Tag Archive for: culture

Porch Fest is Back! Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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We are thrilled to be welcoming back our favorite community event of the summer and fall seasons, Porch Fest! Starting in 2020 as an outdoor experience to draw our local community together, we’re now at the start of our fourth season and couldn’t be happier or more excited about what’s to come.

What is Porch Fest?

Porch Fest is an outdoor communal event (think: market, cookout, concert and block party – all in one.) Spanning from June to October, it features live music, food and beverage trucks, and a small business market, all held right outside, on the “front porch” of Bryony & Birch at 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA.

2023 Porch Fest Dates

Our 2023 Porch Fest dates are as follows:

  • Friday, June 16th, 5-9pm
  • Friday, August 18th, 5-9pm
  • Friday, October 20th, 5-9pm

Porch Fest is always on a Friday, so you can plan to finish up work and head out to start your weekend a little early with your family, friends and fellow business owners here in Amesbury.

What’s new at Porch Fest this year?

We are proud to welcome back so many of our fantastic vendors and are excited to have shifted the hours to 5-9pm (previously it was 4-8pm.) This later start allows for our after work crowd to drift in and not feel rushed. And a later end time gives us the chance to take advantage of that long summertime daylight that we all love so much.

Help us kick things off on June 16th!

Come on out on Friday, June 16th at 5pm to kick off the first Porch Fest of the season. For a full list of our vendors as well as any other detailed information you might need about the event, check out our Porch Fest page and share it with a friend.

We can’t wait to see you there!

What to Expect at Porch Fest 2022: Music, Local Artisans & More!

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Now that we’re finally settling back into “backyard barbecue and outside adventure” season, we here at Bryony are thrilled to welcome Porch Fest back for a third year! Porch Fest was started back in 2020 as an outdoor experience to draw our local community together after so many had been isolated by the pandemic, and if you’ve never experienced Porch Fest before, be sure to stop by and check it out, because there’s something for everyone, whether you like food, shopping, or music.

What is Porch Fest?

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Porch Fest is a once-a-month event that goes through the summer into early fall, featuring live music, food and beverage trucks, and small business showcases. It’s held right on our “front porch” outside of Bryony & Birch at 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA.

Mark Your Calendar

Our 2022 Porch Fest dates are as follows:

  • Friday, June 17th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, July 15th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, August 19th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, September 16th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, Oct. 21st, 4-8pm

Porch Fest is always on a Friday, so you can plan to finish up those work projects and kick off your weekend a little early with your local community.

There’s Something for Everyone at Porch Fest

Here’s a brief sampler of some of our fantastic vendor friends that will be available for you to experience at Porch Fest:

Shari’s Sweet Shoppe

Picture Courtesy of Shari’s Sweet Shoppe

Shari Davey runs this 100% vegan bake shop, and all her goods are animal free products with gluten free options. Delicious and organic? Count us in.

Tree Owl Healing

Picture Courtesy of Tree Owl Healing

“Nature itself is the best physician.”, says Jennifer, the founder of Tree Owl, and we couldn’t agree more. Jennifer’s handmade, small batch tinctures, teas, and elixirs are made following the earth’s natural cycles, personally foraged by Jennifer herself.

Tayla David Macrame

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Tayla David has inspirations for your mind as well as your body, offering a variety of macrame items as well as weekly yoga classes. Whether you want to practice physical wellness or create something uniquely you, Tayla is ready to connect with you.

Fits the Vibe

Picture courtesy of Fits the Vibe

Vintage is the buzzword at Fits the Vibe! Upcycling is the way to go to practice a more sustainable lifestyle, and whether your fashion flavors run to velour tracksuits or custom patchwork joggers, the crew at Fits the Vibe has a look that’s just right for you.

Board and Brush

Picture courtesy of Board & Brush

Embrace your inner DIY with a night out at Board and Brush! A step beyond your average paint n’ sip, Julie and Curt Selby and the instructors at Board and Brush provide the tools, the supplies, and the instruction to help you create a custom wooden sign to enhance your home or office space.

Polished by P

Picture Courtesy of Polished by P

Whether you’re in need of a mani or a pedi, the vegan, non toxic, and cruelty free nail lacquers at Polished by P are what we recommend. Great looking nails and cruelty free? Yes, please.

Join Porch Fest as a Vendor

What better way to get your brand out to the community than to have the opportunity to be right in the center of it all? If you’re a small business owner, we would love for you to be a part of this year’s event! Porch Fest draws hundreds of people every year, and we want to give you the opportunity to partner with us and get your business in front of the people in your community who are looking for it. If you’re interested in being a vendor at Porch Fest 2022, or if you have any questions about being a vendor, please reach out to Katie at bookings@bryonyandbirchstudio.com to request your desired date.

We had such a great time at Porch Fest last year, and this year is already shaping up to be just as much fun. We hope you’ll come by and experience the Amesbury community at one of our Porch Fest dates this summer. We’ll be looking out for you!

Continue reading The Bryony & Birch Times:

Bryony & Birch: Amesbury’s Porch Fest 2021 Recap

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As a collective that offers hair, yoga, photography, branding and a variety of other wellness services, the simplest way to describe what we do at Bryony & Birch is: We empower the community.

While we want to be your go-to for a fresh cut for summer, a branding package for your new business and your daily yoga practice, we mostly want to be the hub where you connect with other like-minded people to showcase what you do best (and vice versa!)

In mid-2020, we started thinking about how we could bring even more people together (especially since COVID-19 makes gathering indoors slightly tricky!) and pretty quickly, we were rapid-fire brainstorming on what’s now become known as Porch Fest.

Hosted once a month in August, September and October, 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA is the place to be! Featuring live music, food trucks, drink trucks, small business pop-ups as well as a live art auction and raffle, it’s a day to celebrate all things LOCAL. It’s also a day to raise money for local organizations and future artists’ initiatives.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to showcase, network, collaborate or simply make a new friend, we’ve also had a ‘more the merrier’ M.O. at Bryony & Birch, which has been evident at our first three Porch Fests!

Scroll down to see the highlights from our summer/fall 2021 turnout!

A Look at Bryony & Birch’s 2021 Porch Fest Season

Captured by the incredible Kate Donovan Photography.

Music, Makers & Bakers – Meet (some of) the Vendors + Performers from Porch Fest

Marina Evans – Musician

A Rockport native and brave composer, performer and traveler, Marina Evans combines strong sultry vocals with traditional folk Americana and Indie Pop to create a sound that is all her own!

Michael Bernier – Musician, Master of Ceremonies, + Founder of Enjoy Your Life Brand

To know Michael is to love him. Full of peace, love, and positivity, Michael lent his voice and insanely good vibes as MC!

Stephanie Martin – Cannabis Caterer & CBD Baker, Fairy Good Organics

Stephanie’s smile is sunshine and her cooking is amazing, which is totally why her stall had a never ending line!

Cassandra Mae – Jeweler, Not So Flatware

What started with a love of spoon rings has evolved into one of the North Shore’s most original jewelry brands thanks to Cassandra Mae!

Kali Stoddard-Imari – Musician

Until we met Kali, we didn’t even know how badly we needed someone to blend Folk Pop and Rhythm & Rock vibe with hints of Roots Rock, Blues, Reggae Fusion, and Soul! The best.

Joanna Teters – Musician, Sundub Music

When you listen to Joanna sing, you almost enter a trance-like state! Could not be more grateful to have her and the Sundub crew at Porch Fest!

Bryony & Birch Founder, Katie Cavic

“I’ve been blown away by the turnout at each Porch Fest. We’ve had adults, children, and animals of all ages! (One guy even had a bird on his shoulder.) It fills my heart with so much joy to think about the abundance of foot traffic in Amesbury. Not only has Porch Fest helped support local businesses downtown, but also in surrounding suburbs as well. If you’d like to be involved – get in touch!” – Katie Cavic

Porch Fest + Tough Warrior Princess

The minute we floated the idea of doing a street festival with a few local businesses, the number of offers to donate items and services made our cups overflow.

While we wanted to give small businesses a space to shine, we also wanted to help members of our community who are needing extra support. In October, the money raised at Porch Fest went to the Tough Warrior Princesses (TWP) not-for-profit organization. Based in Amesbury (and serving the North Shore of Boston as well as Southern New Hampshire), they provide support, comfort, love and resources to women affected by cancer.

Want to get involved in Porch Fest 2022 in Amesbury, MA?

Drop us a line via our Contact Page!

Continue reading The Bryony & Birch Times:

Summer 2021: Your Guide To Summer On The North Shore

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It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff, beach bum, fitness fanatic, whale watcher or avid window shopper, the North Shore is the place to be. For many, summer on the North Shore of Massachusetts means sandy toes, lobster rolls and endless glasses of iced tea, but there is so much more to know about!

Depending on who you ask, the defined area of the North Shore varies, but the non-negotiable towns include places like Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester, Newburyport, and (arguably the best….) Amesbury!

Since most people tend to work their way from Boston up the coast, we’re going to share our favorite things to do starting with Salem and ending with Amesbury.

Summer Activities On The North Shore

Difficult to squeeze everything this magical pocket of land has to offer into one day, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to do things like:

1. Grab a coffee (or a craft beer & bite to eat) from Gulu-Gulu Cafe in Salem


Open 7 days a week, Gulu Gulu Cafe is a spot you can pop into for an eye-opening coffee, mimosa-fuelled brunch, refreshing craft beer, unique wine or an evening of live music! They also have incredible local art for you to view and shop. With food options to suit vegans, meat lovers and those with food intolerances, we give it the award for being a true one-size-fits-all.

The other spot you can check out in Salem, is Gulu-Gulu’s sister restaurant, Flying Saucer Pizza Company! They have traditional pizzas as well as vegan and gluten-free options!

Contact Gulu Gulu Cafe
247 Essex St
Salem MA 01970
(978) 740-8882
Gulu Gulu Cafe Website

2. Visit the Salem Witch Museum

When in Salem… do as the witches do of course! Look, not everyone loves a beach and sometimes the weather does not permit it to even be an option! Not to worry, the Salem Witch Museum is a legit must-do.

After your visit, we recommend doing the self-guided Salem Heritage walking tour and checking out other historical spots such as:

Contact the Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 Washington Square North
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-1692
Salem Witch Museum Website

3. Jump On a Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Marblehead

You don’t have to be a mad fisherman to enjoy a day of deep sea fishing! The crew at Keepin It Reel Fishing Charters in Marblehead are pros at making it an exciting experience for both novices and professionals! With numerous packages to choose from, you can make it a full day activity or simply feel the fresh ocean breeze for 2 hours!

Wondering what you might catch? In Marblehead, depending on the time of year, you can expect fish like: Striped Bass, Cod, Flounder, Yellowfin Tuna, Blue & Mako Shark, Atlantic Mackerel, Haddock, and Black Seabass.

Contact Keepin it Reel Fishing Charter
keepinitrealmarblehead@gmail.com
Keepin It Reel Website

4. Grab A Lobster Roll at Marblehead’s Little Harbor Lobster Company

The Little Harbor Lobster Company is a waterfront seafood market that will have you drooling!! With loads of prepared food to nosh on, it also sells wine and beer AND (wait for it) – the region’s award winning lobster roll!

One of our favourite things to do is buy fresh shrimp & oysters and a bottle of bubbles to nibble and sip on while watching the sunset from our accommodation.

Contact Little Harbor Lobster Company
3 Beacon Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
(781) 639-1961
Little Harbor Lobster Company Website

5. Go Whale Watching in Gloucester

Is there anything more refreshing than sea spray on your face and the majestic sight of a whale leaping out of the water? (No, there’s not.)

Whale watching is something you 100% need to do on the North Shore and Gloucester is one of the best locations in the world. While there are a few tried and trusted companies running tours, we’ve always had a great experience with Cape Ann Whale Watching.

Contact Cape Ann Whale Watching
415 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 283-5110
Cape Ann Whale Watching Website

6. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream from Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe in Gloucester

Open seven days a week for both scoops and takeaway pints, Holy Cow Ice Cream is basically a mecca for ice cream enthusiasts. Crafted in small batches using the finest ingredients (and even made-from-scratch cookies!), their flavors include things like salted caramel pie, cold brew Oreo, cinnamon churro dough and key lime pie. And yes! They have dairy-free ice cream options.

A true Gloucester staple, you can now get a taste in Peabody, MA too!

Contact Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe
80 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
(978) 281-0313
Holy Cow Cafe Website

7. Grab Lunch at Sea Level in Newburyport

Shut up…. You had me at ‘Oyster Bar’.

While the oysters are what’s going to get you through the door (and keeping coming back for more), it’s Sea Level’s endless menu of tacos, poke bowls, burgers, fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails that’s going to want you to move in and never leave. With locations in both Newburyport and Salem, it’s a destination worth visiting multiple times while in the North Shore!

Contact Sea Level Oyster Bar
1 Market Square
Newburyport, MA
(978) 462-8862
Sea Level Oyster Bar Website

8. Spend a Day Exploring Plum Island

Plum Island is a quintessential MA spot for lobster rolls, beach strolls, and sundowners, but we extra love this spot for the Plum Island Lighthouse as well as the Hellcat Marsh Loop Trail at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

The welcome center is closed due to Covid, but you can do a mile-long loop and take in expansive views from a lookout tour. It’s built with elevated boardwalks, so perfect for all ability levels. If you’re someone who likes to get out in nature, this is an activity sure to soothe your soul!

And when you’re ready to refuel, you can grab some necessities from the iconic The Cottage Island Market & Spirits.

Contact Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

9. Hang Out in The Biergarden at Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury

Open Wednesday-Sunday, Barewolf Brewing is one of our favorite North Shore breweries to meet up with friends or family for an easy afternoon of beer and life chats. Known for their 11 rotating draft lines and beer fridge full of cans to-go, this Amesbury brewery also has various resident artists, loads of events, and is dog-friendly!!

Contact Barewold Brewing
12 Oakland Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 572-6520
Barewolf Brewing Website

10. Visit Bryony & Birch for yoga, wellness, beauty, hair and art!

While Bryony & Birch is an actual space that houses a hair salon, yoga & wellness studio, fully equipped photography & videography studio, art and the best finds from local artisans and apparel & jewelry designers, it’s also a community of creatives who are actively seeking to network, collaborate and champion each other’s successes.

Pop in:

  • For a little hair care
  • To browse & shop local art, jewelry, and apparel
  • To take a yoga or wellness class
  • To simply say hello!

Click here to discover the yoga and wellness classes Bryony & Birch offers.

Contact Bryony & Birch
48 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6421
bookings@bryonyandbirchstudio.com
Bryony & Birch Website

Find Your Next Amesbury Flow Class

With the warmer weather upon us and Covid finally feeling at bay, we are loving getting back to our group practices outdoors!

Click here to discover the yoga and wellness classes Bryony & Birch offers.

Can’t make it in person? Not to worry! On the Bryony & Birch Yoga App (available on the App Store and Google Play), you’ll find restorative classes you can do from home that focus on mindful movements of the body and breath as well as power sessions designed to intertwine strength, balance and flexibility.

Amesbury Activities To Do With Mom

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Are you planning a mother-daughter trip to the North Shore or looking for an out-of-the-box Mother’s Day gift idea?

Make sure that Amesbury is on the list!

Located just below the New Hampshire border, this historic town (that the Bryony & Birch bunch is proud to call home!) runs along the Merrimack and Powow rivers, is known for numerous historic landmarks and has the type of architecture that makes you instinctively want to use it as the backdrop for a Nancy Meyers movie.

While the tourism scene is alive and well, you won’t find bumper to bumper traffic or impossible-to-get-into-restaurants. In fact, you’re more likely to get to know a local artist, chef, brewer or yoga instructor. The community of entrepreneurs, wellness practitioners and artisans is one of the best parts of Amesbury and the inspiration behind the Bryony & Birch collective space. Which also needs to be on your list! (But more on that soon!)

It doesn’t matter if you’re coming for the day, the weekend or a whole week – there are loads of must-dos. From what to eat to where to practice your yoga, scroll down to learn more about the best places to visit in Amesbury, MA with your mama!

Amesbury Activities To Do With Mom

#1 Morning Buzz Cafe

Open from 7 am seven days a week, Morning Buzz cafe doesn’t just have a clever name. This is the place you want to go for a post-wine-night fry up, soul-warming cup of coffee, or simply a gratuitous brunch!

Contact Morning Buzz Cafe
37 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5394
Morning Buzz Cafe Website

#2 Cider Hill Farm

Arguably one of the most magical places on earth, Cider Hill Farm is a must-do so make sure you book your day there in advance! With numerous activities on offer and super kid-friendly, you’ll get to pick tulips, grab lunch, go for a farm stroll, pick fruit, or grab a drink at their hard cider bar.

Contact Cider Hill Farm
45 Fern Avenue
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-5525
Cider Hill Farm Website

#3 Board & Brush

If you’re a DIY-er who loves a good sign for your home or business, Board & Brush is the ultimate experience. From the wood to the paint to expert instructors, everything is supplied, which means all you need to do is simply show up with your mama and let those creative juices flow.

You’ll get to do things like assembling sign boards, distressing wood, choosing stains, working out lettering and more! The cutest part: you’ll have a special sign to remind you of your time away with Mom.

Click here to learn more and to book your experience.

Contact Board & Brush
25 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 971-8150
amesbury@boardandbrush.com
Board & Brush Website

#4 Bryony & Birch Collective

While Bryony & Birch is an actual space that houses a hair salon, yoga & wellness studio, fully equipped photography & videography studio, art and the best finds from local artisans and apparel & jewelry designers, it’s also a community of creatives who are actively seeking to network, collaborate and champion each other’s successes.

Pop in with your mama:

  • For a little hair care
  • To browse & shop local art, jewelry, and apparel
  • And take a yoga or wellness class
  • To simply say hello!

Click here to discover the yoga and wellness classes Bryony & Birch offers.

Contact Bryony & Birch
48 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6421
bookings@bryonyandbirchstudio.com
Bryony & Birch Website

#5 Market Square Bakehouse Bakery & Cafe

Open seven days a week, Market Square Bakehouse is our go-to for coffee dates, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack. Featuring a menu with loads of gluten-free and vegetarian options, they also offer specialty brews like cold brew, kombucha and local beer and cider!

Contact Market Square Bakehouse Bakery & Cafe
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5237
Market Square Bakehouse Bakery & Cafe Website

#6 Amesbury Carriage Museum

While the Amesbury Carriage Museum has been around for a long time, it’s been undergoing quite the transformation and is definitely a place to watch! With renovations slated to be finished by the end of 2021, this space will be the ultimate welcoming history center, museum and backdrop for a ton of events.

Portions of their historic building are still underwork, but it’s super worthwhile to pop over and check out what’s happening! They also offer fantastic walking tours, which is a fantastic way to learn about Amesbury’s rich history as well as the A-Z of carriages!

Contact Amesbury Carriage Museum
Suite 101, 5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-5058
amesburycarriagemuseum@gmail.com
Amesbury Carriage Museum Website

#7 Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum

Nautical by nature (see what we did there?), Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum is one of New England’s most iconic buildings and boat production facilities. While COVID has made visiting slightly limited (we’re hoping that changes in late 2021), it’s located on gorgeous land and offers stunning views that are totally worth strolling or picnicking on.

Contact Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum
459 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-0050
Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum Website

#8 Flatbread Co.

When it comes to pizza you can feel extra good about, the minds behind Flatbread Co. are the masters. Through their use of organic ingredients, clean & chemical-free meat and gluten-free/vegan options, they create some of the freshest, tastiest and photo-worthy food in Amesbury.

Available for dine-in or takeaway, you need to eat Flatbread Co. AT LEAST once while in Amesbury!

Contact Flatbread Co.
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-9800
Flatbread Co. Website

Need Mother of the Bride Hair Inspo? Just ask Katie Cavic.

Katie Cavic is the heart, body and soul behind Bryony & Birch as well as one of the North Shore’s most sought-after hairdressers.

With years of wedding hair experience, she’s sharing her top five mother of the bride hairstyles below!

Click here to book an appointment with Katie Cavic at Bryony & Birch | Hair Loft.