MetroWest Boston
AFFORDABLE SUMMER GETAWAYS
DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS OF MASSACHUSETTS
As we start planning for summer fun in the sun , consider a little road trip escape to MetroWest Boston . With 19 towns just 30-60 minutes from Providence , this region offers charming yet economical hotels and hidden gems to explore . Here are two itineraries to put a smile on your face and a pep in your step .
GET MOVING !
Take a deep breath of summer at one of the region ’ s eight state park recreation areas , like Hopkinton State Park whose 1,500 acres are crisscrossed by hiking , horseback riding , and mountain biking trails around a boating lake with beaches , stocked fishing , and more . Once you ’ ve built up an appetite , head to Level99 for a great meal and craft beer at the inhouse taproom , then test your friends with their unique take on mental and physical escape rooms and challenges , or get a little competitive at MetroWest ’ s newest attraction : Puttshack — where mini golf meets high tech . Spend the night at one of the region ’ s 47 hotels , then start the day off right with a round of golf at the gorgeous Marlborough Country Club , or disc golf at Franklin ’ s Dacey Field , whose wooded course runs past a babbling brook . Kayak , paddleboard , or hike along the scenic Sudbury River , starting at the Carol Getchell Trailhead and heading north to Heard Pond , a location lush with vegetation and excellent for birding . Kids a bundle of energy ? Explore all the fun of Ghiloni ’ s splash pad , playground , soccer fields , and woodland nature trails . Or visit Urban Air ’ s adventure park , with climbing wall , ropes courses , battle beam , zip line , trampolines , aerial course , warrior course , and more , or check out the region ’ s family-friendly events calendar at metrowestvisitors . org / events .
MADE IN METROWEST
Nothing speaks to happy vacation memories like the locally-made treasures you bring home . Explore the richness of MetroWest through a tour of its artisans , starting in the Natick Center Cultural District , where you ’ ll find jewelry , home goods , gifts , and art at Five Crows , or H . Brandt Jewelers , who custom-design fine jewelry . Maybe stop in to Helen ’ s Handbags , who offers not only unique handmade bags and blankets , but she ’ ll also help you make your own from loved ones ’ clothing . Visit Boston Honey Company to watch them pour gorgeous beeswax candles , then step up to their honey bar to taste different varieties and browse their locally-made honey-based bath products , all in their lovely farm store . Don ’ t miss Goodnow Farms Chocolates , the most decorated chocolate maker in North America , which you can buy at regional specialty shops or if you ’ re lucky enough to get a ticket , direct from their Sudbury factory after a Thursday behind-the-scenes tour . Stop in to the charming Molly ’ s Apothecary , who produce their own stunningly beautiful ( plus some quirky !) soaps , lotions , and more . Watch artists work and shop their wares at Zero Empty Spaces . Want to make it yourself in MetroWest ? Try a delicious cooking class at WSK , a mosaics workshop at Cheryl Cohen Mosaics , or a glass bead flameworking class at Elsie Kaye Glassworks .
Plan your next adventure with the free visitors guide at metrowestvisitors . org / guide metrowestvisitors . org