aba2229?view=list">Yoga in the Gardens</a>&nbsp;(Saturday)</li><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685d9e90b346af53e63f9585?view=list">Cut Flowers Garden Tour and Bouquet Workshop</a>&nbsp;(Saturday)</li><li>Summer BloomFest:&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/685da0fdf567c37606b37a90?view=list">Pressed Flower Workshop and Garden Tour</a>&nbsp;(Sunday)</li></ul>If you have signed up for one of these workshops or tours, no additional admission ticket is necessary. Parking is located at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, (off of 133) in North Andover MA.  Pre-registration is required.  Tickets will not be sold on site.  Ticket time represents your arrival window. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to workshop. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Summer BloomFest Cost Member Adult: $12;Member Child: $6; Nonmember Adult: $20;Nonmember Child: $10;

Summer BloomFest: Full Bloom Garden Tour 

Step into nature’s most vibrant and beautiful gallery with a guided garden tour around Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens during our Summer BloomFest event. These expansive manicured gardens boast both plentiful European-inspired flower beds as designed in the 1920s, as well as newly installed gardens featuring current-day trends and varieties. Discover the intricate 300-year-old history of this Trustees property through a guided tour with a knowledgeable Trustees guide. What to Expect: <ul><li>A 45-minute guided tour through the most colorful corners of the garden.</li><li>Insider insights into both the property and garden’s history.</li><li>Facts about the purpose of each garden and seasonal flowers that are currently in bloom.</li></ul>Pre-registration is required. &nbsp;A ticket to this tour includes access to Summer BloomFest and the gardens.Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to tour. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Summer BloomFest: Full Bloom Garden Tour Cost Member: $12; Nonmember: $20;

Little Sprouts in the Garden: Butterfly Detectives

Engage your curious budding gardener or adventurer in our new Little Sprouts in the Garden series, a monthly themed program to connect your child with the natural world around us. Calling all junior nature explorers! Become a Butterfly Detective and help us solve the mysteries of the butterfly world at Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens! In this fun, hands-on outdoor nature program, kids will:<ul><li>Read a butterfly-themed story</li><li>Search for butterflies and caterpillars in their natural habitat</li><li>Discover what butterflies eat and how they grow</li><li>Participate in a butterfly themed activity or craft</li></ul>Kids will use real tools like magnifying glasses, field guides, and observation cards as they explore, observe, and learn about the magical life of butterflies. A perfect mix of science, art, and outdoor adventure! Held at Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens on Tuesday mornings, join one or all of the sessions and explore the hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads. 7/1, 7/7, 7/22, 7/29 Recommended for ages 2-5. Dress for the weather! Recommended for children ages 4-10. An adult must attend and register for this program but there is no additional charge. Limit to 2 adults per child. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Refunds must be requested 7 days prior to the event. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Garden Month by Month Tour: The Summer Garden

In tribute to Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, we proudly present our new specialty series, ‘Garden Month by Month Tour,’ offering a focused exploration of different areas of the gardens throughout the seasons. Join Long Hill horticulturist Kristyn Stogner for an intimate guided tour of the Summer Garden—a contemporary reimagining of classic garden design. This immersive experience explores the garden’s graceful curves, layers of perennials, and the artful interplay of color and texture that make summer bloom in full splendor. Stroll among drifts of cream, pink, burgundy, lavender, and blue blossoms, pause by the serene reflecting pool, and learn how native junipers and a surrounding meadow bring structure and seasonal rhythm to this living landscape. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration, this tour offers a deeper understanding of the thoughtful planting and care behind one of our most radiant seasonal spaces. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended. Pre-registration is required. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to scheduled date. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Cost - Member: $24; Nonmember: $30;

Passport to the Past: Stevens-Coolidge Guided House Tour

Discover the stories behind the walls of one of North Andover’s historic gems. Join us for a guided tour of Stevens-Coolidge House &amp; Gardens, a Colonial Revival treasure that reflects early 20th-century elegance and global influence. Once the summer home of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge—a diplomat and descendant of Thomas Jefferson and nephew of Isabella Stewart Gardner—the historic house offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle, travels, and tastes of a well-connected New England family. Participants will begin with a short walk from our Garden Gateway Center and explore the first floor of the house. Every item in the home is a historic collection piece original to the couple and beautifully conserved. The tour will last approximately 50-60 minutes. The first floor of the home is wheelchair accessible but we kindly ask no strollers, food or drink in the home. Pre-Registration is required. Space is limited. Admission includes access to the stunning formal gardens and grounds, perfect for exploring before or after your tour. Passport to the Past Tours will be running Saturdays and Sundays 5/31 through 7/27. Please note the house will not be open for tours on 7/5 and 7/6. Pre-registration is required. Refunds for this event must be requested 7 days prior to tour. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified via the email address you used to register and refunded in full within 14 business days. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

mmerola90

Experiences