4.5Boston Public Garden(9.939 reviews) - Beautiful Manicured Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens
This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden.See more..
4.5Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum(3.245 reviews) - A must when visiting Boston Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums
A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, Gardner's home is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of European, American and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Visitors can stroll or rest in a spectacular skylit courtyard filled with plants and flowers.See more..
4.5Arnold Arboretum(670 reviews) - Plenty of paved trails and parking Sunday: 6:30 AM - 4:30 PM Parks • Gardens
Part of Olmsted's famous Emerald Necklace, America's oldest public arboretum has 265 beautiful acres of trees, shrubs and vines.See more..
4.5Bridge of Flowers(659 reviews) - A great free place to kill a couple hours and enjoy the scenery. Bridges • Gardens
Bring your camera when you visit this former trolley bridge, which is a flower garden ablaze with color.See more..
4.5Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden(478 reviews) - A Fun & Whimsical Sculpture Garden Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Gardens
Bring the kids to this outdoor sculpture garden where the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and other beloved Dr. Seuss characters are immortalized in bronze, life-size statues all designed by Geisel's step-daughter, sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.See more..
Founded in 1842, the Worcester County Horticultural Society owns and operates the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a 171-acre botanic garden outside of Worcester, MA. The Garden features a four-season display of the finest plants for cultivation in New England. Carefully planned gardens and collections of ornamental, edible, and native plants, tropicals and citrus in the conservatories, plus trails that enhance the natural features of this beautiful property and a robust program and event schedule make the New England Botanic Garden a must-see destination.See more..
We arrived here on a rainy morning at 11AM. After paying $14 each senior, our hands were stamped (permitting our re-entry) then we used the nice restrooms before entering the 8,000 sq ft enclosure. There were many parents and grandparents ushering their amazed kids through the aisles discovering some of the 4000 colorful butterflies. They would perch on feeders or their favorite flower offering nice poses for all sizes of people. A small koi pond with a waterfall was also popular. Docents were staged for greeting, answering questions and ensuring calm behavior. At the exit was a large terrarium display of exotic frogs, insects and small reptiles.See more..
4.5Naumkeag(393 reviews) - Go to the Pumpkin Show!! Gardens
Experience Gilded-Age style and splendor at this marvelous estate, renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire Cottage.See more..
This is a truly beautiful place. A River runs directly through it, as the flowers sway in the breeze and families walk around talking as they watch their kids play in the green grass. You can hear the sound of trickling water as the ducks paddle with the river. As you walk down the path, you go under two bridges and see more flowers and waterfalls. And why not end the trip at the Mill resturaunt at the end of the path. Cannot be missed on a trip to plymouth!!See more..
4.5Mytoi(148 reviews) - Cool Japanese Garden! Gardens
Enter a secluded world of designed Japanese elegance in this garden environment of exotic and native plantings that encircle a serene pond.See more..
A highlight of Salem - the Ropes Mansion is a beautifully preserved 18th century home with a rich history. It is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and is perhaps best known for its role in Hocus Pocus. The tour is free and at your own pace - when we were there they were open on weekends only. You can also tour the garden. This is one of the few of Salem's many historic homes that you can actually see inside!See more..
A garden that is made up of 45 acres of wildflowers and native New England plants including some endangered species.See more..
4.5Trombetta's Farm(109 reviews) - Really good ice cream and neat mini golf in a greenhouse Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Deserts • Gardens • Miniature Golf
Our family really enjoyed this neat mini golf course built inside a former greenhouse. The greens were in good shape, the little water ways and fountains were all working and looked nice, not like some neglected places where these things are busted half the time. Being inside a greenhouse, it did get a bit warm - you will not need a sweater inside here! The course was challenging but perfectly fine for all family members, including young kids. The ice cream is ordered at an outdoor window service area, next to the mini golf greenhouse. You can eat inside at some booths or outside. The black cherry flavor was delicious and I'd certainly return for more golf or ice cream or both.See more..
The Oldest House on Sunset Hill, also known as the Jethro Coffin House, was built in 1686 and is believed to be the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site. The island’s English population at the time totaled several hundred, and the native Wampanoag outnumbered them by at least three to one. Built as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), the house represents the unity of two of the island’s oldest families. Jethro was the grandson of one of the island’s original proprietors, Tristram Coffin, and Mary was the daughter of John Gardner, one of the leaders of the so-called Half-Share Revolt, in which the island’s tradesmen rallied against the wealthier full-share proprietors. Although the relationship between Gardner and Coffin was never amicable, the marriage of Mary and Jethro helped unite the families and soothe old wounds. Built on Gardner land using Coffin lumber, the house is a physical manifestation of this unity.See more..
MHS’s 36-acre hands-on Garden at Elm Bank offers adults and children the opportunity to experience, enjoy and learn about plants and the environment. The site includes various garden spaces from the historic Italianate Garden to the educational New England Trial Garden to the whimsical Weezie’s Garden for Children. Several plant societies and garden clubs have also installed permanent demonstration and display gardens at the Garden at Elm Bank.See more..
4.5Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site(56 reviews) - The NPS does its usual wonderful job. A must see! Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Gardens
Open to the walk in public Fridays and Saturdays during the fall/winter. Expanded hours in late-spring/summer. Please visit website or call for hours.See more..
Enter a world of early 20th-century country elegance at a former farm-turned-estate, where refined interiors are complemented by an array of lovely gardens.See more..
This former family retreat has been renowned for its gardens for almost a century.See more..
4.5Great Falls Discovery Center(37 reviews) - this is a New ENgland Jewel! Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Gardens
Housed within a complex of old paper mill buildings in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, the Great Falls Discovery Center's exhibits show the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed. The Center's four acres of colorful gardens and open lawn nestle into a bend in the Connecticut River to provide a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere and the perfect place for fun and learning. Inside the main building, walk-through dioramas show the plants, animals, and landscapes of this 410-mile-long river from its source near the Canadian border, through forests and farms, past villages, towns, and cities, all the way down to Long Island Sound. A timeline indicates the impacts of human habitation on each environment over time and suggests safeguards to keep the watershed healthy and useful for all-people, plants, and animals-that live here together. The Center's charming Great Hall is a former machine shop, with a high ceiling, brick walls, and large windows. Free admission.See more..
4.5Lyman Estate Greenhouses(34 reviews) - Gorgeous Old Greenhouse Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Gardens
Great place to visit on a cold winter day! It is a small place, but well stocked and a great history! Paths are narrow and not wheelchair accessible. There are a few steps also that are steep. Great collection of Camellias and there is an area to purchase plants. Lots of unusual stuff! Worth the visit! Roads around the greenhouse are not paved so it is a bit bumpy. See more..
5.0Three Sisters Sanctuary(28 reviews) - Interesting place to stop along the road Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens
The site is open to walk around at anytime but the best time is when the owner is there. He will talk to you about his inspiration and how he put together a lot of the works of art. This place is a must check out spot if you are in western Massachusetts.See more..
4.5Glen Magna Farms(23 reviews) - Pandemic Weddings are Possible! Gardens
Like many brides trying to plan a wedding in the COVID-19 era, I didn’t think it was possible. The staff at Glen Magna proved me wrong! We had an incredible wedding (48 guests!) in the most picturesque wedding venue in Massachusetts. It felt like a fairy tale! There’s an old willow tree we took pictures under, a beautiful backdrop of the gardens and more. Our guests raved about how stunning the venue was. There are silver linings to a pandemic and for us, Glen Magna was available and within our budget! See more..
4.5Acton Arboretum(21 reviews) - A new Chinese Trail Garden Parks • Gardens
Acton arboretum is a hidden treasure in Acton. Since 2016, a new Chinese trail garden broke ground, designed by an award winning landscape designer and supported by Town of Acton and many volunteering groups. Most plantings were in this Spring even in the time of Pandemic. The center piece is a red foot bridge. Along the broad walk, there are many oriental species of trees and bushes. My favorites are Japanese maples, weeping cherry, and willow as well as tree peony. The garden is a true beauty for all seasons. See more..
Gentle trails wind through deciduous and evergreen forests, across meadows, and around ponds and vernal pools at Habitat, located just seven miles from downtown Boston. A long-standing center for environmental education, Habitat offers year-round programs for all ages. Examples of sustainability—including goats that help control invasive plants and a community garden with plots for rent—make this a great spot to learn about green practices while you explore.See more..
5.0Grandmother's Garden(14 reviews) - A stolen moment of rest Spent 1-2 hours Gardens
This is a quaint peaceful garden. Several folks visiting to just sit and watch the flowers and critters, or walking through on a break. It is small, but very intricate- with benches, a sundial and many other features added by locals who have loved on this little quiet treasure. If you are visiting WSU or Westfield, take a few minutes ... and a few breaths at this sweet garden.See more..
A wonderful mainstay in Lexington that has the best produce and sandwiches around. Also has incredible Christmas trees and wreaths for the holidays season, and beautiful flowers for spring/summer. A place to go year round, and always have a wonderful experience!See more..
Approach with care this fragile habitat of rare Rosebay rhododendrons with care – here you can experience one of very few populations of this important species.See more..
5.0Farandnear Reservation(8 reviews) - Hidden Gem of Shirley Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Gardens
What a wonderful place! The Farandnear Reservation is an incredible nature preserve managed by the Trustees. Take the time to explore this wonderful place and be sure to look up the goings on at Farandnear by visiting the Trustees website.See more..
The College greenhouses are a perennial favorite among young and old alike. Very broad range of plants, trees, fruits, herbs and flowers. The college is currently rebuilding the greenhouses, so check before you go.See more..
3.5Langwater Farm(6 reviews) - Apple cider donuts, pumpkin picking, corn maze and free hayrides Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens
We went here on a Friday for Apple Cider donuts and the free hayride to pick pumpkins. Found out they only do those on the weekend. Disappointed, but we bought a little pumpkin for my son and he played on the display tractors and we got some nice picture. The staff was nice so returned the next day to do the hayride, pumpkin picking, and apple cider donuts. We also did the corn maze. A lot to do for a local farm!See more..
Weston Nurseries is a local landmark and world class garden center featuring acres of seasonal blooms, perennials, trees, and shrubs for the home gardener. Our greenhouses feature specimen plants and houseplants, and inside our retail store we have supplies for the garden as well as gifts and decor. We have a scale garden train display on the property which is great for kids.See more..
4.0George Hil Orchards(4 reviews) - Not just apples! Spent 1-2 hours Farms • Gardens
We did not have an experience how to harvest apples when we were given a large plastic bag and a map of the orchard. But the beautiful hill was so inviting with spectacular apple trees of a great variety, hidden roads and quaint views that the only trouble we had was to decide which delicious apples to stuff in our bag! The weather was gorgeous, the trip was very worth it! And my apple pies are still baking!See more..
4.0Kosinski Farms + Farm Stand(3 reviews) - Great Place for fresh farm foods Gardens We went a little out of our way to reach their farm stand - but it definitely was worth it. We purchase a large number of ears of corn, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, loose-leaf lettuce, and assorted other vegetables. I highly recommend their produce - and the corn was especially good.See more..
5.0Mary M.B. Wakefield Estate and Arboretum(1 review) - Lovely place for enjoying trees, blooms and a few animals Spent 1-2 hours Gardens This place is a gem. It is a great place for families as well as couples and groups of friends. The people are so friendly, knowledgeable and interesting that you will want to spend time here learning about horticulture and enjoying the lovely trees. If you're lucky, you might get to hold a Serama rooster named Pumpkin or be greeted by a llama named Betty. There is ample parking. Be sure to come in the spring when the 300 Kousa dogwood trees are blooming or in the fall when the leaves turn beautiful colors or any time in between when it is an oasis of calm.See more..
After visiting Capron Park Zoo, I went next door to the Edward L. Anderson Rose Garden. The rose bushes were arranged in a large circle around the garden space. During my visit, two women from the local garden club were tending he rose bushes and weeding. The garden had about a dozen types of roses in many different colors. Although they were spaced fairly close to each other, every rose bush had its own setting. There were so many gorgeously beautiful roses in different colors and in full bloom at the time of my late-August visit that I cannot pick just one favorite. I loved them all ~ some for their color and others for their fullness because of the huge number of petals they had. I rate the Edward L. Anderson Rose Garden at 4.75 and highly recommend a visit. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below..See more..
