Bellingham, straddling the Massachusetts and Rhode Island border, is a town with much to offer residents and visitors alike. Located on the outer edge of Metropolitan Boston’s belt, Bellingham is easily accessible via I-495, making it a convenient stop for commuters and tourists. This accessibility has contributed to the development of a bustling commercial area, featuring popular destinations such as Regal Cinemas, Barnes & Noble, and Whole Foods. Despite its modern amenities, Bellingham retains a rural charm, complete with scenic landscapes, farms, and unique attractions that reflect its historical and cultural heritage.
Silver Lake Park
Originally created for industrial purposes, Silver Lake transformed into a resort destination in the early 1900s. Visitors would arrive by trolley to enjoy relaxing days by the lake, boating, and live entertainment from band concerts to vaudeville performances. Although the popularity of Silver Lake waned with the decline of trolley transportation, it experienced a revival after being purchased by the town in the 1990s. Today, Silver Lake Park offers a beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, spacious picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and a splash pad, making it a perfect family outing spot.
New England Bonsai Gardens
Home to the largest bonsai nursery on the East Coast, New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham is a haven for bonsai enthusiasts. Established in 1987, the nursery spans eight acres and includes eight greenhouses, one of which houses the oldest bonsai tree on display in the Northeast. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of bonsai trees and purchase a wide range of pots, tools, and other supplies. The garden also offers educational programs for all skill levels, including a two-year course at the Kaikou School of Bonsai, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for those interested in the art of bonsai.
Stadium Theatre
Just across the border in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the historic Stadium Theatre stands as a testament to the grand days of Vaudeville. Built in 1926, this beautifully restored theater now serves as a premier venue for live performances. Since its renovation in 2001, the Stadium Theatre has hosted a variety of notable performers, including Cher and Liza Minnelli, while also supporting local performing arts groups. Visitors are often captivated by the theater’s lavish decor, featuring frescoes and intricate gilded stucco, which provide a glimpse into the opulence of early 20th-century theater design.
The Beef Barn
The beloved Beef Barn, originally founded in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, in 1969, recently expanded to a second location in Bellingham. Known for its classic roast beef sandwiches, the Beef Barn maintains a simple yet satisfying menu that has remained largely unchanged for over five decades. The beef is slow-cooked for eight hours, sliced thin, and served on a plain or toasted roll with a side of au jus. While the menu may now include a few poultry options, the signature roast beef sandwich remains the star, accompanied by the restaurant’s house BBQ sauce for an authentic taste experience.
Quissett Hill Farm
Located in nearby Mendon, Quissett Hill Farm is a family-operated establishment known for its high-quality alpaca fleece, maple syrup, and pumpkins. The farm offers seasonal attractions such as opportunities to visit the alpacas and explore the pumpkin patch. Quissett Hill Farm grows a variety of pumpkins, including both modern hybrids and heirloom varieties, providing a fun, family-friendly destination during the fall season.
Glen Pharmer Distillery
Set in the historic Brookdale Mill in Franklin, GlenPharmer Distillery combines old-world charm with modern craftsmanship. The distillery produces a range of high-quality spirits, which visitors can sample in the stylish tasting room. The venue also offers guided tours showcasing the impressive two-story copper and stainless-steel pot stills, stainless steel fermenters, and an 800-gallon Mash Tun/Lauter Tun. Guests can enjoy a selection of sophisticated cocktails and an upscale food menu featuring dishes such as lamb shank, duck confit, and seared tuna.
Cook’s Valley Farm
Cook’s Valley Farm in Wrentham is a popular destination for fresh produce lovers. This no-nonsense farm focuses on delivering top-quality fruits and vegetables, which it sells at a quaint farm stand and at local farmers’ markets in Attleborough, Woonsocket, and Franklin. Visitors can check the farm’s harvest schedule online to find out when various crops, including corn, blueberries, peppers, apples, and squashes, are available. The farm stand also offers a selection of homemade and locally-sourced products, such as honey, preserves, and cider.
Franklin State Forest
On Bellingham’s eastern edge lies the expansive Franklin State Forest, covering nearly 900 acres of serene woodland. This relatively undeveloped forest is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, offering peaceful trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) passes through the forest, providing a scenic route that stretches 22 miles from Franklin to Douglas. Franklin State Forest is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Regal Cinemas Bellingham
The recently renovated Regal Cinemas Bellingham offers a state-of-the-art movie-watching experience. The 14-screen multiplex has undergone a $6 million renovation, introducing reclining chairs, a bar serving alcoholic beverages, and the RPC Regal Premium Experience, featuring an oversized screen, advanced digital projectors, and surround sound. Located in a commercial area near I-495, the cinema is conveniently close to popular retail outlets like Whole Foods, Old Navy, and Barnes & Noble, making it a perfect spot for entertainment and shopping.
Walnut Hill Bowl
Just across the state line in Woonsocket, Walnut Hill Bowl is a top choice for bowling enthusiasts in the area. This modern bowling alley features 32 state-of-the-art lanes, along with the cozy Back Alley Pub, which serves delicious pizza and burgers and hosts live music events. Weekend evenings come alive with Cosmic Bowl, a vibrant experience featuring black lights and party music. For those looking to bowl on a budget, Walnut Hill Bowl offers affordable lane and shoe rental specials from Monday to Thursday.
Bellingham offers a blend of modern convenience and rural charm, making it a unique and attractive destination. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a day at the park, explore cultural attractions, or indulge in some of the best local food and drink, Bellingham and its neighboring areas have something for everyone.
FAQs:
What makes Bellingham, MA, an attractive place to live or visit?
Bellingham offers a combination of rural charm and modern conveniences. With easy access to I-495, it is well-connected to Metropolitan Boston. The town features a mix of commercial amenities, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.
What are the key attractions in Bellingham, MA?
Some of the top attractions in Bellingham include Silver Lake Park, New England Bonsai Gardens, Regal Cinemas, and The Beef Barn. Nearby attractions like the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket and GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin are also popular.
Where can I enjoy outdoor activities in Bellingham, MA?
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Franklin State Forest for hiking and mountain biking, Silver Lake Park for swimming and picnicking, and Cook’s Valley Farm for fresh produce and seasonal activities.