The South Shore of Massachusetts has its share of famous spots—Nantasket Beach, Plymouth Rock, the South Shore Music Circus—but there are some less well-known places that are treasured by local residents. They’re the kind of places you learn about once you move to the area. Thanks to our expert South Shore knowledge, we’re sharing a few of these hidden gems. Put them on your list of top community amenities when you look for homes for sale on the South Shore.
Hingham Farmers Market, Hingham
Running from early May through mid-November, the Hingham Farmers Market has been serving up fresh fruits and veggies to visitors every Saturday since 1977. It’s the third oldest market of its kind in the state and features the local produce of 35 to 40 vendors. Check their website for the current Hingham location. The market opens on Saturdays rain or shine from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Plymouth
You may not feel the need to travel to Boston to get your classical music fix once you hear “the Phil.” The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional ensemble backed by over 100 seasons of live performances and a line-up of concerts staged from Plymouth Memorial Hall in downtown Plymouth. Each season features a free summer concert series, including a Fourth of July concert at Plymouth Waterfront Pilgrim Memorial State Park right before the fireworks.
Boston native Steven Karidoyanes brings 29 seasons of experience as conductor and music director of the Phil and also serves as conductor of the New England Conservatory Youth Symphony.
North River Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield
This 225-acre oasis in Marshfield includes a salt marsh and 2.5 miles of trails leading through a scenic oak forest. You’ll get up close and personal along the route with a wide range of birds, mink, and dragonflies, and you can take the kids into the discovery room for nature lessons. The sanctuary also offers a summer camp and special events throughout the year.
Humarock Beach, Scituate
Humarock, Scituate, Credit: Mclaughlin
is licensed under
CC BY ND 2.0
Much more than just a beach, the Humarock section of Scituate (known by locals as the town’s Fourth Cliff) is a way of life that feels much like a year-round vacation. A nautical gift shop and the popular Bridgewaye Inn Restaurant operate all year and the community’s famous ice cream stand comes alive in summer. The beach is less crowded than many South Shore bathing spots as Humarock is a bit secluded and off the beaten track but well worth the journey to Scituate.
Norris Reservation, Norwell
Photo courtesy of the
Trustees of Reservations
This favorite among local families offers two miles of hiking and biking trails, a mill pond, a boathouse, and a pine and oak forest bordering the tidal North River in Norwell. You might catch sight of owls, hawks, beaver dams and kingfishers along the trek, and you can get your daily walk or jog in while observing the beauty of nature.
Duxbury Bogs, Duxbury
Photo courtesy of the
North and South Rivers Watershed Association
Peaceful and uncrowded, Duxbury Bogs features about 190 acres of conservation land plus 39 acres of working cranberry bogs. Three miles of trails include wide dirt roads around the cranberry bogs and woodland trails that are cool, shaded, and serene. Owned the Town of Duxbury, Duxbury Bogs are located at 174 East Street in Duxbury.
