Arlington is close to Boston so you get all the benefits of living next to one of the most alive cities in the country; however, Arlington has many of its own features to offer plenty of activities for people with all ranges of interests. Here we have compiled a list of 5 things you can do when you live in Arlington.
Starting with the Outdoors: Spy Pond Park
What good would any neighborhood be to someone with an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors without a good park to spend time in? Luckily, Arlington does have a solution for that. Spy Pond Park is located in the heart of Arlington and features a broad collection of activities including a playground, kayaking and canoeing, picnic areas, tennis courts and other sports fields.
So you can start your day with a stroll around the park before you head out to the museums or meet up with friends at the Amaze Escape. Spy Pond Park even has a reservable picnic area for parties, BBQs and celebrations of any kind. If you want to go kayaking or canoeing, rentals are available seasonally as well. It’s basically a great place to spend a nice day outside.
For the History Buff: Visit Historical Sites and Museums
Arlington is also home to a small assortment of historical buildings and museums. The Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Old Schwamb Mill and Jason Russell House are all scattered throughout Arlington. Each contains a unique history and is well worth visiting.
- The Cyrus Dallin Art Museum: Experience the art of the great American sculptor, Cyrus Dallin. He is most famous for his works Appeal to the Great Spirit and Paul Revere. His work has brought a sense of beauty to the violent historical past of the Greater Boston Area.
- Old Schwamb Mill: Take a tour of Old Schwamb Mill, the longest operating mill site in the Western Hemisphere. Few workers remain compared to around 35 that worked there back in the Mill’s glory days, but you can even still purchase custom oval frames made on equipment dating back to the Civil War era.
- Jason Russell House: The Jason Russell House is the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution. On April 19, 1775, more colonial trooped died here than any other location on battle road. Visit the house and learn about the history of ownership, renovations and its role in the battle.
Fun with Friends: Amaze Escape
Amaze escape is a puzzle game in which you and your friends are locked in a room and have to find a way out. The website boasts that only 25% of their participants make it out. Would you? To play you call or book online and pick a time. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday when winter rolls around, so keep that one in mind when the first snow hits this year.
Catch a Show: Arlington Friend of the Drama
Arlington Friends of the Drama, or AFD Theatre, is a nearly 100-year-old theatre located in the former St. John’s Episcopal Church. Whether you want to participate in a play or just go to see a quality performance, AFD Theatre is well-worth visiting.
Each season AFD Theatre puts on two musicals and two straights plays for a total of four productions. Auditions for the productions are held months ahead, so if you are interested in acting then make sure you pay attention before the season begins. If you have a full-time job, don’t worry: rehearsals are on the weekends and in the evenings. If you don’t want to act, you can help in other ways, like making costumes or running concessions.
The 2017- 2018 season includes “The Light in the Piazza” from October 13th to 29th, “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays” from December 8th through 17th, “9 to 5: The Musical” from March 9th to 25h and “Unnecessary Farce” from May 11th through 29th. The details of each play can be found on the AFD Theatre Website.
Take a Trip: Visit Surrounding Areas
Last but not least, we suggest taking a small day or weekend trip. Yes, Boston is on the list, but there are more options than just Boston nearby. The best time to “tourist” in the Greater Boston Area for locals is during the spring and fall, the seasons when real tourists are minimal and you can drive to the areas that are usually crowded in the full swing of summer without the hassle of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular. Below are some of the best areas to take a short trip to.
- Cape Cod: Cape Cod is world renowned for its beautiful beaches and secluded cottages. It has great food, coffee, shopping and so much more. You can bike and enjoy the outdoors in Cape Cod as well. The chances are if you take a day trip here, you will want to stay longer. It’s a great place to relax.
- Rockport: Rockport is the home of Motif #1, the most photographed and painted building in the world known as Bradley Wharf. The town’s zoning is designed to keep the historical feel of the original colony and keep its artistic industry alive. This small town was built right on the water, so in addition to its buildings and art, it also has the appeal of beautiful ocean views. You cannot go wrong with a trip to Rockport.
- Hammond Castle: John Hays Hammond, Jr., or “The Father of the Remote Control,” was one of America’s most prevalent inventors. He held the second most number of patents, beat only by Thomas Edison, and built a giant castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The castle was constructed as a wedding present for his wife and to house his large collection of Medieval and Renaissance artifacts. It is quite an interesting piece of American History and well worth the drive.
- Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail: Get outdoors on the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail. This trail is a moderately difficult 1.2-mile loop, which takes about an hour to complete. While on the trail you will traverse through an oak and pine forest into a heavily wooded area. When you get to the swamp, you will find a boardwalk that leads you over it and to a sandy road. The sandy road brings you back to your starting location. There are also restrooms available seasonally, which means throughout the summer months. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the trail, so don’t bring your dog!
- Tiverton, Rhode Island: For a trip to a Rhode Island, consider checking out Tiverton. In every season, Tiverton has something special to offer. It’s most famous for its Christmas tree farms. But during the summer, its beaches remain less crowded in relation to other nearby towns. Its scenic landscape and beautiful waterfronts are the perfect escape. The small old-timey feeling downtown area is filled with small boutiques and art galleries as well as a little coffee shop and diner. It’s well worth the visit for some fresh sea air.
- Boston: As unoriginal as this last suggestion is, Boson changes constantly. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, they add some new brewery and tap room, or another restaurant that “you just have to try.” New shows come into town frequently and sometimes, you just need to take a quick trip to the beach.
You can’t ever really be bored when you live in Arlington. There is something to do in any weather for pretty much anyone in town and nearby.
