In the nice weather that lingers just before the start of a long winter, it’s always nice to spend some time outside enjoying the season. Fall is an excellent time to explore the outdoors and take in the last bits of color while the leaves change, before all the plants die in the frost. This year the South Shore and surrounding areas are holding numerous markets and festivals- things to do on the weekends instead of the same old routine. These places and events are sure to spice up your weekend and get you outside before we all spend about four months hiding from the cold.
SoWa Open Market
Every Sunday until October 30, enjoy the creations of over 100 indie artisans. Among the artisans are designers, crafters, musicians, and bakers who all have something different to offer. The market is located in Boston’s South End, and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Go to buy unique crafts, experience original cuisine, or just take a walk through the beautiful fall scenery of Boston.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration
From Nov. 18-20, spend the day in Plymouth, MA where the Thanksgiving traditions all started. This year is the 16th annual celebration, with concerts and festivities alike.
Some highlights of the weekend include:
Grand Parade– Nov. 19, Plymouth Center, 10:30 a.m.
New England Food Festival– Nov. 19, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (admission $12.00)
Local restaurants enter soups, chowders, desserts, and part foods for the attendees to taste and vote on.
Third Annual Harvest Festival– Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Listen to bluegrass and traditional music, and walk the harvest market for locally grown produce.
Easton Sheep Pasture
Visit this conservation of 154 acres for an extremely scenic day trip. Located at 307 Main St. in Easton, MA, the sheep pasture is an operating farm home to goats, chickens, horses, and sheep. It’s a perfect place for walks; the pasture consists of numerous trails, meadows, forests, and streams to explore. It’s also a great place to take pictures if you’re into photography, or just looking for some fall scenery!
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
Located in Canton, Ma, this Georgian style estate built in 1902 is a hidden retreat tucked away near rt. 128. There is free admission to all, and the estate is open year-round. You can walk the gardens, cart-paths, or woodland trails in the 90-acre sanctuary.
S.N. Smith Farm
For an apple-picking experience that is sure to delight, the S.N. Smith farm located in East Bridgewater, MA is a family business operating on 90 acres of fruit and vegetable crops for you to pick your own apples, pumpkins, berries and more.
Nashoba Valley Winery
If you are willing to drive a little more, the Nashoba Valley Winery offers an award-winning apple-picking orchard. There are over 4,000 trees in the spacious orchard with a vast array of apple varieties. The orchards are open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Now available in the orchards are Macoun, Cortland, Golden & Red Delicious, Blushing Golden, Idared, and Mutsu apples. The cost is $25 per ½ bushel.
Cider Day Festival
Throughout November 6th and 7th, 2011, experience the 17th Annual Ciderdays Festival in Franklin County, Ma from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some event highlights include a cider- making workshop, an apple pancake breakfast, and the marketplace. Admission for workshops varies between $15 and $75, but to roam the marketplace is free. You can tour the apple orchards or participate in various cider tastings.The festival is for all who love apples and apple cider!