Welcome to our new series, 4Squares A Day Away in MA, where we feature day trips throughout Massachusetts. Experience different scenery, culture, and (of course!) food as a way to love the way you live - beyond your own backyard. And all while keeping socially-distant and safe.
Ready? Let's gas up and go!
Westport, Bristol County, Massachusetts:
We can all use a change of scenery now and again, especially during these times of social distancing and working from home. Escape the hustle and bustle of city living and coast down Route 24 South into Westport, Massachusetts, where rivers meet the ocean and farmland is spread far and wide.
First stop: Tank up your belly at Head Town Landing Country Store, which offers piping hot coffee, freshly made donuts, and novelties like penny candy that will make you feel like a kid again. Owners Rory and Cathy Couturier also stock many local favorites like Leo's Farm Fresh eggs, David's Coffee Syrup, and honey from local Westport and Dartmouth farms. Before you leave, be sure to take a peek out in the back garden, where socially-distanced benches and chairs are set up for you to catch sight of geese frolicking on the Westport River.
(Head Town Landing Country Store, 488 Old County Road, Westport, https://www.headtownlandingcountrystore.com/)
Next stop: Walk off your treats with a stroll on Horseneck Beach and Gooseberry Island. While many people associate the beach with summertime, a winter walk on the beach can be refreshing and rejuvenating. Dogs are welcome on the beach from September 15th through March 31st, so bring Fido along and tire him out too! Social distancing is expected, so be sure to bring your mask.
(Horseneck Beach and Gooseberry Island 5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA, https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/gooseberry-island/)
Once you've enjoyed nature's rich pageant along the shoreline, head inland to the Westport Rivers Winery and browse their wine selection, all of which is cultivated and produced on the premises. Wine tastings are on hold due to COVID, but socially-distanced beer or wine by the glass is available Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 5:00 pm (closed Sundays). You are required to purchase food if you opt to drink alcohol and there is a limited menu available. Don't forget to buy a bottle or two to enjoy at home! Our faves? Pinot Noir Rose or Brut Cuvee Sparkling Wine!
(Westport Rivers Winery, 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, https://www.westportrivers.com/)
Feeling peckish? Swing by Ten Cousins Brick Oven Pizza, just down the road from the Winery. Ten Cousins' Italian made, wood fired oven creations feature creative pizzas, wings and sandwiches. In addition, Ten Cousins offers a selection of appetizers (giant meatball anyone?), soups, salads, pasta and drinks. Reservations are encouraged due to social distancing and take out is also available.
(Ten Cousins Brick Oven Pizza, 977 Main Rd., Westport, https://www.tencousinsbrickoven.com/)
If you prefer to cook at home, then make Lee's Market's Famous Butcher Shop your last stop to gather the fixings for a memorable Surf and Turf dinner. Every meat cut is done to order on-site and can be easily paired with fresh seafood like salmon steaks, succulent sea scallops, delicate cuts of cod, all of which are procured from local suppliers. Not sure what to choose? Lee's friendly staff is at the ready with suggestions for preparing and cooking a meal to remember. Social distancing requirements apply, so there may be a wait to get into the store.
(Lee's Market, 796 Main Rd, Westport, MA www.leesmarket.com)
What's your favorite Day Away in MA? Sharing Massachusetts hot-spots for socially-distanced sightseeing is one of the many ways I help residents love the way they live in Medford and beyond! Reach out and share the local day trips that bring you joy!
And if you're interested in learning about living in more of Massachusetts great towns & cities - sign up for the 4Squares monthly newsletter!
Photo Credits: Westport River, via Head Town Landing Country Store, Wood-fired Brick Oven, from Ten Cousins, Winter Paddling on the Westport River, via Head Town Landing Country Store.
Social Media Photo Credits also include: Buzzard's Bay Shoreline, via Buzzards Bay Coalition.
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