10 Best Things to Do in Whitman (MA)

Whitman, a quaint town located east of Brockton, Massachusetts, is one of the smallest towns in the state by area, spanning just seven square miles. Despite its size, Whitman is rich in history and charm. From its roots in the shoemaking industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries to its role as a dairy farming hub, Whitman has long held a unique place in Massachusetts’ history. The town was named in the 1880s after local philanthropist Augustus Whitman, shortly after it was officially designated a township.

Whitman is known for its contributions to the culinary world, most notably as the birthplace of the Toll House cookie. Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in the 1930s, invented this classic cookie, which quickly became popular and led to a partnership with Nestlé, ensuring the recipe’s place on chocolate chip packaging worldwide.

Exploring Whitman Center

The heart of Whitman is its charming downtown area, centered around the intersection of Washington Street and South Avenue. Here, you’ll find a blend of historical architecture and community spirit. The Town Hall, a grand building constructed in the Colonial Revival style at the turn of the 20th century, stands as a testament to Whitman’s storied past. Just behind it, Whitman Park serves as the town’s gathering place for numerous outdoor events, especially during the summer months.

Downtown Whitman is home to a selection of long-standing establishments that have become local favorites. Among these are Millie’s Lunch, a beloved diner founded in 1971, and The Venus Cafe, known for its signature bar pizza since 1964. These establishments add to the small-town charm that makes Whitman a welcoming place for both residents and visitors.

Whitman Town Park: A Gift of Green Space

Whitman Town Park, a 14-acre green space, was a gift from Augustus Whitman to the town in 1880. The Olmsted Brothers, renowned for their landscape design work, including New York’s Central Park, were commissioned to design Whitman Town Park. Their vision, which was realized by the early 1900s, included elements such as a bandstand, a wading pool, and a grand drinking fountain, many of which remain today. In the 1930s, the Olmsted Brothers were called back to enhance the park’s drainage system and integrate a Civil War Monument erected in 1908.

The park’s scenic pathways, shaded by mature oaks and pines, provide a peaceful setting for picnics, casual strolls, or family outings. A well-maintained playground, a pond teeming with waterfowl, and recreational courts for basketball all make this park a community hub.

Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream: A Local Favorite

A staple of Whitman since the 1960s, Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream stand is located on the historic Peaceful Meadows dairy farm, which has operated since the 1920s. This iconic ice cream stand is renowned for its homemade treats, with all aspects of production, from milking to flavor development, happening on-site. Visitors can enjoy over 25 ice cream flavors, along with sundaes, shakes, and other sweet treats, all crafted with homemade ingredients.

Beyond ice cream, Peaceful Meadows sells fresh dairy products, bake-at-home pies, and seasonal favorites like eggnog, making it a year-round destination for locals and tourists alike.

Hobart Pond: A Natural Retreat

One of Whitman’s hidden gems is Hobart Pond, which offers a tranquil spot for walking and relaxation. Located near the downtown area, Hobart Pond is part of a larger network of public green spaces that includes Memorial Field. The pond is bordered by “The Boulevard,” a paved walking trail shaded by evergreen trees and lined with benches, perfect for enjoying the scenery.

Dating back to the 17th century, Hobart Pond has historical significance, originally powering a sawmill and later serving various industrial purposes, including a gristmill and an iron foundry. Today, it is a peaceful place to connect with nature.

Old Colony Brewing: Craft Beer with a Local Touch

For craft beer enthusiasts, Old Colony Brewing (OCB) is a must-visit spot in Whitman Center. Established in 2013 by four Whitman natives, this small craft brewery has gained a loyal following with its range of handcrafted beers. The brewery offers a variety of brews, including their flagship Moneyline IPA, Whitman Wheat, and seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Ale. Old Colony Brewing regularly hosts events such as music bingo, sports nights, and a run club, making it a vibrant part of the local community.

Whitman Day: A Celebration of Community

Whitman Day is a recently established annual celebration that takes place in June at Whitman Park. This event supports the Whitman Food Pantry and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, an art tent, various food vendors, and demonstrations covering everything from dance to robotics. A popular feature of Whitman Day is the “Touch a Truck” event, where children can explore local service vehicles, including fire trucks and police cars.

Nearby Attractions: Ames Nowell State Park

Just a couple of miles from Whitman, Ames Nowell State Park offers 700 acres of outdoor exploration. Rich in history, the park features remnants of past human habitation, including stone walls, old quarries, and wagon bridges. The centerpiece of the park is Cleveland Pond, created in the 1920s as a bird sanctuary. Today, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking, with trails that meander along the pond’s edge and through the surrounding woods.

Savoring the Local Flavor at The Venus Cafe

The Venus Cafe is a local institution in Whitman, renowned for its bar pizza, a South Shore specialty with a thin, crispy crust. Located in an unassuming building on South Avenue, The Venus Cafe has been serving its signature pies since 1964. In addition to traditional toppings like pepperoni and sausage, the cafe offers unique dessert pizzas, including options like blueberry and apple cinnamon, making it a standout spot for pizza lovers.

A Quiet Walk on the Donald Flaherty Trail

Nature lovers will appreciate the Donald Flaherty Trail, a short but scenic walking trail located along Auburn Street. This lesser-known trail runs along an old cart path next to wetlands drained by Meadow Brook. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with great blue herons often spotted in the marshes. A few short spur trails branch off the main path, offering additional exploration opportunities and leading to nearby landmarks like St. James Cemetery.

Tee Off at Strawberry Valley Golf Course

For golf enthusiasts, the Strawberry Valley Golf Course in neighboring Abington offers a welcoming and accessible nine-hole course. Established in 1965, this public course is known for its well-maintained greens and forgiving layout, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned players looking to practice their short game. During the winter months, the course’s rolling landscape becomes a popular spot for sledding and cross-country skiing.

Whitman may be small in size, but it offers a rich tapestry of history, community, and natural beauty. From its historic roots in shoemaking and dairy farming to its modern-day celebrations and local businesses, Whitman provides a unique blend of past and present that makes it a special place to visit or call home.

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