Coastal vibes, a relaxing Rockport adventure
By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer
At the very end of the Cape Ann Peninsula sits the adorable seaside town of Rockport.
Synonymous with Rockport is the traditional New England fishing shack, Motif Number 1. Any time of year, you will find photographers snapping the perfect shot and artists at their easels struggling to impart the beauty of the iconic building to canvas. Located in the center of town on Bradley Wharf, Motif Number 1 is the iconic symbol of Rockport and its seafaring history. The original structure was destroyed in the Blizzard of ‘78. The town rebuilt its revered icon and the rest, as they say, is history. Touted as the most painted building in the world, it is a bucket list photo
Photo: Cape Ann Marina, Gloucester, MA, by Sandi Barrett
Summer fun 2025
for every tourist and would-be artist in the vicinity.
Beaches
Known for beautiful beaches, Rockport has several options to suit your toes-in-the-sand preferences.
Front Beach in the downtown area is sandy with a few rocky portions. Perfect if you are staying in town, the beach is walkable from the shops, hotels, and restaurants. Families love this beach at low tide – there are lots of fun tide pools to dip your toes into and explore.
Long Beach stretches between Rockport and Gloucester. A neighborhood-style beach, it can be a quiet spot to soak up sunshine. The beach is popular with the windsurfing and surfboarding crowd.
Back Beach is right next door to Front Beach. It is a favorite beach for divers. A mixture of sand, gravel, and rocks, it’s not the best beach if you want to swim.
Cape Hedge Beach is a quiet neighborhood beach. The pebble-strewn stretch offers gorgeous views of the Thacher Island Lighthouses, but parking can be a challenge. If you are staying on the south side of Rockport, this is a fun beach to bike to.
Shopping
There’s lots of fun shopping downtown. Souvenir shops, candy emporiums, unique clothing purveyors, and an intriguing array of galleries
beckon you to enter and be amazed.
The Pewter Shop is a must stop for travelers who collect Christmas ornaments to commemorate their adventures. These locally made, solid pewter ornaments will forever remind you of your wonderful coastal getaway.
Bearskin Neck Country
Store is filled with sweet treats, many you haven’t seen since childhood. Shelves lined with penny candy jars hold handfuls of colorful sweets, tempting even the most reluctant snacker. There is even a player-piano ready to play a retro tune.
Another favorite is Tuck’s Candy Factory, offering hand-
crafted, sweet-tooth-tempting candies. They even have a Candy of the Month Club for that special sweetie in your life.
If you go
The Lobster Pool Restaurant is a classic New England lobster shack offering perfectly cooked and plated lobster rolls. The quintessential little red shack is a local favorite.
Everything you want in a takeaway spot, it is perched on a rocky outcrop for a gorgeous view. Grab your lobster roll for a classic beach picnic lunch.
Spin over to neighboring Gloucester for dinner at the Cape Ann Marina. Mile Marker One Restaurant is the place for a fabulous seafood dinner with gorgeous harbor views. The Sautéed Mussels
are divine.
If a stay right on Front Beach is your goal, Captains Bounty on the Beach is a great option. You can walk to the downtown shops and restaurants and have your blanket on the sand just steps from your room. In the evening, enjoy the beach twilight from your balcony with a cold adult beverage for a perfect beach day ending.
While it takes a bit of navigating off the main roads to land in Rockport, once you are there, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle. Rockport offers a perfect vacation close to home. You can breathe the salty air, enjoy delicious seafood creations, and soak up summer sunshine while visiting the North Shore.
Photo: Motif #1, Rockport, MA, by Sandi Barrett
Photo: Lobster Roll, The Lobster Pool Restaurant, Rockport, MA, by Sandi Barrett
Summer fun 2025
Summer Starts in the Garden
BOYLSTON – Summer in New England often arrives with a crush of events. School winds down, but for some, life speeds up as everyone jostles to take advantage of warmer weather and longer days. Many summer activities get people outdoors, and this is good news, as countless benefits come with more time spent in nature.
“People need opportunities to connect with nature. There’s no doubt about it,” says Grace Elton, CEO of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Gardening has long been considered an ideal stress reliever, and studies show that time spent in green space provides a world of good to human wellbeing from improved cognition to better social interactions. Simply listening to birdsong has positive impacts on mental health.
“We know the tremendous value,” says Elton. “That’s one reason why we work so hard to create experiences with plants that inspire visitors to engage with the natural world around them.” The nearly 200-acre Boylston-based botanic garden offers vibrant blooms and no shortage of exciting ways to soak up all the benefits of being outdoors this summer.
Art and Music
Artists, musicians, and performers share their creative talents at the Garden through nature-inspired arts and culture programs year-round. Large, outdoor sculpture installations have grown into a summer staple. This year, Art in Motion: 25 Years of Sculpture by George Sherwood delights visitors with 17 kinetic sculptures carefully crafted from stainless steel to reflect sunlight and move in the wind. Each unique piece draws inspiration from movement in nature like the flight of birds and ripples on water. “Experiencing this mesmerizing collection changes on every visit,” Elton says. The exhibition is on view now through October 12.
Twilight Experiences
The long days of summer are perfect for unwinding outdoors. That’s why, beginning June 18 and continuing through August, the Garden stays open late on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visitors can experience the wonders of the gardens by twilight. A beer garden and live music on Thursdays makes a visit with friends, coworkers, or family one to remember. And nothing
beats the view of the summer sun setting over the Wachusett Reservoir!
Classes and Workshops
Whether seeking to build gardening skills, try a new art form or craft, or really focus on health and wellness through yoga or forest bathing, people of all ages will find a robust calendar of enriching learning opportunities at the Garden this season. “Our educational programs have really expanded in recent years,” says Elton. “From horticulture classes to family firefly walks to photography workshops, we like to offer something for everyone.”
Dining Al Fresco
Savor the summer with local flavors. The Farmer and the Fork café offers onsite lunch to Garden visitors seven days a week, and their creative, carefully crafted menu features sandwiches, bowls, salads, soups, kids fare, and dessert, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can pair their meal with a selection of local beer or an array of non-alcoholic beverages. Dine outside on the terrace or—new this year—luxuriate in the gardens with an elegant,
“ People need opportunities to connect with nature. There’s no doubt about it.
Grace Elton CEO,
made-to-order picnic. Picnic baskets, available by reservation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, include a specially curated picnic menu along with a picnic blanket or low portable table to set up in the garden location of your choice.
Walking and Hiking
Beyond the Garden’s many beautiful formal and naturalistic spaces, visitors can find solitude along trails that wander through the surrounding forest. An understory of witch hazel and mountain laurel
grow among oaks, red maples, white pine, and black and grey birches. Pack your hiking boots and head up the Summit Trail for breathtaking views. Then follow the coral blazes to explore a trail that leads deeper into the woodlands before winding back to the core of the Garden where you can stroll among picturesque blooms. “There are countless ways to experience the Garden this summer,” says Elton. “We hope visitors will make the most of all we have to offer!” Learn more at nebg.org.
New England Botanic Garden
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Getaway to picturesque Lenox
By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer
Lenox, Massachusetts, is a quintessential New England small town imbued with a relaxed elegance. The back-to-nature vibe coupled with amazing musical performances, wellness-centered activities, and intriguing art and history makes Lenox a quaint spot for a getaway stay.
Anchoring the Berkshires, Lenox attracts year-round visitors, but summer and fall are the high seasons for this bucolic stretch of the Commonwealth.
Tanglewood
Summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the Boston Pops, Tanglewood has been delivering musical interludes since the mid-1930s. On a starry summer night with Lawn tickets in
hand, you can spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner while some of the most treasured musicians fill the air with perfect notes. If you prefer a more concert-like experience, Shed tickets will protect you from the elements and provide organized seating.
Sunday summer mornings you can enjoy a free Chamber Music concert presented by the Tanglewood Music Center. The BSO’s summer academy showcases the next generation of talented musicians.
Canyon Ranch
All-inclusive retreats where wellness takes center stage are a welcome addition to anyone’s getaway plans. Canyon Ranch offers pampered breaks from your work-a-day world. Each guest chooses their own healthful path. Wellness counseling and itinerary guidance
are available, allowing each guest to plan their personal adventure.
An extensive assortment of traditional and unique spa experiences will wash away unwanted stress. Outdoor activities range from a thoughtful walk in the woods to strenuous physical adventures. At the end of your allabout-me day, settle in for the evening with sumptuous dining and an assortment of fun activities.
Day passes are available for an immersive one-day retreat.
Norman Rockwell Museum Beloved Saturday Evening Post illustrator Norman Rockwell touched the hearts and souls of Americans for more than 40 years. Rockwell’s ability to capture snapshots of simple, daily events allowed his work to resonate with his audience. By
Photo: Family Home From Vacation by Norman Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum, Lenox, MA, by Sandi Barrett
employing subtle nuances and underscoring American values, Rockwell’s everyday characters tugged on our heartstrings –we could picture ourselves as the subjects of his illustrations.
The Norman Rockwell Museum is home to 323 Saturday Evening Post covers that will bring back memories of a simpler time and place. Viewing his work as a collection is like walking through a small-town American timeline decades in the making.
Hancock Shaker Village
The pastoral setting of the Hancock Shaker Village in nearby Pittsfield was once a utopian community named “The City of Peace.” The 1826 roundstone dairy barn is the centerpiece of the modern-day iteration of the original farm.
Today, Hancock Shaker Village guests can enjoy farm life demonstrations and educational events like sheepshearing and visiting the baby farm animals. The farm sits solidly on its historical foundation while reaching one foot into present-day farming.
If you go
The charming Gateways Inn, a transformed 1912 Gilded Age mansion, is a wonderful anchor for your Lenox adventures. Originally the summer home of Harley Proctor, of Procter & Gamble, the mansion exterior was built to resemble the iconic Ivory Soap bar. The beautifully appointed rooms have fun and whimsical touches that make your Lenox stay unique.
Exquisite Mediterraneaninspired cuisine and beautiful wines at Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar offer guests a sumptuous dining experience. Located in the downtown area, reservations are recommended for this popular dining establishment.
The Haven Cafe and Bakery brews up a perfect cup of coffee and offers a delectable selection of mouth-watering pastries. It is the spot to see and be seen for a breakfast nosh.
In nearby Richmond (near the Hancock Shaker Village) is Balderdash Cellars. Offering sippable wines with pastoral views, guests take sample flights to the picnic tables out back and enjoy picturesque rolling hills while relaxing to live folk music. A classic sum-
Summer fun 2025
Lush landscapes, wellness retreats, foodie’s paradise, and musical interludes await your visit to the picturesque
Photo: Foie Gras Terrine with Brioche Toast, Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar, Lenox, MA, by Sandi Barrett
Photo: Dairy Barn, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA, by Sandi Barrett
mer New England evening event.
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Summer in Westborough
Westborough has plenty of summer activities: trails, beaches, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has compiled some of our favorite parts of summertime Westborough. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Trails in Westborough
The Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) oversees 206 acres known as the “Charm Bracelet.” Explore areas like The Upper Jackstraw Brook Reservation, the Gilmore Pond Parcel, the Orchard Hill Parcel, the Pheasant Hull Parcel, and the Valley View North Parcel. There’s also the Orchard Swamp Reservation, near Haskell Street and East Main Street.
Fresh veggies?
Looking to secure some fresh produce? Located at Bay State
addition to local vendors, there will be live music, a community tent, plenty of food options, and more.
Then there’s Nourse Farm –one of the oldest working farms in the country, and one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the country. Nourse Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and more. The farm store is stocked with local products, including produce, pies, jams, and jellies. Coming soon: cider donuts.
Special events
How are you planning to celebrate the Fourth of July? Celebrate a little early at the Fourth of July Block Party, which will be held on June 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Bay State Commons. There will be games, dunk tanks, plenty of food, music, and more.
Westborough Farmers Market
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has announced this year’s lineup for the Summer Concert series at Bay State Commons. Performances will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., with The Elastic Five (July 15), The Nays (July 29), and Petty Larceny (Aug. 12).
Golf, anyone?
Maybe you watched The Masters and have been hankering for a round of golf. Head to the Westborough Golf Club on West Main Street, a nine-hole public golf course. GolfPass, an online golf service, picked the Westborough Golf Club as one of the top courses in the state. Book your tee time now!
Advocate’s Pick
How about Westborough’s Downtown? True, it’s amazing at any time of year, but make a point to stroll the shops while the sun is shining. Start at the South Street Diner, head to Sake Hana, maybe drop by Dairy Queen, Red Barn Coffee Roasters, The Central House, and a number of other shops along Route 135 and Route 30. If you have the time, stop by the Community Advocate office. We’re happy to say ‘hi!’
Summer fun 2025
Where to get ice cream in Central Mass.
When the sun is out and the temperature rises, that can only mean one thing – it’s time for ice cream. Luckily, Central Mass. has a ton of incredible ice cream spots, with flavors and options for
everyone’s tastes. Below, we’ve laid out a non-comprehensive list of some of our favorite local spots. Any suggestions? Feel free to contact us if we’re missing your favorite store.
Uhlman’s Ice Cream
232 East Main Street
Westborough
Located off Route 30, Uhlman’s is quintessentially Westborough. The spot has dozens of incredible flavors – our favor-
Spring into Savings
ite is Grapenut, for the record — and plenty of parking and seating. There are also allergyfriendly, vegan, and low-sugar options. Uhlman’s also takes its operation mobile — there’s a good chance you’ll see the ice cream truck at community events!
Trombetta’s Farm 655 Farm Road Marlborough Homemade ice cream, indoor mini golf, a garden center — sounds like fun! Along with the 40 flavors of ice cream, Trombetta’s offers soft-serve, frozen yogurts, Richie’s slush, sherbets, sorbets, sugar free, and homemade vegan options. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
New City Microcreamery
28 Main Street, Hudson
Founded in 2015, New City Microcreamery is “a metropolis of fine confections, smooth
creams, and delectable treats that has been voted the Best Ice Cream in Massachusetts,” according to its website. Created with an innovative liquid nitrogen process, the ice cream can also be found on store shelves, and New City Microcreamery has several other locations.
Swirls & Scoops
68 Worcester Street
Grafton
Swirls and scoops – that’s exactly what this Grafton spot has been serving up. A popular spot among Grafton locals, Swirls & Scoops is ready to offer customers that perfect cone of ice cream on a hot summer’s night. What’s not to love?
Uncommon Cow
One Grafton Common Grafton
Uncommon Cow is an ice cream and coffee café. The café offers a variety of hard ice cream flavors from Bliss Dairy, as well as coffee, espresso, sandwiches, salads, and fresh bakery goods. Customers have praised its charming atmosphere and excellent service, right in Grafton Center.
Chain options
There are also a variety of chain-owned establishments in the area. Dairy Queen – with locations in Westborough and Marlborough — is always a go-to spot, while Cold Stone Creamery has a location in Southborough. Ben & Jerry’s and Friendly’s also have Marlborough locations.
A summer escape for
By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter
Just over the Massachusetts border sits the idyllic New England town of Peterborough, perfect for a New Hampshire getaway close to home.
Just a quick ride from Mount Monadnock, Peterborough, New Hampshire, encompasses art and history on its quiet streets. Thornton Wilder’s iconic play “Our Town” is supposedly based off of the town — with small nods to the fictional town of Grover’s Corners throughout Peterborough’s Main Street.
While the area is known for its vibrant leaves in the fall, summer offers plenty of beauty for visitors.
Hiking
Monadnock State Park is a 20-minute drive from Peterborough in the neighboring town of Jaffery, New Hampshire. At just over 3,000 feet, Mount Monadnock is nearly 1,000 feet higher than any other mountain peak within 30 miles. Like Peterborough’s literary legacy, the mountain is known for being featured in the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Miller State Park is just a few miles outside of downtown Peterborough and offers various hiking and walking trails. Hikers can climb Pack Manadnock, which has an elevation of 2,290 feet, and catch a view of the Boston skyline on a clear day.
Shopping and Entertainment
Downtown Peterborough is home to a plethora of small businesses and local artisans.
From Grove Main Antiques to Gaia’s Blessings, visitors can find unique gifts and souvenirs on every corner. Peterborough also has a few museums, such as the Monadnock Center for History and Culture and the Mariposa Museum, and its own theater, the Peterborough Players.
Toadstool Bookshops is filled with books, music, and movies for all ages, with a selection of new and used items. Inside, visitors can find Aesop’s Tables, a quaint cafe with a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, tea, and coffee. One
inner artist
of their iced coffee or espresso drinks with coffee ice cubes could be a game-changer for caffeine lovers.
The summer season brings the annual farmers market, as well as concerts in Depot Park every Friday, starting in July.
Food and Drink
Harlow’s Pub is a delicious
casual spot for lunch or dinner — and doubles as a music venue at night. Stop by for local rotating drafts, mouth-watering comfort food, and classic sandwiches as you prepare for their weekly open mic night.
Waterhouse Restaurant serves locally raised beef and vegetables grown in its own
garden. The patio is a draw for any visitor, with tables offering a riverside view. With uniquely crafted cocktails and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect place for a date night or a meal with the whole family.
Looking for a sweet treat?
Sweet Macaron features classic French macarons, with flavors ranging from vanilla and salted caramel to pina colada and Fruity Pebbles. The majority of flavors are gluten-free.
Harlows Pub, Peterborough
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Summer in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury has plenty of summer activities: trails, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has listed some of our favorite parts of summertime Shrewsbury. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Trails in Shrewsbury Paved, unpaved. Easy, rugged. Level, hilly. There’s something for every hiker to explore in Shrewsbury. Try the two-mile
Carlstrom Memorial Forest trails, which wind through 153 acres of wilderness. Dean Park, the most popular park in town, has paved walkways. How about Prospect Park? The spot, right in Shrewsbury Center, offers miles of trails through woodlands.
Bodies of water Lake Quinsigamond, shared with Worcester, has a variety of kayaking, paddling, and other summertime activities. Nearby Jordan Pond is another popular attraction, with several great spots to fish. Dean Park Pond is another good spot for fish-
ers, and finally, Shrewsbury’s Secret Garden goes by a small pond. There’s so much to discover!
Now screening
Looking for an exciting way to watch a movie! Bring your blankets, chairs, picnic dinner, and whole family to enjoy a double-feature at Dean Park! Movie in the Park comes to Shrewsbury on September 5. A children’s film (yet to be an nounced) will premiere at 6 p.m., followed by a throwback film at 8 p.m.
Music, anyone?
The Shrewsbury Recreation Department has expanded its
Summer fun 2025
Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an incredible lineup of talented performers and a variety of delicious food trucks at each event. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo evening or a fun night out with family and friends, bring a picnic blanket and enjoy live music under the summer sky.
The events take place on Thursdays from June 26 to August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dean Park.
For the younger crowd, the Recreation Department will hold a Children’s Summer Concert on July 29 at 5 p.m. at Dean Park. Alyssa Coates will be performing in this fun-filled event that’s perfect for families. Bring blankets or chairs — or make it a picnic!
Advocate’s Pick
There’s nothing quite like a gathering of food trucks on a summer afternoon!
On June 6, join the Shrewsbury Recreation Department for the annual Food Truck Festival. Enjoy a delicious variety of eats from local food trucks, play lawn games, and let the kids explore fun activities just for them. Dance along to live music from the Tipton Rock Band and soak up the vibrant community atmosphere. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Summer fun 2025
Summer in Northborough
Northborough has plenty of summer activities: trails, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has listed some of our favorite parts of summertime Northborough. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Trails in Northborough
Looking for a summer hike in Northborough? How about a water-side hike, or a view of the Boston skyline? Northborough’s extensive trail network – maintained by the dedicated Northborough Trails Committee – has you covered.
Look to Mount Pisgah, which is the highest point in Northborough. It has an advanced trail system with multiple vistas, offering something for everyone. On a clear day, you may be able to see the skyscrapers of Boston on the horizon.
If you’re looking for a view of the water, Northborough has several trails that lead to local ponds and lakes. Through a trail off of Lyman Street, Lake Chauncy and Cedar Hill can be hiked – or biked! The Watson Park Trail offers a short scenic hike with a view of Bartlett Pond.
Special events
There are so many exciting events happening around Northborough. It starts with Northborough PorchFest on June 14. You can also catch the town’s Summer Concert Series, with Disco Lemonade (June 29), Playing Dead (July 13), Houston Bernard Solo Artist (July 27), and the School of Rock Showcase (August 10). There’s also outdoor yoga at Ellsworth McAfee Park on Tuesdays from June 8 to Aug.
12, and Sundays from July 13 to Aug. 17.
Looking to swim?
Looking to stay cool this summer? Assabet Park has you covered. The Splash Pad at Assabet Park will open June 14 and will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adjacent to the toddler playground, it has bubblers, misters, and geysers for kids to enjoy. The Splash Pad is free for the public.
Advocate’s Pick
You may have seen it mentioned in the farmstand section, but Tougas Family Farm is one of the region’s treasures. In addition to pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, the farmstand has animals, a playground area for children, and items from the farmstore. Berberian’s Farm in Northborough is also celebrating 100 years – drop by for some fresh produce!
Splash Pad
The Central Mass. summer farmstand guide
W hat would summer be without farmstands?
This summer, venture out to these farmstands to get fresh fruits and vegetables, and, depending on the location, plenty more. Below, we’ve laid out a non-comprehensive list of some of our favorite local farmstands. Any suggestions? Feel free to contact us if we’re missing your favorite summer spot.
Berberian’s Farm
68 Otis Street, Northborough
Celebrating 100 years in business, Berberian’s Farm is located off Route 20 in Northborough – the perfect, convenient spot for many Central Mass. residents. Offering fresh produce picked just outside the store, Berberian’s is a great spot to get all your summer fruits and vegetables.
Tougas Family Farm
234 Ball Street, Northborough Drive to the top of Ball Hill and find one of the best farmstands around. In addition to fruits and veggies, Tougas Family Farm offers pick-yourown activities, a farm store, ice cream, a play area, and more. With lunch options and more, this farmstand can become a day-trip!
Nourse Farm
70 Nourse Street, Westborough
Established in 1722 by William and Ebenezer Nurse, Nourse Farm is the 15th-oldest family-run business in the country. Located off of Route 30 in Westborough, the farm has all the in-season fruits and vegetables you’re after. There’s also a Farm Store and pick-your-own options.
Davidian’s Farm Market
500 Church Street, Northborough
A family-owned market with over a century of history, Davidian’s offers a full deli, with made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and salads. In addition to vegetables, there’s also grocery items, penny candy, and fresh-baked desserts.
Ferjulian’s Farm
7 Lewis Street, Hudson A 70-acre family-owned
farm, Ferjulian’s is the only working farm in Hudson.
Ferjulian’s grows tulips and other flowers toward the start
of summer, and offers its own top-quality produce as the season reaches its peak. It’s one of Hudson’s (not-so-)
hidden treasures!
Harvey’s Farm and Garden Center
7 Maple Avenue, Westborough
A sixth-generation farm, Harvey’s has all the produce you’re looking for. Even better, on-site Emily’s Gift Barn provides hundreds of unique gift options – everything ranging from home decor, garden additions, or birthday surprises. There’s so much to discover at this spot.
Houlden Farm
95 Wesson Street, Grafton
In addition to Houlden’s Sunflower Shanty – which features food, entertainment, and wine – this farmstand in Grafton has a wide variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables ready for purchase. The farm has spanned generations, and takes pride in everything it sells.
Summer in Hudson
Hudson has plenty of summer activities: trails, beaches, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has listed some of our favorite parts of summertime Hudson. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Summer fun 2025
Trails in Hudson
The Assabet River Rail Trail runs 5.4 miles from Acton to Marlborough – and it carves right through Downtown Hudson. This is a popular area for birding, biking, running, and more. Dogs are welcome, and parking is available on either end of the route.
Not interested in the Assabet River Rail Trail? Other trails include the Assabet River Nature Trail, which goes from Chapin Road to the Elks Lodge, and the Old North Road Conservation Area and Story Walk (10 North Road). No matter where you walk, get active this summer! Where to cool off Try Centennial Beach, which will be open for the season on June 2. There’s also the splash pad at Cellucci Park, which will be open daily starting on June 7. And if you’re looking for a larger body of water, look no further than Lake Boon, a
180-acre pond shared by Hudson and Stow. The Lake Boon Association is composed of permanent and summer residents of the lake. In addition to helping to maintain the lake, it conducts annual events such as the Water Carnival on Labor Day weekend.
Music, anyone?
Hudson will have plenty of groovy tunes over the summer. There are family concerts at Wood Park scheduled most Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. It kicks off on June 11 with The Baratas, an ‘80s band, and rolls until August 6 with Holdin’ Back the 60s. Looking for something for younger music-lovers? There are kids’ performances at Cellucci Park most Thursdays at 10 a.m., weather permitting. The fun starts on June 26 with Matt Heaton’s Muppet-inspired humor, and wraps up with Fran Flynn, a “magician extraordinaire.”
Special events
Attend Hudson Fest on June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on South Street. It’s an old-fashioned fair with vendors selling crafts, gifts, and more. There will be food trucks, live music, and local community nonprofits. The event is free.
Celebrate Hudson will take place on Sept. 13, from 1 to 7 p.m., and will take over Downtown Hudson. This free, townwide fes-
tival will include live music, rides, vendors, performances, activities, and much more. Come downtown and celebrate Hudson!
Advocate’s Pick
The American Heritage Museum, located on Main Street, will host several special events this summer, including a “Tanks, Wings and Wheels” program in June and “WWII in the Pacific Re-Enactment Weekend” in July. It’s rich with history!!
Lake Boon
The American Heritage Museum
Summer fun 2025
Summer in Southborough
Southborough has plenty of summer activities: trails, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has listed some of our favorite parts of summertime Southborough. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Trails in Southborough Southborough’s trails have something for every type of hiker.
The Sudbury Reservoir Trail is one of a handful of Southborough water-side trails. The trail stretches about five miles to the Westborough line and has ample fishing spots. Is there a rock-climber in the family? There’s plenty of opportunities on this trail.
The Bay Circuit Trail is also along the reservoir and extends through 34 towns in Massachusetts. The trail connector opened in 2020 and can be
accessed from the intersection of Clemmons Street and Nichols Street. If you’re looking for more open space – and maybe a picnic spot – Breakneck Hill
Conservation Land has grassy trails through rolling hills, with wide-open views and plenty of opportunities for bird-watching.
The best body of water
While there are few swimming areas in Southborough, the town still offers chances to have some summer fun by the water for those looking for a beautiful view. The Sudbury Reservoir is open to shoreline fishing. Check online for regulations. The reservoir also offers scenic views, whether you’re on a morning hike or driving past the water during rush-hour.
Activities this summer
The Southborough Recreation Department has been busy
Summer in Marlborough
Marlborough has plenty of summer activities: trails, beaches, markets, events, and more. The Community Advocate has listed some of our favorite parts of summertime Marlborough. What’s your favorite part of the list, and what did we miss? Feel free to reach out!
Trails in Marlborough
There’s a trail for nearly every area within the city, from Jericho Hill to the Desert Natural Area. The highlight of the network is the Panther Trail, a 26-mile loop comprising various smaller trails that wind through the city. The
network includes the Lake Williams Trail, where residents can famously “walk on water” on the floating bridge.
Another popular hike is the Ghiloni Nature Trail, which connects Ghiloni Park with the Marlborough State Forest. Other trails include the Cider Knoll Conservation Land off Stow Road, Holt’s Grove near Marlborough High School, and the Sheep Falls Brook Conservation Area, which connects with the Assabet River Rail Trail (ARRT) near Boston Scientific.
Where to cool off
There’s the Hixon Boat Launch on Reservoir Road, which will open May 24. It will be open weekends-only through June 22, and then open Thursday through Sunday for the rest of the season. Come splash at Ghiloni Park and Stevens Park, set to open June 3. Don’t want to splash? Go to the Farrell Wading Pool or the Ward Wading Pool. The tentative opening date is June 20.
Looking for more of a beach? Look no further than World War II Memorial Beach on Causeway Street, which opens on June 9.
Public swimming hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily, and
cooking up several exciting activities for residents to enjoy. The Summer Concert Series will kick off at the Neary School, with performances from the Rampage Trio (July 16), the Stacey Peasley Band (July 23), Paxton Crossing (Aug. 6), and Last Call Radio (Aug. 13).
That’s not all. There are free Block Parties scheduled at Woodland School (July 9) and Finn School (July 30). The Recreation Department has plenty of events, ranging from Shark Tank Junior to LEGO Adventures — and there’s something for everyone ito get involved with.
Advocate’s Pick
Maybe you don’t want to think about the end of the summer yet – and who can blame you? But, when that time inevitably comes, the Southborough Recreation Department’s Summer
Nights is where you’ll want to be. One of the bigger Recreation Department-sponsored events in the region, this endof-summer festival is the perfect celebration before school begins. Enjoy food, live music, and fireworks, if the weather allows.
“I think everybody is excited for this final hurrah of the summer … This is probably one of the bigger events in Southborough. It’s nice to have something for the community to come together around,” said Southborough Recreation Director Travis Farley last year.
the beach will be open for Labor Day weekend.
Special events
Looking for something fun? Go to “Movie In The Park” on May 23 at Kelleher Field. Bring a chair, blanket, pillow, and your family to watch “Sonic 3” at 8:15 p.m. There’s free admission, along with free popcorn. The Marlborough Lions will be selling pizza.
The Classic Car Show is ready for viewing on June 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street. Sponsored by the United Brethren Masonic Lodge, there will be live music, food trucks, a marching band, and more. The rain date is June 15 – don’t miss it!
And finally, we can’t gowithout mentioning the Labor Day Parade. It’s one of the region’s largest parades, and it’s set to kick off on September 1. It’s another one you won’t want to miss!
Advocate’s Pick
The Farmers Market will return to the plaza in back of City Hall for the 2025 season. It will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 14 through Oct. 14. Enjoy fresh local produce, along with children’s activities and live music. Exciting stuff!
Summer Nights in Southborough
Lake Williams Boardwalk
