Beyond Boston: Interzone Travel on the Commuter Rail Haverhill Line

Have you ever thought about taking a day trip, but find yourself getting bogged down by the details, like where to park or even where to visit? Don’t get tripped up by the little things, and just take the train! By trading in your car for the Commuter Rail, you can go from platform to plans in no time at all.

With Interzone Travel, you can ride the Commuter Rail between towns and uncover hidden gems beyond the city. Thanks to the $10 Unlimited Weekend Pass, there is no need to limit your stops or fun, so you can spend the day hopping between station zones at no extra cost!

Join in on the fun at any stop along the Haverhill Line and mix-and-match this itinerary to fit your preferred starting and ending points. This action-packed schedule is bursting with New England charm, and each business listed is within a mile of the station mentioned, unless otherwise noted.

Sit back, relax, and get ready to get your steps in as the Commuter Rail sets course for an exciting day of Interzone Travel on the Haverhill Line!

History in Haverhill 

Tucked into the Northeastern corner of Massachusetts, and just a stone’s throw away from the New Hampshire Border, lies Haverhill, MA. To walk through the city is to step through history, literally. Nicknamed “Shoe City,” Haverhill is imprinted with stories and laced with the legacy of its revolutionary role in the 19th- and 20th-century shoe manufacturing industry. Threading together historic charm with an upbeat urban vibe, Haverhill’s atmosphere suits any lifestyle! Hop off the train and wander through downtown, where you feel the thrum of the city’s former glory blending with the hidden treasures of today. 

Fuel your journey through Haverhill with a coffee from Battle Grounds Coffee Co. (.2 mi from the station). Take your coffee and food to-go for a picturesque picnic or a scenic walk on Wall Street to stroll by the Merrimack River (.6 mi from the station). After you stroll along the river, stop into local businesses. Music lovers will enjoy browsing the racks at Welfare Records, and beer enthusiasts can top the trip off with a visit to Tap Brewing Company (.1 mi from the station)!   

Don’t limit your explorations to land, and take to sailing the seas! If you are planning on visiting Haverhill between May and September, book a Yankee Clipper Harbor Tour (.12 from the station)! 

Adventure in Andover 

Move your caboose back aboard, and continue your journey along the Merrimack River with a stop at Andover! Get your fill of small-town charm and feel the welcoming embrace of Andover’s tight-knit community. As a place that college kids and families alike call home, it promises adventure for all ages! Wander through downtown, collecting goodies from local boutiques, and joining the locals at their hometown favorite spots!

Bubble tea enthusiasts will want to fuel up with a refreshing drink from Gong Cha (.6 mi from the station), then sip and strut down Main Street. This epicenter of town is lined with inviting boutiques that will have shopaholics grabbing their wallets. Stop by Bobbles and Lace (.7 mi from the station), SoleAmour (.6 mi from the station), and Helen Thomas Simply Smashing (.6 from the station) and wander their wares and wonders. For those who enjoy the hunt and thrill of finding a one-of-a-kind piece, explore the racks at Andover Thrift Shop (.7 mi from the station). 

To keep your engine going, stop by Sweet Mimis (.5 mi from the station) for mouthwatering chocolates and sweets. With fistfuls of candy in hand, your stomach might be rumbling for something more satiating. Find a seat at  Elm Street Oyster (.4 mi from the station) or LaRosas (.4 mi from the station) for a tasty meal, and maybe even a cocktail!  

Read in Reading 

Reading is a place where it feels like everyone knows your name. With white-picket-fence charm and historic streets at every turn, this suburban dreamscape is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. As the midpoint of the Haverhill Line, Reading is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family and bring them along for your Interzone Travel adventure! Drink martinis, devour decadent sweets, and discover new authors in the family-friendly neighborhood of Reading. 

Try not to stop in your tracks as you exit the Reading Depot from the mouth-watering smell that will put you in a spell from Swissbakers Bakeshop (30 ft from the station). Grab a croissant, coffee, sandwich, or all three before heading into downtown!

Book lovers and comic collectors alike will delight in the downtown literary scene. Visit Whitelam Books (.3 mi from the station) and browse the shelves for your next page-turner. If you find yourself overwhelmed by their array of titles, ask one of the knowledgeable staff members about their favorite reads of the month! If you are lucky enough, you might be in town for a book signing. Collectors of comics and toys must visit Comically Speaking (.3 miles from the station) and explore their store. Packed with rare comic books and collectables, this stop is unlike any other on the route! 

With your new books and even baked goods in tow, make way to the city center. Savor your treats from the Swissbakers as you crack open your new book or collector’s comic, and enjoy the quaint city center. 

Before heading out of town, don’t derail your fun; take one last stroll over to Venetian Moon (.4 mi from the station)! Martini lovers will be regaling that it’s five o’clock somewhere, as they peruse the restaurant’s impressive martini menu and “Build Your Own Espresso Martini” experience. Nestle into the quaint atmosphere and toast to your day of adventure!

Wander in Wakefield

Be lake-bound with a trip to Wakefield, MA! Known for the iconic Lake Quannapowitt at the heart of the town, this community is a hub of outdoor recreation and local shops. Cravings for a sweet treat, quaint shops, and long walks can all be satisfied at the town’s charming downtown spots. Wakefield invites you to slow down, stretch your legs, and soak in the small-town splendor of their lakeside community!

There is no better greeting to the Town of Wakefield than the irresistible smell of comforting confections. Let your sweet tooth lead the way to Candarellas Bakeshop (469 ft from the station), where the owner, Candice, puts the “c” in cupcakes, cookies, and cakepops! With irresistible treats made daily, this is a first-class stop for your taste buds. 

The fun in Wakefield doesn’t stop there! This lakeside town is home to a variety of local businesses, from unique boutiques to adorable gift shops, each adding its own spark to downtown life. Stop and smell the roses at Sweetbay Gift Shop  (.4 mi from the station) for stunning floral arrangements and trinkets, peruse designer items at J’adore Consignment Luxury Boutique (.5 mi from the station), and come home toting town merch from Merry Lion (292 ft from the station)!  

While Lake Quannapowitt is a 1.3-mile walk away from the station, it is worth the ride-share (or the extra steps) to experience. This legendary lake encapsulates a feeling that is likened to the dreamy fictional towns of  Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Whether you choose to walk the trails along the lake or admire the beauty from the Gazeboo, you can feel the hometown pride that locals have in calling this place home. 

Map Out Time in Malden 

Map out some time to meander around Malden, MA. This city is scattered with hidden gems with adventure that the whole family will love! From one-of-a-kind indoor adventures to outdoor recreation, Malden lets you set the pace of your stay! 

For an off-the-beaten-path and unique experience, set out on a quest at Boda Borg (.2 mi from the station)! Assemble your team and compete in themed challenges in one of the many rooms. In this escape-room and Survivor-style adventure, you have no idea what your objective is or how many challenges lie ahead, but you can try each quest as many times as it takes to be victorious! If you are interested in something a little more mellow, visit Pine Banks Park (.4 mi from the station) for a walk and some fresh air! Stretching over 10.75 acres and extending into the neighboring town of Melrose, this park offers many outdoor recreational activities, including walking trails and possibly a pickup basketball game.

Once you’ve fed your adventurous spirit, keep the feast going with a stop at Hugh O’Neill’s (.3 mi from the station). This neighborhood Irish Pub is a go-to to meet up with friends, watch soccer games, listen to Irish Music, and enjoy comfort food! Stop by to join in on the merriment at Hugh O’Neill’s with the locals. If that wasn’t enough to convince you of all the fun waiting along the Haverhill Line, you can ride into Oak Grove and catch the Orange Line into North Station!