Underrated Downtown Districts in the Boston Suburbs

Articles and photos by Eric H.

There's an interesting discussion forum going on right now at City -Data.com entitled, "What is the prettiest suburban downtown in Greater Boston?" Participants have been offering some great comments, mostly focusing on obvious choices like Concord, Hingham, Newburyport, Marblehead, Salem and Rockport. Each and every one of these communities deserves to be mentioned for their great downtown districts.

Although the question begs for specificity (how do you define a pretty downtown?), the detailed, thoughtful feedback amongst participants was enough to make up for the perhaps overly general inquiry.

I regard a pretty downtown as having a pleasing-to-the-eyes town common, a well-defined business district, big old homes, churches with tall white steeples and historic municipal buildings. What really makes a downtown pretty, however, is seeing it be utilized with events and community gatherings -- this showcases the vibrancy of a community. The combination of all these things create a classic New England look.

I would like to add several south-of-Boston downtown districts that might not be obvious choices, but that are able to exhibit the aforementioned criteria that make up a pretty downtown. I'll let the pictures do the talking from this point on in regards to these underrated downtown districts in the Boston suburbs (and slightly beyond):

Bridgewater, Mass.

Wrentham, Mass.

Taunton, Mass.

Dedham, Mass. 

Fairhaven, Mass.

Walpole, Mass.

North Attleboro, Mass.

Norwood, Mass.

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Top Summer Destinations in the World

Getting wet and sunbathing is only two of the various activities everyone wants to do when the summer heat is on. People want to get a tan complexion. They also want everyone to see their physical transformation after months of losing weight and hours of lifting weights inside the gym.

The one question left to be answered at this time is where you are going to spend your summer vacation. There are several locations to choose from and it is understandable if it confuses you to pick the very best from the list listed in the Internet.

Don’t worry a dime though. Everyone undergoes that experience. Sometimes, it is quite hilarious to think finding for the most ideal summer getaway will not solve the problem. As your list starts to pile up, you might only find it so exhausting to trim it down. You want to visit all of them if only you are a millionaire.

The Budget

Your budget determines your best summer destination. It is possible for you to go anywhere in the world if your budget is just right. With the help of the Internet, it is now possible to customize a vacation package according to your wants. These packages will help you save money, get freebies and discounts and avail of other special promos.

The Location

If you already have a tourist visa for USA, never forget to pay a visit in the jaw-dropping city of San Francisco, California. You will surely get mesmerize with the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Right after San Francisco, travel north and experience your typical summer vacation by touring around the parks, by swimming in their crystal-clear beaches and by discovering the thrill what those various islands in Toronto can offer.

Let’s say you have some relatives or close friends living in Europe, do not waste the opportunity to convince them and go to see the magnificent buildings in Barcelona, the stunning port city in Nice, the Bairro Alto Hilltop in Lisbon, the unparallel train countryside in Oslo, the unblemished mountain vistas in Zurich and the multitudes of amusement rides by the seas in Brighton.

A lot of people in the world are all eyes on Cape Town. This South African Capital has been considered the summer hub of the country due of its wildlife parks and fantastic beaches. Just imagine yourself watching a group of zebras and antelopes in the tropical forest while riding a rented van with your family. This is just a nice way to kick-start your summer getaway, right?

Lastly, never fail to land on the most impressive cities in Sydney, Australia. As you already know, this is the home of the splendid Sydney Opera Building. This performing arts centre is the main venue for concerts, operas, ballet presentations and other social functions. It is also a joy to see the whales while spending a ride on Darling Harbour.

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Wetherell's Lawn and Garden Comes to Norton, Mass.

This just in to our news room, just the type of story we like about hard-working New Englanders starting a local business...

Brothers Bill McKinley and Dan Lenoci will be opening Wetherell's Lawn and Garden Fri., April 17, at their 4,000 sq. ft. facility, 27 South Worcester Rd. in Norton, Mass.

Wetherell's features an enormous inventory of everything related and lawn and garden needs -- and beyond. This includes lawn and landscaping care items and professional grade machines, and the little things that make a big difference in the outdoor world -- bug spray, shovels, rakes, fertilizer, grass seed, etc. Pet owners can also rejoice as Bill and Dan will also be selling dog, cat, rabbit and bird food.

What gives Wetherell's a real "wow" factor is that Bill and Dan will also offer highly-regarded Vermont Castings and Napolean wood stoves, as well as fireplace inserts.

Bill and Dan are lifelong residents of the south of Boston area. Bill owned for many years McKinley's Auto Body in Abington, Mass., while Dan has extensive experience in the landscaping business. They are both excited about opening this new business venture in an area that needs this type of service.

"There's a real need for this type of (lawn and garden) business around here," said Bill. "We hear that all the time."

Wetherell's is named after the landowner, Hank Wetherell, a beloved local figure who served as Norton's fire chief for 40 years (1930-1970) and lived to be 100-years-old (he died on Oct. 20, 2006).

Wetherell's Lawn and Garden will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The telephone number is (508) 455-0042

Finding Wetherell's:


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