15 Best Things to Do in East Bridgewater (MA)

The East Bridgewater community in Plymouth County has many of the hallmarks of a southeastern Massachusetts town, including cranberry bogs and dairy and fruit farms.

In 1649, Sachem Rock in East Bridgewater was a meeting point between the Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag settlers of Sachem Massachusetts.

The land surrounding this granite outcropping is owned by the city, and there are historical markers describing this important event in European settlement in southeastern Massachusetts.

Among the residential neighborhoods, East Bridgewater and surrounding towns have many farms open to the public for fruit farms, pony rides, homemade ice cream, and all kinds of seasonal activities.

1. Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area

More than 2,000 acres of public lands east of town are maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

What you'll encounter at Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area is a rich aquatic environment, consisting of a network of ponds, reservoirs, Atlantic white pine and red maple swamps, and former cranberry bogs.

All of this is an oasis for birdlife, especially osprey, wood ducks and Virginia jays, while the grounds are home to a colony of night herons.

In the highlands, you can wander through a forest of pine, oak and birch, while the marked main trail is part of the 230-mile Bay Circuit Trail.

2. C. N. Smith Farm

Starting out as a potato farm in the 1920s, C. N. Smith Farm has become a U-Peak destination for miles around, growing more than 90 acres of fruit and vegetable crops.

Your season starts in June with strawberries, and then you have blueberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins.

The farm opens its doors in early April, where you can visit the garden center for vegetable plants, annuals, fruit trees, perennials and other gardening supplies.

The farm pavilion is open from April to December and features the farm's own preserves, honey and fresh and hard cider, while there is also a dedicated donut barn for cider donuts.

Whenever you visit, you will also be able to see farm animals, including goats, chickens, rabbits and horses.

3. Sachem Rock Farm

You can't underestimate the historical significance of this 30-acre property on the Settuck River owned by the city of East Bridgewater.

Sachem Rock, a granite outcrop at the highest point of the plantation, was important to the Wampanoag people, at the meeting point of two ancient land trails, and along an important canoe route on the Satucket River.

It was at this very place in 1649 that a meeting took place between the Wampanoag Sachem Massasut and the English settlers of the Plymouth Colony, among them Miles Standish.

At this meeting, the colonists purchased rights to much of the interior of the South Shore, from Brockton to Bridgewater.

The house on the farm, which includes 19th-century outbuildings, is newer than it looks, having been built in the late 1920s after its predecessor burned down in 1926.

4. Satucket River Frontage

The Bay Circuit Trail winds its way east to west through East Bridgewater, running along mostly quiet sidewalks but also passing through a few city-owned protected areas.

The largest is on the Stockett River, where you can walk about ¾ mile through tranquil riverine forests, with occasional views of the cranberry bogs on neighboring properties.

There are a number of spurs along the Satucket River Frontage as well as small wooden bridges, and there are a few scenic spots along the river where you can sit on a bench and enjoy the peace for a minute.

5. Ashland Farm Dairy

One of the joys of rural Massachusetts is ice cream, as there are dairy farms and independent ice cream shops in every town.

That's the case in East Bridgewater, where Ashland Farm Dairy offers a large menu of hard ice cream, including sugar-free and dairy-free varieties.

But the star here is the soft serve, which comes in coffee, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla/chocolate flavors, plus flavor options from tropical orange to watermelon.

You can choose any hard or soft ice cream flavor to make a frappe, while soft-serve McFlurry-style twisters are a real specialty, with toppings like Reese's Pieces, Snickers, Oreos and cookie dough.

6. Pony Town Parties

Ford Farm in East Bridgewater has been family-owned for more than a century, and in 2016 began offering a wide range of equestrian services.

These activities include pony rentals, pony-themed parties for kids at the Party Barn, including pony rides and craft activities. But there is no need for a special occasion to see the model.

You can book private tours of the nearby Bridge Pond Wildlife Management Area, which can include picnics or sunset cruises when the scenery is magical.

7. East Bridgewater Cinemas

East Bridgewater has a first-run movie theater, which has a different feel than the larger theater chains. In the Carriage Crossing Mall, East Bridgewater Cinemas is a five-screen complex owned by the smaller South Shore Cinemas chain.

The first thing you'll notice is that the prices are very low, with tickets costing $8 for participants, and just $6.50 all day on Tuesdays.

Despite the prices, you still get more personal service, better sound and picture quality, along with stadium seating for clearer views.

8. East Bridgewater Common Historic District

East Bridgewater's original downtown is located adjacent to Central Street, a short drive southeast of the business district. In true New England style, the historic district has a charming bit of commonality, described in 1721.

The triangular space features a charming bandstand, and is lined with historic residences and public buildings dating back to the early 18th century.

The main landmark is the first parish church, which was built in 1794 and acquired a Greek Revival appearance in the mid-19th century.

To the west, the Old Cemetery contains burials dating back more than 300 years, and is located opposite the Town Hall. Built in the 1850s, this Italianate mansion was once the home of Aaron Hobart (1787-1858), a US representative in the 1820s.

9. West Bridgewater Country Club

Along the Medina River, this popular public golf course is located just a few miles from the center of East Bridgewater.

The 18th hole at West Bridgewater Country Club presents a challenge for even the most accomplished golfers, with many things to consider.

The lower front is open, with wind and water hazards on each hole. The course then takes on a completely different feel on the back nine, with winding fairways through narrow fairways through the woods.

Precision and smart choices are crucial, but even if you have a tough game, you will be pleased with the level of care, curved turf, fairways and greens.

10. Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream

Just a few minutes off Route 18 in Whitman is another popular ice cream stand waiting to be discovered.

The Peaceful Meadows dairy farm dates back to the 1920s, and the ice cream has been such a hit that there is a second stand in Plymouth. For one thing, Whitman's headquarters is a beautiful place, with an old silo, and fertile fields lined with cows.

There are over twenty flavors of hard ice cream to choose from, all made daily on the farm.

As a pointer, bananas and blackberries are highly recommended, and you can also make your own sundae, with any flavor and choice of sauces and toppings, from hot fudge to marshmallow.

11. C&C Reading Farm

In season you can visit the farm just five minutes from the center of East Bridgewater. C&C Reading Farm uses both traditional and organic methods and has a wonderful farm stand that is well worth a visit.

Here you can find fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, fresh seafood, eggs, baked goods such as cider cakes, and a wide range of specialty items, most of which are locally sourced.

In addition to offering pre-picked fruit, the farm also welcomes you to pick your own strawberries (around June), raspberries (July) and pumpkins (September and October), with fruit available throughout the summer. Flowers are available. Month.

12. Lipinski’s Farm Stand

Lipinski Farm, located on the East Bridgewater/Hanson line, has been owned by the same family since 1932 and the third generation has been working the land for more than 30 years.

Open since May, this is a cute little farm on Franklin Street, set in a lush landscape, with greenhouses and vegetable fields in the background.

During the season, you can stop here to view plants and flowers as well as fresh produce from strawberries to zucchini, tomatoes, corn and squash.

13. East Bridgewater Christmas Parade

On the first Saturday in December, rain or shine, a parade takes place through downtown, around the Town Common and then ends at the Junior/Senior High School.

The event always has a huge turnout, with many local services, clubs, teams, businesses and other organizations taking to the streets.

You'll see bands, fairy floats, a variety of vehicles, and dancers, all decorated or dressed according to an annual theme.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., and the high school has family fun all day long, including visits with Santa, a craft fair, pony rides, and performances by the school's bands and choirs.

14. ChiliChowda Fest

Every September, the East Bridgewater Commercial Club also organizes this annual celebration that has been on the local calendar for 30 years.

ChiliChowda Fest is a ticketed event, limited to persons aged 21 and over. As the name suggests, the festival is a culinary journey, with many contestants showcasing their chili or chowder. Awards are given to the best and runner-up in each category.

We recommend arriving early to get your share of samples, and there is live music throughout the afternoon as well as a bike competition.

15. East Bridgewater Commercial Club Summer Fest

The Commercial Club has a schedule of booked events throughout the year, most of which are open to the public.

Another thing to consider is Summerfest, which takes place at the end of June and brings an afternoon of live music to the club's spacious grounds.

When we compiled this list, the headliner was blues musician James Montgomery. There are hours of great live entertainment as well as a full suite bar, great food, and a host of other vendors and raffle tables.