As one of Beverly's most familiar landmarks this lighthouse commands a spectacular view of Salem Sound, and 3 other lighthouses at Baker's Island, Winter Island, and Marblehead. Visitors will be guided by members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary up a winding staircase and then up a seven-step ladder to the lantern room, and from there they will pass through the hatch onto the gallery balcony to enjoy the spectacular views. Don't forget to bring your cameras!

Tidepools in the rocky shoreline provide a home for lots of hardy sea creatures that can withstand a constantly changing environment. Join Salem Sound Coastwatch as we explore the tidepool at West Beach in Beverly Farms. We're likely to see hermit crabs, mussels, sponges, crabs, sea stars, tunicates, sea slugs, jingle shells, and more. Learn about the fascinating native and non-native species that inhabit our coastline. www.salemsound.org

North Shore Music Theatre's backstage tours take you behind the scenes to see the inner workings of this award winning theatre. Tours are limited to 15 people per half hour at 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30. LIMITED AVAILABILITY. ONLINE RESERVATION REQUIRED. Available 9/9 at 9AM.   Event capacity: 15. www.nsmt.org

Join local historians and authors Ed Brown and Nancy Coffey of the Beverly Historical Society for a history walk about the past and present of the West Beach mansions. Visit West Beach, a landmark since the 17th century, perhaps the most unique community beach corporation in the state.   Event capacity: 30. www.beverlyhistory.org

The Kelsey Arboretum, preserved and maintained by the Horticultural Society of Boxford, displays H.P. Kelsey's "Hardy American Plants" the signature for his well-known Kelsey Highlands Nursery from 1929 - 1961. Walk through 3 acres and learn about this noted conservationist, landscape architect, and nurseryman

Explore the new rail trail through the middle of Danvers. Starting in the center, walkers will be able to head north or south. Stations along the way will offer history and surprises.  Event capacity: 40. Danversbipeds.org

The Danvers Historical Society and Essex Harmony are happy to host "Harmony in the Hall," a re-dedication concert for Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page St. Danvers. The Essex Harmony, our Artists-In-residence, will perform, light refreshments, free parking on street and at corner of Page and Elm Streets. Reservations required.   Event capacity: 90. www.danvershistory.org

Visit the Georgetown Historical Society at the Brocklebank Museum. The Brocklebank-Nelson-Beecher house is a First Period structure built in the late 1600s. Come see one of the areas original structures and learn about its role in the underground railroad, it's "haunted meal chest" and see hundreds of artifacts on display.  Event capacity: 25. www.georgetownhistoricalsociety.com

Join Essex Heritage Commissioner and nature-lover Tim Clark for a hunt for native mushrooms through the lush woods of South Hamilton, followed by tea and refreshments at his farm. This is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates our intimate woods and rare wild edibles that can be found in our own backyards.

A full tour of beautiful Green Meadows Farm with an overview of our certified organic vegetable farming and sustainable animal program. Green Meadows Farm operates a CSA and runs a farm stand open to the public. In the Farmstand, you'll find our own seasonal vegetables plus a variety of natural and organic dry goods, local cheeses, milk, meat and fun gift items for children and adults. RESERVATIONS Required. Reservations Available 9/9 AT 9AM online or phone Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444. www.gmfarm.com

Experience the Arthur Wesley Dow Gallery in the Ipswich Museum's Heard House including major paintings, wood block prints, and photographs. Following the gallery exhibit, take the Dow Walking Tour to visit landmarks and views significant to Dow's life in Ipswich. Tours of the Whipple House and Heard House featuring special exhibitions will also be open and available for a fee. www.ipswichmuseum.org

Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center is dedicated to modeling ecological sustainability and promoting health and learning through education, the arts, and agriculture. Our 1950s renovated dairy barn houses a pre-school, kindergarten, arts studio, and office space. Our campus also includes a historic, restored timber frame barn that is home to a variety of farm animals; a photovoltaic array and wind turbine that supply electricity for the center; and a "Nushwetu"--an authentic native dwelling demonstrating local living through the wisdom of the indigenous people of this region.  Event capacity: 20. www.cuvilly.org

Join Trustees staff for this unique opportunity to hike The Crane Estate. From the rolling manicured lawn of Castle Hill to the white sand strand of Crane Beach, this hike will take visitors along some of the lesser known pathways that crisscross the estate, connecting the marsh and beach with the hill and house. Enjoy one stunning view after the next as we traverse this coastal treasure.  Event capacity: 50. www.thetrustees.org

Take a pleasant guided walking tour of Ipswich's Historic South Green, which contains many pristine historic homes. The walk will begin at the Ipswich Visitor Center and continue along the Ipswich River, highlighting many maritime features and scenic vistas.  Event capacity: 25.

In 1828 the Heard family built a mill that has stood the test of time. From textiles in the 19th century to hosiery in the 20th century, when it was the Ipswich Hosiery Mill, the largest hosiery manufacturer in America. Today it is the home to EBSCO Publishing, and you are invited to go inside this historic site along the banks of the Ipswich River. Visit their museum and view a mural of Ipswich history.

Meet at the Ipswich Visitor Center to join this unique 1.5 hourwalking tour of the tidal Ipswich river waterfront. We will see historic houses and sites, former mill locations, working waterfront history, and town wharf artifacts.  Event capacity: 15. essexheritage.org/sites/hall_haskell.shtml

Situated on the edge of the Great Marsh, the 1695 Paine House at Greenwood Farm is the site of 250 years of family farming. Take a tour of the saltbox style house with its in-house colonial dairy and view the evolution of architecture from First Period (1625-1725) up to early 20th century Colonial Revival. In addition, this program will include a leisurely walkabout exploring the surrounding landscape and focusing on the important role of the Great Marsh in the lives of the Paine family, who for generations relied on these 213 acres to survive.   Event capacity: 25. www.ttor.org

Learn more about the colorful characters who once resided in the colonial town of Ipswich. Start at the Ipswich Museum, and tour the South Village Green with an eye toward history and three centuries of architecture. www.ipswichmuseum.org

Taste what New England has to offer. A historic farm in the heart of Essex County, Alfalfa Farm mixes old-fashioned New England charm with the latest in wine making technology. Be our guest for free guided vineyard and winery tours. Note: Wine tasting will be offered for a nominal fee www.alfalfafarmwinery.com

Come to historic Valley View Farm in Topsfield to meet the goats and taste cheese being made from their milk. Learn how this historic farm property has been revitalized into a bustling artisan cheese business that now supplies goat and cow milk cheese to some of the finest restaurants and retail shops in the area and Boston. Limited availability. RESERVATIONS Required. Reservations Available 9/9 AT 9AM online or phone Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444.   Event capacity: 30. valleyviewcheese.com

Enjoy an interpretive walk in the Gordon Woods with students from a Gordon College environmental group and faculty. See birds, learn about forest ecology, find out about the pressures New England forests are facing, and see some vernal pools. Walk will be on paths with medium paced hiking. However, there are some inclines and uneven surfaces. Bring binoculars and field guides if you wish.

Meet at the Wenham Museum for a brief talk, by Tom Knowlton of Beverly/Salem Water Board about the Wenham Canal and it's 100 year old history of bringing water to Beverly and Salem. Then motor down to the canal to see the pump house and to walk part of the canal. Museum admission not included.