After over a year of staying close to home due to the pandemic, this summer is going to be all about getting outside, supporting local businesses and enjoying the wonderful things to see and do on the South Shore. If you need a little inspiration, South Shore Chamber of Commerce is launching a new initiative dedicated to spotlighting fun excursions right in our own backyard. Get out and explore!
FOR THE ART AND MUSIC LOVER
South Shore Arts Center, located in the heart of Cohasset Village, hosts inspiring exhibitions throughout the year, but their biggest event is the annual Festival of the Arts. This year’s reimagined event, “Over the Moon: South Shore Art Center is on the Rise,” will take place July 17-24. After your visit, take a stroll down Main Street to peruse the many fine boutiques and restaurants. Grab a cappuccino at Seabird Coffee, dine on the deck at Lenny’s Hideaway or relax on the patio at Bia Bistro.
Headquartered in Rockland, 4th Floor Artists Association is a unique artist collective housed inside a series of industrial buildings that once housed a shoe and sandpaper factory. Stop by for a “Sandpaper Saturday” pop-up event to mix and mingle with artists and pick up some amazing gifts. While you’re in the neighborhood, grab lunch at Jac’s Café, Player’s Sports Bar & Grille, Lucca’s or Mineiros Brazilian Steak House.
Nothing says summer quite like an evening of live music. Listen to local and touring artists perform at Paragon Boardwalk (paragonboardwalk.com), located across from Nantasket Beach in Hull, or at Rexicana Surf Cantina & Levitate Backyard (levitatebackyard.com) in Marshfield’s Webster Square. Not far away you can enjoy delicious food and drink at Liv Creative Cuisine or Stellwagen Brewing Company.
FOR THE HISTORY BUFF
Walk in the footsteps of presidents by taking a self-guided tour of the grounds at the Old House at Peacefield, part of Adams National Historical Park in Quincy. This historic site is where John Adams drafted the Massachusetts Constitution and where our 6th President, John Quincy Adams, was born. Download the new National Park Service app for helpful information. If you’re hungry, head over Idle Hour or Alba and you won’t be disappointed.
Did you know that Scituate was the birthplace of the Irish mossing industry? Visit Scituate’s Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum to see the tools of the trade and learn about this fascinating heritage. The museum is open on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Afterwards, head to Front Street to enjoy the sights and grab some food and local brews at Galley, Rivershed or Board 143 in North Scituate..
One of Plymouth’s lesser-known but historically significant sites is the Plymouth Cordage Company Museum. The museum welcomes visitors on weekends to learn about the company, which in its heyday employed nearly one quarter of the town’s residents. Today, the industrial mill buildings house a collection of shops, offices and restaurants, including the 1620 Winery and Three V. The museum is just north of Plymouth’s bustling waterfront area.
FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
The South Shore is a natural wonderland, and we aren’t just talking about the amazing beaches. Lace up your sneakers for a walk along the Indian Head River at Tucker Preserve in Pembroke or head to Luddam’s Ford Park in Hanover for some fishing. Enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up at Lucky Finn Cafe or Lil Dukes Ice Cream Shop at Merchant’s Row
Prefer biking or have a stroller? Check out Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, which has 12 miles of paved trails, as well as wooded bridle paths. There’s excellent dining and shopping opportunities just a short ways away in Hingham Square. Get your coffee at Red Eye Roasters or grab a table at Tosca or Stars.
Weymouth’s Osprey Overlook Park is a scenic park offering stunning views of the Back River and tidal salt marsh. This paved 3/4-mile trail is a great place to spot osprey from early spring through early fall. Extend your walk into Great Esker Park, where there are an additional 6 miles of trails (and it’s stroller-friendly). Later on, treat yourself to a meal at The Venetian or at Niko’s Restaurant in nearby Jackson Square.
