An Ipswich Trek: From The Clam Box To Russell Orchards

This is Francesca, a friendly pig at the Northern Lights Farm Stand in Ipswich. 

If you're looking for something to do this summer, a day trip to take, why not consider driving to Ipswich. Even with the pandemic and its restrictions, there's good places you can visit, like the Northern Lights Farm Stand. It's a typical farm stand, with fresh fruits, veggies, and other food products. They also sell Mennonite furniture. Plus, there's a variety of animals you can visit, including chickens (including one who looks like an Angora cat), ducks, turkeys, a pig, two donkeys, and more. 

This farm stand is located just across the street from The Clam Box.

Everyone has their own personal favorite restaurant for Fried Clams. One of my top favorites is The Clam Box in Ipswich, as their fried clams are consistently delicious. In addition, The Clam Box has other excellent fried seafoods, from scallops to lobster. It remains very popular, and with good reason. During this pandemic, you should still consider it as a potential destination for some tasty seafood.

I recently drove up to Ipswich on a fine and warm Sunday, noting that The Clam Box opened its doors at 11am. Prior to its opening, there was already a small line of people waiting at the door, socially distanced and wearing masks. The restaurant has both interior and outside dining, with a large tent erected in their parking lot with a number of picnic tables. We chose to sit outside, to enjoy the beautiful weather.

When I dine here, I commonly get a combination as it's generally too hard to just choose one fried seafood. Fried clams, show above, are usually one of my choices. A clean, crisp and tasty fried batter over plump clams. There is a touch of the sea and it tastes like New England. And no matter if you order a plate or a side, you'll be sure to get ample mound of fried clams.

I'm also a huge fan of their Fried Scallops, which are some of the best you'll find anywhere. There is a pleasant sweetness to the plump scallops, and the clean and crisp fried coating is tasty. They certainly don't get the attention and publicity of fried clams, but should. A Plate of fried seafood also comes with two sides: french fries, onion rings or coleslaw. As you can see, there is a mound of food, with plenty of scallops. It may cost $29.75, but you definitely get your money's worth, especially considering the usual cost for a pound of scallops. 

It's a Special, only available at certain times, but their Fried Lobster is another great choice. It wasn't available during my last visit, but I always check the Specials board just in case.

Whenever I visit Ipswich, I make sure to stop at Russell Orchards, primarily to buy some Cider Donuts. The farm has plenty of other products, from fresh fruits and veggies, to baked goods and wines, cheese and ice cream. You can Pick Your Own fruits, dependent on the season, and blueberries and blackberries are currently available. They also have some of their own animals you can visit. 

If you're fortunate, fresh and hot cider donuts might be available and they are near impossible to resist. 

I recently raved about these donuts, and I can't wait to return to Russell Orchards for more.

These are just a few of the worthy spots in Ipswich, a starting place for a great and tasty day. What are some of your Ipswich favorites, which are open right now?