I moved to the suburbs of Boston nearly 7 years ago. It was a big move for my family. We came all the way from Seattle, WA. When coming to a new town, the first thing I try to do is find fun and healthy options and activities for myself and my family. There are so many wonderful options to choose from. In this post, I’ve focused mainly on the suburban areas of Metrowest Boston. It’s the perfect area to explore some of our nations top historic sites. Get ready for some Boston Day Trips with ideas on where to eat, stay and play.
Where to Eat
The Cottage
The Cottage restaurant has locations in Wellesley and Chestnut Hill. They provide unique food with a farm to table theme. They are proud to serve locally sourced ingredients too. The food is so delicious it is hard to pick a favorite. Go with a large group so you can share. Brunch is also spectacular and they have recently added online reservations. It’s a family-friendly environment too! Both are an easy drive from Boston.
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn
The Wayside Inn is the oldest operating inn in America. It’s provided lodging and food for travelers since 1716. You can enjoy dining in historic rooms and enjoy a walk around the grounds. It’s a lovely place to spend the night too. If you are brave enough, ask about staying in the haunted room.
80 Thoreau
Farmer’s Market – Russell’s Garden Center
The Farmer’s Market at Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland hosts more than 100 vendors during both it’s winter and spring/summer markets. It’s the perfect place for local food and produce. Bring a basket and take some food for a picnic. There are often tasting and craft events. It’s also a wonderful place to shop for holiday gifts from local artisans.
Best Places to Find Your Zen
Hiking Trail – Walden Pond
Part of the Massachusetts Forests and Parks system, Walden Pond State Reservation includes 335 acres of protected open space so that visitors can experience the pond that inspired Thoreau. There is a 3 mile trail around this iconic pond, which is lovely nearly year round – the trail closes for deep snow. Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the foliage and take your family for a hike ( don’t forget to take some goodnessknows snack squares for a snack).
Day Spa – Invidia Salon and Spa
Invidia Salon and Spa provides a wide variety of spa services. Their spa pedicure is amazing! My husband makes my year with an annual spa day gift package. Every woman should feel this special and pampered at least once a year. The facials are fantastic too! Invidia is also a full-service salon if you want to get your hair and makeup done for a date night too! It also provides services for kids. My daughter loves getting her hair done there.
Wellness Retreat – Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
About 2.5 hours from Boston is the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Although I have yet to visit this center, I have heard wonderful things! I have a girlfriend who attends at least one retreat every year. I am aiming for the R&R Retreat next Spring. With Kripalu’s R&R Retreats, you decide how to spend your days so that you can create exactly the right experience for you. Choose from a variety of workshops, outdoor activities, and yoga and movement classes.
I love the Fells. My whole family does. It’s our happy place.
I #tryalittlegoodness at my local zoo and park.
At our local boardwalk where we can view the river
I love the local ice cream shops.
You have listed so many of our favorite spots! I’ve never tried Invidia Salon and Spa but it looks like I should! I’ve been to Kripalu a few times and it is wonderful – and in the summer it is just a short walk to Tanglewood.
Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, there are so many amazing places to #TryALittleGoodness! My favorite is to stop at an overlook on the parkway and admire the scenery.
a lot of the food restaurants in downtown Charleston, SC
I really love our Missouri Botanical Garden and the City Museum, but STL is blessed with awesome places to #TryALittleGoodness 🙂
Just an FYI: I would have gladly signed up for your newsletter but couldn’t find, see where to subscribe. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone!
I love walking the trails at the state park next to my home
I like to go to the park!
I like the Sandrock cliffs in our area.
My favorite place to #TryALittleGoodness is at a local hiking trail that goes around a lake.
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at our local zoo with my daughter.
I like the beach here in San Diego
I will #TryALittleGoodness at the park up the street and at lunch while at work!
A few of our local favorites are the Zoo, Mall Of America, and going to the airport and watching the planes come in!
I live in Central Ohio and have never experienced Amish country. I’d like to take a weekend road trip there or our favorite camping area, Hocking Hills.
I would take them to the beach.
Up near Tanglewood on the NY/MA border – love it there! Especially with the fall colors and local harvest. #TryALittleGoodness
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at local state parks after a hike.
I love the local hiking trails in my town. #TryALittleGoodness
I like to #TryALittleGoodness hiking the trail of the local Metroparks and along the shoreline.
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at the local farmer’s market
I love to #TryaLittleGoodness at my local BBQ spot! They have amazing, homemade desserts that are delicious.
I like to try a little goodness at the park.
We love going to our local farmer’s market on the weekend to do some of our grocery shopping.
I like to #TryALittleGoodness parks in the warmer weather, internet cafes, the gym and at the beach in the summer.
We love taking the kids hiking and joying a little goodness.
I enjoy walking around town and going to the trail
My kids all like visiting the local parks so I would say that would be a great place
I like to #TryALittleGoodness at a local healthy restaurant called Good Earth.
On the bike rides we take on the great trails!!
we love the zoo
I like to try goodness at the canyons here in Georgia, they are so beautiful in the fall.
We are very fortunate to be only about 30 minutes away from one of our state parks. We love to visit all year.
One of the places we enjoy is the local farmers market cafe. They have everything on the menu direct from the farmers from the entrees to the desserts. Everything is local (within 100 miles) and it is absolutely delicious. #TryALittleGoodness
Walking along the Charles River paths
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at my local farmers market – veggies, cheese, meats etc
I like visiting local parks and trails
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at the local farmer’s market and cafes.
I like to #TryALittleGoodness at the children’s zoo and local parks.
I enjoy dining at Café Latte of St. Paul. They offer unique soups and desserts, chocolate turtle cake is my favorite #TryALittleGoodness.
I love visiting the local zoo with my family for a fun day everyone can enjoy.
I like to #tryalittlegoodness at a restaurant that I love that overlooks a waterfront and forest like scenery. It’s beautiful in the fall.
I love walks on singing beach and eating fresh fruits and vegetables from my local farm stand.