Ipswich, MA/Richardson's Ice Cream

Ipswich, MA/Richardson’s Ice Cream

Written by Carol Cain on 27 April 2009

A few weeks ago, NYCity Mama had made plans for her and the family to visit their friends R. and P. and their beautiful baby A. near Boston, MA. They had been there once before and were excited to see them again. What she didn’t know at the time was that this weekend would be the weekend when NYC would experience its first heat wave with degrees rising past the 90s.

Now, for all the love that NYCity Mama has for her city, on days like those experienced this past weekend she likes to venture out of town, away from the hot streets and muggy subways. With playground sprinklers unavailable to kiddos till at least after Memorial Day weekend, being in the city without any ability to cool off would’ve been torture.

The trip to MA was a bit hectic, as it seemed that Mama and family joined the exodus of New Yorkers escaping the city heat for the weekend. But the trip to the following day was absolute heaven.

They drove to the charming town of Ipswich, MA about an hour from Framingham, where they were staying, and past wonderful scenic views. The boys loved driving past the creeks and horse farms. Mama enjoyed passing the bed and breakfasts snug in the hills and the beautiful victorian homes.

They arrive to Crane Beach with the sun glaring at them full force. The visit to the beach was a surprise from their hosts, so they weren’t really dressed appropriately, but it didn’t matter much. The water was ice cold, the kind of cold where you feel you toes go numb after a few long minutes standing in it. Nonetheless, the beach was crowded, full of families with little ones, none of which seemed to mind the cold water too much. The water was a beautiful blue, and the sand, soft to the touch was a warm, glowing tan.

It didn’t take Mama’s boys too long to start stripping down to their underwear and diaper. Even her 11 year old who had worn his sleeping short under neath his jeans, joined in on the fun. Crazy kids even jumped into the freezing water, with her 3.5 year quickly making a friend in the process.

It seemed that aside from the adults, the only one that seemed to mind the chilly water was little A. She stood along the shore with her Mommy, or took walks with her parents, or peacefully sat with her Daddy while she watched the boys splashing around.

The hours flew, and Mama’s 3.5 kept saying, “I love the beach!” “I love the beach!” “I love the beach!” The boys even took a nice long walk with their parents (the beach stretches 8 miles and is a beautiful walk to take), watching the kites fly, the seagulls fly, and the small waves crashing in. Everyone at the beach was lovely and friendly, greeting them as they walked by and letting her children join in a game or two. They laughed so much, and had such a great time. It felt like summer!

kite

mamas-boys After several hours at the beach, they kids all started to get a little too red and a little too tired. So they packed up and made their way out. No one complained that they were leaving, well except the 3.5 year old who insisted on being carried out!

The headed to get ice cream and stopped at a nearby favorite in Middleton, MA, Richardson’s Ice Cream. The lines were long, the choices were plenty, the boys were irritable and hot. So while Daddy waited in the car with them, Mama and her friends stood on the long line and ordered their treats. All in all, it was worth the wait! They were hoping to do some mini golfing right next door, but they decided to leave it for some other time.

The day was amazing. They arrive to R. and P.’s house exhausted, yet some how, some way while the kids played outside and Mama showered and shook the sand out of her hair, R. managed to whip up an amazing dinner spread for them. It was so delicious!

After dinner, they gathered in the living room to play a few good games from the Wii. Mama broke into a sweat trying to beat her 11 year old in boxing, and the 2.5 year kept cheering his older brother on. After about an hour or so, with no sound from the little ones, Mama decided to head upstairs and check to see what they were up to. They were both passed out on the bed, snoring, exhausted. A clear sign that the day’s adventure was a success!

Thank you R., P., and A. for your friendship, your love, and your hospitality. We love you guys!

In addition to the Bed and Breakfast selections, Ipswich also hosts many smaller motels for those traveling with small children. Entry to Crane Beach is $7.oo per car, cash only, and Richardson’s Ice Cream, about a 30 minute drive from Ipswich is also cash only. Check out Ipswich’s official site for information on lodging, amenities, and hours.

The Boston area is approximately 3 hours from New York City. Plan your trip carefully as traffic, especially during the summer hours is dense.