Evenings Under the Stars concert series performance
image courtesy of SSC
HINGHAM ANCHOR.com – While many families head out-of-town for summer vacation, there are lots of fun happenings to experience right here in Hingham.
Recreational opportunities abound — from sailing and rowing at Hingham Maritime Center, swimming at the Bathing Beach, and golfing at South Shore Country Club to walking at World’s End, petting the animals at the 75-acre Weir River Farm on Turkey Hill, and walking your dog at Wompatuck and Bare Cove parks. Or visit the beautiful grounds of Glastonbury Abbey and then stop by the gift shop.
Downtown Hingham offers the Heritage Museum & Visitor Center at Old Derby, 34 Main St., along with a unique shopping and dining experience throughout the area. Later this month — the annual summer sidewalk sale July 25-27, featuring games and balloons for kids and live music.
You might want to put taking a ferry ride to the Boston Harbor Islands from the Hingham Shipyard commuter boat dock on your summer “to do” list. The Boston Harbor Islands National Park area includes 34 islands offer plenty of family fun — camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and tidal pool exploration. (Visit bostonharborislands.org for details.)
The Hingham Farmers Market features an abundance of fresh seasonal produce along with plants, fish and meat, baked goods, bread, colorful bouquets of summer flowers, artisan wares, and much more. It’s open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bathing Beach parking lot, featuring a beautiful view of the harbor.
More fun for all ages
The Hingham Recreation Department is a fun place for kids — and adults! — to have a great time during the long days of summer. Visit hinghamrec.com for the most up-to-date program information.
Hingham Community Center’s fun vacation activities include Summer Maker’s Workshop ( clay, batik/wax resist, paper making, weaving, and more), Girls Fit Club!, Summer Musical Theater Camp, Summer Baby Ballerinas, Summer Tiger Tots Karate, Wicked Cool for Kids-STEAM Programs, Teen Yoga, Teen Fitness, and more.
Adult programs include Irish Dance, Zumba, Mindful Yoga for Everyone, Cardio Core Fusion, Power Yoga Flow, and Tai Chi. Visit hinghamcommunitycenter.org for more info.
Kids and teens — check out the Hingham Public Library summer reading programs (you can win prizes!) and the super-cool activities offered there. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, Hingham Public Library is hosting special events for kids and families July 10 and 15. See hinghamlibrary.org for full details.
South Shore Conservatory offers lots of summer programs, including a Summer Spotlight Outdoor Concert Series (July 13 through 31); Evening Under the Stars Festival Orchestra with Nicholas Palmer (July 13, 7 p.m.); Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys (Wednesday, July 10, 10 a.m.); Wacky Wednesdays for kids in July; SSC ImagineARTS Band (Wednesday, July 24, 10 a.m.), several free events in July and August, and much more.
The Evenings Under the Stars: Sugar Ray and the Bluetones concert Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. is sure to draw a crowd to the Jane Carr Amphitheater. This band is not limited to one style, but able to play Chicago Blues in the style of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Billy Boy Arnold; Kansas City Swing in the style of “Big” Joe Turner; Texas Blues like “T” Bone Walker and Freddie King; and the swampy Louisiana sounds of “Lazy” Lester-all. Don’t miss out!
Of special interest will be the July 31 (10 a.m.) “Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys” Wacky Wednesdays event. Heaton believes that music for kids can be entertaining for both children AND parents. His songs are a mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a sincere sense of fun.
Other interesting places to visit this summer include the Bare Cove Fire Museum, 45 Bare Cove Park Drive Fort Hill St. — call (781) 749-0028 for tour information — and the South Shore Model Railway Club, also located in Bare Cove Park. Visit ssmrc.org or call (781) 740-2000 for details.
South Shore Country Club offers summer fun for golfers and a view of the lush golf course while dining on the outdoor patio. There’s also tennis, bowling, swimming, and other activities for all ages and many programs for kids. (southshorecc.com)
Outdoor movies and music
Hingham Shipyard is hosting free live outdoor concerts and movies Thursday and Friday evenings in July and August, weather permitting, in the amphitheater behind Hingham Beer Works at 18 Shipyard Drive. Bring lawn chairs and blankets! Movies are shown on Thursdays and start at dusk. Musical performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday evenings. Visit hinghamlaunch.com for more info.
A number of Hingham restaurants offer live music — for example, Tosca in the Wine Room Friday and Saturday nights, The Snug on various evenings, and more. This is a great way to relax after a busy week or an active day in the sun! Call individual restaurants for schedules.
Dining opportunities
Hingham attracts people from near and far who are looking for a great dining experience and delicious treats. There’s lots to choose from — Thai, burgers, Italian, pizza, gourmet, pasta, seafood, cupcakes, ice cream, and much more at the Derby Street Shoppes and at the Launch at Hingham Shipyard as well as downtown Hingham, Hingham Centre, at the Saturday Hingham Farmers Market, and elsewhere around town.
Whatever you decide to do for fun, Happy Summer!
By Carol Britton Meyer
