The Trails Less Traveled: The South Shores Best-Kept Secrets for Every Season

Bostons South Shore is known for its quaint coastal towns and rich history, including famous landmarks such as Plymouth Plantation and the popular summer destination beaches of Cape Cod, but there are also several hidden gems enjoyed by locals daily. These locals best-kept secrets are ripe with culture, charm, and history. . .

Cohasset Village, Cohasset, MA

Just Southeast of Boston, the coastal town of Cohasset boasts a village center that exudes New England charm. Picnic in the commons while being serenaded by the carillon of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, shop local at one of a kind gift shops, eat Boston food without traveling to the city at Bia Cafe and enjoy a flaky chocolate croissant at French Memories, a traditional French patisserie that brings a quaint European atmosphere to the town center.

What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A bike ride around the village on a beach cruiser rented from Outside In. Make sure to stop by the Cohasset Farmers Market, a weekly outdoor market in the common that runs from May through November. The market was founded by a group of citizens to support local farmers and artisans by providing seasonal produce, prepared foods, and crafts to the community. Fill your market bag with organic food, grab a hot pretzel off of a vintage food truck, and listen to live music from a local musician while shopping and supporting a growing community.

Hornstra Farm, Norwell, MA

Behold one of the last working dairy farms on Massachusetts South Shorean over 100 year-old family business complete with a bustling store carrying farm fresh products and seasonal hand-crafted ice cream. The farm additionally offers home delivery service once a week to many surrounding South Shore townsyou can look forward to having fresh milk and eggs delivered to your doorstep by a vintage refrigerated dairy truck.

What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A languid picnic outside on the grounds topped off with a homemade ice cream cone. Spend some time soaking in the farms unique history, visiting with the cows, and exploring the barn.

Humarock Village, Scituate, MA

A historic gem in Scituate, blissfully unmarred by tourism for most of the year. Travel there by bridge only and enter into a storybook town where you can grab an authentic Irish breakfast at The Voyage Restaurant, shop for unique treasures at the Humming Rock Gift Shop, or pick up a fresh piece of fish at the marina. The sandy beaches are perfect for long walks and the sunset over the South River is unparalleled. Grab a homemade donut and cozy seat at Dockside Donuts or enjoy local seafood at the Bridgwaye Inn Restaurant.

What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: A quintessential beach day complete with paddle board and surf board rentals from the Humarock Boathouse, stretches of sand and kid-friendly tide bars. Bring a bucket to the river to catch and release crabs, pull your boat up to the marina and enjoy a lobster roll from a local food truck, or grab an artisan ice cream and watch the waves from the sea wall. Summer months bring out more tourists, but the small town celebrates the season with Small Fry dances, Bingo, and daily yoga classes at the local Humarock Civic Association. Celebrate the summers end by attending the infamous Horribles Day Paradea fun, cheeky nod to days past when locals embraced horrible last-minute costumes and paraded around town with indelible cheer.

Magical Moon Farm, Marshfield, MA

A farm, art gallery and store, and open outdoor space run and founded by famous artist Donna Green. Donna lives at the farm known for its colossal purple door, and more importantly, its altruistic mission. The farm supports the Magical Moon Foundation, whose mission is to nurture and empower children with cancer. Visit the Moon Lady Studio and find treasures that support local artists. While you are there, visit with farm animals and purchase some of the days local offerings, from organic produce to firewood.

What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: During the warmer months, volunteer on the farm by planting gardens, feeding animals, or tending to the landscape. Attend or participate in the annual Motorcycle Runa fun, lively procession that passes by the farm in an effort to keep all the children smiling.

Scituate Lighthouse, Scituate MA

The sense of community in this little area of Cedar Point Scituate is palpable. The oldest complete lighthouse in the country and its two hundred year-old keepers cottage are landmarks well worth a visit. Run or walk the jetties with your kids and sit atop a boulder of rocks overlooking the water. During your travels, be sure to look out for the cairns left by visitors, many with handwritten notes perched at the top. These kindness rocks are sprinkled throughout the landscapepick one up and pay it forward by leaving one behind.

What to look forward to this Spring/Summer: Sit on a historic wooden bench taking in water views, watch the breathtaking sunset over the harbor, or bring your own chair and relax on the small beach and wade in the waters. After some time enjoying the history and views, travel the short distance to Front Street and grab fresh oysters at The Galley, a homemade ice cream at Nonas, or sit outside on the dock at twilight at T.K OMalleys and enjoy a cold drink.

Worlds End, Hingham, MA

A jewel in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Systeman underdeveloped, but well-maintained reservation. This incredibly gorgeous peninsula is bursting with tree-lined carriage paths, hiking and walking trails, scenic viewpoints, biking trails, and seasonal cross country skiing. Sit on a strategically-placed bench and enjoy a snack or picnic and sweeping views of the Boston skyline and majestic water views. Take in the peaceful 251-acre stretch of 'coastscape,' where wooded trails mingle with a harbor view.

What to look forward to in the Spring/Summer:Semi-priae access to Hingham harborenjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, or bring your fishing pole and a picnic and spend an idyllic day on or around the water.

Photography provided by Ellie Finn Photographyand The Magical Moon Foundation.