Bostons South Shore is known for its quaint coastal towns and
rich history, including famous landmarks such as Plymouth
Plantation and the popular summer destination beaches of Cape Cod,
but there are also several hidden gems enjoyed by locals daily.
These locals best-kept secrets are ripe with culture, charm, and
history. . .
Realty | Ellie Finn Photography
Cohasset Village, Cohasset, MA
Just Southeast of Boston, the coastal town of Cohasset boasts a
village center that exudes New England charm. Picnic in the commons
while being serenaded by the carillon of St. Stephens Episcopal
Church, shop local at one of a kind gift shops, eat Boston food
without traveling to the city at Bia Cafe and enjoy a flaky
chocolate croissant at French Memories, a traditional French
patisserie that brings a quaint European atmosphere to the town
center.
What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A bike ride
around the village on a beach cruiser rented from Outside
In. Make sure to stop by the Cohasset Farmers Market, a weekly
outdoor market in the common that runs from May through November.
The market was founded by a group of citizens to support local
farmers and artisans by providing seasonal produce, prepared foods,
and crafts to the community. Fill your market bag with organic
food, grab a hot pretzel off of a vintage food truck, and listen to
live music from a local musician while shopping and supporting a
growing community.
Photography
Hornstra Farm, Norwell, MA
Behold one of the last working dairy farms on Massachusetts
South Shorean over 100 year-old family business complete with a
bustling store carrying farm fresh products and seasonal
hand-crafted ice cream. The farm additionally offers home delivery
service once a week to many surrounding South Shore townsyou can
look forward to having fresh milk and eggs delivered to your
doorstep by a vintage refrigerated dairy truck.
What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A languid
picnic outside on the grounds topped off with a homemade ice cream
cone. Spend some time soaking in the farms unique history, visiting
with the cows, and exploring the barn.
Photography
Humarock Village, Scituate, MA
A historic gem in Scituate, blissfully unmarred by tourism for
most of the year. Travel there by bridge only and enter into a
storybook town where you can grab an authentic Irish breakfast at
The Voyage Restaurant, shop for unique treasures at the Humming
Rock Gift Shop, or pick up a fresh piece of fish at the marina. The
sandy beaches are perfect for long walks and the sunset over the
South River is unparalleled. Grab a homemade donut and cozy seat at
Dockside Donuts or enjoy local seafood at the Bridgwaye Inn
Restaurant.
What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A
quintessential beach day complete with paddle board and surf board
rentals from the Humarock Boathouse, stretches of sand and
kid-friendly tide bars. Bring a bucket to the river to catch and
release crabs, pull your boat up to the marina and enjoy a lobster
roll from a local food truck, or grab an artisan ice cream and
watch the waves from the sea wall. Summer months bring out more
tourists, but the small town celebrates the season with Small Fry
dances, Bingo, and daily yoga classes at the local Humarock Civic
Association. Celebrate the summers end by attending the infamous
Horribles Day Paradea fun, cheeky nod to days past when locals
embraced horrible last-minute costumes and paraded around town with
indelible cheer.
Village, Scituate | Ellie Finn Photography
Magical Moon Farm, Marshfield, MA
A farm, art gallery and store, and open outdoor space run and
founded by famous artist Donna Green. Donna lives at the farm known
for its colossal purple door, and more importantly, its altruistic
mission. The farm supports the Magical Moon Foundation, whose
mission is to nurture and empower children with cancer. Visit the
Moon Lady Studio and find treasures that support local artists.
While you are there, visit with farm animals and purchase some of
the days local offerings, from organic produce to firewood.
What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: During the
warmer months, volunteer on the farm by planting gardens, feeding
animals, or tending to the landscape. Attend or participate in the
annual Motorcycle Runa fun, lively procession that passes by the
farm in an effort to keep all the children smiling.
Scituate Lighthouse, Scituate MA
The sense of community in this little area of Cedar Point
Scituate is palpable. The oldest complete lighthouse in the country
and its two hundred year-old keepers cottage are landmarks well
worth a visit. Run or walk the jetties with your kids and sit atop
a boulder of rocks overlooking the water. During your travels, be
sure to look out for the cairns left by visitors, many with
handwritten notes perched at the top. These kindness rocks are
sprinkled throughout the landscapepick one up and pay it forward by
leaving one behind.
What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: Sit on a
historic wooden bench taking in water views, watch the breathtaking
sunset over the harbor, or bring your own chair and relax on the
small beach and wade in the waters. After some time enjoying the
history and views, travel the short distance to Front Street and
grab fresh oysters at The Galley, a homemade ice cream at Nonas, or
sit outside on the dock at twilight at T.K OMalleys and enjoy a
cold drink.
Lighthouse | Ellie Finn Photography
Worlds End, Hingham, MA
A jewel in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Systeman
underdeveloped, but well-maintained reservation. This incredibly
gorgeous peninsula is bursting with tree-lined carriage paths,
hiking and walking trails, scenic viewpoints, biking trails, and
seasonal cross country skiing. Sit on a strategically-placed bench
and enjoy a snack or picnic and sweeping views of the Boston
skyline and majestic water views. Take in the peaceful 251-acre
stretch of ‘coastscape,’ where wooded trails mingle with a harbor
view.
What to look forward to in the Spring/Summer:Semi-priae
access to Hingham harborenjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing,
or bring your fishing pole and a picnic and spend an idyllic day on
or around the water.
Photography
Photography provided by Ellie Finn
Photographyand The Magical Moon
Foundation.