15 Best Things to Do in Whitman (MA)

The city east of Brockton is only seven square miles, the smallest in Massachusetts by area.

Known for its shoemaking trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Whitman got its name from a local philanthropist in the 1880s, shortly after it was incorporated as a town.

Dairy farming has also been a way of life in Whitman for centuries. One farm, Peaceful Meadows, got into the ice cream business in the 1960s and has had a strong presence for more than 60 years.

On the subject of sweets, Whitman's Tollhouse is the birthplace of the cookie, invented by Ruth Wakefield at the Tollhouse Inn in the 1930s, who struck a mutually beneficial deal with Nestlé that resulted in the recipe being published on its packaging.

1. Whitman Center

At the intersection of Washington Street and Southern Avenue, and a few blocks north, south and east, Whitman has a small downtown area.

There is the imposing City Hall building, built in the late 20th century in the Colonial Revival style. Behind it is Whitman Park, where many of the city's outdoor events are held in the summer.

The streets have a small but strong roster of cafés, bars and restaurants, some of which have been around for decades, such as Millie's Lunch (established 1971), and The Venus Cafe (1964).

2. Whitman Town Park

A prominent local citizen, Augustus Whitman (1821-1880), for whom the city is named, donated 14 acres of land in 1880 for a public park.

The famous landscape architecture firm Olmsted Brothers provided the design, which was completed in the early 1900s.

Many elements of his plans are still here, including the bandstand, wading pool, large drinking fountain, and tennis court now used for basketball.

The company was called back in the 1930s to improve drainage and update the design to accommodate the Civil War Memorial, which was erected here in 1908.

The trails here wind through towering oak and pine trees, and amenities include a large picnic area, a pond with several waterfalls, and the best children's playground in the city.

3. Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream

On the map for decades, this ice cream-focused farm in Whitman remains open year-round. Peaceful Meadows' dairy farm dates back to the 1920s and has been serving up homemade ice cream since the stand opened in 1962.

Every part of the process, from developing new flavors to chopping and freezing, is done on site. Along with nearly 25 flavours, there's a selection of ice creams (including some you can make your own), shakes, ice cream cakes and frappes.

Besides ice cream, almost everything is made locally, from waffle cones to sodas, cakes and cookies. The store also sells fresh milk, homemade pancakes, and seasonal dairy products such as eggnog.

4. Hobart Pond

One of the nice things about Whitman Center is that Whitman Park is just one element of a larger piece of public green space. It includes sporting facilities at Memorial Field to the north, but also includes the picture-perfect conservation land at Hobart Pond.

Here you have a great place to get in your car and explore without going out of the city center. An uninterrupted paved path called the Boulevard runs along the south edge of the pond.

Between Essex Street and South Avenue, it winds through evergreen trees and a line of benches for a third of a mile.

Hobart Pond is man-made, and has been here since the 17th century, with a water-powered mill on Southern Avenue.

It began as a sawmill, became a mill by the 1730s, and an iron foundry and munitions factory by the end of the 18th century.

5. Old Colony Brewing

With a selection of quality craft beers on tap, Whitman Center is a pocket-sized craft brewery worth keeping on your radar.

Typically open on weekends, Old Colony Brewing (OCB) was founded in 2013 by four Whitman residents and recently moved to a downtown business district.

There's a dense list of drinks available, headlined by seasonal beers like Moneyline (IPA), Whitman Wheat, OCB Hard Seltzer (multiple flavours), Hoppy Patriot (IPA), Poolside American Wheat Ale, and Snow Day Spiced Porter. There he writes. and pumpkin L.

There's always something going on, from seasonal events to running clubs, music bingo and sports evenings.

6. Whitman's Day

When we prepared this list, Whitman had recently launched a summer celebration held on Saturdays in June in Whitman Park.

By supporting the Whitman Food Pantry, Whitman Day has a schedule full of fun and free activities for all ages. First, there is a live music program of five or more shows, with additional performances on the bandstand.

You have a dog parade, an art tent, and a variety of food options, as well as demonstrations of everything from dance to yoga to robotics.

For kids, the best part might be the Touch a Truck event, where they can get behind local service vehicles, including fire and police, as well as a tactical rescue truck.

7. Ames Nowell State Park

Just a few miles from Whitman, this 700-acre state park dates back to the 17th century.

Among the many traces of human habitation are an extensive network of stone walls, a pair of quarries from the 17th and 18th centuries AD, and two wagon bridges.

The biggest influence on the landscape at Ames Nowell State Park was wealthy lawyer Edwin Holmes, who in the 1920s dammed Beaver Brook to create Cleveland Pond, in an attempt to establish a bird sanctuary here.

Today it is a fishing and hiking destination, with miles of trails along the pond and through the forest, complete with a picnic area.

8. The Venus Cafe

Bar pizza has been a South Shore staple for decades, but it really became popular when we wrote this article.

With a thin, biscuit-like crust, these personal pies are usually baked in the 10th round? Fry until the cheese has a nice crust. Easily missed in an unassuming building located at 47 South Ave., The Venus Cafe has been located downtown since 1964.

Along with traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms and bacon, you can also find sweet pizza here with the likes of blueberry, apple cinnamon and Oreo.

9. Donald Flaherty Trail

Along Auburn Street, near the intersection with Washington Street, you can take a short nature hike on this untrodden trail.

Just a mile round trip, the Donald Flaherty Trail is advertised by a large wooden bush sign and is easy to miss.

On an old wagon track, the trail follows a bridge with wetlands flowing out of Meadow Brook. If you go quietly, you have a good chance of seeing plenty of birdlife in the wetlands, as great blue herons are often seen here.

There are several small spurs leading onto the main road, one of which takes you west to St James's Cemetery.

10. Strawberry Valley Golf Course

Abington has a popular 9-hole public course within walking distance of Whitman, owned by the Town of Abington and dating back to 1965.

If you're looking for a forgiving course, geared toward new players, or just looking to improve your iron game, this municipal course ticks most of the boxes.

The level of care is consistently appreciated, and the greens are meticulous. Because it's a public space, the pristine landscape becomes a winter wonderland after the snow falls, perfect for skiing and cross-country skiing.

11. Carousel Family Fun Center

For two decades at the Whitman Theater, the main attraction at the Carousel Family Fun Center has been the indoor skating rink.

At its best, it's a throwback to '80s arenas, with giant wooden decks, disco lights, and star prints on the walls.

The center offers lessons for all ages at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. Wednesday is family night, and there are seasonal events throughout the year.

Also check the calendar for adult nights, which are soundtracked by a mix of soul, disco, R&B, house and reggae.

12. Toll House Inn Site

In Whitman, the parking lot between Wendy's and Walgreens is the place to go for an unexpected piece of recent history.

An adjacent sign and plaque mark the location of the toll building, which stood here from 1817 until it burned down in 1984.

The inn was made famous by its owner, Ruth Wakefield (1903-1977), who developed a recipe for chocolate chip cookies in the 1930s, using butter dough and Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate.

The cookies were a huge success, and Wakefield struck a deal with Andrew Nestle, allowing the company to print his cookie recipe on packages of semi-sweet chocolate in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

13. 10th District Brewing Company

Beer lovers will be happy to know that there are two craft breweries waiting for you in the Whitman area.

Founded in 2014 by two childhood friends, 10th District Brewing Company is located just five minutes from Upington and adds to the growing number of restaurants and bars in the area.

The taproom here has a minimalist interior with a sunny patio and a large window behind the taps in the brewery itself.

There are more than a dozen beers on tap at any given time, with simple, style-based names like Extra Special Bitter, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Vanilla Porter, Triple, and Double IPA.

14. East Bridgewater Cinemas

South Shore Cinemas operates two movie theaters near South Weymouth, just two miles from Whitman in East Bridgewater.

Originally opened in 1991 and passing through several owners, this multi-screen theater is located in the Carriage Crossing shopping center, and is a refreshing change from the larger theater chains.

The difference is most noticeable in the personal service provided by the staff, and in ticket prices and concessions, which are half of what you would expect to pay elsewhere.

You still get the latest Hollywood releases, with excellent picture and sound quality and comfortable seating.

15. Summer concert series

Perhaps the best way to spend a summer evening in Whitman is to attend a free concert sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

These activities are held on Thursdays from June through mid-July at the gazebo in Whitman Park, and you may bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

Concerts start at 6:00 p.m., and each show features a new style, from oldies to country, soul, rock, funk, folk, and even performances by the Defenders Drum and Bugle Corps. .

An additional parade is held on Saturdays in late June with Whitman Day celebrations.