Super Luxury in Hopkinton, MA
Currently the most expensive home for sale in the Metrowest Region, this 9,700 square foot monster is truely one of a kind. The front entrance says it all with its large columns and massive double door entry. When the word "mansion" comes to mind, this is what I picture. 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 7 fireplaces to create the right atmosphere and incredible detail throughout. Steps from the
Whitehall State Park and Resevior and minutes to Route 495. Could you be the first lucky owner of this property?
This home is listed by RE/MAX First Realty, Inc.
Labels: hopkinton ma, luxury home, metrowest, whitehall state park
posted by ronnierealestate @ 2:24 AM
"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
posted by Lisa @ 1:52 AM
Hiking and Biking in Metrowest Massachusetts
Here is a quick and simple guide to some great trail riding and hiking locations in the Metrowest area. All of the trails in these 3 parks are open to hikers, mountain bikers, pets and even horse back riding. In addition, there are also lakes and ponds for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boating. There are numerous other parks in the area, but the following 3 are the most well known.
Callahan State ParkCallahan State Park is hidden away in a suburban section of Framingham and Southborough.
- » 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.
Ashland State ParkAshland State Park is easy to find and the main entrance is off of Route 135. Route 135 can be accessed by Route 495. Mountain bike riding here is good with a decent selection of trails.
- » 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
Hopkinton State ParkHopkinton State Park is the largest park out of these three and is probably the most popular due to all of the access points, location and activities that are allowed. It is located on the border of Hopkinton and Ashland with the northern section close to Southborough. Route 85 cuts through the middle of the park and makes for a great weekend drive.
- » 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
posted by ronnierealestate @ 1:24 PM
Natick, MA - The Center of Metrowest Massachusetts
Located in the heart of the Massachusetts Metrowest region, Natick has become a highly desirable location for families, young professionals and businesses alike. Settled in 1651 by a Puritan missionary, the town was not officially incorporated until 1781. Occasionally, Natick is known for being the home of the 18th US Vice President, Henry Wilson.
Through the years, the city has grown to roughly 40,000 residents and is more currently known for its role in the Boston Marathon, due to the 4 mile stretch of the race that passes through via Route 135. In recent years, Natick has completed many substantial infrastructure improvements.
The school system is highly ranked in the state and is one of the major reasons why this area so desirable. To learn more about the public schools in town, check out:
http://www.natick.k12.ma.us/. The downtown area has received many upgrades along Central Street. The
town website is a great source of information about the town.
N
atick Town Hall So, what is there to do in Natick? One major attraction, the Natick Mall, is easily accessed by Route 9 and the Mass Pike, and is always growing. By mid September, the already extensive selection of stores will grow with the addition of new premium retail stores Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton and many more. Plus, if you can not find what you are looking for at the mall, the Route 9 “strip” that runs through Natick and Framingham has a large selection of popular retail stores and chain restaurants.
If you really like to shop and desire luxury living, how about some brand new high-end condos located just above the mall? Two hundred fifteen residences, known as Nouvelle at Natick, are currently being constructed and will provide countless services. Live in your own small city with world-class stores at your door shopaholics take note! Please contact FARS Realty Group if you have any questions about the properties or check out http://www.nouvelleatnatick.com/.
In the downtown area, there is a nice park in the center that is surrounded by many great establishments. The park is a wonderful area to relax, read a book or enjoy a coffee or ice cream.
Natick Center Park One establishment located at the center is the Bakery On The Common. This bakery is a great place to grab a cup of joe and try out a delicious pastry.
Bakery On The Common/Natick CenterJust down the street is The Dolphin Restaurant. The Dolphin is well known for its seafood, fair pricing and cocktail bar.
The Dolphin Seafood Restaurant and Bar/Downtown NatickAre you into tasting wine? Maxwells 148 located just over one half of a mile from the center of town is popular for their wine selection and monthly wine dinners. During the past three years, Maxwells has been awarded with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Click on
http://maxwells148.com/ to find out more and to make a reservation!
Maxwells 148 Restaurant/Just Outside Natick Center
Looking for a unique hobby? On Summer Street near downtown, you can find Barleycorns Craft Brew. Check out this spot to learn everything you need to know about brewing your own beer, wine or soda.
http://www.barleycorn.com/Barleycorns Craft Brew/ Downtown Natick
If you like the arts, you should definitely stop by The Center for Arts in Natick. Located in the center of town in the old Summer Street firehouse, it is a great setting for galleries, performances and exhibits. To learn more and to view a schedule of upcoming advents, go to
http://www.natickarts.org/index.php.
The Center of Arts/Dowtown Natick
If you like to work on your golf game, stop by
City Golf. The driving range on Speen Street has indoor and outdoor ranges, small practice holes for chipping, pitching and putting, a golf shop with a virtual golf set-up and lessons. After a long day of practicing, stop by Francos for some tasty pizza and other Italian eats.
City Golf Center EntranceWant to kick back or stay cool on a hot summer day? Take a short drive to
Cochituate State Park. The park is near the Framingham/Natick line on Route 30 (Cochituate Road). Here you can swim, have a picnic or enjoy numerous water activities.
Cochituate Lake/State Park
Cochituate Lake/State Park
Since Natick is a central location, the city allows quick access to all major routes including; Route 9, the Mass Pike (Interstate 90), and Interstate 95. Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? The commuter rail is a great option and Natick has you covered with two commuter rail locations (see map below). Hop on the train and be at Fenway in 30 minutes or into South Station shortly after. The West Natick stop is located right on Route 135. The parking lot can handle up to 178 cars and is $2.00 to park. This station has the most frequent stops out of the two Natick stations and is walking distance to the Natick Village condominium complex and the Kendall Crossing Apartment complex.
CLICK HERE to view the schedule for both stops.
West Natick and Natick Commuter Rail Locations
West Natick Commuter Station
Natick Village Condominiums
Kendall Crossing Apartments
The other Natick stop is located in the center of town on Walnut Street (near Central Street). This stop has roughly 70 parking spots, but you do need a town permit to park there. It is a convenient location for anyone that lives in or near the downtown area. If you would like to visit Natick and see what it has to offer, this stop on the commuter rail is an excellent way to do so.
Natick Center Commuter Station Labels: metrowest, natick massachusetts
posted by ronnierealestate @ 3:00 AM
