The Sheldrake Environmental Center offers a variety of nature programs for all ages and during all four seasons. The center is adjacent to the Larchmont reservoir and the James G. Johnson Jr. Conservancy, and has access to the beautiful woods behind the house, where nature studies are conducted. The environmental center is located in a large white house on Weaver Street, on the outskirts of Larchmont.
If you've ever felt guilty about leaving your dog at home during workdays or vacation, Club K-9 might be able to help you out. It offers both daycare and boarding services for dogs of all sizes. K-9 has 15 kennels on its 20-acre canyon ranch, most of which have tree coverings to ensure the kennel never gets too hot. The dogs are separated based on the dog's preference and personality to ensure a harmonious experience with the other dogs. There's an overnight room where all dogs are kept in while soothing music plays through the loudspeakers to keep them relaxed.
Set in a refurbished harbor in East Boston, Piers Park provides a relaxed and family-friendly environment right on the shores of Boston's famous harbor. The park is the perfect place for a picnic, a stroll, or even just a serene time with your favorite book. You can even rent a sailboat and enjoy the gentle waves of the harbor. And all of these activities are made better because Piers Park offers fantastic and crowd-free views of the Boston skyline.
Parking and public transportation at Piers Park
There are scores of free parking spaces on Marginal Street, which is adjacent to the park. Parking is free for two hours, then after that you risk being issued a ticket. If riding on the subway, locally called the "T," exit the Maverick stop on the Blue Line. From there, it is a short four block walk. The subway is the best way to get to the park, as driving from the main city neighborhoods is very convoluted.
Best and worst time to go to Piers Park
Weekends during the warmer months are the busy times at the park, but the energy of the families on the playgrounds really adds to the appeal of the park. If solitude is more your thing, visit early in the morning on the weekdays. A walk to the end of the pier will provide a prime time to watch all the ships floating through the harbor.
Admission to the Piers Park
The park is free to all visitors. Piers Park is open from sunrise to sunset all year round.
Must see/do at Piers Park
Walk along the refurbished pier for great views of the harbor and some information on Boston maritime history. Play with the kids to the new playground, complete with slides, swings, and even a fancy sprinkler system play area so children can cool off in the summer rays. Rent a sail boat from the onsite Piers Park Sailing Club and get out on the water.
Other places to visit near Piers Park
Santarpio's Pizza is considered the best and most unpretentious pie in the city. Check out the photos of all the great boxers that have stopped by over the years. Another well-known gem is Angela's Cafe, which serves some the best traditional Mexican dishes in an intimate setting. Central Park Lanes offers the New England tradition of candlepin bowling. Smaller balls, thinner pins, and one extra toss make this old-time game a load of fun.
Insider tip for visitors to Piers Park
Don't always believe the rumors about East Boston. The neighborhood has a rough past and is currently home to thousands of immigrants from Central America, but the neighborhood has a lot to offer and is generally safe. Also, the neighborhood's poor reputation means you can avoid the large tourist crowds that envelop the North End and Downtown at all hours.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, currently residing in Pittsburgh, PA, lived in Boston for two years and explored every neighborhood Beantown has to offer. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.
From 1880 to 1967, the Hopkins Family owned Muscoot Farm. At that point Westchester County acquired the property to help preserve the area's agricultural history. Today the farm is open to visitors, who can stroll through the original barns and visit animals. Muscoot also offers year-round events and activities for children and adults.
Fred Howard Park is a 155 acre area with access to the Gulf of Mexico by a one-mile causeway. It features a white sandy beach, fishing, canoe and kayak access and dolphins and manatees may also be seen in the area. Amenities at the park include playgrounds, a ball field and picnic shelters.
