Summary
Once known as South Danvers, this North Shore city changed its name in 1868 in honor of the banker and philanthropist George Peabody, who was born here in 1795.
The birthplace and childhood residence of George Peabody has been preserved as a museum, featuring fascinating details about his early years along with artifacts such as personal letters.
The city features a lively downtown area at Peabody Square, which hosts the International Festival every September, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
Peabody is adjacent to Salem, a quaint port city renowned for its culture, numerous attractions, and its dark chapter in the 1690s, during which 20 innocent individuals lost their lives after being accused of witchcraft.
Peabody was not exempt from the witch trials, as three local residents were among the confirmed victims.
1. The George Peabody House Museum
The individual recognized as the father of modern philanthropy was born at this residence on February 18, 1795.
George Peabody (1795-1865) amassed his wealth as a prominent American banker in London and is still remembered for his numerous charitable efforts, including the Peabody Trust housing association in England, Baltimore’s Peabody Institute conservatory, and the George Peabody Library.
This Early Republic-style home, constructed in 1790, was acquired by the City of Peabody in 1989 and houses various artifacts related to Peabody’s life, including letters, newspaper clippings, and portraits.
The property also includes the Peabody Leatherworkers Museum, showcasing machinery and tools from the city’s tanning industry.
2. Peabody Square
Peabody’s community was established around the busy intersection of Central St, Lowell St, Main St, and Foster St.
In the 1750s, what is now referred to as Peabody Square was the location of a church, which contributed to Peabody’s early name, South Parish.
In recent years, efforts have been made to enhance Peabody Square’s accessibility for pedestrians, transforming this small plaza into a community hub capable of hosting live performances and events such as the International Festival in September.
For those looking to relax, there are numerous local dining options, bars, and coffee shops located east along Main St, while the candlepin bowling alley Metro Bowl is situated a couple of blocks south on Foster St.
3. Peabody Historical Society
The local historical society was founded in 1896 and possesses extensive collections that document over three centuries of regional history.
The Peabody Historical Society owns eight different properties throughout the city and is based in the 1852 General Gideon Foster House located at 35 Washington St.
Arrangements can be made for tours at several properties, including Peabody’s oldest house, the Nathaniel Felton Senior House (1644), which is linked to the Salem witch trials.
Nathaniel Felton Sr. was the primary signer of a petition supporting two accused individuals, John and Elizabeth Proctor. Nearby, the charming Smith Barn serves as a frequent venue for the society’s lectures and workshops and can be rented for private events.
4. International Festival
Every September, the city’s premier annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors to celebrate Peabody’s rich diversity.
The International Festival has been Peabody’s hallmark event for nearly four decades, featuring numerous civic organizations, live performers, artisans, crafters, nonprofits, local businesses, and cultural groups in attendance.
Three stages host a schedule of live music and dance performances for adults, along with a special program for children, offering character shows, egg tossing, and a hula hoop contest.
Culturally diverse food options are a highlight of the International Festival, providing a delectable selection ranging from Greek and Brazilian to Portuguese cuisines and beyond.
5. Brooksby Farm
Located in a historically rich area adjacent to some of Peabody’s oldest residences, Brooksby Farm operates a seasonal fruit and vegetable farm that welcomes visitors from spring through fall.
This farm cultivates a variety of produce, including apples and zucchini, allowing patrons to pick their own fruit and gather their own flowers during the harvest season.
Children can enjoy the farm’s play area featuring barnyard animals, hayrides, and a fairytale trail during the autumn season.
In addition to freshly grown fruits, flowers, and vegetables, the farm store collaborates with local businesses to offer jams, sauces, dairy products, beverages, and an extensive range of baked goods, including Brooksby Farm’s renowned apple cider donuts in the fall.
6. Independence Greenway
It is feasible to walk or cycle across much of Peabody while accessing Northshore Mall via this 5.3-mile rail trail.
The Independence Greenway, which continues to expand, follows the corridor of the former Salem and Lowell Railroad, which was established in 1850 and subsequently acquired by the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1887.
The initial phase, completed in 2008, stretches from the western trailhead at Russell St by the Ipswich River to the Northshore Mall.
At the time of compiling this list, expansion efforts were underway to extend the Independence Greenway from the Northshore Mall east to Peabody Square.
The western segment primarily winds through natural landscapes, featuring riparian forests, ponds, and recreational areas like Lt. Ross Park, where visitors can take a respite.
7. Salem
Peabody shares borders with a city that was once one of the major international ports during colonial times.
Many individuals associate the name Salem with the witch trials that resulted in the wrongful executions of 20 innocent people within three months in 1692.
Some aspects of this history overlap with Peabody, which can be explored further at the Peabody Historical Society.
Modern-day Salem has become a popular tourist destination, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the grim history of the 1690s through museums, splendid historic residences, significant trial-related sites, and a moving memorial featuring benches inscribed with the names and details of each victim.
Additionally, Salem is home to the world-class Peabody Essex Museum, celebrated for its exceptional Asian Art collection. Also notable is the House of the Seven Gables, a 1668 colonial mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Gothic novel of the same name.
8. Tillie’s Farm Stand
For over 80 years, Tillie’s Farm has been dedicated to producing local, nutritious, and seasonal produce through sustainable agricultural practices.
This establishment is named after Marian “Tillie” Newhall, who envisioned transforming a wholesale operation into a more community-focused venture.
The farm opens in early April each year, offering perennials, annuals, potted plants, and hanging baskets.
By mid-June, the fruit and vegetable season commences, featuring an abundance of produce that lasts throughout the summer, including berry fruits, tomatoes, and corn in time for the 4th of July.
During the fall, the farm provides chrysanthemums, squashes, and, notably, pumpkins and Halloween decorations in preparation for the festive season.
9. Leather City Common Park
A tranquil oasis in the downtown area, Leather City Common is a beautifully landscaped park featuring a tree-lined pathway, benches, and a bandstand.
Dedicating this space in 1993, a small monument at the entrance on Lowell St pays tribute to Peabody’s rich industrial heritage.
During the summer months, the park serves as a venue for various community gatherings, particularly the Summer Concert Series event held on Sunday evenings from early July to the end of August.
These concerts attract a diverse audience, covering various musical genres ranging from classic rock to soul and country music.
10. Metro Bowl
Candlepin bowling, a distinct variation of this pastime originating in Worcester, MA in around 1880, is particularly popular in New England and The Maritimes in Canada.
This unique style involves using a small ball that can comfortably fit in the hand to knock down ten tall, narrow pins resembling candles, which is reflective of its name.
The activity remains highly popular in the Boston area, notably at Metro Bowl, which features 38 lanes alongside an arcade center, pool tables, a tavern restaurant, and ample facilities for birthday parties and events.
11. Northshore Mall
During a time when many malls are facing challenges, the Simon-owned Northshore Mall is thriving, boasting high occupancy rates with over 160 stores and services.
Some well-known national and international retailers here include Barnes & Noble, Gap, H&M, Sephora, Macy’s, Foot Locker, J. Crew, JCPenney, The North Face, American Eagle, JD Sports, and Forever 21.
Like the rest of the mall, the recently renovated food court offers a wide array of choices, featuring popular dining establishments such as Chick-fil-A, Master Wok, and a location of The Cheesecake Factory nearby.
12. Meadow Golf Course
Visitors to Peabody can enjoy a round of golf at one of the top public courses on the North Shore. Providing a challenge for most golfers, Meadow Golf Course opened in 2001 and features hilly, wooded terrain with significant elevation changes that must be taken into account when strategizing your shots and club selections.
The course measures 6,708 yards from the back tees, and to compensate for some of the blind tee shots, the greens are spacious, allowing for better scores with an accurate short game.
Golf carts are equipped with GPS, offering stunning views right from the tee boxes.
13. John Proctor House
One significant site in Peabody that can be included in a witch trials tour is this First Period colonial residence located at 348 Lowell St.
For several generations, from its establishment until the mid-19th century, this property belonged to the Proctor family.
John Proctor (1632-1692) was one of the individuals wrongfully accused and convicted of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials after he openly challenged the integrity of his accusers, who had initially targeted his wife, Elizabeth.
Although her execution was postponed due to her pregnancy, she was ultimately exonerated, while John faced execution by hanging on August 19, 1692.
Currently a private residence, the John Proctor House is believed to have been constructed after John Proctor’s lifetime and was home to his son Thorndike Proctor (1672-1758).
14. Danvers Rail Trail
In 2014, this rail trail was extended southward into Peabody, accessible from under the I-95 along Lowell St in West Peabody.
From this point, the Danvers Rail Trail extends northward uninterrupted for over four miles, passing through Danvers, Wenham, and Topsfield. The majority of the trail features a paved surface made of compacted stone dust, providing an ideal setting for hiking, jogging, and biking.
This pathway follows what was previously a segment of the Boston and Maine Railroad, which operated from 1836 to 1987.
Interpretive signs along the trail provide historical insights related to former stations, complemented by a convenient parking area for trail users located by Danvers Indoor Sports, just a few hundred feet from the southern trailhead.
15. McVann-O’Keefe Skating Rink
This municipally owned indoor rink in Peabody was established in 1974 and serves the community with an extensive schedule of affordable public skating sessions, freestyle sessions, and both adult and youth hockey games.
In addition, skating lessons are offered for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Hockey enthusiasts can participate in casual pickup games and stick time, while leagues and tournaments are available for those seeking a more competitive experience.
The rink is also available for private parties or fun sessions on the ice with friends, featuring special discounts after 10 PM.
