"Hopkinton Ma... Where Everybody Knows Your Name"

Established in 1715, Hopkinton MA is one a town rich with history, and focused on community. With just under 15,000 residents, Hopkinton is a large town with a small town feel. Known as one of the "friendliest towns in Massachusetts", Hopkinton residents are very involved with local community projects and programs and provide tremendous support to local businesses. In addition, summer concerts on the common, a festive Fourth of July Parade, neighborhood gatherings, and numerous recreational social and recreational clubs bring Hopkinton residents to create a community that everyone can be a part of.

Nestled just 26 miles outside of Boston, Hopkinton is home to start of the annual Boston Marathon, an event that draws hundreds of thousands of runners and spectators to town each year. In addition, Hopkinton is well known for being home to a number of beautiful parks and lakes including Hopkinton State Park, Whitehall State Park, Lake Maspenok and a number of town parks and beaches. For biking, hiking, running, swimming, sailing and kayaking, Hopkinton is a destination spot for outdoor fun.

Hopkinton State Park

Whitehall State Park

A fun-filled day of outdoor activity in Hopkinton will create a strong appetite! There are numerous places to eat and grab a drink in Hopkinton as well as in surrounding towns including Holliston, Upton, Milford, Westborough, Framingham, Natick, Ashland, Southborough and Northborough. The most popular local eateries include:

• Hopkinton Gourmet, Hopkinton MA - Hopkinton Gourmet, located right in the heart of Hopkinton Center is the best coffee shop in town! Open for Breakfast and Lunch, Hopkinton Gourmet is a popular spot for Hopkinton residents who enjoy the fresh coffee, baked goods, and much, much more.
  


• Marathon Deli, Hopkinton MA - If you’re in the mood for a great sandwich, Marathon Deli is the place to go! The menu is very creative with subs, salads, and wraps of all kinds. The portions are very generous and you won’t leave hungry!
  


• Stones Public House, Ashland, MA - Stone's is a great Irish Pub with excellent food, a vast selection of beers, and regular live music. The service is friendly, and so are the other customers. Stone’s is a great place to grab a drink, have a meal, hear some music and meet some friends.
  


• Il Forno, Westborough, MA - Offering an assortment of delicious specialties from Northern Italian seafood, chicken, veal and pasta entrées to brick oven pizza creations, Il Forno is a local favorite for fine dining. Il Forno is BYOB, so make sure to bring a bottle of wine (or two) to accompany your meal!
  


• Tomasso, Southborough MA - Tomasso is as close as you can get to North End Dining in the Metrowest area. The menu is traditional Italian style and the food is extraordinary. The fried risotto appetizer is a must have! The atmosphere is great and the service is always a step above. The prices are high so bring your wallet, but it is worth it!
  
  
  Hopkinton is a very unique town with a lot to offer to residents and visitors alike! It’s very easy to get to, as it is located close to 495, the Mass Pike, and Rte 9. It offers unparalleled charm and quaintness in a town that is within minutes of dozens of stores, restaurants and other amenities. If you visit Hopkinton this summer, make sure to stop at Brigham's Ice Cream on your way out of town!

Labels: hopkinton ma, massachusetts, metrowest

Hiking and Biking in Metrowest Massachusetts

• » There are a few main entrances and miles of trails for the avid hiker, biker and horse back rider. See below for the two main parking lots/entrances for the parks. Please note that the trail system is much larger than what is shown on the Google map and you can easily walk/ride into Marlborough. One ride I got completely lost and ended up in the Raytheon complex. It was worth the long haul back, since the downhill section on the way was incredible.



• » Parking is free



• » If you want to work on your riding skills, the north section of Callahan is full of steep ascents and descents and will challenge most riders.



• » The park is pet friendly and has a small pond for your dog to cool off and play. If your dog behaves well, it's a great place to let it off the lease, play fetch and let it go for a swim.



• »In the winter, many people come here snowshoe and cross country ski.

• » There are two main entrances with 4 parking lots in all. The northern side of the park has the most spaces and is easiest to access from main routes.



• » The park offers a wide variety of activities due to the large reservoir such as; hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, boating, swimming and cross country skiing



• » Parking is not free and costs a few dollars



• » The main trail goes around the border of the lake



• » The park is pet friendly, but they do post that your dog should be on a leash.



• » About 1/3 of the park is made up of the Ashland Reservoir, which has a beach and is a great swimming spot.



• » Restrooms on site

• » Please view this detailed map to see all of the parking locations on the northern main entrance



• » Here is an overview map of the entire park and the trail system



• » The park offers a wide variety of activities similar to Ashland State Park. There are more trails than in Ashland, so it does allow for more biking terrain.



• » Hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, boating, swimming and cross country skiing



• » The park is pet friendly, but you will want to have your pet on a leash



• » Parking will cost a few dollars



• » Non motorized boats are available for rent



• » Snowmobiling is allowed in the winter with at least 4” of snow cover



• » 300 first come first serve picnic sites



• » Two beaches are supervised during particular hours



• » Restrooms on site



• » A one acre picnic site is available for reservations. Please note, summer reservations book up at least 6 months in advance!

Labels: biking, hiking, massachusetts, metrowest