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Leadership
SOUTH SHORE Community, and Economic Growth
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Where Heritage Meets Innovation
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Town Spotlights & Best of Boston South Shore Winners bostoNmagazine.com   49 
SOUTH SHORE
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hingham shipyard
History, Community, and a Vigorous Economy If you haven’t been to the South Shore of Massachusetts recently, it’s time to take another look. Picture this: within a stretch of land just south of Boston extending all the way down to the Cape Cod Canal, there is a thriving epicenter of history, commerce, tourism, and culinary excellence. This bustling region is ideal for easy and fun day trips, weekend jaunts, or settling in for a lifetime. As the home of the Pilgrims, the two Presidents Adam, and to some of today’s A-list celebrities such as the Wahlberg brothers, Steve Carell, Steven Tyler and more, the attraction of the South Shore is unmistakable. In recent years, the South Shore has flourished and prospered as evidenced by innovative building projects in retail and residential development, the expansion of some award-winning healthcare centers, and a rapidly 50 bostoN | september 2011
expanding culinary scene which has been attracting some major attention from the foodie subculture in Boston. So don’t make the mistake of considering South Shore as Boston’s little cousin, it’s a vivacious network of communities that carries major historical weight within a modern day and innovative setting, and bears a strong identity of its own. More and more, Bostonians and newcomers are seeing a reason to migrate to the seaside towns, breathing in the urbane beauty, quaint New England villages, and world-within-a-world coastal life.
Some prime examples of the new South Shore can be found in the outstanding developments made to two former landmarks of the “old” South Shore, revitalized to meet the changing needs of modern day living. SouthField, a former naval air station is being transformed into a picturesque residential and retail community. The Hingham Shipyard, which just a few years ago was a rusty relic of World War II, stands now as a stunning new community of waterfront residences, offices, shopping, and dining. Business and community leaders are also taking a fresh look at Quincy Center, embarking on a $1.6 billion revitalization. So in as little as 20 minutes south of Boston by car there’s a historically significant, prosperous, and incredibly modern succession of towns just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’ve been to the South Shore before or visiting for the first time, you will find something new and exciting waiting to inspire you. And if you don’t feel like driving, public transportation to the South Shore is an easy trip thanks to the commuter rail, subway, and ferry. There’s no excuse not to visit.
SOUTH SHORE
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SouthField
Breaking New Ground
Amid the towns on the South Shore, there are new developments rising up that cater to a convenient way of life. SouthField, Hingham Shipyard, Quincy Center, and Braintree-Weymouth Landing are just a few of the beautiful communities available with all the amenities and then some. SouthField: A Flowering Area in Weymouth
the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station is a testament to green building methodologies in a mixed-use setting.
With clusters of well-manicured neighborhoods, ample options for recreation and wellness, undisturbed green spaces, convenient public transportation options, and the commercial and retail space already occupied in this emergent development,
Thanks to a transfer of ownership from the U.S. Navy, more than 1,400 acres were recently opened to the public for the first time in more than 65 years. Additionally, nearly 75 percent of the site has been preserved for open-space
Town Spotlight
Cohasset
“SouthField will change the way you live your life,” says Media Representative, Tricia Bruno. “The development has received top grades for its innovative design, sound development, transportation approaches, and significant contributions to the regional economy,” she adds, noting that although the
Antique Charm and Lively Village Center
Of course, one of the main draws of the South Shore is the idyllic, picturesque coastal splendor marked by seaside real estate, thriving small businesses (usually revolving around life by the sea), and the gentle life of the traditional New England seaside town. Take for instance Cohasset. Bordered by the Atlantic to the north, it’s a nine-square-mile oasis of coastal living about 25 miles from Boston, yet it feels worlds away. Known for its colonial-style buildings (many of which have been carefully preserved and overseen by the local Cohasset Historical Society), its old New England charm seamlessly
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and recreation venues, which means prospective residents seeking out architecturally diverse housing options surrounded by beautiful landscaping and pedestrian-friendly streets, have found a new home. And just as all roads once led to Rome, here, all streets are linked to the village center and the on-site MBTA commuter rail station. Between that and the postcard-perfect parks, tree-lined streets, and full golf course, SouthField is like no other community in the area.
integrates modern amenities for small businesses to thrive. Cohasset’s central village is enriched by a well-utilized common with a pond, and is peppered with quaint specialty shops. Three historical museums have a rich bounty of treasures for localhistory buffs, and the town has plenty of recreational areas, including the Whitney and Thayer Woods Reservation. Plans are currently in motion to extend and improve the town’s waterfront area, which means more space for businesses to plant their flags of success, as well as options for visitors spending a day in the area.
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SOUTH SHORE
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entire project will take about 12 years to complete, the best things come to those who often don’t wait. Just ask residents of SouthField’s first neighborhood, SouthField Highlands, who are already living in their new community just 25 minutes south of Boston.
Hingham Shipyard: Waterfront Living and Entertainment After a decade of planning, approvals, and permits, the South Shore finally welcomed the new and improved Hingham Shipyard—a prime residentialmeets-retail-waterfront community reachable by land or sea, thanks to some very handy commuter boats that operate right from the shipyard and can get you to and from Boston in about 35 minutes. The vibrant, mixed-use development spans 130 acres, offering rental apartments and for-purchase townhouses. Be on the lookout for the first condominium building, now under construction and slated to be completed by summer 2012. Any visit here will undoubtedly require some time spent at “The Launch”— the shipyard’s retail component with several stellar restaurants including the fast and casual burger joint Wahlburgers, upscale restaurant Alma Nove, and Hingham Beer Works. The entertainment options continue with a movie theater, a specialty grocery store The Fresh Market, and a number of shops such as Eastern Mountain Sports, Hingham Gift Company, and a Talbots Outlet—with a few spots of exciting commercial space about to be leased. “The Hingham Shipyard is a place where you can really live, work, and play and simplify your lifestyle,” says Leslie Cohen of Samuels & Associates, one of the developers spearheading the Hingham Shipyard project. And don’t worry about getting there; you have options—by car or by boat. “The Launch will also help solidify Route 3A
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rendering of new quincy center
as a shopping corridor for Hingham,” Leslie adds, “and it nicely complements the unique local shopping opportunities in Hingham Square.”
A New Quincy Center: Revitalizing a Bustling City Center with a Rich History Thanks to its close proximity to Boston proper and to convenient public transportation, downtown Quincy has long been a draw for young professionals and those looking for more affordable city living. After a recent grant approved by the state, Quincy Center is about to get a major facelift, building upon the revitalization that’s been underway since 2005. The entire project has been overseen by local development company StreetWorks LLC, which plans to take the work already done and transform it into a mixed-use neighborhood, with updated storefronts, new housing, and retail options. “We will be adding up to 1400 residential units targeted towards young professionals, families, and empty nesters,” says Jeffrey Levien, Senior Director of Development for
Street-Works. “New restaurants, shops, and entertainment options will attract office workers, residents, and visitors alike.” Of course, we are talking about Quincy, so it would be impossible to think about this area without calling attention to two of our most celebrated early presidents, John Adams, and his son, John Quincy Adams, whose legacies now live on in the Adams National Historical Park and in the First Parish Church where the forthcoming public park, Adams Green, will eventually be located. The added greenway will certainly inject new life into an area already rich with local history and business opportunities. The core project is expected to be completed between 2015 and 2016, with the remainder of the area completely overhauled by 2020.
Braintree-Weymouth Landing: Creating a Beautiful Village Center Lying at the intersection of East Braintree and Weymouth is BraintreeWeymouth Landing—a transportation
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SOUTH SHORE hub for both towns, and one currently undergoing a major revitalization. After a partnership between the two towns, the Commonwealth, the MBTA, and the federal government, a $2.4 million state grant was approved in 2011, and plans were set into motion to improve all aspects of the area’s aesthetic appeal, as well as automotive and pedestrian traffic. Between updated pedestrian crossings, new traffic signage, an upgrade to the street lamps, benches, landscaping, and sidewalks, the renovation project will make the area more viable for both businesses and residents currently there, in addition to becoming that much more attractive to prospective buyers and renters. But these updates are just the beginning, as local city officials, the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and local business owners and residents have big plans for the Landing.
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“The next step is to attract private investment to build the residential component and to bring in retailers to fill in any empty retail space,” says Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “What we like about this is that it uses the advantage of the T-stop to spark revitalization . . . with new housing that we hope will bring in more retail for all of the residents in that area.” There’s even a proposal out for a public river walk, which utilizes technical assistance from the National Park Service to help the towns involved determine the smartest and best way to build it. “The area has a marina and public playgrounds, and we are hoping to create a brand new public river walk for that area,” says Forman.
Put the South Shore Chamber’s powerful business network to work for your business today. Members of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce are small businesses, major corporations, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and consultants. They are for-profit and non-profit organizations, they are new startups and they are generations old. Our members all have one thing in common – they are committed to growing on the South Shore. If you are committed to growing your business on the South Shore, join now and put the Chamber to work for you. Visit www.southshorechamber.org for more information, or call 617.479.1111.
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A Flavor for Everyone
From favorite national chains, authentic ethnic restaurants, local outposts for Boston favorites, and gastronomic originals to the area, the South Shore has become a dining destination in its own right. Take the Hingham Shipyard, a celebmeets-culinary-greatness epicenter led by Wahlburgers and Alma Nove, both linked to Dorchester’s favorite sons, the Wahlbergs. In the spring of 2010, Chef Paul Wahlberg made his culinary dreams come true with Alma Nove, a Mediterranean-style waterfront restaurant named after the Wahlberg family matriarch, Alma, and her nine (Nove) children. “My hope is that Alma Nove becomes a gathering place for friends and family to come together, break bread, and share good times,” says Chef Wahlberg. wahlburgers
Just 30 minutes from Boston, Alma Nove has established itself as a
neighborhood favorite, but attracted hundreds of Boston urbanites looking for a city escape and a unique waterfront dining experience. “My friends and I decided to head down to Alma Nove to celebrate a birthday party rather than stay in the city,” says Victoria Stratton, a resident of Boston proper. “We loved the food and location, and the fire pit outside made for a fun experience that was out of the norm for us.” Following the success of Alma Nove, in the fall of 2011 Wahlberg partnered with his celebrity brothers (Donnie and Mark) and embarked on another Hingham Shipyard restaurant project,
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SOUTH SHORE Wahlburgers. Inspired by the kind of simple, tasty burgers the family ate growing up (including one made with actual government cheese) it became a smashing success almost overnight and has been featured in dozens of local and national publications including Us Weekly, The Huffington Post, Haute Living, Urban Daddy, and The Boston Globe. Down the road in picturesque Hingham Square, more amazing dining destinations include nightlife and dining moguls Ed and Joe Kane’s Tosca, Caffé Tosca, and Stars. Tosca and Caffé Tosca feature menus inspired by diverse regions of Italy from Tuscany to Sicily, while Stars is an all-American bar and grill set in a renovated ’50s-style diner. Big Night Entertainment (Kane’s parent company) is led in force by
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Ed Kane, one half of the dynamic Kane duo (Joe is his brother), and their restaurant repertoire also includes Fireking Baking Company in Weymouth and Red Lantern in Boston proper, which will soon be followed by GEM, this March. In addition to what they’ve done for Boston dining, they are also the brains behind Shrine at MGM Grand, High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge, and the Scorpion Bar, all located at Foxwoods Resort Casino. A former South Shore resident, Kane learned the restaurant business at a young age working for his parents at their Quincy restaurant, Kane’s Place. “Hingham is where we got our start as restaurateurs, and we continue to view it as a sort of focal point and philosophical home for our growing company,” says Kane. “The South Shore as a whole is a vibrant community that has a sophisticated,
well-traveled, and well-educated population, with a strong appreciation for and understanding of quality food. The coast there is beautiful, and getting to Hingham is easy now, with convenient commuter boat and rail services. What a combo!” It’s this very sense of easy travel and marquee entertainment along the South Shore that has been increasingly attracting Bostonians. Hingham also offers upscale restaurant chain favorites like Burton’s Grill, Jasper White’s Summer Shack, and Rustic Kitchen. All are located on Derby Street, and make for a perfect refuge after a long day of shopping at Derby Street Shoppes. Other shop-and-dine options include Legal Sea Foods, the Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, and the first-ever Massachusetts outpost of Dave & Busters, all at the South Shore Plaza.
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favorites and a collection of the best national retailers around, including J. Crew, Apple, Williams-Sonoma, and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers. With more than 78 options for shopping and dining, the open-air shopping center also provides loads of entertainment alternatives. Seek refuge in a Zen-like serenity garden located behind Barnes & Noble; enjoy a favorite Italian pastime at the center’s Bocce Court; or take a break from your shopping and visit Hidden Pond, a beautiful manmade pond that offers free ice skating all winter long. The Derby Street Shoppes
Smart Shopping
In addition to a burgeoning dining scene, there are more reasons to head south for a little indulgence. From quaint town centers to chic outdoor shopping outlets, some of the Boston area’s newest and most successful retail spaces exist along the South Shore. The Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham provide the perfect mix of deluxe national retailers and independently owned boutiques. Fall in love with area favorites like Lunette Optic, a locally owned eyeglass and sunglass store with an optometrist on staff;
Beauty and Main, another locally based beauty chain offering a welledited selection of goods; and Magic Beans, a unique children’s store chain dedicated to quality games, toys, and educational books for your little ones. You can also enjoy your regular
To make your shopping experience as stress-free and convenient as possible, the center even has Guest Transport Services, ranging from helping you get your shopping bags to your car to offering transportation to and from area hotels, as well as assistance if you should lock your keys inside your car or end up with a dead car battery. Just minutes away in the übercharming Hingham Square, you’ll find one of the area’s most fashionable shopping destinations. This seaside escape is just 30 minutes from downtown Boston and makes for the perfect day-trip. Fashion favorite, Crossing Main, is chock-full of preppychic dresses and feminine frocks, while down the road you’ll find La
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scituate
A Working Fishing Port and Growing Village
To the southeast of Cohasset lies Scituate, a 375-year-old working fishing port. Scituate has a deep, rich sense of pride for its personal history and historical areas of interest, demonstrated each August with its “Heritage Days” celebration—a festival that commemorates the town’s colorful past. As a continually growing village, one of the main draws for residents is its exemplary public school system, which sees on average around 85 percent of its students continue on to higher education. And along with its support of local, independently owned businesses lining the town center, there is an abundance of swimming, boating,
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and fishing, as well as the rocky, scenic setting where one of Massachusetts’ more appealing and famous lighthouses sits: the Scituate Lighthouse. And speaking of recreation, the area received much national attention in the late ’90s when the sprawling 18-hole Widow’s Walk Golf Course opened adjacent to the historic North River and within eyesight of the Atlantic Ocean. It was later named America’s first “environmental demonstration course,” and has since been designated as an Audubon International, Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. (There’s nothing like supreme bird watching while shooting four under par on the back nine.)
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SOUTH SHORE Petite Maison, which offers one-ofa-kind gifts and home goods with a Parisian je ne sais quoi. If you’re looking for bespoke home installations for special occasions, visit the Hingham Greenery in Hingham Square, or find more local flair and fun gift items at The Coop, a group of women’s small businesses, including Pink Poppy, Lollipops, Bad Dog Jewelry, and others. Finally, the South Shore Plaza sits as a one-stop-shopping mega-mall with casual dining and free parking, nearby in the town of Braintree. The Plaza has gone through major expansions over the last decade, and recently welcomed department stores Nordstrom and Target, which have attracted even more shoppers to the already popular spot.
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Other mall favorites include The Gap, Pandora, Coach, Banana Republic, Godiva Chocolatier, Juicy Couture, and Vera Bradley. The Plaza is also home to locally owned businesses like j’adore, a quirky boutique offering distinctive jewelry, accessories, and gift items. For tailor-made suiting and fine men’s clothing, shoppers can head over to Natale’s Men’s Clothier in Hanover, a regionally recognized men’s fashion boutique. The family-owned and operated business uses the world’s finest wools when constructing their garments, the same wool used by world-renowned fashion players like Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, and Angelico. The best part? They provide free alterations for the life of the garment.
2011 BEST OF BOSTON WINNERS HAILING FROM THE SOUTH SHORE
DINING: Tosca
Best Restaurant 14 North St. Hingham, Massachusetts 02043 781-740-0080 toscahingham.com
Orta
Best Italian Restaurant 75 Washington St. Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359 781-826-8883 ortarestaurant.com
Alma Nove
Best New Restaurant 22 Shipyard Drive Hingham, MA 02043 781-749-3353 almanovehingham.com
Oro
Best Seafood Restaurant 162 Front Street Scituate, MA 02066 restaurantoro.com/
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DINING: The Scarlet Oak Tavern Best Brunch 1217 Main St. Hingham, Massachusetts 02043 781-749-8200 scarletoaktavern.com
SHOPPING: Beyond Gorgeosity
Best Antiques 15 Shipyard Dr. Hingham, Massachusetts 02043 617-901-4333 beyondgorgeosity.com
Bundle of Hope
Best Children’s Clothing 146 Front St. Scituate, Massachusetts 02066 781-545-HOPE bundleofhope.net
Natale’s
Best Men’s Clothing 2001 Washington St. (Rte 53) Hanover, Massachusetts 781-982-8080 natalesofhanover.com
Crossing Main
Superb Healthcare
An award-winning area hospital, a new orthopedic sports medicine center in Hingham, outposts for Dana Farber and Children’s hospitals, and rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and medical-device businesses make healthcare a vital component of the South Shore’s continual expansion and growth. The South Shore Hospital offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services to meet diverse community needs—everything that Medical Care encompasses from Adult and Pediatric Emergency and Trauma, Acute, Pediatric, Maternal and Newborn, Orthopedic, Surgical, Cancer, Cardiovascular, Stroke, and Outpatient Care, to Home Health Services and Community Service that educate about disease prevention. No other hospital in the region provides all of these services in one convenient location. According to the hospital’s
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Media Relations Manager, Sarah Darcy, “The mission of everyone in the hospital is to offer healing, caring, and comforting to patients and visitors alike. It is a local hospital with the clinical expertise of a regional medical center, and you will be treated as a friend and as a neighbor because those who work here are your friends and neighbors.” Although all of the hospital’s departments are superb, their Maternal and Newborn Program stands apart. Licensed by the
Best Women’s Clothing 5 Main St. Hingham, Massachusetts 02043 781-740-0550 crossingmain.com
Cohasset Jewelers
Best Jewelry 790A Chief Justice Cushing Hwy. (Rte. 3A) Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025 781-383-1933 cohassetjewelers.com
WELLNESS: Spascape Day Spa
Best Day Spa 3 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate, Massachusetts 02066 781-545-1200 spascapedayspa.com
Mellie Hair Salon Best Hair Salon 376 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 617-298-2550 melliehairsalon.com
Oasis Day Spa
Best Massage 108 Pleasant Street Columbian Square S. Weymouth, MA 02190 781-340-5730 relaxatoasis.com
ACTIVITIES: Granite Links Golf Club Best Public Golf Course 100 Quarry Hills Dr. Quincy, MA 617-689-1900 granitelinksgolfclub.com
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SOUTH SHORE Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a Level III provider, the hospital provides advanced care to mothers and infants, including the area’s first and only community-based neonatal intensive care unit to care for ill or premature infants. The hospital’s reproductive endocrinology program, offered in association with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, assists women with fertility complications and highrisk pregnancies. The hospital has also opened a new Center for Orthopedics, Spine, and Sports Medicine, providing a one-stop shop for orthopedic care. The hospital’s affiliations with Dana Farber, Children’s, and Brigham and Women’s hospitals further demonstrate a level of advanced care comparable to city hospitals.
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Massachusetts is not only home to some of the best hospitals in the world, but is world-renowned for pharmaceutical and medical-device companies. Cambridge is the obvious hub for such industries, but many are unaware that the South Shore is home to many companies in this field. Attractive rental rates and proximity to Boston are among the many reasons why such companies choose the South Shore as their home. Among these are Norwell’s Smiths Medical, a leading global provider of medical devices for the hospital, emergency, home, and specialist environments; Quincy’s Systagenix, which offers a complete line of wound-healing products to meet the wound-care needs of healthcare professionals; Rockland’s EMD Serono, Inc., a leader in the U.S.
plymouth
biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on innovative therapies for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s; and Braintree’s Haemonetics, a 30-year-old global leader in bloodprocessing technology—products that automate the blood donation process and the processing of blood, and products that are marketed to the surgical suite for blood-loss management for patients.
America’s Hometown Delivers to Both Tourists and Locals Alike
When the passengers on the Mayflower embarked for North America in search of change, community, and vitality, they couldn’t have done better than landing in Plymouth. The most famous of all the pilgrims’ landing spots is known around the world as a must-see tourist destination thanks to Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, and other historical destinations. And yet, the most charming features of this bustling community at the edge of the South Shore are the proud residents and thriving business owners who populate it. Cordage PArk
While the economic strife that has plagued most of the state is still a topical concern, as a community, Plymouth—and specifically the Seaport at Cordage—has overcome difficult times with pleasure. The development, on the former Plymouth Cordage Company site (formerly the largest and oldest rope manufacturer in the world), currently hosts over 60 different organizations and companies, most of them located at Cordage Commerce Center, the commercial office park on the property.
“This whole property was private for 150 years and now we have basically opened it up to the public and the community,” comments Joseph C. Jannetty, president of Janco Development, the company developing the Seaport at Cordage. “The beautiful view has been walled for 104 years, people were just staring at derelict empty buildings . . . we are creating access to a tremendous waterfront.”
In the next couple years, the remainder of the property will boast 675 residential units (including 20 percent affordable housing), an additional 200,000 square feet of commercial space, and 50,000 square feet dedicated to retail space. In addition to that, an alreadyconstructed marina will expand well beyond its current 54 slips. All told, the residential project will be completed in 2–3 years, while the project overall is looking at a 10-year window for completion.
Jannetty feels that Plymouth is the ideal area for both local businesses and homeowners. “If you look at the cost of doing business, Plymouth is a pretty smart value proposition,” he notes. “You have culture, waterfront properties, history, and a great quality of life—they call it ‘America’s hometown’ for a reason—and there is a history that means something to the people who live down here.”
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Leadership and Entrepreneurship
The South Shore has been very successful at attracting and welcoming talented young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who advocate for change, growth, and economic stability, by offering incentives to live and work within its various communities. Business Network, a 20-year-old Take the case of Stacey Shipman, organization dedicated to helping the founder and editor of both at-home and brick-andhealthysouthshore.com, who has mortar women-owned businesses experienced this firsthand. Shipman’s network while offering educational website is dedicated to giving South opportunities. Shore residents tips on Networking healthy living, making “Networking opportunities here it as easy as possible to opportunities here are are diverse, and connect the South Shore diverse, and people people want to community with local want to help you help you succeed health and wellness succeed,” says Shipman. resources (be they fitness “The South Shore is large with a small professionals, wellness centers, yoga town feel,” she adds. “People take the studios, parks, or fitness coaches). time to get to know you.” She credits the South Shore Chamber Exceptional women are also largely of Commerce (and other area groups responsible for much of the area’s who target young professionals) with business growth. Angela Rutzick, of welcoming and dedicating themselves A-Type Marketing, is the outgoing to helping local entrepreneurs and Chair of the South Shore Chamber’s business owners. She also credits Women’s Business Connection, a groups like the South Shore Women’s
Town Spotlight
duxbury
The organization has a clear-cut goal: provide support, education, and resources for women, foster growth through networking, and offer relevant programs geared toward women for promoting relationships and collaborative experiences that strengthen the community. Rutzick feels that the South Shore is especially attractive to female entrepreneurs. “The South Shore is a welcoming environment for new industries and for their employees,” she says.
Beautiful Beaches and World-Famous Oysters
Duxbury, situated in a region of extraordinary New England charm and beauty, has a deep connection to the origins of this nation: it was co-founded, settled, and named by the famous Mayflower passenger and Plymouth Colony militia commander Myles Standish. An ideal, heavily residential waterfront community (and one of the more affluent suburbs of the entire South Shore), it sits roughly 35 miles from Boston, with 14 of its total 26 square miles comprised of water, including the gorgeous Snug Harbor in Duxbury Bay—considered one of the most attractive recreational boat basins in all of Massachusetts. Besides its nautical legacy, the area has become home to the now world-famous (and White House favorite) Island Creek Oysters,
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volunteer organization of women business owners and women in high-level careers, whose mission is to connect and engage women to create innovative opportunities for professional and business growth within the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
founded by Skip Bennett who in 1992 planted his first oysters after three years growing quahogs in Duxbury Bay. The enterprise has flourished there, and today the company (now employing over 14 staffers, mostly family and friends) produces enough of their coveted oysters to sell over 100,000 every week to restaurants on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and as far north as Canada and south as the Caribbean (not to mention their very first and very hip Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston’s Kenmore Square). It’s a true local-business-done-good story, made even better with their Island Creek Oysters Foundation, which provides “funding, expertise, and labor to build sustainable aquaculture systems in impoverished communities worldwide.”