Ipswich Essex Explorer

Elite '09

145

362

Shaina G.

Cambridge, MA

9/7/2009

For $5 take the Ipswich Essex Explorer from the Ipswich train station to Crane Beach and back.  When you add the price of a r/t ticket from Boston's North Station, the total per person is $18.50.  And for those of us people without a car, this is a HUGE savings.  You could be a group of four and even a ZipCar for a day wouldn't be cheaper since parking at Crane Beach is $22 (unless you're a member) and you would run the risk of hitting traffic or worse: a full parking lot!

Granted that I planned and planned for this day trip via public transportation, it was still extremely easy when push came to shove.  Our day went as such, thanks to the Ipswich Essex Explorer:
        8:00 AM up and at 'em
        9:30 AM running to the Newburyport Rail at North Station: bought two tix for Zone 6 (to Ipswich)
        10:20 AM arrival at Ipswich train station; the trusty Ipswich Essex Explorer waiting patiently for train arrivals; but Dave and I did not jump right on.
        10:25 AM perused through the Farmer's Market downtown and grabbed some fresh nectarines and apples for under four bucks.
        10:30 AM walked the Riverway Trail over the river and direct to the Ipswich Information Center (also a bus stop) to use the bathroom and get some breakfast recommendations.
        10:40 AM arrival at Sophia's, back in Ipswich downtown to enjoy a hefty breakfast.
        11:35 AM head back to the Information Center
        11:45 AM pick up the Ipswich Explorer and head to the beach (the bus is EMPTY and the trip is maybe 8 minutes).
        12:08 AM bus drops us off and we're in!  LOTS of people are here, but there is also a LOT of beach
         2:30 PM refreshed, burnt, and in need of shade, we head to the bus
         2:45 PM bus pick up from beach and head to Russell Orchard
         2:50 PM chill at Russell Orchard for about 40 minutes: taste wine, eat ridiculously fresh cider donut, check out Big Boy, and listen to music
         3:44 PM bus pick up from the Orchard (gotta get on the appropriate side of the main road) to head back into town
         3:55 PM bus drop off at the Visitor Center in town -- head to Choate Bridge Restaurant for Ipswich Ale, lobster rolls, and fried clams!
          5:45 PM head back to the train for a 6:00 boarding.

Check out related Yelp reviews for the full experience.  Regardless, I HIGHLY recommend taking the Ipswich Essex Explorer, though I can't speak for the Essex portion of the trip.  For only $5, the bus basically takes you anywhere you want to go (but see schedule) and you're guaranteed to get onto the beach (unlike those driving suckers).

The Ipswich Essex Explorer is courtesy of the Cape Ann Transportation Authority and only runs seasonally between June and Labor Day on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.

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