Head on a swivel: The perfect sunday drive through rural North Shore beauty

Gas up – or better yet charge up – roll down your windows and roll slowly through backroads and lanes even the locals don’t know about

Taking the road less traveled is always a good bet, especially on a sunny summer day. This 36-mile route takes you far away from Route 128 as you pass through horse country, small ponds, farms, the beautiful villages of Topsfield and Ipswich, out around Great Neck with its sweeping views of Ipswich Bay and back to your starting point in North Beverly, where we’ll suggest several spots where you can personally refuel.

Pro tip

Keep your speed in check on the North Shore. Like all small communities, radar guns are ubiquitous and speed limits modest. As you enjoy the views, do stay focused on sharing the road with the many bicyclists you’ll encounter, too.