Just 59 minutes away from Wakefield is the small, but significant, ocean-side town of Plymouth, MA. If you've never seen Plymouth Rock, the landing place of the Pilgrims in 1620 well - you've got to see it at least once. Plymouth Colony was the first thriving colony of 1,000 Puritans who seem to still influence our state to this day - if not our entire country through the holiday of Thanksgiving. Then there's Plimouth Plantation, where you can immerse yourself right into the early days of Massachusetts settlers, with in-character famers, bakers, steel smiths - fun for kids and adults alike. …
Hop on 93 South and in 20 minutes (depending on traffic...) you can end up in the heart of Boston, at one of the city's grassiest tourist attractions: The Boston Common Frog Pond. After you find parking, let your kids loose in the Frog Pond wading and spray pool, which provides a place for free family fun and a cool dip in the summer heat. The pool will be open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 a.m. until Labor Day. Afterwards, do something that the parents will enjoy - a stroll through Boston Common's Public Garden, and maybe even a swan boat ride. Check out more Wakefield Patch Passport stories.
A former dump site, Spectacle Island was cleaned up and opened to the public in 2004. A 15-20-minute ferry ride brings you to a quiet oasis with spectacular views of Boston, two beaches, a visitor's center and a cafe. Ferries leave from Long Wharf in Boston. Check out the schedule here. Spectacle Island is one of 34 islands and peninsulas that make up the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. (All photos were taken in the summer of 2009.) Check out more Wakefield Patch Passport stories.
So you want to get out of the kitchen, but are bored of the same old places you always go? Want some fresh ideas for tasty meals? Then the Patch Passport can help. We have assembled a list of local places with international flavors. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! There's no shortage of Italian cuisine with Ristorante Molise, Porto-Bello Restaurant, Caffe Italia, Artichokes, Sabatino's and Bellino's Trattoria in town. For Portugese, try Porto-Bello Restaurant which also serves Italian (see above). For Greek fare (or even a hearty American breakfast, or …
Wakefield Un-Common Antiques is located at 306 Main St. and offers unique antiques for sale. The store opened its doors in December of 2010, and has become a place for Wakefield residents—and out-of towners—to explore. "I'm always buying stuff for the store from all over the place," said store owner Nancy Bertrand. "It's constant discovery, and it's always a tresure hunt...It's fun." When you first walk into the store, you may encounter Bertrand or one of her children behind the counter eager to greet you. Bertrand is a business owner, Wakefield Patch contributor, published historical author…
Tania - A Unique Salon & Spa for Body & Soul offers all the pampering treatments to make you feel like a movie star right in your hometown. "It's about the way that you are treated when you come here," said long-time salon guest Gina Gebhard. "They take care of each person." Tania Alongi, a lifelong Wakefield resident, is the owner and master stylist of the salon. She opened the shop back in 1993 when it was located on Princess St. The salon then moved to its new location in June of 2002. The spa uses only Aveda products, an enviornmentally conscious product line. Aveda's color line is up …
Wakefield was first settled beginning in 1639 when a group of colonists from Lynn sought permission to establish an ‘inland plantation’ called Lynn End or Lynn Village. In 1644, when seven houses had been built and seven families had settled, permission was given to establish an official town, which was called Redding. The area was vast, and encompassed the present towns of Wakefield, Reading and North Reading, but all of the original settlements were in the current town of Wakefield. In 1812, Wakefield officially separated from Reading, and incorporated as the town of South Reading (re-…
The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library Summer Programs/EventsThe Lucius Beebe Memorial Library (345 Main St., Wakefield) has many fun programs for kids and teens to enjoy this summer. Wakefield Patch went to check out "Karaoke Night" at the library, where a DJ played the latest hits allowing kids in grades five and up to sing along and showcase their singing abilities. Other upcoming events include "create a journal," video game day, Bollywood dancing, bubble rockets, and Anime club. Check out the full calender to see which events require registration. There is also a summer reading program for …
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Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Check back to Wakefield Patch daily to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Wakefield. And you can tell us what you love about Wakefield, and we'll include it as part of our project. We hope this project encourages you to shop local, eat local and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own town has to offer. And although everything will …
