15 Best Things to Do in Oxford (MA)

First settled by Christians in the late 17th century, Oxford is a city of just 13,000 people located on the French River.

The unusual thing about the Oxford landscape is that much of the city belongs to the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes.

You can visit two USACE facilities in and around Oxford at Hodges Village Dam and Lake Buffumville, one of the best public golf courses in New England.

Oxford's most famous daughter is Clara Barton (1821-1912), founder of the American Red Cross, whose remarkable and inspiring story is told in the house in which she was born and raised.

1. Oxford Center

Where the busy streets of Main Street, Sutton Street and Charlton Street meet, the central area of Oxford is protected as the Oxford Main Street Historic District.

Along the main street are some fine residences, most of which date from the first decades of the 19th century and were built in the Greek Revival style. Oxford's Italianate City Hall, built in 1872 to honor the city's Civil War soldiers, has an interesting story.

At 325 Main Street, it was built on the site of a house long known for unsavory parties, so the city seized the property by eminent domain.

There are a few locally owned businesses worthy of your attention downtown, and we'll talk about a couple of them in a bit.

2. Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was born in North Oxford.

Barton is noted for being a philanthropist and philanthropist at a time when opportunities for women were few. She was influential in the field of education, and later became one of the first women to hold the US Patent Office. A man for work.

Her phone was found during the Civil War, when it helped distribute medical supplies on the battlefield, and then reunited families after the war.

Her work at that time helped make her famous, and in 1881 she founded the American Society of the Red Cross, serving as its first president until 1904.

After touring Barton's birthplace and childhood home, you'll come away with a vivid portrait of one of the most influential figures of the 19th century.

3. Buffumville Lake Park

Just minutes east of Oxford Center, this flood control project is one of two sites within easy reach of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Buffumville Lake Park is open to the public, and is known for its disc golf course, which we'll talk about in more detail later.

If you're here to stretch your legs, you can hike along the Blue Lakeside Trail, which circles the entire lakeshore for 7.2 miles. Also check out the park's ranger-led programs, including guided dam tours.

The Corps maintains the park's beach area, which includes 300 feet of sand, a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, and two picnic shelters.

4. Midstate Trail

In Oxford, you can hike part of the 92-mile trail in Worcester County, from the line along the New Hampshire border to the Rhode Island border.

Somewhat similar to Greater Boston's Bay Circuit Trail, the Midstate Trail uses pre-existing public lands and trails, crossing Oxford from west to east.

You'll pass publicly accessible properties such as Hodges Village Dam, quiet back roads, as well as pastoral farmland and a series of ponds on the outskirts of Oxford and Sutton.

5. Carl’s Oxford Diner

This unassuming breakfast restaurant in central Oxford makes no apologies for its menu, even describing itself as the "birthplace of cholesterol." What draws crowds to Carl's Oxford Diner is the comfort food served in generous portions.

The place opened in 1990, but the core of the building is a prefab dinner car with tables and seating, dating back to the World War II era.

You can expect mountains of buttermilk pancakes, fluffy Belgian waffles under a cloud of whipped cream, gravy-soaked biscuits, piles of crispy French fries, and family-sized omelettes (the Western kielbasa is a winner).

6. Hodges Village Dam

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Hodges Village Dam in the 1950s as a flood control project following the 1936 disaster on the Thames River Basin in Connecticut.

The project is located on a large area along the French River, with plenty of hardwood forest and wetland habitat for visitors, along with water fishing and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.

There are 22 miles of trails, although motorized vehicles are limited to the orange-lit trails on the west side of the French River, while the blue-lit trails on the east side are for non-motorized use only. The big attraction is the 13-hole golf course that runs along the dam.

7. Carbuncle Pond

Found near Oxford Middle School, Carbuncle Pond is a medium-sized body of water, home to Oxford City Beach in the summer.

It is located on the north beach, with a small but well-maintained patch of sand, next to a beautiful beach house, grassy area and tall pine trees.

In recent years, the city has installed a spray pad here, with a variety of jets, sprinklers and benches for parents.

There is usually an open day at the beach at the beginning of the season in mid-July, with all kinds of free activities for children.

8. N & J Donuts

Located in the shadow of Oxford City Hall, this café has a loyal following in the Worcester area and has been featured in numerous media outlets including Phantom Gourmet.

N&J Donuts is a throwback in the best way possible, producing a fleet of delicious donuts, bagels and other baked goods, made fresh every day.

Featured menu items for the first time are the classic large chocolate brownies, as well as glazed marble creepers.

The pizza bagels are also special, and you can order bacon, ham or sausage as toppings.

9. Buffumville Disc Golf Course

Built in 2010, Buffumville Lake Golf Course has been named one of the best free courses in the area.

Starting on the right side of the dam, several holes contain water hazards, including Buffum Pond to the east. You'll also have to play through some narrow forests, taking into account changes in elevation.

All holes are marked, and there is a helpful map of the landscape and distance to the basket on the tee. In addition to the 18-hole tournament, there is a shorter nine-hole selection, ideal for beginners and casual players.

10. Huguenot Fort

The first Europeans to settle in what is now Oxford were the Huguenots, who had recently arrived in America after the Edict of Fontainebleau (1685), which ended legal recognition of Protestantism in France.

They arrived in the area in two waves starting in 1686, establishing an earthen fort but also being attacked by local Native Americans.

Near the Huguenot Trail you can see the remains of the fort, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

An information panel contains contemporary settlement plans, a biography of the colony's founder, Gabriel Brannon, and a list of families who resided here briefly.

11. Bartlett’s Bridge

The Clara Barton Way Carry across the French River in North Oxford is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century stone bridge in Massachusetts.

The Bartlett’s Bridge, which replaced an old wooden bridge, was built in 1889 to facilitate transportation the short distance east to the textile mill complex.

The bridge was named after factory owner Edwin Bartlett. The building has an oval arch that rises 13 feet above the river. The face of the bridge is made of rough granite, while the arch itself is made of more finely worked stone.

12. Webster Memorial Beach

One of the best public freshwater beaches in Massachusetts is located just a stone's throw from Oxford in Webster.

It is located on the west side of Lake Webster, which in the 1920s was given Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.

For non-residents, the best time to visit is during the week, when parking fees are $10, versus $30 on weekends.

A large expanse of sand, beautiful views of the lakeshore, a great children's playground, a basketball court, and a wide grassy area with picnic tables and tall trees for shade await.

13. Samuel Slater Experience

In Webster you can also take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich past. The city was founded in 1832 by industrialist Samuel Slater (1768-1835).

He is remembered as the father of the American Industrial Revolution, bringing British textile manufacturing technology and building the first textile mills in the United States. Webster recently opened an interactive museum telling the story of Slater and Webster.

You'll learn what made the area so desirable for textile manufacturing, discover the machinery that fueled the Industrial Revolution, visit a recreated Slater office, learn about the life of a mill worker, and see how Webster has changed since the 1830s.

14. Indian Ranch

Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg has been a summer destination since the late 19th century. Indian Ranch has been an entertainment center for over 75 years.

Located on the East Coast, this amphitheater seats more than 3,000 people and has emerged as one of the largest summer music venues in the region.

A host of recent acts include Ziggy Marley, The Outlaws, The Mavericks, Three Dog Night and “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Besides the campground and restaurant, Indian Ranch operates the Indian Princess, a replica of a 19th-century paddle wheel that offers public and private cruises on the lake.

15. Blackstone National Golf Club

Sutton is a very popular 18 hole championship course east of Oxford. Designed by Rhys Jones, Blackstone National Golf Club's course accommodates the natural topography of the landscape and emphasizes the visual impact of each hole from the tee.

A recurring theme from the fifth hole onwards is risk/reward – you may be tempted to target the green via networks of bunkers, cut dogwoods or tee off on hole 11. Flirting with the Pond.

Club facilities include a national barbecue restaurant, a well-equipped pro shop and a golf academy with a team of professionals who provide lessons and clinics.

15 Best Things to Do in Medway (MA)

Located in Norfolk County, about halfway between Boston and Providence, Medway is a sleepy, commuter town with a population of just over 13,000.

Medway's southern boundary consists of the Charles River, which in the 19th century was the source of water power for textile and paper mills.

The river's tributary, Chicken Brook, flows north-south through the Medway, gradually becoming a public greenway with a continuous trail system leading to the Charles River Rail Trail in Holston.

Medway's main artery is Route 109, which runs east-west through the city, crossing I-495, with the energy centers of Bellingham and Milford minutes away.

1. Choate Park

Medway has a community park that any city would be proud of. Set on the banks of a beautiful pond, Choate Park features a paved stone path that winds around the water, crosses bridges and offers south and north views.

The facilities at Choate Park have been upgraded over the past few years, and the beach area at the water's edge has also been improved.

Swimming is not permitted, but the large playground complex includes a play area perfect for hot summer days.

Next to the playground, another addition is a beautiful wooden promenade pavilion, decorated with a Gothic arch. Within the boundaries of Choate Park is the Thayer Homestead, which dates back to the 1800s and is now available for rent as an event venue.

2. Idylbrook Recreation Area and Conservation Land

As we will see, Chicken Brook, which flows north to south through the Medway, is the anchor of a three-mile accessible greenway.

Along the way is Idyllbrook Recreation Area, which can be the entry point for a long nature hike. The property was a strawberry farm until the city bought it in the 1990s.

To the east are soccer and baseball fields, while to the west the land has been returned to nature, taken over by trees, shrubs, wildflowers, beavers, cottontail rabbits, salamanders and more.

From here, the forest trail system takes you to Bethania II Spiritual Retreat & Conference Center, then to Wenakeening Woods in Holliston, which connects to the Upper Charles Rail Trail.

3. Medway Community Farm

Founded in 2009, Medway Community Farm is located on approximately 20 acres along Chicken Brook. The land consists of a mixture of fields and growing woodland, with walking trails.

These trails are part of a long trail at Chicken Brook, connecting to Idyll Brook Recreation Area and Peak Park.

Using organic and sustainable farming practices, the farm grows a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, offers a CSA program but also invites the public for educational experiences.

The farm stand is open through Thanksgiving, selling produce grown on the farm as well as local honey, maple syrup, homemade sauces, and more.

4. Muffin House Café

People of a certain age fondly remember Jordan Marsh Department Store, which has been out of business since 1996.

The pioneer in Boston's Downtown Crossing was beloved for its bakery, which some claimed had the best blueberry muffins ever.

The muffin-making mantle has been taken over by Muffin House Cafe, which opened in 2014 and quickly became a favorite for its blueberry muffins.

The muffins are literally filled from top to bottom with blueberries, and you'll get blueberries in every bite. The Muffin House Café on Savory Side is also known for its breakfast sandwiches, especially eggs, cheese and meat.

5. Fairmount Fruit Farm

Located above the Charles River in Franklin, Fairmount Fruit Farm is a fifth-generation business founded in 1920 by a Greek immigrant.

The orchard covers more than 20 acres and is mostly devoted to apples, producing ten varieties including Honeycrisp and Macon.

In late summer and fall, you can come pick your own apples and purchase treats like homemade pies and cider cakes from the farm stand.

The farm also has activities and attractions for kids, from hayrides to a hay maze and goats you can feed.

The farm stand is open year-round, selling farm-grown produce, dairy products, free-range eggs and a selection of locally sourced produce.

6. Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm

The long-term survival of this fruit and vegetable farm in Melis was ensured in the 1980s when owner Luis De Angelis signed an agricultural easement, ensuring the property would be used for agriculture in the future.

On more than 60 acres, Tangerini's Spring Street Farm welcomes you to pick its produce in the summer and fall.

It begins in June with strawberries, and the season continues with raspberries, sunflowers, wildflowers, tomatoes, apples, and finally pumpkins.

You can also buy local produce from the farm stall, as well as delicious baked goods such as cider cakes.

Meanwhile, Farmer's Porch is a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch restaurant, with many menu items using seasonal ingredients grown here.

7. The Little Gym of Medway

For children aged from four months to 12 years, The Little Gym of Medway offers a range of gymnastics classes to help children develop foundational skills, build confidence and manage their energy.

These include parent/child activities, dance classes, and gymnastics in preschool and elementary school.

The gym is also open for regular sessions, caters for birthday parties, and offers a fun schedule of trainer-led games and activities.

In the summer, Medway's Little Gym hosts a day camp combining physical activity, arts and sports to keep children busy and entertained during school breaks.

8. Happy Goats Farm

Five minutes away in Holliston is a small organic farm that raises chickens and alpine goats.

You can always buy raw goat's milk or fresh organic eggs. But the farm also opens its doors to many events, especially in the summer.

At this time of year, you could even take part in a baby goat yoga session, if you don't mind naughty baby goats using it as a play scene.

An annual end-of-year tradition is the Holiday Market, where you can meet pet-friendly goats, and purchase a variety of artisanal products from alpaca wool clothing to goat milk soap.

9. Lake Winthrop

Also near the line in Holston is a 137-acre pond with a history tied to the Napamuk Native American tribe, who lived on the southwest bank.

At that time the lake was known as Wennakeening, which translates to "joyful smile" or "smile of the great soul". In the warmer months, the lake is a place for outdoor recreation, with beachfront parks on the eastern and western shores.

To the west is Pleasure Point Beach, reserved for Holston residents, while to the east Stoddard Park is open to all (a day ticket fee is paid at the gate). The latter has a sandy beach, a spacious picnic area, a playground, a boat dock and two volleyball courts.

10. Cassidy’s Clubhouse

If you need to remove some rust from your swing, Medway has a family-run driving range, kept in excellent condition from fall to spring.

Cassidy's Clubhouse is a no-nonsense venue, outfitted with synthetic mats, rubber tees and a mix of open and covered hitting holes.

The balls are always in good condition, and you could get a huge bucket for just $13 when we wrote this list.

What helps make Cassidy’s Clubhouse a family destination is the slushies, and this frozen dessert comes in eight flavors, including root beer, strawberry lemonade, and orange creamsicle.

11. Oakland Park

Another park that Medway can be proud of is this beautiful green space lined with towering pines and hardwood trees.

Oakland Park underwent a complete renovation in 2018, with the stadium upgraded and all new walkways and pavilion built.

Sports facilities include spacious multi-purpose courts, floodlit basketball courts, and jogging tracks, but the main attraction is the stadium.

It is fully fenced, with soft rubber paving and high quality equipment. Older kids have giant twisty slides and castle-like climbing structures to climb, while there are great interactive elements for younger kids, like playable xylophones and sandboxes.

12. Chicken Brook Corridor

South of the Idylbrook Recreation Area is a recently completed trail that runs from Adams Street on the south to Loring Street on the north.

There have been plans to open the land to the public since the early 1990s, converting old agricultural paths into pedestrian paths.

Then in late 2010, major work was completed to build a section of pedestrian bridges and trail over Chicken Brook and its floodplain, just north of Medway High School.

The trail is an important link in a system that runs along Chicken Brook, from Peck Park to the Upper Charles Rail Trail in neighboring Holliston.

13. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Xaverian missionaries established one of three American mission centers in Holston in 1946.

Located directly on the city line with Medway, it is built on a replica of the world famous pilgrimage site of Fatima in Portugal.

In addition to a chapel, there is a gift shop that sells Catholic-themed items, from flowers to birthday kits. A highlight of the calendar is the holiday season, when there is a cheerful light and music show, accompanied by cups of hot cocoa with whipped cream.

14. Ryan Family Amusements

You can walk to this family entertainment center within minutes of Medway. The Millis branch of Ryan Family Amusements is centered around a 22-lane, candle-shaped bowling alley, equipped with an automatic scoring system and toddler bumpers.

If you're new to the game, candle bowling involves long, narrow pins, which are difficult to knock down.

The ball also increases the difficulty level, as it fits in the palm of your hand. In addition to the bowling alley, Ryan Family Amusements offers a game room with a prize redemption table and a private party room.

15. Charles River Center

There is a retail district on the southwest corner of Past Medway where I-495 is crossed by Route 126. Nearby you will find locations of the likes of Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Walmart, Staples and Market Basket.

Meanwhile, the Charles River Center includes locations for Michaels, Old Navy, Whole Foods, and Ulta Beauty and Paper Store, as well as the 14-screen Regal Bellingham complex.

Opened in 1998 on the site of the former Hoyt's Hotel, it features comfortable leather seating, stadium seating and an RPX auditorium for the latest in projection and sound technology.

15 Best Things to Do in Harwich (MA)

Facing Nantucket Sound on the Lower Cape, Harwich has all the makings of a great Cape Cod vacation.

The city has public beaches, railway tracks, rural countryside and Harwich Harbour, where much of the nightlife, culture and dining is centred.

Harwich Harbor is a pretty seaside village with three pretty harbors and many beautiful residences built by sea captains.

Cranberry bogs dot the interior of Harwich, and it was here that the first commercial cranberry farm was established in 1846.

The town celebrates its status as the birthplace of the cranberry industry with the Harwich Cranberry Arts and Music Festival during the September harvest.

1. Red River Beach

The medium-sized Red River Beach is open to the public with a day pass and has a neighborhood beach atmosphere.

Despite the expanses of soft white sand, maintenance levels and ample parking, the beach is never crowded, although it's a good idea to arrive early on hot summer weekends.

The view is stunning, with dunes and salt marshes beyond, and miles of Nantucket Sound ahead – keep an eye out to sea because you're likely to see seals playing in the waves.

Like other public beaches in Harwich, Red River Beach has gentle, warm waters that are safe for young children. There is a seasonal concession stand, as well as restrooms and a kayak/canoe launch.

2. Harwich Port

Just off Route 128, beautiful Harwich Harbor is the city's tourist attraction.

You have public beaches along the waterfront, and the main street is full of restaurants, bars, galleries, interesting shops and lots of old architecture.

Harwich Port was home to fishermen and sailors long before the American Revolution, and several luxury residences were built in the village for sea captains.

Views of Harwich Port linger on Nantucket Sound, and the local slogan is "Three harbours, one port", a reference to the quaint little harbors that line the sandy shore.

One is the Port of Saquatucket, where you can take the Freedom Cruise Line ferry to Nantucket. Every Wednesday night in July and August, Port Summer Nights features free live music and extended hours for shops and galleries.

3. Bank Street Beach

West of Red River Beach, there is a continuous two-mile stretch of sandy coastline bounded by Allen Harbor to the west and Witchmere Harbor to the east.

To the east, there's Public Bank Street Beach, a little smaller than its neighbor but still wide, with low sand dunes beyond and great views of the bay as it winds west.

The sand is soft, the waves are almost non-existent, and if you're a parent, it's a great place for kids to play in the shallow water.

Like Red River Beach, Bank Street Beach has all of Harwich Port's local businesses nearby, whether you want to grab lunch or grab a frozen meal.

4. Harwich Mariners

In the summer, you can catch future baseball stars at Whitehouse Field, home of the Harwich Mariners. It is a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).

The league dates back to 1885, and was one of the oldest organized baseball leagues in the United States before that.

More than 1,000 MLB stars have appeared for Cape Cod Baseball League teams, and Mariners alumni include Charles Nagy, Tim Lincecum, Trey Mancini and Ian Happ.

The White House Stadium has a capacity of 4,000 spectators, and the 40-game regular season begins in mid-June, and the playoffs end in mid-August.

5. Cape Cod Rail Trail

Harwich is one of seven towns along the route of the 25.5-mile rail trail, the right-of-way of the Old Colony Railroad, laid out in the 1860s as the Cape Cod Central Railroad.

It's a wonderful, car-free highway to the Cape, with gentle gradients, wide surface and an endless series of sights and pit stops along the way.

After heading east from Yarmouth, the route begins heading north at Harwich towards Brewster, passing through countryside filled with cranberry bogs and ponds.

In North Harwich, the Cape Cod Rail Trail meets the Old Colony Railroad Trail, on an unusual roller coaster. It is located in a small park with tall pine trees, benches and an information kiosk.

6. Cranberry Bog Tours

Certainly the best way to connect with and farm Harwich is to visit the Cranberry Bog. This can be done at Cape Cod's largest organic cranberry bog, inviting visitors in the spring, summer and fall.

During your visit, you'll learn about the year-round operation of a cranberry bog, the unique conditions that allow these plants to thrive, and all the information you need to learn how to produce the best berries.

Parents will gain fascinating insights into cranberry production, while children will have a great time meeting the many farm animals, from friendly dogs to goats, chickens, sheep and cows.

7. Cape Cod Lavender Farm

This beautiful farm is 11 acres in size and is a delight in the summer when thousands of lavender plants are in bloom.

Depending on conditions, Cape Cod lavender farms are at their most aromatic and colorful during harvest, which occurs between late June and mid-July.

The farm is free to visit during this time, but also from March to December, and is bordered by forest trails with a further 80 acres of protected land.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop, which sells a variety of lavender-infused items, including essential oils, candles, soap, insect repellent, and shampoo.

8. Old Colony Rail Trail

The western route of this 7.5 mile trail is located at Harwich Bicycle Rotary. The Old Colony Rail Trail is located on the abandoned right-of-way of the Chatham Branch of the Old Colony Railroad, as well as skirting the Chatham Municipal Airport.

From the roundabout, the trail parallels Main Street for a short distance, passing landmarks such as the Cape Cod Lavender Farm and the Brooks Academy Museum.

Also on the way here is Brooks Park, which has a lovely little orchard for a picnic along the way, and hosts summer events like the Arts and Crafts Festival in July.

9. Brooks Academy Museum

A notable landmark in Harwich's historic district is the Greek Revival School Building, which is home to the Harwich Historical Society and serves as the city's museum.

Brooks Academy was named after its founder, Sidney Brooks (1813-1887), and when it opened in 1844, it became the city's first post-primary institution of higher learning.

The school was open to men and women, and its most popular and expensive course was higher mathematics, which included navigation and surveying.

The museum's temporary exhibitions are renewed with every new year, and address all aspects of the city's past, from education to art.

The permanent exhibition is Cranberry Culture, a tribute to cranberry production in Harwich with historical photographs, artefacts, a diorama of a commercial bog and hands-on exhibits.

10. Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands

The colonial history of this 260-acre property dates back to its purchase in 1668 by settler John Bell.

After changing hands several times over the years, the city acquired Bull Neck in the 1960s to protect a portion of the Herring River, as well as the western reservoir and adjacent forests.

The trails give you beautiful views of the salt marshes and open water, and black-crowned night herons and osprey are rarely seen in the spring and summer.

For wildlife, perhaps the best time to visit is April when thousands of herring make their way to the upper and western reservoirs along the herring ladder.

11. Pleasant Road Beach

Another public beach to put on your radar in Harwich, Pleasant Road Beach is located to the west near the mouth of the River Herring.

Although it is open to non-residents and offers good facilities, it remains unusually quiet even at the height of the beach.

There is a wide expanse of soft white sand and warm water with knee-high waves. A lifeguard works throughout the summer, and you'll find benches and restrooms along the sand.

Other times it's also a beautiful place for a picnic or to gaze at Nantucket Sound at sunset.

12. Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival

Harwich has a busy social calendar, but if there's one free event you can't miss, it's a two-day event in mid-September at the start of the cranberry harvest.

It leads to the fields at Harwich Community Centre, where more than 150 vendors sell crafts.

Part of the fun is CranJam, with hours of great live music on Saturday and Sunday, with a fireworks display on the first night.

There are ten different food trucks to choose from each year, as well as a selection of craft wines and beers, supplied by Devil's Purse Brewing Company in Dennis.

The Harwich Community Center is located just a few hundred yards from the Old Colony Rail Trail, and visitors are encouraged to bike to the exhibit.

13. Bud’s Go-Karts and Bud’s Mini Golf

The family karting attraction in Harwich Harbor has been on the scene since the 1960s.

Parents can rest assured that the strollers on this track respond without requiring a lot of power for the minimum age, which is eight (or 54 inches). Bud's Go Karts also has double karts, suitable for ages 16 and up. It is available to drivers 16 years and older. .

Nearby is the recently opened Bud's Mini Golf Course, which has a Cape Cod theme, with miniature salt houses, a lighthouse, a water-powered mill, a fishing boat and water features. The holes themselves are fun without being too crazy, so correct placement will be rewarded.

14. First Crush Winery

Harwich has a winery run by a retired local with over three decades of experience in amateur winemaking.

If you're wondering how a Cape Cod winery sources its grapes, First Crush Winery partners with growers in California's Suisun Valley AVA, and sources its Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Riesling, Chardonnay, Petite Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Caberonnet into Sauvignon. . Four days of harvest.

The First Crush range includes a variety of carefully crafted wines and blends, which have won numerous awards over the past few years.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, and you can go for sales, tastings, wine by the glass, cheese platters, and wine slush.

15. Harwich Farmers’ Market

From mid-June to early October, Harwich has a beautifully located farmers market at Brooks Academy.

It takes place on a Thursday afternoon, rain or shine, and is sponsored by the Harwich Historical Society.

As the season progresses, there is an ever-changing array of fruits and vegetables such as berries, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, radishes and squash, straight from local farms.

There are many other vendors selling fresh bread, cakes, honey, fresh seafood, olives, olive oil, preserves, and eggs.

15 Best Things to Do in Kingston (MA)

Located at the mouth of the Jones River and directly adjacent to Plymouth, Kingston is a port city historically known for its shipbuilding industry.

These shipyards were located along the river banks and flourished from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries, building ships for the ancient Chinese trade and also for the whaling industry.

You can now access much of the riverfront on beautiful city-owned conservation land, traversed by the Bay Circuit Trail near the South Trail in Duxbury.

In many of them you'll see cranberry bogs, another distinctive feature of rural southeastern Massachusetts.

1. Gray's Beach Park

The only public beach in Kingston is a small sandy cove with a large grassy area sloping gently into the bay.

The site has a lot of history, and may have been the site of a Wampanoag camp long before the days of the Plymouth Colony.

Later, at the turn of the 19th century, this is where Kingston's newly built ships were outfitted before they became seaworthy.

The city purchased the park land in the 1930s, and it is a favorite summer retreat in the city and requires a parking sticker from April through October.

For amenities, you have a short boardwalk, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a stage on the large lawn that hosts a summer concert series on Tuesday nights from mid-May through August.

2. Bay Circuit Trail

Kingston has been blessed with many preserved lands purchased by the city since the mid-20th century.

Most are located along the Jones River or in its watershed, which is also the route of the 230-mile Bay Circuit Trail that passes through Kingston.

From Duxbury in the south to Newburyport in the north, the Bay Circuit Trail passes through Boston's outer suburbs in a large semicircle, mostly using trails in parks and protected areas.

This Kingston trail will take you through Bay Farm Conservation Area, Sampson Forest and Memorial Park, Hathaway Reserve, Cranberry Watershed Reserve, and Silver Lake Sanctuary, many of which will appear later on this list.

3. Major John Bradford Homestead

Located at 50 Landing Road, overlooking the Jones River, this magnificent old house is owned by the Jones River Village Historical Society and is open to the public during the summer months.

Bradford House was built around 1714 by Major John Bradford (1652-1736), whose grandfather, William Bradford (1590-1657), was a passenger on the Mayflower and served as governor of the Plymouth Colony.

Inside you can see a collection of historical antiques from the 17th and 18th centuries, including pottery, furniture, tools and textiles on display in the house.

In the property's newly renovated barn you can also watch an animated film documenting three generations of the Bradford family.

4. Plymouth

The 'Birthplace of America' is located less than ten minutes up the coast from Kingston, and if you're in the area you're sure to make your plans.

This is where the Mayflower landed in 1620, marking the birth of the second successful English colony in the United States.

It is the oldest municipality in New England, and one of the oldest in the country. There is much to see, including historic settlement elements such as Burial Hill, where the meeting house and fort once stood.

You can view artifacts from the crossing at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, tour a reconstruction of 17th-century Pymouth at the Plimouth Patuxet Museums, ride a Mayflower II replica into the harbor, and visit the famous small landing site at Plymouth Rock.

5. Cretinon’s Farm Stand

On Loring Street, near the trailhead to the Bay Circuit Trail, there is a charming country farmhouse that has been open since 1959.

Krishnan Farm Pavilion is usually open from March to mid-October. The season begins with annuals, perennials and vegetable plants.

As summer progresses, you can get delicious fresh produce, starting with asparagus and violas.

Depending on when you visit, you'll find lettuce, strawberries, peaches, raspberries, corn, beets, peas, tomatoes, squash and more. The farm stand also sells fresh chicken and duck eggs, as well as homemade jams and preserves.

6. Cranberry Watershed Preserve

An array of town-owned conservation lands awaits you within Kingston, some of which are located on the Bay Circuit Trail.

Such is the case with the Cranberry Watershed Preserve, which covers 240 acres on the Jones River watershed, amid a landscape of wetlands, ponds and former cranberry bogs.

Retired Swamps, featuring wide, sandy swamp roads and wagon trails, are reminiscent of the Cape Cod countryside, and with more than five miles of trails, you'll have plenty of time to explore the landscape.

7. Silver Lake Sanctuary

This 100-acre conservation property is located adjacent to the Cranberry Watershed Preserve, on the eastern shore of Silver Lake. Silver Lake was a major source of bog iron in the 18th century.

In fact, about 3,000 tons of ore were extracted from these waters, and later, in the 19th century, the lake got its present name as an ice-harvesting enterprise.

The city purchased much of the land in the mid-1990s and features a maze of trails through pine and hardwood forests.

You can hike to a high peak with a beautiful view of the water, and walk through ponds and wetlands along the coast.

8. Kingston Farmers’ Market

In the summer, the grassy area of Gray Beach Park hosts the town's farmers market, held once a month. It is held on the first Sunday of the month and is always very popular.

About seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, honey, freshly roasted coffee, farm-raised meats, salsas, seafood straight from the Atlantic, homemade desserts, breads, oils, vinegars, baked goods, kombucha, and more.

The Kingston Farmers Market also features craft vendors selling ceramics, organic soaps, facial creams, pet accessories, and soy candles.

9. Jones River Trading Post

One of the most beautiful sites in Kingston is the 1890s mill building on the Jones River, which is rented out for special events such as weddings.

The Jones River Trading Post is located next to a former dam site, now replaced with a fish ladder used by herring during their spring migration.

Here it is worth getting out of the car to take some pictures of the river bank, the fish ladder, and the water management building on the other bank.

A little further along Elm Street, you can reach Sampson Forest and Memorial Park, with more than a mile of forest trails and some stunning views of the Jones River.

10. Duxbury

With a port and a reputation as a shipbuilding center in the 19th century, Kingston's neighbor to the north is also worth a closer look.

Duxbury is just ten minutes away, and has a wonderful stretch of beach (Duxbury Beach Park) on the barrier island that protects the harbour.

Historically, Washington Street was where the city's shipbuilders and merchants made their homes. The historic district here preserves more than 140 buildings, most of which were constructed in the first two decades of the 19th century in the Federal style.

Near Duxbury, the 116-foot-tall Miles Standish Monument stands near where Miles Standish (1586-1656), military commander of the Plymouth Colony, lived.

11. Alley Kat Lane

This popular bowling alley has been a fixture in Kingston for nearly 40 years. Alley Kat Lane includes 26 Kendall Penn bowling lanes.

If you're new to this variation, which was invented in Worcester in the 1880s, pins are long and narrow, and you can use a ball that fits in the palm of your hand.

Everything is a little more challenging, and hitting is almost unheard of, but that's all part of the fun of the game.

There's a snack bar and a 45-game arcade, while Alley Kat Lane, located in a complex featuring Kingston Ten Pin, offers 16 lanes of ten-pin bowling if you prefer something more familiar.

12. Island Creek Oysters

One of the only oyster hatcheries in the entire Northeast is located just a few miles away in Duxbury Bay, and is open to the public for tours.

In the 1990s, founder Skip Bennett figured that the cold, salty, brackish waters of Duxbury Bay could produce world-class oysters.

What started as a one-man operation is now a giant, distributed to nearly 700 chefs across the country.

Guided tours take place in the summer and take you from hatchery to nursery and back to the farm on a 27-foot Carolina skiff. Of course, oyster tasting is an integral part of this experience, and you will also learn how to taste oysters yourself.

13. The Bog Ice Arena

If you're ready for some ice skating, this Kingston rink has at least two public sessions each week.

The Bog Ice Arena first opened in 2006 as a single NHL-sized rink, and in 2012 added another full-size rink and a mini rink. Amenities include a snack bar at the Red Line Café and a full-service pro shop.

Among other things, the facility is the home ice of the Bay State Breakers Hockey Club, and hosts youth hockey games in the Bay State Hockey League (BSHL).

If you or your family want to learn to skate, develop freestyle skills, or learn to play hockey, this rink has a program to fit your needs.

14. Regal Independence Mall & RPX

When we put this list together, the former Independence Center, now the Kingston Collection, had lost all national retailers except Macy's and Target.

But there are still a few reasons to visit, and one of them is this 14-screen multiplex, which opened next to the mall in 1990 as Hoyt Cinema.

When you arrive, try watching a movie on the new RPX (Regal Premium Experience) screen, which features the latest in projectors and sound quality, perfect for movies with big visual effects.

Crown Club members are entitled to a range of special offers, including half-price popcorn and discounted tickets on Tuesdays.

15. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Kingston Collection Mall is a branch of this national chain of indoor trampoline parks. SkyZone is designed for parents for kids' birthday parties or drop-off parties.

The park is packed with fun, not to mention grueling attractions, including a freestyle zone with a trampoline on each level, a dodgeball court, a foam pit, a wild wall, a battle beam, Ninja Warrior-style, and of course, a zipline. And a Grand Slam tournament basketball court.

In the evening, you can also 'glow', when the entire place turns into a family-friendly club with black lights, lasers and music.

15 Best Things to Do in Wayland (MA)

Over the past few years, this suburban city in the MetroWest area has been ranked as one of the most livable and family-friendly communities in Massachusetts.

One of the many good things Wayland has to offer is the amount of natural space surrounding the city, from the shores of Lake Cochituate, to the gorgeous city beach, to the freshwater wetlands along the Sudbury River.

The Mass Central Rail Trail runs west to east through Wayland and Weston, providing a traffic-free stroll or bike ride up to the shopping center at its western terminus.

Wayland also has the distinction of being home to the oldest free public library in Massachusetts, and the second oldest in the United States.

1. Mass Central Rail Trail

Starting west at the intersection of Andrew Street and Boston Post Road, you can walk or ride several miles on the paved rail trail through much of Wayland and all of Weston.

All this on the 19th-century railroad in central Massachusetts that later became the Boston and Maine Railroad. Services ceased in the early 1970s and the right of way was converted into a safe and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists.

In downtown Wayland you'll find the old Wayland Depot (1881), which was converted into a gift shop in the early 1980s.

The trail is part of the Mass Central Rail Trail, which, when completed, will run more than 100 miles between Northampton and Boston.

2. Wayland Museum

In central Wayland is the Grout Hurd House, the oldest parts of which date from the 1740s, adjacent to the Mass Central Railroad.

Over time, the building was reworked to meet the needs of the Grout family, who expanded in the 1780s and added to in the 1720s.

Notably, the house was also moved not once, but twice, to Sudbury Road in 1878 and soon after to its current lot at 12 Cochewitt Road.

Today the house is offered as a museum by the Welland Historical Society, and contains a series of interesting rooms.

The Campbell Room, in the original section dating from 1740, is decorated in the style of the late 18th century and displays the household appliances of the time.

The Draper Room features 19th-century décor and heirlooms from the local Draper family, while the Herd Room in L is finished in a mid-Victorian style.

3. Wayland Town Beach

Hidden amid deep forests on the eastern shore of Lake Cochituate (North Pond), Wayland has a public beach that would put any town to shame.

Open Memorial Day weekend through the end of August, it's an unusual facility, with a long dock that leads to a swimming area, where you can sunbathe on the free loungers and dip your toes in the water.

The health department monitors water quality, and amenities include a beautiful picnic orchard, snack bar, and sand volleyball, basketball, and corn toss facilities.

Even in the summer, you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats and sailboats at Wayland Town Beach.

4. Hamlen Woods

One of the great things about Wayland is the rare number of city-owned, protected areas that are open to the public for passive recreation.

The largest and most famous individual property is the rocky Hamlen Woods, which surrounds the ancient Welland Reservoirs for waterside picnics.

In spring and summer, there are plenty of birding opportunities – great blue herons and wild birds on the water, and pileated woodpeckers in the forest.

The woods are surrounded by ancient stone walls reminiscent of centuries of farming, and trails lead to Mainstone Farm, an upscale country estate from the early 1900s.

5. Cochituate State Park

Overlapping Wayland and Natick, Cochituate State Park includes the north, east, and south pools of Lake Cochituate, as well as wide expanses of shoreline.

In Wayland, a great way to explore the park is via the scenic Snake Brook Trail, which takes you through the lush hardwood forest and wetlands between North and Middle Ponds.

Kayak Rental Company, Boating Boston in the summer can be found from the beach area on Middle Lake, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals and lessons, as well as summer day camps for teens and younger children.

Meanwhile, the South Lake is open to motor ships, and is a hot summer area for water skiing and tubing.

6. Wayland Free Public Library

Wayland is named after Francis Wayland (1796-1865), a prominent Baptist minister, economist, and president of Brown University.

He was a strong advocate of public libraries, and he and local judge Edward Mellon (1802-1875) donated money to establish a library in the city.

Questions were raised about the legality of taxing citizens for libraries, leading to a Massachusetts law in 1851 allowing free public libraries.

Therefore, it can be said that Wayland is the first public library in Massachusetts, and the second in America after Peterborough, New Hampshire (1833).

The current Georgian Revival-style building dates back to 1900 and is a vibrant community resource filled with services, programs and events for all ages.

7. Spellman Museum

Unusually, Regis College in Weston has a museum dedicated to the Fellowship (stamps).

The Spellman Museum was founded nearly 30 years ago through the personal collection of Francis Spelman (1889-1967), Archbishop of New York.

Since its founding in 1960, the Spellman Museum's collection has grown to more than two million pieces of stamps, including works by figures such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) and the distinguished violinist Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987). They are also included.

With rotating displays drawing on this vast inventory, the museum is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday afternoon.

8. Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

Located just off the Welland-Lincoln line, this country estate combines a working farm and a wildlife sanctuary. A highlight for children will be the farm featuring sheep, chickens, goats, pigs and cows, all kept in a rustic setting.

There are also four miles of trails, winding through crop fields and forests, up to the summit of the Glacier Drum that gives the reserve its name.

It's one of the highest points in Greater Boston, and if you visit on a clear day, you can see Mount Wachusett 30 miles to the northwest.

9. Weston Aqueduct Trail

Built at the turn of the 20th century to transport water from the Sudbury Reservoir in Framingham to the Weston Reservoir, just east of the Regis College campus, an underground canal lurks through an undeveloped corridor in Wayland.

The Weston Canal is 13.5 miles long, and in 1990 its entire route, as well as its infrastructure and buildings, were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Long stretches of the Aqueduct Course are open to the public, allowing you to walk or bike through much of Wayland.

The trail passes through residential areas along an embankment, is rough, and has more elevation changes than the Central Rail Trail, but it will help you see Wayland and the surrounding communities in a new light.

10. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

The banks of the Sudbury River are bordered by important freshwater wetlands, protected by a 3,600-acre National Wildlife Refuge conservation area.

In Wayland, you're next to the headquarters of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

There are a few trails in this unit, including the stunning Red Maple Trail, which has lovely views of the lowlands from the boardwalk, and wraps around the pond.

If you come in summer, you have a good chance of seeing waterfowl as well as great blue herons, river otters and a variety of turtles.

11. Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe

The oldest family-run restaurant in Wayland is Mel's Commonwealth Cafe, dating back to 1958 when it opened as Elmwood Donut Shop.

In the early days, co-owner Mel Blumstein tweaked the menu as customers requested new items like eggs and lunch options. It's now a family-friendly brunch spot, run by his children and staffed by the third generation.

If you're a fan of classic restaurants, you'll be thrilled with Mill's Commonwealth Cafe, the big hitters being the omelets, breakfast sandwiches, but most of all, their famous No. 1 Eggs Benedict, all served with Mill's signature topping. Homemade potatoes

12. Verrill Farm

Just past the north end of Wayland, this 200-acre estate has been owned by the Wirral family for more than a century.

The Verrels switched from dairy to fresh produce in the 1990s, and in 1995 opened a permanent farm, becoming the first farm in the area to include a commercial kitchen and bakery. It's safe to say that Verrill Farm has been farm-to-table since before the term existed.

Head here for a large selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, plus homemade sandwiches and prepared meals, fresh pies and pastries, flowers, handmade gifts, and quality specialty items from all over New England.

Look for events in December such as harvest festivals and visits to Santa's farm.

13. Alpine field

Located north of Wayland, this provincial park is embedded in the rural landscape, surrounded by reserve features.

Alpine Field is a must-see for families, with a fenced-in field set amidst pine trees and a multi-use sports field.

But it can also be the first step on a longer hike, as the park adjoins Castle Hill Conservation Area, another beautiful piece of eastern white pine forest.

Other city-owned natural areas are Trout Brook, Oxbow Meadows (former Nike missile site), and Upper Mill Brook, as well as the Hazelbrook Conservation Area, owned by the Sudbury Valley Trustees, a half-mile away.

14. Natick Mall

Cochituate is one of New England's largest retail areas near the western shore of the lake.

And at the heart of it all is the upscale Natick Mall, which is among the region's top two malls by number of tenants (214 at the time of writing).

At a time when retail locations are dwindling, Natick Mall is stronger than ever.

Among the wide range of national and international stores here you will find Michael Kors, H&M, Apple, Nike, Nordstrom, Uniqlo, Ann Taylor, Torrid, Lush, LEGO, L'Occitane and Abercrombie & Fitch.

There are about 30 dining options, ranging from food hall mainstays like Sarco, Taco Bell and Subaru to The Cheesecake Factory and PF locations. Chang

15. Sandy Burr Country Club

Established on two hillside farms in Wayland in the early 1920s, Sandy Burr Country Club is an 18-hole public course, designed by noted architect Donald Ross.

In the early days, Sandy Burr was the scene of some memorable tournaments and matches, including the 1928 showdown between Englishman Archie Compston and Walter Hagen.

The course declined significantly in the late 1900s, but is now widely admired for its conditions and razor-sharp greens.

You start the round with 5 points, giving you a chance to hit the net, and you have to be precise to avoid the unforgiving jab.

Don't miss the view from the clubhouse rooftop, a traditional Tudor Revival-style facility.

15 Best Things to Do in Ipswich (MA)

Located on the North Shore, this amazingly preserved town has more first-century homes than any other community in the United States.

Ipswich has about 60 houses built before 1725, many of which are open to the public as historic museums and restaurants.

The newest is Crane, an unusual coastal area where an industrialist built his luxurious country estates in the early 1900s.

You can tour the house and gardens on Castle Hill, while the beach and adjacent reservation are nothing short of stunning.

1. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

In the early 1900s, Chickaw industrialist Richard Taylor Crane Jr. built himself a luxurious country estate on the Drumlin waterfront, surrounded by sea and salt marshes.

This 2,000-plus acre tract was given to the trustees of the reservations by Crane and his wife, by the Olmsted Brothers, with a stunning beach, sand dunes and massive pine trees.

Cresting Castle Hill is a 59-room Jacobean-style mansion with sweeping views of Grande Allee and Ipswich Bay.

You can take an informative guided tour of the Great House and admire the splendor of the Italian Garden and Rose Garden.

In summer, the gardens become a beautiful setting for a Thursday evening concert series.

2. Crane Beach

Crane State Beach has one of the best beaches in the Northeast. Crane Beach is four miles long and lined with majestic sand dunes and maritime pine forests.

When the tide goes out, there is a wide field of sandbars, which in summer form lagoon-like pools of warm water.

The scenery is also breathtaking, and on the north side of Ipswich Bay you can see the sandy beaches of Plum Island. Crane Beach is a nesting site for the piping plover, a shorebird that was on the verge of extinction in the 1800s.

Their nesting areas are marked by fences and an area of washed-out organic debris known as The Wrack.

3. Downtown Ipswich

A great way to experience Ipswich is on foot, around the historic center and along the banks of the River Ipswich where there is a path that runs past the town hall.

This walk may take some time, as four historic districts meet in the city centre. These are Meeting House Green, South Green, High Street and East End, and are filled with residential, public or commercial architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The layout of these neighborhoods has changed little over the centuries, and if you look at the historical photographs at Ipswich Museum, you'll be surprised at how little the buildings have changed.

The starting point for the tour is Meeting House Green, the Town Hill being the early center of Ipswich in the 1630s.

4. Ipswich Museum

Located just off the city's South Green, Ipswich Museum features three historic homes open for tours during the summer season. The organization dates back to 1890, when it was founded as the Ipswich Historical Society.

The museum's stock, displayed in two main houses (Heard House and Whipple House), includes the largest single collection of works by the Ipswich-born landscape painter Arthur Wesley Dow (1857-1922).

On the north side of S. Main St. There is the Heard House, built in the Federal style in the late 19th century.

This grand two-story mansion has 35 rooms and 18 fireplaces, and is decorated with period furniture, decorative arts, and costumes.

To the south, the Whipple House dates back to 1677 and was once the home of one of the city's richest men, later becoming one of the country's premier historic house museums when it was restored in the 1890s and opened to the public. to

Nearby, Alexander Knight House is a rare example of modest dwellings from the mid-17th century.

5. Clam Box of Ipswich

Ipswich's most famous restaurant is the New England Seafood Shack, a local landmark since 1935.

Generations of visitors have enjoyed the fresh, local seafood at Ipswich's Clam Box, and the reputation of this counter-service restaurant has been spread by the likes of the Food Network and Yankee Magazine.

The building is also a minimalist work of art, an inverted trapezoid forming an openable enclosure, and was designed by founder Richard J. Greenleaf Jr.

His brother was an oyster merchant based in Ipswich and gave him his first dose of oysters. Nearly 90 years later, there are still lines for fried oysters in the signature crispy batter, and other menu options include onion rings, lobster rolls, fried haddock, and fried scallops.

6. Wolf Hollow

On a weekend getaway in Ipswich, you see a pack of gray wolves in the semi-wild, at a sanctuary run by the North American Wolf Foundation.

Founded in the late 1980s, starting with a group of five cubs donated by conservation facilities across the country, Wolf Hollow has long been dedicated to protecting the gray wolf and its habitat, engaging in long-term campaigns.

On a pre-booked visit, you can observe the hierarchy of wolf packs, learn about wolf biology, the history of human-wolf interactions, and the challenges facing future conservation efforts. I can know.

7. Hall-Haskell House

A good place to start a walking tour of the city centre, this beautiful Federal-style house was built in 1820 on the Middle Green near the Ipswich Museum.

The Hall-Haskell House, often referred to as the Little Red House, was owned by a former sailor who lived upstairs and ran a general store with his wife downstairs.

The building was in danger of collapse until the 1980s, when the city bought it and restored it over several years in the 1990s.

Hall-Haskell House is now a visitor centre, open in the summer, displaying historical objects, brochures and advice on all that Ipswich has to offer and the art produced in the town.

8. Willowdale State Forest

Much of West Ipswich consists of open public land ready for outdoor recreation. Willowdale State Forest spans several towns and covers some of Ipswich, which surrounds the 100-acre beautiful Hood Pond, a fishing and canoeing destination.

It can be found west of Route 1, while to the east there is a vast forested area with fire roads and single-track trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

This is where the Bay Circuit Trail crosses Ipswich on a 230-mile route from neighboring Newburyport to Duxbury.

9. Appleton Farms

Appleton Farms is owned by the Trustees of the Reservations, and its history can be traced back to a land grant to Samuel Appleton in 1638, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the state.

The land passed through nine generations of the Appleton family until it was deeded to trustees in the twentieth century by Francis R. Appleton, Jr. and his wife, Joan Mary Eggleston.

Branching off from the old house are six miles of trails at Appleton Farms that take you through pastures of dairy cows.

There is a network of centuries-old stone walls, a quiet picnic area and a small farm shop selling eggs, meat and fresh produce from these and other Trustees farms.

10. Ipswich Ale Brewery

Anticipating the craft beer craze, Ipswich Ale Brewery has been brewing quality ales and ales since 1991, earning a stellar reputation throughout New England.

In 2016, the brewery opened its own on-site restaurant/tap room, Ipwich Ale Brewer's Table, which has a diverse menu, ranging from seasonal pub fare to New American, with 15 tap lines.

If you're not familiar with Ipswich Ale Brewery's beers, a few must-haves are the Original Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, India Pale Ale, Celia Saison, and Route 101 West Coast Style IPA.

You can request a flight for a better cross-section, and some go-to favorites include beer, pancake melts and poutine.

11. Marini Farm Stand

This third generation farm in the Ipswich hinterland is known for its excellent fresh produce, but it also shines for many other reasons.

From spring you can swing into greenhouses for perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable plants and hanging plants.

The farm stand has been open since early summer, with a changing abundance of fruits and vegetables, as well as delicious baked goods and specialty items.

Then there's family fun at the corn maze in the fall, which attracts visitors from all over New England. Later things get more festive, and you can shop for flowers and frozen furs, as well as charming handmade gifts and decorations.

12. Sandy Point State Reservation

Although it's a long drive, the beach-carved southern tip of Plum Island is within Ipswich's boundaries.

This 11-mile-long barrier island is named after the beach plum bushes that grow on the sand dunes. In addition to being on the migration routes of many birds, the island is an important nesting site for piping plover.

You can see these shorebirds at Sandy Point State Reserve, along with a variety of seabirds such as the lesser tern.

The scenery is another great reason to travel – the panoramic views at sunset are nothing short of magical, and you can see Ipswich Bay from a new perspective here.

When the tide goes out, you'll be surprised at how far you can walk, and there's an endless system of tidal pools to explore.

13. Russell Orchards

Dating back to 1920, this family farm welcomes you to pick its own fruit in summer and fall.

Russell Orchards grow strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, raspberries, currants, cranberries and apples, and your season usually runs from June to mid-October when the last of the apples are ready.

Much awaits you on the farm, including a winery with a tasting room in the main barn, and an in-store bakery, which makes cider cakes, fruit tarts, and tarts using fruit straight from the orchards.

Along with seasonal produce, the farm store carries a wealth of fresh cider, eggs, honey, ice cream and gourmet items from area farms and makers.

14. 1640 Hart House

A 17th-century Ipwich townhouse has opened to the public as a new American restaurant. Located at 51 Linebrook Road, Harthouse is a little smaller than its name, but not by much.

A recent dendrograph survey has shown that the oldest parts of the building date back to the late 1670s, and in the list you can read about the Hart family and subsequent owners of the building over the past 350 years.

Entrees include lamb, bouillabaisse, sesame-crusted tuna, pumpkin ravioli, New England roast, fish and chips, and a rosemary-garlic rack of house-made burgers.

15. 1634 Meadery

There's a lot to love about this artisanal process, where traditional mead is made in small batches.

First, 1634 Meadery supports the local economy, sourcing its honey, fruit and other ingredients from nearby farms and businesses.

More than a dozen types of brews are available in the tasting room, from dry to sweet. Some of the standouts when we wrote this article were Serendipity (pear with ginger), Blueberry Dream, Cranberry (cranberry), and Orange Elision (orange blossom honey).

By chatting with the friendly staff, you'll learn a lot about the process and ingredients, while tours are available upon request.

15 Best Things to Do in Millbury (MA)

Near the head of the Blackstone River Valley, the town was first settled by Europeans in the 18th century.

Millbury's modern story actually begins a century later with the Industrial Revolution. At this time, a cluster of textile mills sprung up along the Blackstone River and its tributaries, complementing the arms trade overseen by Asa Waters (1769-1841).

The magnificent Waters Federal Mansion, completed in 1832, is now owned by the city, and is the site of many events throughout the year.

Nearby, Millbury Center has independent restaurants, while Best Shops at Blackstone Valley is the largest outdoor shopping center in this part of the state.

1. Asa Waters Mansion

Millbury's pride and joy is this stately federal mansion, built for industrialist Asa Waters and his wife, Susan Homan Waters.

The architect was Asher Benjamin (1773-1845), whose career was marked by a transition between Federal architecture and New England Greek architecture.

Asa's Water Palace is three stories high, covered by a low balustrade and surmounted by magnificent fluted columns, two stories high and topped with composite capitals.

Home to the local historical society, it is an ideal venue for cultural gatherings such as exhibitions, concerts and seminars, and can also be rented for special events such as weddings.

If you're in town during the summer, you can catch the annual concert series here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can contact the Millbury Historical Society for a guided tour to learn about the interior.

2. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

A few minutes from Millbury is a large cleft in the granite rock 70 feet deep and a quarter mile long.

Purgatory Chasm has been a state park for more than a century, and exploring it is a real adventure.

Trails lead you past strange formations, caves and ledges, and as long as conditions aren't slippery, you can spend an hour or two crawling along the canyon floor.

Some of the slopes have timeless names like The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers' Leap, and after trekking these spots you can stop at a tree-shaded picnic area, backed by large slabs of granite.

3. Millbury Center

At the intersection of Main Street and Elm Street, Millbury's old downtown dining scene stands out.

Within a few square blocks you can find Greek (Mykonos Cafe & Bakery), Italian white tablecloth (Calabria), BBQ (The Coop Wings & BBQ), Chinese (Pearl Cafe II), Thai (Kai Mok), pizza and more.

We'll also talk about the beloved Elm Draught House Cinema and Penny Pinchers Brewing Co later in this list. Surrounded by historic 19th-century commercial venues, including the Romanesque Revival Cunningham Building from 1896 at 97 Elm Street.

Millbury's best-preserved mill village is also located in Bramanville, just a mile from the town centre, where you can see the prestigious Lapham Woolen Mill, constructed in 1879.

4. Elm Draught House Cinema

If you like your cinemas to have a little personality, you'll be happy with this second-run cinema at Millbury Centre.

The Elm Draught House Cinema is a single-screen theatre, with every third seat removed to provide a food and drink table. The house specialty is personal pizza, and there is a selection of beers on tap as well as wine.

The walls are decorated with quirky movie memorabilia, while the films themselves have recently been released. Check out the schedule of special events, weekly features, comedy shows and live broadcasts of New England Patriots games.

5. The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley

Located near the intersection of the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 146, Millbury is home to the largest open-air shopping mall in central Massachusetts.

The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley are divided between big-box stores like Michaels and PetSmart on one side, and mall-style retailers on the other.

At the time of writing, some of the chains include Barnes & Noble, LOFT, Sephora, Banana Republic Factory Store, Old Navy, Athleta, L.L. Bean, and Yankee Candle.

On the dining side, you'll find the likes of Red Robin, QDOBA, UNO Pizzeria and Grill, and the 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Luxe, which we'll talk about below.

6. Blackstone River Bikeway

Work continues on a 48-mile bike trail along the old route of the Blackstone Canal between Worcester and Providence. When we went to print, it was divided into a few sections, one from Worcester to Millbury.

This stretch is 2.5 miles long, and takes you from 205 N. Main Street near The Shoppes in Blackstone Valley to the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester.

There are three parking lots along the way, and although you'll never feel too far from civilisation, there are plenty of scenic stretches of riverbanks and meadows, with plenty of nature viewing opportunities.

7. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Further north in Millbury Center you can visit New England's largest wildlife refuge.

Over 430 acres, Broad Meadow Brook is managed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, with interpretive trails that wind through open fields, mature forests, marshes, and streams.

There are five miles in total, a sensory trail designed for all visitors, a mile-long round-trip hike with a rope and pole guiding system and 14 interpretive stations, available as an audio or Braille tour.

The butterfly garden here is a summer wonder, its many flowers providing brilliant color and providing shelter to 80 or more species of butterflies.

There is a wonderful nature playground for children, as well as a globally accessible nature center that hosts exhibits, and the reserve has many programs throughout the year.

8. Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center at Worcester

There is a visitor center for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Trail at the beginning of the bike trail in Worcester.

Here, at the headwaters of the Blackstone River, you can get some context for the canal that formed in the first decades of the 19th century, and the textile industry simultaneously flourished in the heart of the American Industrial Revolution.

Interactive exhibits explain how the sleepy county seat became a lively center of commerce and industry, and friendly park rangers will fill you in on any details about the valley's history and nature.

The center is located in a stunning urban park, decorated with industrial-inspired art and complete with interpretive signage.

9. Penny Pinchers Brewing Company

Another of the many unique businesses worth exploring in downtown Millbury is Nano Brewery, which has a reputation for fun innovation.

Penny Pinchers Brewing Co. uses traditional recipes for all of its beers, from hoppy IPAs to porters, but always adds a little character.

This gives you the option of the Yard Sale Series, which includes beer mixed with raisins or sweet potatoes.

Operating on a small scale, the brewery is able to try out new lines every few days, so there should always be something new for you to taste every time you visit.

Thursdays are a casual night, and we encourage you to bring your own takeaway from the global Millbury restaurant group.

10. Singletary Pond

One of the most beautiful views of Millbury can be seen from the north shore of this grand 346-acre pond. Singletary Pond is located on the Millbury/Sutton city line, and its wide, wooded shores are lined with more than 160 lakefront homes.

But although almost the entire beach is private, the pond is a worthwhile recreational spot thanks to access to the public boat ramp at Millbury Beach to the north.

It has recently been equipped with a dock, and is popular for lake trout and bass fishing. On the southeast coast is Sutton Marion Campground, a beautiful recreational area with a beach, open to residents and non-residents from late June to late August.

11. Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux

In keeping with the upscale air of The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, the multiplex here is a luxury movie theater.

Under the same roof is a full-service restaurant and cocktail lounge, whether you want to grab a bite to eat or grab a bite before or after the movie.

For an amazing cinematic experience, try watching a show in the large-format Showcase XPlus Laser theater equipped with the latest screen and digital display technology.

All rooms have comfortable, fully reclining seating, available for a small additional fee.

12. Rocco’s Doughnut Company

There's a popular small chain of donut bakeries in the Worcester area that handcrafts huge but affordable donuts using old-school methods.

While Rocco’s Doughnut Company may be a relatively new company, it is steeped in the history of donut making. Rocco's is named after Rocco Astrella, who appears in the logo, and was owned by one of the first Dunkin' Donuts franchisees in the 1950s.

A multi-faceted company, Rocco’s Doughnut Company is the brainchild of Estrella's son, Joe, and honors his love of the craft.

This place is known for having classics like Chocolate Glazed Wright, while also serving innovative items like Fruit Pebbles, Pina Colada, and Chocolate Raspberry Truffle.

13. Stowe Farm

Located on 60 acres in West Millbury, this family-owned farm dates back six generations. Over time, Stowe Farm has transformed from a dairy farm into an equestrian farm and park, open to the public for a wide range of agritourism experiences.

The most anticipated time of year is fall, when you come to pick apples (9 varieties) and pumpkins.

Little ones will have a blast at the Kids Corral, which features barnyard animals, pony rides, a cow train, and a monster truck-themed playground. There's live music for adults, a barbecue truck, a country shop for pies, cider donuts, cider, and more.

14. Vaillancourt Folk Art

A family business based in Manchough Mills in Sutton in the 19th century, they specialize in high quality hand painted chalk jewellery.

For many, Vaillancourt Folk Art is synonymous with Christmas, and the store becomes a winter wonderland from early November.

Each year the decorations have a unique theme, and thousands of families come from all over the area. The annual tradition is the limited edition Starlight Santa, designed by co-founder Jodi Vaillancourt.

The design changes every Christmas and a portion of sales go to child-focused charities. The store has a museum displaying all previous Starlight Santas dating back to the company's founding in the mid-1980s.

15. Woolie World

At the end of Washington Street is a small park known for its accessible playground. In 2010, Woolie World - as it's known - was given a major update to bring it up to ADA standards.

It's a colorful and attractive environment, with interactive elements, a network of extensive slopes and a wealth of equipment to keep them active and entertained for as long as possible.

At the time of writing, the stadium had recently undergone another facelift, along with the adjacent Little League stadium.

15 Best Things to Do in Nantucket (MA)

Thirty miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is an island that conjures many associations, from wealth to shipwrecks.

For decades until the mid-19th century, it was the whaling capital of the world, an industry fueled by demand for the shiny, nearly odorless wax extracted from the head covering of sperm whales.

The tragedy that inspired Herman Melville's novel Moby Duck (1851) was the final voyage of the Wheeler, Essex, and Nantucket-based caravanserai.

With dramatic beaches, iconic lighthouses, and a downtown steeped in centuries of maritime history, modern Nantucket is known as a modern, upscale, and laid-back island getaway.

And don't forget, there's no better place in America to explore by bike, as the island has two-way paved trails along every major road.

1. Whaling Museum

Nantucket's whaling trade is housed in this first-class museum, which documents the origins, rise, and final days of this boom.

Part of the complex is a Greek-style building dating back to the 19th century, which was once a factory producing whale oil and wax.

One of the many fascinating exhibits gives you a glimpse into these processes, with the only original wheel oil press in the world on display.

Elsewhere is a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a massive collection of scrimshaw, and centuries-old marine wonders.

Dramatic accounts of the whaling days depict the dangers faced during the long voyages of those years, and you can investigate Melville's connection on Nantucket and the sinking of the whaling ship Essex, after a collision with a sperm whale in 1820.

2. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Explore Nantucket at its fullest with this pair of long, sandy peninsulas that join the northern tip of the island at Great Point.

This exceptional coastal environment is protected by several protected properties, the largest of which is the 1,117-acre Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, owned by the Trustees of the Conservancies.

There's plenty to see, from epic marine dune chains to wind-blown sea oaks and Cedar Country, the largest red savannah wilderness in New England.

One of the few surprising sites is Great Point, full of gray harbor seals, hunting upstream.

There, the Great Point Lighthouse is the most powerful in New England and the third in a string of lights dating back to 1784.

3. Biking

There's no denying that Nantucket is one of the most bike-friendly places in the United States, and that's what contributes to the island's unparalleled lifestyle.

This is very much linked to the network of shared-use bypasses along all major arteries, allowing you to access beaches, attractions and places of outstanding natural beauty in the most cost-effective way.

Naturally, you can bring a set of wheels with you from the mainland, but the two rental shops at the Steamship Authority ferry dock will welcome you too.

There are some regulations to keep in mind, and it's a good idea to check the Town and County of Nantucket's webpage before setting off.

4. Brant Point Lighthouse

Since 1746 there has been a navigational aid at Brant Point for ships in Nantucket Harbour.

The first Brant Point Lighthouse was the second lighthouse built in Colonial America, and the wooden structure lasted just over a decade before it burned down.

The current lighthouse, 26 feet tall and shingled, is the ninth lighthouse on the site, and was constructed in 1901. You're almost obligated to take the short trip to one of the island's famous towns.

After the Coast Guard station, there is an elevated path that takes you to the sandy beach. The view of the coastline including the harbor and Nantucket skyline is a treat.

5. Sankaty Head Light

At the eastern end of the island is an active lighthouse built in 1850, which was one of the first lighthouses in the country to be equipped with a Fresnel lens.

The original lens can be seen at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, while the Sankaty Head Light was moved 400 feet inland in 2007 due to coastal erosion.

The lighthouse, with its bright red stripe and surrounding meadow, is one of the island's popular tourist attractions.

Whether you come early in the day to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, or late when golden hour lights up the fields, it's a great place for some photography enthusiasts.

6. Downtown Nantucket

Since the 1950s, the Nantucket Historic District Commission has enforced strict rules to preserve the island's unique architectural character, and these efforts are undeniable in the downtown area.

Here you can let your curiosity be your guide, as you navigate cobblestone streets lined with typical Nantucket townhouses, modest townhouses and stately mansions from the whaling days.

Adding to the historic center's sense of uniformity is the Great Fire of 1846, which destroyed 40 acres of the center's grounds and was fanned with flammable whale oil.

Reconstruction took place at the same time that Nantucket's whaling boom was declining, leaving Lower Main Street with timeless examples of Greek Revival commercial architecture, particularly between Federal and Central streets.

The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce has released a brochure for a self-guided walking tour along Main Street, Vestal Street, and Liberty Street.

7. Siasconset Beach

Siasconset Beach juts out at the eastern tip of the island and is one of Nantucket's wild beaches. The waves here are very strong and they fall off the beach quickly.

So, while it may not be the best bathing place for less confident swimmers, the beach's wide expanse of sand and absence of high dunes still make it a great place.

During peak season, there are lifeguards on duty, as well as facilities such as a snack bar and restrooms.

Inside is a wall of towering moats, and upon leaving Sconset Town, you can walk north about a mile along the Sconset Bluff Walk, for stunning ocean views.

8. Madaket Beach

The perfect place to watch the sunset on Nantucket is this white sand beach on the western end of the island.

Madakit Beach is at the mercy of the elements, and erosion caused by stormy waves creates a large gap between the parking area and the beach itself.

It is bridged by a ramp during high season, and can be enough at any time to enjoy the views from the car park. The views of the rolling waves and sky at the end of the day will live long in memories.

9. Nantucket Atheneum

Often considered the best building from the post-fire reconstruction, the Nantucket Atheneum (1847) is in the Greek Revival style, with fluted columns and Ionic capitals on the portico.

As an institution, the Atheneum was born in 1820, with the merger of the Nantucket Social Mechanics Library and the Columbian Library Association.

It became a free public library in 1900, offering a full range of services and programs for both residents and visitors.

Also noteworthy is the history of the site, which hosted an annual anti-slavery convention in the 1840s, attended by abolitionist figures such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison.

Throughout this period, from 1836 to the mid-1850s, astronomer Maria Mitchell was librarian at the Athenaeum.

10. Hadwen House

A remnant of Nantucket's whaling days, the Hadwen House is a magnificent Greek-style mansion built in 1846 for whaling and silver merchant William Hadwen.

The two-story house is notable for its theatrical Ionic portico, the work of local mason/architect Frederick Brown Coleman, and a grandeur unseen on the island at the time.

The Hadwen House has belonged to the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) since 1963, and is a showcase for many of the NHA's collections, including lightship baskets, decorative arts, and an impressive collection of historical maps and nautical charts.

11. Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

With currents, hidden shoals and unpredictable weather, including sudden storms and thick fog, Nantucket's waters demand an extraordinary number of vessels.

There are more than 750 shipwrecks in the area, including more recent vessels such as the Argo commercial oil tanker disaster in the 1970s.

At this museum located across the harbor from downtown Nantucket, you can learn about generations of brave islanders who struggled to survive in these dangerous waters.

The Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum features accounts from the United States Coast Guard, Massachusetts Humane Society, and U.S. Life Saving Service, paired with Fresnel lighthouse lenses, ship models, black-and-white photography, beach buggies, and surf boats.

12. Jethro Coffin House (oldest house on Sunset Hill)

The Jethro Coffin House is the oldest residence still standing on Nantucket, having been built in 1686.

It was a wedding gift to Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), symbolizing the union between the two oldest European families on the island, which were not always on friendly terms.

Building materials came from coffins, and the house was built on Gardner's land, strengthening the ties between the two families.

The Nantucket Historical Society has owned the Jethro Coffin House since 1923 and maintains it as a window into 17th-century Nantucket life, with a kitchen garden with herbs grown nearly 350 years ago and planted with vegetables.

13. Cisco Brewers

Dating back to 1981, Nantucket's reputation as a one-stop brewery has reached far beyond these shores. Cisco Brewers has four locations on the mainland, including Boston, and its beer is distributed in dozens of states.

There is a tour shuttle that runs from East Chestnut and Federal Street downtown in a continuous loop on weekends.

When you arrive, you'll understand why so many people travel. The brewery is housed in its own complex with a large outdoor space, and summer afternoons are like a big, cozy festival, with live music, several food trucks, and a raw bar.

The main beers are Wandering Haze (Hazy IPA), Grappa (Grapefruit IPA), Whale's Tail (Pale Ale), Shark Tracker (Light Lager) and Gray Lady (Wheat Ale), while the beer will be Summer Reese (Golden Ale). on them. Hot months.

14. Jetties Beach

A short bike ride from downtown Nantucket, this beach is named after the large rock piers that have guided ships into the harbor since they were built in 1911.

Jetties Beach's proximity to downtown makes it a favorite spot for annual events such as Boston Pops on Nantucket, Sandcastle and Sculpture Day in August, and fireworks on the Fourth of July.

To the north on Nantucket Sound, Jetties Beach has sandbars with calm waves and warm, shallow water exposed at low tide. This, combined with the comfort, space and amenities it offers, makes the beach a great choice for families.

15. Daffodil Festival

Spring is a great time to be on Nantucket, not least because in late April, nearly three million daffodils are in bloom across the island, many of which have been planted by the Nantucket Garden Club since the 1970s.

To celebrate this amazing display of color, the local Chamber of Commerce is organizing a wide range of events and activities the last weekend of April.

The Daffodil Festival dates back nearly 50 years, and one of its signature elements is the stunning daffodil display, held in the greenhouses of Bartlett Farm with a different theme each year.

There is also a vintage car and motorcycle parade along Main Street down to “Sconset” where there is a tailgate picnic, as well as a variety of family entertainment and fun at Kids Beach.

15 Best Things to Do in Bedford (MA)

Close to Lexington and Concord, this small town in Greater Boston participated in the first engagement of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

Bedford is located at the end of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, a 10-mile rail trail that is roughly the same length as Paul Revere's legendary Midnight Ride.

The track is located in a historic railway depot, and from here you can access two other railway tracks, with plenty of interesting things to see along the three routes.

Around Bedford are fine colonial houses, steeped in Revolutionary history, and the local library holds a militia flag believed to have been raised in pitched battles.

1. Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Three abandoned railway lines intersect at Bedford's Depot Park complex, the most famous of which is the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, which is at the head of its western track.

A 10-mile paved trail takes you to Alive Station in Cambridge, on the route of the old Boston and Maine Railroad. The stretch between Bedford and Lexington dates back to 1846, but people traveled this route long before railroads existed.

The line lies on the estimated path of Paul Revere's famous midnight flight in the early hours of 19 April 1775 to warn of the approaching British.

The freight house at Bedford Depot is home to a museum detailing Bedford's complex railway history, and nearby Bikeway Source is a dedicated bike shop if you need something for your trip.

2. Job Lane House

At 295 North Road, you can tour the 1713 Colonial Saltbox House. Job Lane, the grandson of one of the city's early settlers, served as city officer and church deacon, and his son was a man wounded in the battle. an agreement

The house passed through several generations of the Lane family until the mid-19th century, and the city acquired it in the 1970s.

In the early 1990s, a barn was attached to the house, built in the style of the 1720s, and today the property represents an informative insight into life in Bedford in the 18th century. Tours are held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month in the afternoon from May to October.

3. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

On the western edge of Bedford, the banks of the Concord River are protected by the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which includes about 12 miles of riverfront between Billerica and Wayland.

The majority of this conservation area consists of freshwater wetlands, making it one of the best inland areas in Massachusetts for viewing birdlife.

Several species of waterfowl including blue-winged teals, wood ducks, black ducks, and mallards nest in the refuge. Since the river is a migration corridor, the list of recorded species exceeds 220 species.

In the spring, you may see black-and-white mallards, tree swallows, turkey vultures and ring-billed ducks en route, while migratory birds such as yellow-breasted warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks appear in the fall.

4. Bedford Free Public Library

Dating back to 1876, the excellent Bedford Public Library moved to its current building in 1968 to accommodate the city's rapidly growing population.

The building was expanded in 1999, and today the library offers a wide range of resources, programs, and services to the community.

For people passing by, one of the main reasons to stop by is to see the Bedford Flag, which is believed to be the oldest battle flag in the United States.

According to oral tradition, it was blown over North Bridge on April 19, 1775, during the Battle of Concord. The flag is made of crimson damask silk, and depicts an armored arm holding a sword, with the motto "VINCE AUT MORIRE" (Victory or Death).

The exact origin is unclear, but it was likely built in the late 18th century, and is now kept in a safe, climate-controlled room where it can be viewed on request.

5. Bedford Farms Ice Cream

The oldest continuously operating business in Bedford is an ice cream brand that began as a dairy in the 1880s. Bedford Farms began making ice cream after World War II, opening a stand that quickly evolved into a local institution.

By the 1980s, ice cream had become the sole purpose of Bedford Farms, and the company continued to expand, opening a second store in Concord and building a new production facility in 2000.

Permanent highlights include Coffee Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup and Green Monster (mint ice cream, candy, and Oreo), and you can choose from a wide range of limited editions and seasonal flavors like pumpkin.

Bedford Farms also offers frozen yogurt, sorbets, ice cream and snacks, and you can enjoy your delicious meals at the front seats.

6. Narrow Gauge Rail Trail

When laid out in the 1870s, the Billerica and Bedford Railroad became the first two-foot common carrier in the United States.

It proved unsuccessful, but it created a blueprint for similar lines later built in Maine. By 1885, the railroad bed had been converted into a standard gauge extension for the Lexington Branch of the Boston and Lowell Railroad.

The last passenger service came in 1931, and the line was closed to freight in the early 1960s. The railway track is paved with stone dust and runs three miles to the Billerica line.

On your trip you can stop at Memorial Park, and Lake Van is a beautiful place with an interesting story (more on that later).

7. Reformatory Branch Trail

A short distance west of Depot Park, you can reach another rail trail. Four miles long and leading to Concord Centre, the Correctional Branch Trail differs from others in Bedford in that it has been left undeveloped, although there were plans to pave the Bedford portion of the trail when we wrote this article.

The route lies on the Middlesex Central Railway, which was built in 1873. The name comes from the old Concord Reformatory (Massachusetts Correctional Institution - Concord), which became part of the line in 1879.

It's an easy way to hike or bike to the Concord Unit of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, as well as to North Bridge, where "Sound of World's Gunshots" was played.

8. Fawn Lake

Located just off the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail north of Bedford, it is a pocket of delightful nature. Fawn Lake is adorned with forest flowers, fed by natural springs, and was enlarged by Italian workers in the 1870s for the Sweetwater Hotel.

The water was prized for its “medicinal properties” and was the basis of a range of pharmaceutical products in the late 20th century.

The lake has been the subject of cleanup efforts over the past few years to remove the deep layer of aquatic plants.

A tangle of blazing trails now stretches through the forest and much of the coast. The surrounding area is fairly small, but the absence of busy roads can make the shores of Fawn Lake seem remote.

9. Two Brothers Rocks

This pair of boulders along the Concord River was deposited by a glacier about 11,000 years ago and has served as a landmark for people for hundreds of years.

Three Native American paths crossed at exactly this place, and much later, boulders marked the boundaries between grants to John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley, governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The two men rarely met face to face, but the stones became a symbol of cooperation and the spirit of democracy.

The two brothers served as boundary markers until the early 1900s, and are now in the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

You can get here by taking the blue trail through the Altman Conservation Area starting at Dudley Road.

10. Chip-In Farm

The Reformatory Branch Trail passes a beautiful farm and general store. Chip-In Farm is known for the fresh eggs laid by hens raised on the property.

They are collected, washed and sorted daily, and are on store shelves the next day.

You can shop here for fresh produce as well as tempting artisanal groceries, from olives to fresh bread, local Bedford honey and maple syrup, grass-fed meats and chocolate-covered desserts.

The farm has many barnyard animals, such as sheep, goats, miniature horses and a pig, and you can buy food for them. Check the calendar for activities on the farm, including regular goat yoga classes.

11. Patriot Golf Course

The public is invited to play this 9-hole course at Hanscom Air Force Base. It's a valuable facility, regularly voted America's best military mini-golf course, while also representing excellent value, with green fees of $24 for nine holes on weekdays.

Military and Department of Defense customers receive priority during peak times, and you must schedule your tee time at least one day in advance, and by phone.

Patriot Golf Course has a pro shop with everything you need, as well as a 275 yard driving range, with a 20 green and 8 green tees.

12. Hartwell Town Forest

You're never far from a walk in the woods in Bedford, as the city is home to several protected city-owned properties.

It is well maintained and features well-lit driveways and parking areas. Another favorite is Hartwell Town Forest, near Hanscom Air Force Base, with its soaring foothills.

Easily accessible from the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, the main Blue Blazed Trail is only 1.5 miles long. It takes you through a pine grove perfect for a picnic, and through the moors at Hartwell Brook.

13. Minute Man National Historical Park

There are moments in both Bedford Lexington and Concord, where the first engagements of the American Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775.

Minute Man National Historical Park preserves sites such as Northbridge, where the first British regular soldier was killed, and Lexington Battle Green, scene of the war's first battle.

You can follow the path of British retreats along the five-mile Battle Road Trail, entering historic buildings such as the Hartwell Tavern (1733), where park rangers wear colonial garb.

The area also has a literary heritage, with Concord being a literary center in the 19th century. The Wayside, which is found in the park, was home to Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and children's author Margaret Sidney.

14. Minute Man Visitor Center

Along Battle Road, near the park's eastern entrance, is the Minute Man Visitor Center, ten minutes from Bedford. Inside you can find more context about the remarkable events that occurred on April 19, 1775.

An archaeological survey was recently carried out at the site of Parker's Revenge, one of the engagements during the war, and the center displays some of the artefacts discovered during the excavation, including a musket ball.

One eye-catching exhibit is a 40-foot-tall mural depicting the battle between colonists and British regulars, while “The Road to Revolution” is a fascinating multimedia display, less than half an hour long.

15. Fitch Tavern

Now a private residence, Fitch Tavern, located at 12 Great Road, played a role in the events of 19 April 1775. It was here that a third of Bedford's 77-man militia was assembled before the Concord was built.

Fitch's Tavern dates back to 1710 and is the oldest building in the city. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the hotel was managed by Jeremiah Fitch, a sergeant in the Bedford militia company.

The story goes that people gathered by the fireplace in the dining room, with a breakfast of cold corn mush and hot buttered rum.

As they ate, Captain Jonathan Wilson is said to have uttered the famous words: "It's a cold breakfast, boys, but we'll give the Britons a hot dinner; we've got 'em, every dog's up before night."