12:30 p.m. Return to Crane Beach and head to the Crane Estate (Argilla Road, Ipswich, 978-356-4351). The beach pass you bought earlier allows you to stroll the picturesque grounds. Then purchase another ticket to tour the Great House, a Stuartstyle mansion, taking in the grand architecture and deluge of period antiques. Hours vary and kids have to be 8 or older for the tour.

3 p.m. Thus inspired, hunt for antiques at nearby dealers: Andrew Spindler (163 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6045) and Americana (48 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6006) have great finds for art, furniture, and accessory hunters. Bribe the kids to wait through it all with a trip to Silly Goose (pictured) (166 Main St., Essex, 978-768-4545, www.usillygoose.com) for retro toys or something from the epic selection of games.