We love a good picnic, and it is even better when we find a picnic spot with a little something extra. Here are four of our favorite South Shore picnic spots and what makes them special.
1. The Boathouse at Norris Reservation {Dover Street, Norwell}
Tucked along the banks of North River the boathouse in Norris Reservation makes a fun spot for a picnic! There is shade for hot days, the occasional bird or animals sighting, and just watching the river can be mesmerizing. There are no picnic tables but there are benches, and since it is less than a mile to the boathouse from the parking lot you could easily bring a picnic blanket along with you. Be aware that there is now a parking kiosk at Norris Reservation and those who are not members of the Trustees of Reservation will have to pay $5 to park.
2. Turkey Hill {Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham}
Sitting just above Weir River Farm in Hingham Turkey Hill (part of the Whitney and Thayer Woods) boasts distant views of Boston and a great meadow for spreading out a blanket enjoying a picnic! There is also a single picnic table, and a few trees for shade, but what makes this South Shore picnic spot special its spot under the flight path into Boston! Little airplane lovers will delight in seeing the large planes fly overhead as they enjoy their lunch. We saw no fewer than a dozen in the 40 minutes we sat and had our picnic. And there is the empty remains of an anti-missile radar control station that was located on this site during the Cold War.
3. Pembroke Herring Run {Barker Street, Pembroke}
Located on Rt 14 the Pembroke Herring Run is rich with local history. Boasting a small outbuilding and historical marker sharing information on the locations important history in the town since Colonial Days it makes a great picnic spot for older children for it's historical significance and younger children love to watch the water and, a few times out of the year, the herring run. There is some shade, so grab a picnic blanket and soak up some history.
4. Veterans' Memorial Park {Intersection of 139 and 3A, Marshfield} & South River Park {3A, Marshfield}
Right at the intersection of 139 and 3A in Marshfield, and around the corner from the Marshfield Fairgrounds, sits Veterans' Memorial Park. It is a small park, and sits on a busy road, but boasts a water fountain, small waterwheel, and lot of shade perfect for a midday picnic.
Just down 3A from Veterans' Memorial Park is South River Park which has a covered picnic area complete with picnic tables, walking trails, a rain garden, boardwalk with views of the South River and more!
Have a favorite, local, picnic spot with a little something special? E-mail lauriec@macaronikid.com and let us know!
