Guidebook for Townsend

Ashby
Guidebook for Townsend

Food Scene

Best Chinese food in this area! Great atmosphere. Worth the drive.
Lilac Blossom
385 E Dunstable Rd
Best Chinese food in this area! Great atmosphere. Worth the drive.
Good Chinese food, fast and pleasant service.
Panda Wok
Massachusetts 119
Good Chinese food, fast and pleasant service.
Great diner food (and ice cream) in a fun, convivial atmosphere.
Johnson's Restaurant and Dairy Bar
164 Boston Rd
Great diner food (and ice cream) in a fun, convivial atmosphere.
True New England diner, but, very few vegetarian options. (Vegans, you're pretty much out of luck. Perhaps fruit and potatoes for you.)
13 locals recommend
Parker's Maple Barn
1349 Brookline Rd
13 locals recommend
True New England diner, but, very few vegetarian options. (Vegans, you're pretty much out of luck. Perhaps fruit and potatoes for you.)
There's another location directly north of this one, closer to the highway. Fine chocolates and bakery products, and baklava gelato(!!),
37 locals recommend
Athan's Bakery - Brookline
1621 Beacon St
37 locals recommend
There's another location directly north of this one, closer to the highway. Fine chocolates and bakery products, and baklava gelato(!!),
Mike's is the famous North End bakery. Bova's is a 24 hour, inexpensive, hidden gem.
44 locals recommend
Bova's Bakery
134 Salem St
44 locals recommend
Mike's is the famous North End bakery. Bova's is a 24 hour, inexpensive, hidden gem.
Popular North End bakery.
203 locals recommend
Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St
203 locals recommend
Popular North End bakery.
If you want to take a date somewhere romantic, start here. Request a table near the grotto.
Saraceno
286 Hanover St
If you want to take a date somewhere romantic, start here. Request a table near the grotto.
Unbelievably delicious, seemingly home cooked - and inexpensive! - Italian food.
11 locals recommend
Antico Forno
93 Salem St
11 locals recommend
Unbelievably delicious, seemingly home cooked - and inexpensive! - Italian food.
Good food, great atmosphere, reasonably priced, central to most of Salem's key sites.
11 locals recommend
BEERWORKS No. 2 Salem
278 Derby St
11 locals recommend
Good food, great atmosphere, reasonably priced, central to most of Salem's key sites.
My husband and I have travelled all over the world and we were pleasantly surprised that the best tasting pizza was made in our (figurative) back yard!
Townsend Pizza
237 Main St
My husband and I have travelled all over the world and we were pleasantly surprised that the best tasting pizza was made in our (figurative) back yard!
Consistently great Thai food.
Chilli Duck
829 Boylston Street
Consistently great Thai food.
This is wonderful place to walk to on hot days in search of inexpensive refreshments. This establishment accepts cash only.
Ice Cream Factory
7 Elm St
This is wonderful place to walk to on hot days in search of inexpensive refreshments. This establishment accepts cash only.
Don't let the word "Bar" fool you. This is a restaurant that serves throughout the day with menus for all ages.
Bailey's Bar & Grille
18 Main St
Don't let the word "Bar" fool you. This is a restaurant that serves throughout the day with menus for all ages.
By far the best Legals anywhere!
105 locals recommend
Legal Sea Foods
100 Copley Pl
105 locals recommend
By far the best Legals anywhere!
There's actually a number of Tio Juan's Margarita's throughout N.E. They're all good!
30 locals recommend
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
211 Moody St
30 locals recommend
There's actually a number of Tio Juan's Margarita's throughout N.E. They're all good!
Really great Indian food, a little on the spicy side.
32 locals recommend
Passage To India
157 Washington St
32 locals recommend
Really great Indian food, a little on the spicy side.
Vegetarian/Vegan. Hard to believe none of it's real. My husband (who's a non-veg) and I agree that the "cheese" cake is the best we've ever had! Ditto on the the banana split ice "cream" sunday.
36 locals recommend
Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Ave
36 locals recommend
Vegetarian/Vegan. Hard to believe none of it's real. My husband (who's a non-veg) and I agree that the "cheese" cake is the best we've ever had! Ditto on the the banana split ice "cream" sunday.
Consistently great Chinese food!
Hong Kong King
28 Norman St
Consistently great Chinese food!

Everything Else

Nice place to relax in the sun. Quiet swimming pond in a state forest with 3+ miles of trails, camping, grilling, and waterfalls.
Damon Pond
Nice place to relax in the sun. Quiet swimming pond in a state forest with 3+ miles of trails, camping, grilling, and waterfalls.
The famous mountains of New England offer a great retreat and many activities to choose from.
68 locals recommend
White Mountain National Forest
71 White Mountain Drive
68 locals recommend
The famous mountains of New England offer a great retreat and many activities to choose from.
Offers a variety of activities, and potential bear watching.
Willard Brook State Forest
599 Main Street
Offers a variety of activities, and potential bear watching.
Great place for people that like trails (bicycling or hiking).
Townsend State Forest
3 Peter J Dr
Great place for people that like trails (bicycling or hiking).
Usually on everyone's must see list. It houses an enormous penguin pool, and winds around a massive tank (with the mandatory sharks) in the center of the building.
399 locals recommend
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
399 locals recommend
Usually on everyone's must see list. It houses an enormous penguin pool, and winds around a massive tank (with the mandatory sharks) in the center of the building.
A wonderful park to take your dogs off leash. Lots of art work, play area for kids. Right next to the locks. Its design keeps pets penned in without feeling like their penned in.
Galvin Memorial Park
A wonderful park to take your dogs off leash. Lots of art work, play area for kids. Right next to the locks. Its design keeps pets penned in without feeling like their penned in.
Versatile tall ship experience. A relaxing way to enjoy being on the water, and pleasant way to cap a trip to Gloucester.
15 locals recommend
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
63 Rogers St
15 locals recommend
Versatile tall ship experience. A relaxing way to enjoy being on the water, and pleasant way to cap a trip to Gloucester.
An interesting place to wander, have a bar-b-que, and watch the waters.
15 locals recommend
Winter Island Park
50 Winter Island Rd
15 locals recommend
An interesting place to wander, have a bar-b-que, and watch the waters.
It should be seen at least once.
288 locals recommend
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St
288 locals recommend
It should be seen at least once.
Beautiful place for canoeing.
J. Harry Rich State Forest
Beautiful place for canoeing.
Home to what is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in New England.
37 locals recommend
Plum Island
37 locals recommend
Home to what is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in New England.
Besides basketball and hockey games, concerts, and other events, the main terminal for rail access to points North of Boston.
42 locals recommend
North Station
135 Causeway St
42 locals recommend
Besides basketball and hockey games, concerts, and other events, the main terminal for rail access to points North of Boston.
Main terminal for rail access to points West and South of Boston. Also the main bus terminal.
85 locals recommend
South Station
700 Atlantic Ave
85 locals recommend
Main terminal for rail access to points West and South of Boston. Also the main bus terminal.
Part of what's often referred to as "the Fellsway" (which is the road running by the park), Middlesex Fells Res., fantastic place to go hiking, and, for those with dogs, let your pets roam off leash.
Wright's Park
300 Elm St
Part of what's often referred to as "the Fellsway" (which is the road running by the park), Middlesex Fells Res., fantastic place to go hiking, and, for those with dogs, let your pets roam off leash.
If someone refers to the "Fellsway", and they're not referring to the road, Middlesex Fells Res. is most likely what they are referring to. The Fells is a very popular natural retreat in metro-Boston.
74 locals recommend
Middlesex Fells Reservation
4 Woodland Rd
74 locals recommend
If someone refers to the "Fellsway", and they're not referring to the road, Middlesex Fells Res. is most likely what they are referring to. The Fells is a very popular natural retreat in metro-Boston.
Honestly, not my favorite science museum, considering the phenomenal schools, scientific incubators, think tanks, brain trusts, etc, surrounding it, but, everyone I've gone with loves it.
560 locals recommend
Museum of Science
1 Museum Of Science Driveway
560 locals recommend
Honestly, not my favorite science museum, considering the phenomenal schools, scientific incubators, think tanks, brain trusts, etc, surrounding it, but, everyone I've gone with loves it.

Entertainment & Activities

Has bumper boats, mini-golf, driving range, batting cages, ice cream, and fair food.
26 locals recommend
Kimball Farm Westford
400 Littleton Rd
26 locals recommend
Has bumper boats, mini-golf, driving range, batting cages, ice cream, and fair food.
Pick-your-own fruits. Lot's of options, lots of activities, one of the more popular PYO spots in the Boston area, but also one of the most expensive.
6 locals recommend
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
89 Pleasant St S
6 locals recommend
Pick-your-own fruits. Lot's of options, lots of activities, one of the more popular PYO spots in the Boston area, but also one of the most expensive.
A pick-your-own farm that's popular with locals.
9 locals recommend
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
16 Boon Rd
9 locals recommend
A pick-your-own farm that's popular with locals.
It's a pick-your-own farm with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Meticulously maintained, and has the best blueberries I've ever tasted. The owners give excellent organic gardening tips.
Turkey Hill Farm
380 Middle Rd
It's a pick-your-own farm with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Meticulously maintained, and has the best blueberries I've ever tasted. The owners give excellent organic gardening tips.
Combines a beach, park, and amusement arcade. It can be a pleasant way to spend a hot summer afternoon in Salem, but gets crowded on holiday weekends.
85 locals recommend
Salem Willows Park
165 Fort Ave
85 locals recommend
Combines a beach, park, and amusement arcade. It can be a pleasant way to spend a hot summer afternoon in Salem, but gets crowded on holiday weekends.
A natural stone pool with a picturesque covered bridge nearby.
Bath
A natural stone pool with a picturesque covered bridge nearby.
Offers free lessons, paid lessons, sailing rentals, and probably more. Really great people that go out of their way to create wonderful, memorable experiences.
Boston Sailing Center
54 Lewis Wharf
Offers free lessons, paid lessons, sailing rentals, and probably more. Really great people that go out of their way to create wonderful, memorable experiences.
Popular swimming spot in Boston.
187 locals recommend
Castle Island
2010 William J Day Blvd
187 locals recommend
Popular swimming spot in Boston.
An interesting place to explore on a free day.
14 locals recommend
Georges Island station
14 locals recommend
An interesting place to explore on a free day.
Incredible history and beauty.
99 locals recommend
Walden Pond
99 locals recommend
Incredible history and beauty.
Fun place to bring kids, expecially on weekends and hot summer days. Offers ice cream, batting cages, and mini golf.
11 locals recommend
Richardson's Ice Cream
156 S Main St
11 locals recommend
Fun place to bring kids, expecially on weekends and hot summer days. Offers ice cream, batting cages, and mini golf.

Drinks & Nightlife

Great place where locals hang out to watch games, enjoy good food and beer, and socialize.
9 locals recommend
British Beer Company
225 Shrewsbury St
9 locals recommend
Great place where locals hang out to watch games, enjoy good food and beer, and socialize.
There are actually several of these in the Boston area (the one in Salem, Salem Beer Works, is my favorite). Part of the Sam Adams (beer) family of companies. Really great bar food and beer!
18 locals recommend
BEERWORKS (No. 1 Fenway/Boston)
61 Brookline Ave
18 locals recommend
There are actually several of these in the Boston area (the one in Salem, Salem Beer Works, is my favorite). Part of the Sam Adams (beer) family of companies. Really great bar food and beer!

Sightseeing

Very informative and one of the longer whale watch tours. For those that tend to suffer from motion sickness, try 7 Seas, instead. This is a double hulled ship, which can contribute to sea sickness.
399 locals recommend
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
399 locals recommend
Very informative and one of the longer whale watch tours. For those that tend to suffer from motion sickness, try 7 Seas, instead. This is a double hulled ship, which can contribute to sea sickness.
BHC offers a number of different cruises. Whale watching is just one of the options.
59 locals recommend
Boston Harborwalk
Boston Wharf Road
59 locals recommend
BHC offers a number of different cruises. Whale watching is just one of the options.
This could go under restaurant, too. Love their sightseeing and dining cruises. If you're seeking to win a lady's heart, try one of the evening cruises.
Odyssey Cruises Boston by Hornblower
60 Rowes Wharf
This could go under restaurant, too. Love their sightseeing and dining cruises. If you're seeking to win a lady's heart, try one of the evening cruises.
Generally on the must see list of any Revolutionary history buff.
91 locals recommend
The Paul Revere House
19 N Square
91 locals recommend
Generally on the must see list of any Revolutionary history buff.
Remarkable architecture, atmosphere, and food!
406 locals recommend
North End
406 locals recommend
Remarkable architecture, atmosphere, and food!
Frog pond (ice skating in the winter and wading in the summer), swan boats, musicians, artists, sports, sunning, people watching, history....
567 locals recommend
Boston Common
139 Boylston St
567 locals recommend
Frog pond (ice skating in the winter and wading in the summer), swan boats, musicians, artists, sports, sunning, people watching, history....
If you have a free day, wander the town. There's too broad an assortment of sights, attractions, and activities to mention here.
164 locals recommend
Salem
164 locals recommend
If you have a free day, wander the town. There's too broad an assortment of sights, attractions, and activities to mention here.
Really great whale watching experience.
19 locals recommend
7 Seas Whale Watch
63 Seas Wharf
19 locals recommend
Really great whale watching experience.
A fun place to see with an interesting history.
10 locals recommend
Hammond Castle station
10 locals recommend
A fun place to see with an interesting history.
Really great place for a leisurely scenic walk - park on Lynn Shore Drive and walk up the neck to the island.
Nahant
Really great place for a leisurely scenic walk - park on Lynn Shore Drive and walk up the neck to the island.
Beautiful beaches, great place to go quahogging (clamming), watch seals, possibly spot a GREAT WHITE shark or other sharks and whales.
129 locals recommend
Chatham
129 locals recommend
Beautiful beaches, great place to go quahogging (clamming), watch seals, possibly spot a GREAT WHITE shark or other sharks and whales.
Outstanding structure. There;s usually something interesting going on inside. Also, check out the Harborwalk.
129 locals recommend
John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
Columbia Point
129 locals recommend
Outstanding structure. There;s usually something interesting going on inside. Also, check out the Harborwalk.
Beautiful area for a scenic stroll.
UMass Harborwalk Park
Beautiful area for a scenic stroll.
An impressive estate that can be toured, a wildlife refuge that can be explored, and a clean beach in an idyllic location.
124 locals recommend
Crane Beach
124 locals recommend
An impressive estate that can be toured, a wildlife refuge that can be explored, and a clean beach in an idyllic location.
Forget what you saw in the movie, "The Town". This is a really charming place to visit. Check out the Bunker Hill monument, shop on Main Street, follow the Freedom Trail, and stop by Warren Tavern.
13 locals recommend
Charlestown
13 locals recommend
Forget what you saw in the movie, "The Town". This is a really charming place to visit. Check out the Bunker Hill monument, shop on Main Street, follow the Freedom Trail, and stop by Warren Tavern.

Arts & Culture

If they're offering a cruise and you can go, do it!
Mystery Cafe' Mystery Dinners and More!
161 Devonshire St
If they're offering a cruise and you can go, do it!
If you're in town on a Friday night in summer, stop by to dine and watch a movie "by Moonlight".
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf
If you're in town on a Friday night in summer, stop by to dine and watch a movie "by Moonlight".
Red Sox baseball!
815 locals recommend
Fenway Park
4 Jersey St
815 locals recommend
Red Sox baseball!
Our visitors have been thrilled by the trapeze. Also has an IMAX theater.
6 locals recommend
Jordan's Furniture Reading
50 Walkers Brook Dr
6 locals recommend
Our visitors have been thrilled by the trapeze. Also has an IMAX theater.
Just as in other cities, a multiplex for a variety of entertainment (e.g. dancing, billiards, bowling, etc.).
34 locals recommend
Lucky Strike Social Boston
145 Ipswich St
34 locals recommend
Just as in other cities, a multiplex for a variety of entertainment (e.g. dancing, billiards, bowling, etc.).
Famous music venue.
77 locals recommend
House of Blues Boston
15 Lansdowne St
77 locals recommend
Famous music venue.
This is also kid friendly. It's a form of interactive adventure theater. We took a teen that was determined not to have fun when she entered, but left grinning.
5 Wits Patriot Place
202 Patriot Pl
This is also kid friendly. It's a form of interactive adventure theater. We took a teen that was determined not to have fun when she entered, but left grinning.
If racing down Mass highways isn't sufficiently thrilling, test your stuff here.
10 locals recommend
X1 Boston
290 Wood Rd
10 locals recommend
If racing down Mass highways isn't sufficiently thrilling, test your stuff here.
Remarkable exhibits for the space and location.
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
Remarkable exhibits for the space and location.
It requires at least two full days to take it all in.
23 locals recommend
Museum of Fine Arts station
23 locals recommend
It requires at least two full days to take it all in.
Each person seems to go for different reasons: the art, architecture, gardens, history (+ the infamous robbery), food, music, events....
500 locals recommend
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way
500 locals recommend
Each person seems to go for different reasons: the art, architecture, gardens, history (+ the infamous robbery), food, music, events....

Shopping

Paul Blart: Mall Cop was filmed here.
18 locals recommend
Burlington Mall
75 Middlesex Turnpike
18 locals recommend
Paul Blart: Mall Cop was filmed here.
Great, fast service and they'll deliver to our house in Townsend. "Organic."
Groton Cleaners
230 Main Street
Great, fast service and they'll deliver to our house in Townsend. "Organic."
Do not leave Mass without trying one of their muffins! There's more than one location.
Gingerbread Construction Co
52 Main St
Do not leave Mass without trying one of their muffins! There's more than one location.
A popular, relatively new mall with a broad product/store selection.
68 locals recommend
Natick Mall
1245 Worcester St
68 locals recommend
A popular, relatively new mall with a broad product/store selection.
Wonderful place to go for those with an exotic sweet tooth. Plus, some of the areas best "hard-packed" ice cream.
11 locals recommend
Maria's Sweet Somethings
26 Front St
11 locals recommend
Wonderful place to go for those with an exotic sweet tooth. Plus, some of the areas best "hard-packed" ice cream.
And the surrounding area: bountiful shopping, farmers markets, people watching, etc.
157 locals recommend
Copley Square
560 Boylston St
157 locals recommend
And the surrounding area: bountiful shopping, farmers markets, people watching, etc.
Shopping, shopping, shopping!
647 locals recommend
Newbury Street
Newbury Street
647 locals recommend
Shopping, shopping, shopping!
Open 24 hours
Walmart Supercenter
85 NH-101A
Open 24 hours