We are already into August but there are still plenty of warm summer days ahead of us! Here in New England we are conditioned to make the most of the summer months to get us through those long cold winters. Luckily living in the towns and communities north of Boston we have plenty of opportunities to get outside and make the most of the sunshine. Here are some of our top tips to get out and enjoy all that Concord, Carlisle, Acton, Bedford, Lexington, Lincoln, Westford and Winchester have to offer!
Cool Off
If you don’t have a pool at home, don’t despair! There are plenty of local opportunities for a dip, from pools and splash parks to public lakes and beaches. Some towns, such as Bedford, Lexington and Concord, have outdoor pools and ponds for residents only that you can use throughout the summer - you can find out more at each town's website. If you are looking for somewhere with drop-in hours, try this list of the DCR run pools and spray decks around Boston - we like Hall Memorial Pool in Stoneham and Beaver Brook Spray Deck in Belmont. If lake swimming is more your thing, Walden Pond in Concord is a beautiful spot, and NARA Park Beach in Acton is another popular place to cool off. Combine a swim with dinner, and perhaps a cocktail or two, at the Sunset Tiki Bar in Westford (adults only after 9pm). For more suggestions check this map. Many towns also have private swim clubs which are very popular and often have waitlists to join - luckily our realtors are all experts in their towns and can advise you on which might suit your needs and how to become a member.
(If all this has made you wish you had your own private pool, search our latest listings for homes with pools)
Listen To The Music
Outdoor concerts are making a comeback this summer! As well as headline acts playing the large stadiums and arenas such as Fenway Park and Leader Bank Pavilion, many of our local communities are hosting free music events this month. Winchester has a series of Concerts on the Common during Wednesdays in August - free to attend, just bring a blanket and some snacks! Lexington also has a Friday evening series of summer shows for the whole family, and Acton is host to a series of tribute acts such as Pink Floyd and Foreigner. Kimball Farm’s Westford location has live music on their outdoor stage on a variety of dates this month - don’t forget to try their ice-creams too! For more options check your town's recreation department or local chamber of commerce.
Movies Under The Stars
Another quintessential summer experience - enjoying a movie outside! Topsfield is likely the closest drive-in movie location, showing a selection of current and classic titles. There are also drive-in movie theaters in Mendon and Milton, NH. Alternatively there are outdoor screenings of movies in many of our local towns, where you can bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy a rerun of a popular family movie. Try Woburn’s Library Field, Acton’s Nara Park or head to Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront in Boston for a series of Sunday evening classics.
If none of these work for you, read our recent blog for inspiration on setting up your own outdoor movie theater in your backyard.
Free Days Out
Thanks to the Highland Street Foundation’s August Adventures, you can enjoy a free day out at one of Massachusetts many cultural attractions throughout this month. Along with free entry to a different museum, park, zoo or attraction each day, they are also hosting Out of the Park, a free family event including food, activities and a live screening of the Red Sox game. Booking is essential and some events are already sold out but there are still plenty to choose from - just pick your day!
Still stuck for ideas? Ask your local realtor! As well as being experts on the housing market, they are also a great source of information on the communities they live and work in. Your relationship doesn’t end when you buy your home - they are happy to help you settle in and get to know your new neighborhood. Give them a call today!
