What’s Happening Around Here?

In the neighborhood:

Orpheum Theatre, Foxboro. www.baycolonyproductions.org for current productions.

Providence Place is the perfect venue for tour de force shopping excursions, family outings and intimate rendezvous. With more than 170 stores, eight restaurants, massive food court and entertainment venues, you’ll find something for every age, taste and style. This shopping, dining and entertainment destination is the pride and joy of a downtown Providence renaissance. The impressive line-up of retailers includes Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Coach, The Apple Store, The Cheesecake Factory, Sephora, J. Jill, Sony Style, Ross-Simons, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Dave & Buster’s and Feinstein IMAX Theatre. With its stunning architecture, a downtown location, a lively streetscape and carpeted floors, Providence Place provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets just 8 minutes away from Normandy Farms is the perfect spot for great deals and outlet shopping. With over 170 outlet stores you are sure to leave with something for everyone. Find impressive savings at Banana Republic, Barneys New York, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Elie Tahari, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sony, Williams-Sonoma and much much more.

Patriot Place is retail and living revolutionized; a one–of–a–kind super-regional outdoor shopping and entertainment destination that follows an established reputation of greatness and success. There will be nothing else like Patriot Place in New England – or America, for that matter. Located at Gillette Stadium with the highly recognized Bass Pro Shop

Gillette Stadium home of the three time world champion, New England Patriots as well as the New England Revolution.

Funway USA is located just minutes down the road from Normandy Farms and One mile north of Gillette Stadium. “America’s Playground” is equipped with miniature golf, go carts, batting cages, bumper boats, rock climbing wall and as well as an inflatable playground play course. 508-668-2000

LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro. www.lasalette.shrine.com Grounds open daily. Special light display from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Massachusetts Golf Museum and Hall of Fame. Norton. www.mgalinks.org .

World War I Memorial and Zoo: N. Attleboro. Wooded, hilly park offering picnic tables, playground, scenic overlook, petting zoo and nature trails.

Capron Park Zoo: Attleboro. The Capron Park Zoo is a great place to bring the entire family . This zoo is a small park with plenty of animals to see. The river otters offer plenty of entertainment with their tricks and performances that they do endlessly. As you walk the paths of the zoo you will encounter African Lions, llamas, goats, sloth bears, snow leopards, snakes, fox, birds, kangaroos, emu and countless other animals. It is a relatively small zoo, but perfect for younger children.

In the Boston Area:  (additional Boston Information in PDF format)

Fenway Park: Home of the Boston Red Sox. Visit the park where the Babe pitched. The Kid hit, Yaz dazzled and Manny and Ortiz still thrill young fans today. Soak up the rich history; hear the echoes of the past. Touch the Green Monster, imagine being one of the “Knights of the Keyboard” as you see the view from the Press Box, visit the State Street Pavillion Club before strolling around Fenway Park. Tours now leave from the Souvenir Store across Yawkey Way hourly seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $12 Adults; $11 Seniors; Children $10; Military and Active Reserve $10 (with ID) 617-226-6666 www.tours@redsox.com 

Freedom Trail: American revolutionary history, but not the same old story! www.thefreedomtrail.org or 617-357-8300. Walk the Freedom Trail on your own or with an Audio Guide. Follow the red-brick path, and learn the real stories of the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s midnight ride and Boston’s rich maritime history. The Freedom Trail begins at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center, 15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Historic Hall and Marketplace. www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

New England Aquarium, Boston.

Boston Public Library. 617-536-5400 or The first public library in the country, offers daily Arts and Architectures tours. In addition to housing over 6 million volumes, this Italian Renaissance masterpiece is equally a museum masterpiece filled with murals, frescoes, paintings and sculptures.

Boston Museum of Science, Boston. www.mos.org 

Harvard Museum of Natural History, Boston. www.hmnh.harvard.edu 

MIT Museum, Boston. www.web.mit.edu/museum 

Mapparium “Hall of Ideas”, Boston. www.marybakereddylibrary.org 

Old North Church, Boston. American History Museum. “One if by land, two if by sea. This enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution.

Trinity Church, Boston. Named one of “America’s Top Ten Buildings” by the American Institute of Architects, this National Historic Landmark is a living place of hope, comfort and inspiration. www.trinitychurchboston.org 

Hunt for History: A Tory Row Quest – Cambridge. Through Monday, July 28, 2008. On this self-guided tour participants will follow a special quest map, deciphering clues to learn about Cambridge before and during the American Revolution.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston. – (North End) A short walk from the North End along Boston’s waterfront is this large park, which includes a delightful playground (there are no swings). there are plenty of climbing activities to challenge your child, including the crow’s nest. (This may be a tempting activity, but stay clear of this with a young toddler who not be able to make it down. Overall, the Columbus Waterfront Park has a great playground, and plenty of room for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The park is also the perfect spot for a family picnic, and not far from Faneuil Hall where you can pick up sandwiches to go.

Arnold Arboretum: Harvard: Jamaica Plain. 617-524-1718. The Arnold Arboretum is one of the area’s truly great places to get away during the spring, summer and fall. The two-mile-long main trail is paved and allows for leisurely stroller walks. Plant, flower and woodland life is labeled according to species. Another popular trail is the Rhododendron Path that features a log bridge and two small waterfalls. The Arnold Arboretum is America’s oldest public arboretum displaying over 15,000 woody plants and offering educational programs for people of all ages. Seasons truly come alive in vibrant colors at the Arnold Arboretum. In the spring, the delicate perfume of lilac, mock orange and viburnum float on soft breezes. By mid-summer, the Arnold Arboretum is ablaze with color and heavy with ripening nuts and fruit. The Arnold Arboretum is open year-round sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.

Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester. www.zoonewengland.org

Stone Zoo, Stoneham. www.zoonewengland.org 

Castle Island and Fort Independence: Dorchester. 617-973-8800. Often missed by tourists, Castle Island is a great place to walk or roller blade, along Boston Harbor. This 22-acre land-bound island (the site of an old armory, features a number of interesting and entertaining sites. Beyond the amazing views and open spaces, you’ll find terrific walkways that are great for rollerblading and strolling; views of Boston Harbor and Logan Airport (perfect for watching the planes land! A shoreline string of parks and beaches, and Fort Independence: the oldest continually fortified granite site on British North America, having played a variety of roles in colonial and revolutionary times.

Boston: The Arts

Visit the following websites for current exhibits:

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. www.mfa.org 
Isabella Steward Gardener Museum, Boston. www.gardnermuseum.org 
John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. www.jfklibrary.org 
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. www.icaboston.org 
Harvard University Art Museums, Boston. www.artmuseums.harvard.edu 

Boston: Music

Visit: www.boston.citysearch.com/find/section/boston/bars_nightlife.html 
www.boston.citysearch.com/find/section/boston/events.html 

Points North:

Minute Man National Park, Concord. 978-369-6993. Created in 1959, Minute Man National Historical Park preserves and protects the significant historic sites, structures, properties and landscapes associated with the opening battles of the American Revolution. Most importantly, Minute Man interprets the colonial struggle for natural rights and freedoms. Today, Minute Man consists of over 900 acres of land, which wind along original segments of the Battle Road for April 19, 1775. Minute Man Visitor Center is open year round. The North Bridge Visitor Center is also open year round.

Old Manse, Concord. Located next door to the Old North Bridge in Concord, the Old Manse has one of the richest histories anywhere. It has witnessed the beginnings of the American Revolution and the lives of great 19th century transcendentalists. A visit to this historic home and grounds take you back in time for a firsthand view into the lives of its famous literary residents. Tours run every half-hour and last approx. 45 minutes. The guides are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the history of both the home and surrounding grounds. This tour is not recommended for small children. The home is over 200 years old and not wheelchair accessible. Stroll over the Old North Bridge right next door and enjoy the wide open fields as well as the small historical society atop the hill.

Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord. 978-369-3254. The Reservation includes 400 scenic wooded acres surrounding the pond that also includes a small beach, a swimming area, boating for car-top boats (w/life vests), hiking and fishing. There are scenic trails to walk on, wildlife to see and the charming replica of Henry David Thoreau’s house to visit. +/- 40 miles.

DeCordova Sculpture Park, Lincoln. +/- 40 miles for other current exhibits.
Ongoing: Nina Levy: Headlong and Big Baby (east polyester resin, fiberglass & auto paint

Witch Museum, Salem. Presentation of Salem Witch Trials.

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. +/- 60 miles for other current exhibits.
Joseph Cornell: Navigating the Imagination: Joseph Cornell is one of America’s most innovative modern artists, known for his distinctive box sculptures, collages and experimental films that continue to influence many artists, writers, poets, filmmakers and designers.
Gateway Bombay. Now through January 1, 2009. Bombay has served as home and vibrant inspiration for many artists.
Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style: In celebration of the 250th birthday of Salem’s renowned architect, the Peabody Essex Museum is holding the first major exhibition of Samuel McIntire’s distinguished career as a carver of neoclassical ornaments for buildings, ships and furniture. It includes more than 200 objects - from original architectural drawings, carvings, and sculpture, to examples of his extraordinary furniture creations – drawn from both public and private collections. Curator Dean Lahikainen, the author of the accompanying book for the show, has also selected paintings, prints, books, tools and related decorative arts objects, giving viewers a rich context for McIntire’s work.

Salem Willows Park, Salem. 978-745-0251. At the tip of land that juts into Salem Bay is a wonderful destination for an afternoon of picnicking and outdoor activities. Enjoy beautiful shaded seaside grounds, scenic ocean views, public pier for fishing, a bandstand for concerts, picnic areas, beaches, children’s rides, activities and many eateries. Salem Willows Arcade and Midway offers indoor recreation from the latest games to the old classics, hundreds of games offering fun for the whole family. Play the Midway and win tickets for prizes. Join the fun!

Points West, MA:

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. The Norman Rockwell Museum is located on Rte. 183. The Museum is located in Stockbridge, MA, about a beautiful 2-½ hour drive from Foxboro. It houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Highlights include enduring favorites from Rockwell’s Saturday Day Evening Post covers, the powerful Four Freedoms and the nostalgic Home for Christmas. The Norman Rockwell Archive contains more than 100,000 photographs, letters and other rare mementos. These exhibitions present an illustrated chronicle of American life and showcase our nation’s ideals of kindness, tolerance, democracy, and freedom, as interpreted through the artist’s spirit, wisdom and gentle humor.

Points South:

Battleship Cove, Fall River. www.battleshipcove.org Veterans’ Memorial/Maritime History.

New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford. www.whalingmuseum.org National Park – Whaling Capitol of the World.

Rhode Island:

Roger Williams Zoo: Providence. 401-785-3510. A great place for families. Visitors see the world’s tallest, heaviest, fastest land animals: The Masai giraffe, the African elephant and the cheetah – all roaming through natural settings. The Zoo’s population number over 957 animals with some 156 different species. Popular exhibits include: Polar Bears; Tropical America; Plains of Africa.

Natural Beauty

Gilbert State Park: Foxboro. Near Normandy Farms. Features miles of trails for biking or walking.

Borderland State Park: N. Easton. Features miles of trails for biking or walking.

Purgatory Chasm about 40 minutes away located in Sutton, MA is a unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet is popular with picnickers, walkers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial melt water near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. www.gweep.net

Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary: Attleboro. Features woodlands that are welcoming throughout the year. If you prefer a guided tour, the staff leads nature walks throughout the year. www.massaudubon.org 

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary: Norfolk. An extensive boardwalk system allows you to walk along the edge of a marsh. www.massaudubon.org 

Battle Road Trail, Lexington. A path in the Minute Man National Historic Park traces the steps of the British and colonists over 200 years ago. The Battle Road Trail is a 5.5 mile pathway in Lexington, Lincoln and Concord that marks the path once trodden by British soldiers on their way from Boston to Concord. The markers along the path tell the stories of the smaller battles fought, the politics of the time and the individual stories of people who lived and fought in the area – putting a human face on the tale often told in the history books.

Cochituate State Park, Natick. 508-653-9641. This is a popular regional day use park featuring water based recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing on its three large lakes. Picnicking, swimming and boat launching are limited to the main area of the park on the middle lake and boaters can gain access to the other lakes through channels under roadways. Approx.22 miles.

Cape Cod National Seashore: Comprises 43,604 acres of shoreline and upland landscape features, including a forty-mile long stretch of pristine sandy beach, dozens of clear, deep freshwater kettle ponds, and upland scenes that depict evidence of how people have used the land. A variety of historic structures are within the boundary of the Seashore, including lighthouses, a lifesaving station, and numerous Cape Cod style houses. The Seashore offers six swimming beaches, eleven self-guiding natures trails and a variety of picnic areas and scenic overlooks.

Crane Beach, Ipswich. 978-356-4354. The white sands of Crane Beach stretch for miles along both sides of Castle Neck, forming one of the most picturesque swimming beaches in all of New England. Amenities include bathhouses, lifeguards, limited parking and concession stand onsite. Open year-round daily, 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Allow time to visit Castle Hill Great House and landscape tour and the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Approx. 60 miles.

Drive through Bristol County: This charming route from Norton to Horseneck Beach in Westport gives you a splendid dose of New England in a relatively short amount of time. Take in some great views on quiet tree-lined streets and smaller main roads as you travel Rte. 140 from Wheaton College to New Bedford. From there, take Rte. 6 west to Rte. 177 and proceed on to Westport, then hop on Rte. 88 south to Horseneck Beach State Reservation. What to do: Enjoy a walk along the sand at Horseneck Beach. Then stroll over to Westport for a winery tour and tasting. Voted one of the best touring destinations in New England by Yankee Magazine, Westport Rivers has been a family owned vineyard since the mid-80s. www.westportrivers.com After sampling some vino, head to The Back Eddy for an elegant seafood dinner (Wednesday through Friday for dinner; Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. www.backeddy.com

Day at Borderland State Park: North Easton’s Borderland State Park offers a day of family fun. Over 20 miles of hiking trails, a three-mile loop trail of old farm roads and hay fields await your for hiking, family biking. What to do: Bring everything you’ll need for a day at the park because you’ll want to stay all afternoon. Stop by the visitor’s center to pick up park maps and plan your routes. If it’s your thing, bring your fishing pole. Fishing is permitted at six park ponds, accessible by foot. You can catch bass, perch, pickerel and sunfish. There are no restaurants, so pack a picnic lunch. The park’s gardens, mansion and rural landscape make for exciting photographs. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/borderland 

Scenic Drive: Highly recommended as one of the most beautiful routes in all of New England, this two-hour drive down the road will take you through plenty of eye-popping scenery. Get on Route 2 in Leominster from Route 495 North. Continue west through Orange, Turner Falls, Shelburne Falls to North Adams, where you’ll be on the Mohawk Trail and can end your trip at Mount Greylock State Reservation. Allow plenty of time and leave home early. From Foxboro to North Adams round trip is about 6 hours – plus, you’ll need time for stops. What to do: Stop in Shelburne Falls, where you can visit the Bridge of Flowers, a transformed trolley bridge decorated with over 500 varieties of flowers, vines and shrubs. Charlemont is host to the famous “Hail to the Sunrise” statue in Memorial Park. Mount Greylock boasts one of the most spectacular views in the state – if you can hike it up to the summit.

Portsmouth, NH. This small, seaside city offers loads of New England charm. You could devote a whole weekend, but it is also very manageable and enjoyable as a day trip. About a two-hour drive from Foxboro. What to do: Market Square has a variety of specialty shops, art galleries and historic buildings. Prescott Park is a great spot to sit, take in the scenic waterfront and people watch. Across from the park, Strawberry Banke Museum is a neighborhood of homes dating to the 1600’s. On the way home, drive through New Castle, the state’s smallest town made up entirely of islands. It features some of the state’s oldest homes and lies just across a small bridge at Portsmouth’s south end.

Boston Tours

Sit back and enjoy the ride as old-fashioned trolleys take you on half-day, day-long or two-day rides through the historic streets of Boston and Cambridge. Get on and get off whenever you want to see more of the city, or museums, to shop, to dine, or stroll. Bean Town Trolley www.brushhilltours.com or Old Town Trolley www.historictours.com Pick up your ticket and your trolley at the Boston Common Visitors Information Center. Year round.

Take the most unique tour that Boston has to offer aboard the amphibious vehicle, known as the Super Duck.  Traveling in the Charles River and along the historic streets of Boston, this fully narrated tour is not only informative but exciting!

Near Normandy Farms, Boston Tours 781-899-1454 or www.bostontours.com for personalized 6-hour sightseeing tours. Year round.

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