Come celebrate AVIS's 125 year anniversary by joining us for a hike at Goldsmith Woodland Reservation. Goldsmith Woodlands is one of 29 reservations owned and maintained by AVIS. It is a 170-acre woodland with a beautiful pond and a variety of plant species. We will hike on the main trail which leads to a small ridge overlooking the pond. On our return, we may explore some other trails. The total hike distance will be about 2.5 miles. Pair this event with an earlier afternoon visit to AVIS Art Exhibit on 97 Main Street.

Engage with Larry Dunn about his solo photography exhibit titled, American Chrome in the Ballroom gallery. Larry’s passion for vintage cars which started when he was a child comes through in his graphic closeups of their colorful designs. Enjoy light morning refreshments and nibbles.

The Historic Essex Walking Tour is a self-guided tour (with a brochure and map to guide you) to 16 interpretive signs that highlight the historic significance of this New England village. Learn how 300+ years of shipbuilding produced close to 4,000 wooden vessels; find a 1797 Paul Revere bell; discover the birthplace of the fried clam; learn about the grave robberies of 1818; gain insight into how Essex became known as “America’s Antiques Capital”; and other interesting stories. Benches along the Essex Causeway provide a place to sit and relax as you take the tour.

Join AVIS board members for a pleasant hike along the Shawsheen River. We will hike on the Claus Dengler trail (named for a former AVIS president) which runs along the Shawsheen River from Abbot Bridge to Balardvale train station, a distance of 1.5 miles. We will walk along open meadows and into the woods. The river is visible throughout most of this hike. This is an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife and plant species. On our return, we may explore some other trails. The total distance for this hike is approximately 3 miles.

Step back in time with us for a day of blacksmithing in the Essex Company forge, the company that built the city of Lawrence! Richard Wright of the Granite State Hammer Alliance will be demonstrating the craft of traditional blacksmithing methods, forging both iron and mild steel to create items for practical use in our historic courtyard. The forge was first in use in the early 1880's when the Essex Company complex at 6 Essex Street in Lawrence was constructed.