Four years ago, real estate agent Joelle Smith and her husband were considering a move from Stoneham for their family. They took a drive to Andover to check out the town, and as they rolled through the downtown, they immediately knew.
“We just looked at each other and said, ‘We want to live here,’” Smith says. So they made the leap.
Indeed, for longtime residents, new transplants, or even day-trippers from elsewhere on the North Shore, Andover combines New England charm, delightful shopping and dining, and outdoor beauty into a destination with enduring appeal. Whether the goal is boutique shopping, exploring the natural world, or marveling at artistic masterpieces, Andover has choices aplenty.
The heart of Andover is its downtown. Stately historic homes line Route 28 on either side of a commercial center populated by small, locally run businesses, many with deep historic roots in town. The Andover Bookstore, founded in 1809, claims the title of oldest independent book shop in the country. Royal Jewelers has been in operation since 1948 and is now under the leadership of the founder’s son.
The restaurant scene is also robust, with casual spots for tacos, sandwiches, and coffee (Smith recommends the homemade coffee syrups at Nan’s Kitchen), and high-end choices for steak and seafood (La Fina’s elegance and high-quality food make it a standout). Opened just last year, the Autograph Tavern offers upscale pub food in a casual atmosphere.
“The downtown is a treasure,” says Alexander Vispoli, chair of the town select board and a longtime resident who raised his four children in Andover.
And the town makes good use of its inviting downtown. A popular farmers market operates every Saturday, and, behind the historic Old Town Hall, Adirondack chairs invite people to gather and relax. In warmer weather, the area hosts outdoor movies, weekly concerts, kids’ activities, and food trucks.
“These events capture an intergenerational audience: Grandparents, parents, children all gather together,” says Jim Cass, president of Oak & Iron Brewing Co., another popular spot for socializing. “These evenings are magical.”
In September, the annual celebration of Andover Day lines the downtown streets with nearly 250 vendors and local businesses, as well as kids’ activities, live music, a petting zoo, and even a margarita garden. Some 15,000 people attend each year. This year’s event is scheduled for September 20.
Visitors looking to explore beyond the town center are also in luck. Just south of downtown, the campus of Phillips Academy looks like something out of a movie (indeed, the elite high school stood in for Harvard in The Social Network), and is home to the Addison Gallery of American Art, an acclaimed museum featuring works by notable artists including Jackson Pollock and John Singer Sargent.
Drive north into the neighborhood known as Shawsheen Village, and you might notice the houses to the west of Route 28 are largely brick, while the homes to the east are mostly clad in white clapboard. This split dates back 100 years, when the owner of a wool mill built housing for his employees: A neighborhood of stately brick homes for executives, and more modest white homes for managers.
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from several destinations in town. The Charles W. Ward Reservation, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, offers miles of trails through forests, over the area’s only quaking bog, and up to the top of Holt Hill, where granite stones set to mark the summer and winter solstices excite the imagination, and Boston can be seen in the distance. At Vale Reservation, paddlers can kayak or canoe along the Shawsheen River, and hikers can explore trails and look for wetland birds and animals.
“It’s just a really beautiful place to walk,” says Ellen Townson, who grew up in Andover and chose to stay in her hometown to raise her own family.
For Smith, who moved her family to town four years ago, Andover has proven to be even better than she and her husband had hoped.
“It’s really special,” she says, “and it’s got a lot to offer.”
To Do
Oak and Iron Brewing
Sip flavorful, locally brewed beers in the taproom’s warm convivial atmosphere or outdoors on the dog-friendly patio.
La Fina
Indulge in luxurious steak, seafood, and wines in the sleek and sophisticated ambiance of this modern steakhouse.
34 Park
Enjoy modern takes on Italian specialties, linger over a delicious brunch, or pop in on a weekday to enjoy bar snacks and a creative cocktail.
Elm Square Oyster Co.
Reap the delicious benefits of chef Michael Sherman’s relentless dedication to scratch cooking in American dishes with contemporary twists.
Autograph Tavern
Settle in to watch the game and chat with the locals while enjoying creative cocktails and pub fare elevated by thoughtful touches and locally sourced ingredients.
Les Fleurs
Assemble a bouquet of lush, fresh flowers, or browse the French-inspired shop’s curated collection of bath and body products, vintage garden and home goods, and handmade stationery.
Andover Bookstore
Browse classics and modern bestsellers in the cozy confines of the country’s oldest operating independent bookstore.
SoleAmour
Fashion lovers will have a field day exploring this boutique’s unique selection of stylish clothes, bold footwear, and inspired accessories.
Savoir Faire
Get inspired by elegant and unique furniture, décor, and home accessories sourced during the owner’s travels through Europe.
Addison Gallery of American Art
Visit the campus of Phillips Academy to step inside one of the country’s most important collections of American art, featuring works by notable artists including Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keeffe—all free of charge.
Andover Wine Merchant
Find your new favorite bottle among the inventory of traditional favorites and up-and-coming labels, all chosen by owner and master sommelier Audra Prout.
Events at Old Town Hall
The outdoor area behind the historic town hall hosts summer movie nights, public art displays, food trucks, live music performances, and more.
Charles W. Ward Reservation
Hike through diverse ecological habitats, from woodlands to a quaking bog, and climb Holt Hill for sweeping views stretching all the way to Boston.
thetrustees.org/place/charles-w-ward-reservation
Vale Reservation
Wander the trails that crisscross woods, marshland, and meadow on the 47-acre parcel, or bring your canoe or kayak along and paddle along the scenic Shawsheen River.