Essex Heritage's 'Trails & Sails' Events March On For 19th Year

DANVERS, MA — The annual "Trails & Sails" event series exploring Essex County will proceed in 2020 with 100 events over 10 days starting Sept. 18.

This year's series will include virtual events, do-it-yourself events and small in-person group events due to state coronavirus restrictions. All events are free.

The events are designed to examine the historic, cultural and natural resources in the Essex National Heritage area.

"It is our mission to knit together the exceptional places of Essex County — the places that make this area like nowhere else — in a fun way that inspires residents and visitors to make connections between their lives and these places," explained Annie Harris, Essex Heritage CEO. "Through programs like Trails & Sails we are enhancing tourism, building partnerships, and engaging people of all ages in sustaining the places that make this region so unique."

Virtual events include virtual tours, lecture or demonstrations viewed remotely.

Do-it-yourself events include self-guided tours, scavenger hunts, driving or biking tours and other DIY activities. Many of these DIY activities are offered during all 10 days so you can pick the day and time that works best.

Small, in-person group events will look similar to traditional Trails & Sails events, but there are several precautions in place to keep everyone safe. These include limiting the number of attendees, requiring registration in advance, and requiring a face mask at all times whenever possible during the event.

"We are extremely grateful for all the event hosts who chose to participate in Trails & Sails this year," Harris said. "Many went above and beyond in creating new content for their sites to better connect participants with heritage during a challenging time.

"This has not been an easy few months for heritage organizations. We hope that the community will continue to rally around these sites and stewards by showing support for their work during Trails & Sails."

Visit TrailsAndSails.org to see the complete listing of events.