One Tank Trip: A Boston To Cape Cod Scenic Foliage Tour
Take I-93 south to exit 7 to merge onto MA-3 south. Enjoy the scenic drive through Weymouth, Hanover and Kingston into Plymouth. An alternate route from I-93 south is to take MA-24 south to MA-104 in Bridgewater. Then follow MA-106 through Halifax and Carver into Plymouth. Continue on MA-3 south over the Sagamore Bridge and onto the Cape. From here MA-6A will allow you to view the foliage of Sandwich, Barnstable, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans, while MA-130 will take you through Marston Mills and Mashpee.
What To Do
Pond Meadow Park
470 Liberty St.
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 843-7663
pondmeadowpark.org
Pond Meadow Park is about 20 minutes into your drive from Boston. This conservation land of 320 acres is a great place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Along with the colorful foliage, there are marshes, woods, meadows and a 20-acre pond, where you may walk to the end of the dock and photograph the surrounding leaves. You will truly appreciate nature as you bird watch, hike or walk the trails.
Turkey Hill/Weir River Farm
Route 3A
Cohasset and Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 740-7233
thetrustees.org
Get off of MA-3 south at the Derby Street exit to make a quick stop in Hingham at Turkey Hill. Located in the Whitney and Thayer Woods, Turkey Hill is 62 acres with a 187-foot summit, which provides plenty of scenery for photographs. There are also many walking trails that allow for varied views of the lush property. Leave some time to visit the nearby Weir River Farm to see the chickens, cows, pigs and llama.
Related: Guide To Enjoying A Perfect Fall Day In New England
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
345 Bone Hill Road
Barnstable, MA 02637
(508) 362-7475
massaudubon.org
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary is 101 acres of meadows, ponds, pools and salt marsh. Red maples and oak trees are sprinkled throughout the property and add a splash of fall color. Follow the well-kept grass paths to the end to enjoy a breathtaking view of Barnstable Harbor. Keep an eye out during your walk for red-tailed hawks that might be flying through the meadows.
Related: Road Trip: Nantucket
Dining
Solstice
63 Summer St.
Kingston, MA 02364
(781) 585-2221
restaurantsolstice.com
Just before you get to Plymouth, make a stop at Solstice to refuel with some quality food. Grab a seat at the bar, or enjoy the antique brick in the dining room. The menu at Solstice changes often as it features seasonal ingredients, which lets you know the dishes are fresh. The chefs are happy to prepare a meal tailored to the needs of vegans, vegetarians or gluten-free diets with a day's notice.
Underground Bakery
780 Main St.
Dennis, MA 02638
(508) 385-4700
theundergroundbakery.com
After a long day viewing the colorful leaves, warm up with a cappuccino and a snack at the Underground Bakery. The baked goods are made daily from scratch, and the lunch items are always fresh. Underground offers juice, smoothies, cannoli, cakes, cookies, muffins and scones, as well as soups and sandwiches. If you are looking for comfort food, try the bread of the day, which includes daily fresh baked breads in unique flavors, such as raisin spice and dirty, salty potato.
Kim Vareika is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
