Photo: See “Fairy Hollow: Nature-Inspired Fairy Houses” at Tower Hill through Oct 25. © Troy B. Thompson Photography
Want a unique weekend adventure? Look no further than MetroWest Boston—just outside the city but a whole different world!
Active Adventures
Take a deep breath of fall at one of MetroWest’s eight recreation areas, like Hopkinton State Park’s 1,500 acres crisscrossed by hiking, riding, and mountain biking trails around a lake with boat rentals, beaches, stocked fishing, and more. Then head to Level99 to test yourself on 50+ mental and physical challenges, or get a little competitive at Puttshack, where mini golf meets high tech—and craft cooking meets full bar!
Stay overnight at the Warren Conference Center & Inn, set on a lake with woods to hike through, a beach to play at, and boats to float in. In the morning, challenge your friends to pickleball at Bosse or Clock Tower, or kayak, paddleboard, or hike along the scenic Sudbury River, excellent for birding. Animal lovers should visit Southwick’s Zoo, the largest zoo in New England, or meet 225 rescued farm animals at Unity Farm Sanctuary. Or grab a bike and head to the region’s rail trails, offering 50+ miles of paths for all mobility levels.
Cultural Adventures
Explore the American Heritage Museum, named to National Geographic’s top 10 WWII museums in the world. Immersive exhibits and living history events feature one-of-a-kind antique planes, tanks, and cars, plus fascinating stories from WWI to today. Take in a fabulous play, concert, workshop, or special event at Hopkinton Center for the Arts, TCAN, or The Umbrella Arts Center. Visit Danforth Art Museum, a jewel box featuring groundbreaking sculptures by Harlem Renaissance artist Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller.
Grab a scavenger hunt at check-in to The Verve Hotel Boston/Natick, a Tapestry Collection property decorated in colorful pop art from the 1960-90’s. In the morning, wander Garden in the Woods, showcasing stunning native wildflowers, or stroll through New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill or the Garden at Elm Bank, where lovely shops, creative classes, and special events add more to explore.
Tasty Adventures
MetroWest Boston is known for fantastic craft beverages. Plan a tour of the region’s 15 craft breweries, like Jack’s Abby, CraftRoots, or Rushford & Sons. Have a bite and a glass of award-winning wine at La Cantina Winery, or a gourmet meal, tour, and tasting at GlenPharmer Distillery, where the menu features incredible spirits housed in a historic mill building with a fabulous copper bar.
Perhaps farm-to-table is more your scene? Tour the region’s sensational farms to pick your own fruit, indulge in homemade baked goods, buy farm-made preserves and more. Don’t miss Nourse Farm, famous for raspberries and chocolate bottom pies, or tour Goodnow Farms Chocolate, the most decorated chocolate maker in North America. Sign up for delicious cooking classes at Duck Soup, offering everything from pasta-making to baking. Stay at the charming Inn at Fireside Tavern, pairing an incredible dinner with a night in their newly renovated rooms.
Download the free visitor’s guide at metrowestvisitors.org/guide, then go explore! For more inspiration, check out the site’s monthly itineraries, too.
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Known for our innovation, this forward-thinking region focuses on the future while treasuring the best of our New England past. The intersection of the oldest and newest, MetroWest Boston offers the best of both worlds, just a 20- to 40-minute drive from Boston or Worcester. With major arteries crisscrossing our region, you’re never far from what you like: recreation in all seasons, sophisticated amenities and services, upscale shopping and dining, a range of cultural attractions, and traditional New England town commons.