To the south are the city of Salem and the town of Marblehead. Salem, known for the "Witch Hysteria", is also an architectural jewel with three centuries of public and private homes open to those interested in Early American Decorative Arts. It is the home of the world renowned "Peabody Essex Museum". Likewise, Marblehead has beautiful period homes. It is also a well known yachting community. Marblehead's race week always provides an eye full of beautiful colored spinnakers and one design boats. Both places have great dining and plenty of antique shops.

To the north are the towns of Manchester by the Sea, Gloucester and Rockport. All three are known for their harbors and shopping experiences. Gloucester, a fishing town, supplies the area with seafood and maintains a working art colony. Granite is what put Rockport on the map. Once, Rockport supplied the area with material for foundations, wharves and buildings. The quarries now lay silent but are a reminder of days gone by. Rockport's Bearskin Neck has great shopping and is the home of Motif #1, the most painted building in the United States