Sunny-escapes and Hidden Gems in Central MA

Focus on All Things New England! [New England Focus Logo]( Sunny-escapes and Hidden Gems in Central MA Sponsored by: [MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau]( [Flamingos at the Southwick Zoo] Summer has arrived and it’s the perfect time for sunny-escapes and warm-weather fun. Hit the road and discover new destinations! We’ve compiled three getaways highlighting some of central Massachusetts' best-kept secrets to spark your travel inspiration. MetroWest MA is conveniently located just 30 minutes west of Boston and east of Worcester. It's also a short drive from Providence, Hartford, Portland, and more. Get ready to make unforgettable memories this summer! #1 Outdoor Rec to Artisanal Crafts in Marlborough and Hudson [Marlborough Boardwalk] Start your day at Coffee Loft, where you can grab a cup of joe, then head to [Marlborough’s Floating Boardwalk]( to stroll over Williams Lake’s calm waters and enjoy stunning views of nearby wetlands and wildlife, ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Next, explore Marlborough's history with their [Museum in the Streets](, a self-guided walking tour of historic sites. Each stop’s plaque includes historical photos and descriptions that vividly depict the town's rich heritage, from colonial times to the industrial revolution. For family fun, head to [Ward Park’s]( wading pool with a misty dome-shaped fountain, perfect for little ones and beginners. Open daily through late August, the park also boasts a brand new skatepark with ramps, rails, and smooth red seal-coated asphalt, ideal for skating enthusiasts of all ages, as well as picnic spots, playgrounds, and sports fields. When hunger strikes, visit Kennedy's Restaurant and Market, voted Best French Fries in MetroWest. Don't miss their "Supreme Fries," topped with cheese, bacon, and served with a side of Chicken Supreme Cream sauce. Wrap up your day at the [Hilton Garden Inn Boston/Marlborough](, with comfy beds, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, it’s an ideal base for exploring Marlborough. [Hudson in Metrowest Summer] In the morning, explore lively downtown Hudson, winner of America’s Best Main Street in 2021. Enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries for a quick snack or leisurely meal, then wander the boutiques filled with small-batch beauty products, handcrafted home décor, stationery, books, and trendy clothing. Make sure to visit the shops of The Landing, where you can discover everything from handmade jewelry, vintage consignment, and pottery to delicious artisanal foods and locally sourced products—great for unique souvenirs or gifts. No visit is complete without a stop for New City Microcreamery’s unique liquid nitrogen ice cream, voted the Best Ice Cream in Massachusetts. Interested in history? Don’t miss the [American Heritage Museum’s]( collection of antique planes, tanks and automobiles as you head out of town. [Discover MetroWest Boston, A Region Full of Exciting Adventures!]( From outdoor rec to indoor play, impactful art to amazing history, lovely boutiques to engaging performances—and dining for every palate! Plan your adventure with our free Visitors Guide. [Plan Your Visit]( SPONSORED #2 Live Music to Live Animals in Franklin and Mendon [Flower Alley] Enjoy the beautiful summer weather as you explore the charming streets of [Franklin’s Cultural District](, home to the nation’s first public library! With a mix of gift shops, game stores, ethnic eateries, and even a local winery, Franklin has a lot to offer. On Fridays, head to the Town Common for the Franklin Farmer’s Market. Vendors from all over New England showcase their products, including area farms, baked goods, and prepared foods, plus artisans with pottery, knitwear, home décor items, and more. Stick around for Concerts on the Common, held every Friday from 3-8pm throughout the summer. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music from local bands. Once a month, they even show a movie. Check out the full lineup [here](. Prefer a midweek concert? Experience [Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra's]( free Family Night at the Bandstand every Tuesday from 6–8pm in Plains Park, Milford. Enjoy fan favorites like "Swing Night" and the sounds of Chicago with “Brass Attack Night”. Check out the full lineup [here](. Unwind at [Home2 Suites Boston Franklin](, a brand-new extended stay hotel with modern amenities. Relax in the indoor saline pool or on the outdoor patio with a fire pit and gas grills. Plus, it's pet-friendly! [Bengal Tiger at Southwick Zoo] Spend a fun-filled day at Mendon’s [Southwick’s Zoo](, the biggest zoo in New England, with over 850 animals in natural habitats. Check out the latest additions like Snow Leopards and a baby Eurasian Eagle Owl. Enjoy bird shows and daily Keeper Talks about conservation and the zoo's animals. Take a pony or camel ride, wander through the aviary, or have special animal encounters where you can meet, touch, and feed giraffes, white rhinos, and two-toed sloths. Hop on a train ride through the North American Wetlands and Forest to spot elk, trumpeter swans, herons, turtles, and ducks. Walk through the 35-acre deer forest and feed the fallow deer. Challenge yourself in the Rainforest Adventure Maze, or learn about how the zoo cares for their animals at the EARTH Discovery Center. For thrill-seekers, there's the Soaring Eagle Zip Line and the Skyfari Sky Ride for awesome views. Don’t miss the “Within the Wild” Carousel with a variety of carousel animals. Many rides and experiences support animal conservation, so you can feel good about your visit. End your day at the Savanna Grille for their [summer concert series](, which also gives you evening access to the park. Looking for indoor entertainment? Visit the [Natick Mall](, New England's largest mall boasting over 200 stores, including luxury retailers and a variety of dining options. Dive into interactive fun with activities like [Level99](, [Puttshack](, or [Immersive Gamebox](, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Whether shopping, dining, or gaming, the Natick Mall offers something for everyone! [Turn Whining into Winning in MetroWest Boston]( Relax with a fabulous drive vacation this summer! With fun for active kids, creative families, competitive teens, and curious bambinos, explore tons of hidden gems in MetroWest! Plan your adventure with our free Visitors Guide. [Plan Your Adventure]( SPONSORED #3 Boating to Bees in Hopkinton and Holliston [Hopkinton State Park] Hopkinton is famous for being the starting point of the Boston Marathon, but it offers much more than just that prestigious race. At [Hopkinton State Park](, enjoy swimming from the sand beach, or rent kayaks, sailboats, or paddleboards to explore the tranquil lake. Hike the park's trails through forests and meadows, ideal for wildlife spotting. Fishing is popular too, from the shore or by boat, targeting bass, trout, and other freshwater species. It's a perfect destination for summer relaxation and outdoor adventures! [HCA Summer concerts] Get dancing at the [5th Annual Summer Concert Series]( at [Hopkinton Center for the Arts]( every Friday and Saturday night in July. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and picnic basket to enjoy music under the stars at their outdoor amphitheater (and their fantastic outdoor Summer Sunday Jazz concerts are back on Sunday mornings!). If the weather doesn't cooperate, don't worry—the concert is moved indoors to their air-conditioned space. To make the arts more accessible to all, concerts are a pay-what-you-can basis. Spend a comfy night at the [DoubleTree in Milford](, where the kids can cool off in the pool while the ‘rents cool off with a drink in the hotel bar. In the morning, visit Holliston, a little New England town just off the beaten path, with quaint charm and diverse attractions. Explore downtown's boutique shops like Bird & Bear Collective and Fiske’s General Store, offering a nostalgic mix of goods, or pick up a book at Aesop’s Fable. Take the [Upper Charles Rail Trail](, starting just south of downtown, to the historic Holliston Mill, now home to artists' studios and [WSK's]( unique cooking classes. If you are visiting on a Tuesday, the Mill’s parking lot transforms into the must-visit [Holliston Farmers Market](. Here, you'll find local farm staples, food trucks, and delicious baked goods. The market also features handcrafted items from local artisans, a mini vintage car show, a petting zoo, live music, and a beer garden. Head over to [Boston Hone]([y Company](, a unique honey farm with a cute shop stocked full of locally-made products. Browse honey-based soaps, lotions, and other bath essentials. Watch them create lovely beeswax candles and be sure to visit their honey bar to try different local honey flavors. Once you've explored their offerings, indulge in a cone from the ice cream stand for a sweet treat to complete your visit. MetroWest offers a wealth of hidden treasures and exciting adventures. [Download the free visitors guide]( today to create unforgettable memories this summer! [Logo]( [Ad-300x250]( SPONSORED [New England]( [TRAVEL]( [FOOD]( [LIVING]( [WEEKENDS WITH YANKEE TV]( [YANKEE MAGAZINE]( [SHOP]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( You received this email because you signed for updates from [NewEngland.com](. If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail newsletters in the future, please [click here to manage your preferences or unsubscribe](. *Please do not reply to this e-mail* © 2024 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. 1121 Main Street | P.O. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444 [Contact Us]( [View web version](