Essex Heritage Trails & Sails Back With 10 Days Of Free Events

SALEM, MA — More than 150 free events over 10 days exploring the North Shore shoreline, outdoor treasures, cultural destinations and historic landmarks will make up the 20th Essex Heritage Trails & Sails program beginning on Sept. 17.

"It is our mission to knit together the exceptional places of Essex County — the places that make this area like nowhere else — in a fun way that inspires residents and visitors to make connections between their lives and these places," Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris said.

Most of the events are first-come, first-served with a limited amount requiring a reservation. A full list of events can be found here or in the guidebook available at the 13 Essex County visitors centers.

Among the offerings is a trip to explore Hospital Point Lighthouse in Beverly, a sailing trip in Salem aboard the Schooner Fame and a tour around Fort Sewall in Marblehead.

Walking tours include Charlotte's Walking Tour in Salem and the Salem and the Sea Tour.

Family activities include a dig for history at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, an architectural treasure hunt in Salem and a fish seining demonstration at Forest River Park in Salem.

Festivals include Beverly's Harbor Fest on Sept. 19 at Lynch Park.

While many of the events were virtual and self-guided last year because of the coronavirus crisis, this year's events will be fully in-person while following virus-related protocols.

Participants are reminded to follow all local coronavirus and mask regulations and to follow the guides' lead on masking and social distancing during tours.

Trails & Sails 2021 is sponsored by Eastern Bank, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, and Institution for Savings.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)