Nate and I have lived in Natick for the last 5 years, and have so enjoyed our time here! This weekend we move on to our next adventure to Hudson (and home owning!), but before we leave I wanted to share some of my most loved, frequented, favorite aspects about Natick. This is from a small business owner, artsy-fartsy, runner, swimmer, new mom’s point of view!! (I’m not linking because of various internet rules so you can google all this goodness yourself.)
OUTDOORS:
Dug Pond: I swam here so much back in the day! It’s a great place to open water swim because of the calmness. Especially in the mornings. There’s a proper sandy beach that you have to buy a membership to, but if you’re a freebie like me, just swim (or kayak) from the boat launch. I took Julien here twice this summer to sit and splash in the shallow water and he loved it.
Coolidge Hill: One of my favorite places to run. It’s a nice hill with surrounding trails. Great sunset view that looks over the town!
South Natick Falls: Pretty waterfall view with plenty of benches to sit and admire nature. Grab a coffee from Charles River coffee shop up the street! My favorite thing to do here was chill with my sketchbook.
Elm Bank: Arguably in Wellesley, but really right on the line of Wellesley and South Natick. There’s a one mile road loop with fields and flowers and trails in between. You can also drop a kayak in the Charles River there (and kayak up to the fall mentioned above)!
SHOPS + FUN:
Calliope Paperie: Natick Center. A paper / stationery / pen / planner nerd’s heaven. Truly. I love this place.
Paper Fiesta: Natick Center. The best collection of fun, unique party supplies and gift! It’s so fun to shop there!
Brokk + Eitri: Route 9/Wethersfield Road. A space to make! They host weekly build nights where you make quality craft projects (mainly wood-based, like cute decor signs an serving trays). Perfect for girl’s nights or employee appreciation events and of course, Christmas gift ideas!
TCAN: Natick Center. Plan a date night here to see some live music or a movie! This theater space used to be Natick’s firehouse way back in the day. It is a very cool building.
Lemon Tree Goods: Natick Center. Save the world and buy secondhand at this super adorable consignment boutique. I’ve found so many ideal pieces there!
Natick Center in general is the best place to shop and hang and eat in Natick. Skip the boring, crowded mall. Natick Center is the heart of this town.
COMMUNITY:
Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday May – Oct on the Common: The BEST. I have not found a better farmer’s market, and I’ve looked. It’s always busy, with so many creative and local and interesting businesses represented. We love getting a bagel and wandering the Commons. The only downside is there is no coffee option at the market, so bring your own or grab a Dunks before you get there.
Natick Nights: Typically every summer Thursday evening there is a ‘happening’ on the Commons, like a movie on the lawn, live music or artsy events! Local businesses get involved and it’s great.
Local Art: If you’re wandering through Natick Center, head down Adams Street, where you’ll see a collection of beautiful local art in the form of paintings & mosaics. They are always adding art, so maybe you’ll see some other seasonal installations!
Natick Runners: If you’re a runner, find this FB group and link up with some group runs. It’s a great way to meet people and learn all the good routes of Natick!
Natick Entrepreneurs Group: If you’re a small biz owner, find this FB group and link up with their monthly networking meetings. Natick is SUCH a great place for small businesses.
Boston Marathon Mile 10: Natick Center is at mile 10 of the marathon and is a really great place to cheer from! Best day of the year, yall. Pro Tip: Park in the lot on Summer Street.
Milestone Church: It’s been our church since before it even had a home. We have enjoyed the journey of being part of a church plant in our own town!
FOOD:
Lola’s – Italian + American lunch and dinner: Natick Center. A Natick staple. Delicious and quick and homemade. Honestly, their chicken parm sandwich is my soul food. They also have a variety of Italian pantry items. You can eat in or take out!
Dates & Olives – Mediterranean lunch and dinner: Natick Center. New and fresh, their food is so flavorful and healthy. It’s been a recent fave. I typically get a rice bowl with chicken and all the veggies! Lots of space to dine in, and you can also take it to go. Stroller friendly!
Zaftig’s – a little of everything with an emphasis on traditional Jewish deli foods: Two words: Potato pancakes. Located in the Christmas Tree Shops plaza, so it’s an easy place to meet for a big family dinner or brunch. Gets super busy at brunch, but go just before or after normal hours and you’ll get in no problem.
Krua Thai: Rt 27. All I’m gonna say is that they recognize me 😉
Muffin House: Pine Street. Cutie coffee and muffin spot. Daaaangerously close to our house. Those muffins are freakin’ incred.
Wild Thyme Cafe: Wethersfield Road. A newer one of my go-to spots. They have a ton of fresh, healthy lunch options! And an entire wall of plants to admire!
KIDDOS :
(I only have one year of experience with this, but this is what I know)
LouLou’s Music Together: We started going to music class when Julien was 6 months old and he instantly loved it. 45 minutes of singing, dancing & lots of tiny children playing tiny instruments. It’s adorable.
Kid’s area of the Library: Books and blocks and trains and a play castle!
Walnut Hill (Loker) Park: There is a baby swing and lots of grass to roam, so even though it’s busy with big kids, it also works for littles. We spent many afternoons there! There’s also a basketball court and an area where doggos can run.
Jam Time: Big indoor play space for kids under 6. Julien and I only visited once, when he was about 9 months old, on a rainy day when we realllyyy needed to get out of the house. He really liked exploring! It was a little chaotic/busy, but there’s an area specifically for babies and he loved it!
Anyways, can you tell I have a lot of faves? If you’re new to Natick, just visiting, or thinking of moving there, refer back to this list to hit all the good spots! Hope it’s helpful! Have fun! <3 <3
