Scituate, MA: A Hidden New
England Travel Gem by the Sea
Scituate Harbor,
Scituate, MA
(photo
by Eric H.)
by Eric H.
Scituate, MA, has no row of
inns, motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts or
guest houses lined up against the sea. This is quite odd, as the
appealing South Shore seaside community looks every bit as nice as any
quaint Cape Cod village where lodging choices seemingly extend right
into the Atlantic Ocean.
Scituate doesn't bill itself as a resort or vacation community, so there are few
lodging choices (there is the well-regarded Inn at Scituate Harbor, however). Scituate is primarily a highly desirable suburb of Boston. The town
center is lined with independently-owned specialty shops with the
harbor peaking behind the commercial district. Recreational
opportunities abound here including swimming, boating and fishing.
Scituate Lighthouse provides a rocky, scenic setting making it one of
Massachusetts' more appealing lighthouses. The harbor is pure New
England with a relaxing, picturesque view that ranks up there as one of
the best scenic views in the region.
Sunsets in Scituate Harbor hold a special place in a New Englander's
heart. The way the light reflects on the water offers residents and
visitors one of those great moments that will always be remembered -- a
feeling of tranquility and romance. Not every night affords these
sunsets due to the unpredictable New England weather, but when it
happens the moment is one to treasure.
Why Scituate hasn't bowed to blatant tourism is a testament to its
commitment to excellence in making the town of 18,000 a great place to
live. The school system is terrific and the neighborhoods chock full of
seaside and colonial New England character. This does a tourist
absolutely no good if it is lodging they want. For those who want to
spend a day in Scituate, however, there are few better places that
represent the Massachusetts scenic seaside better. It is a great New
England summer travel destination, if only for a day.
A great way to enjoy the day in Scituate is finding a spot by the
ocean, listening to the ocean, seagulls,and whir of the boats, doing a
little shopping, and then finding a nice place to eat. Dining choices
abound, with the top choices being the Barker
Tavern and Mill Wharf Restaurant (150 Front St., Tel. (781)
545-3999). The Barker Tavern is simply one of the best restaurants in
New England. Overlooking the harbor, the Barker Tavern's cozy, colonial
atmosphere provides the perfect setting for extremely well- prepared
food. We recommend starting out with the heavenly New England clam
chowder and a fresh mixed greens salad. For the main course, the fresh
broiled swordfish has a legendary following, and rightfully so -- tasty
and tender does not even begin to describe this incredible dish. The
crisp roasted Long Island duckling in port wine orange sauce over a bed
of wild rice is an instant food Hall of Fame choice, as well as the
pungently delightful roast rack of lamb with a rosemary and garlic
crust. We finished with a chocolate cake, complements of the chef,
because my wife was expecting our first child. Wonderful people,
incredible atmosphere and unsurpassed food makes this our current top
choice in New England.
The Mill Wharf Pub and Restaurant offers one of the best harbor views
we've experienced at a New England restaurant and seafood that is about
as good as its gets in New England The lobster stew is undeniably
top-notch, a savory mix of abundant lobster chunks and a splendid cream
base. The broiled scallops are perfectly prepared and a recent special,
the shrimp risotto with an Asian sauce, validated the chef's ambitious
and intuitive nature -- a dish that wanted you coming back for more. Of
course, there's lobster, cod, and haddock -- all expertly prepared. The
atmosphere at night, with its large dimly lit dining room with great
hardwood floors and the lovely Scituate Harbor sunsets, make for one of
the grandest overall dining experiences in the northeast.
Since lodging is not an option in Scituate, it is best experienced as a
day trip to ideally complement a vacation in Plymouth
or the great City of
Boston, both 25 miles away. Plymouth is a large seaside
community five miles from the Cape Cod Canal with a rich heritage --
the home of the 1620 Pilgrim settlement that is currently best
exemplified by the tourist-oriented Plimoth Plantation.The town also
has great ocean beaches, fine restaurants and enough lodging
for your "pilgrimage" to this bustling but yet relaxing community.
Boston is know as the "Hub of the Universe" and with good reason: from
the European leanings of Newbury Street to the festive shops and
restaurants at Fanueil Hall, Boston is truly the "Hub of the Universe."
With over 40 academic institutions, the magnificent Boston Common with
masterful flower gardens, fine harbor views, world class restaurants,
the Italian-flavored North End, some fascinating museums, the historic
Freedom Trail, and a compact layout tailor made for walking, Boston
deserves an extended visit.
Ultimately, the absence of a row of lodging choices in Scituate might
be a great blessing. There is an unspoiled feel to the town that has
one hoping that Scituate will never change. It is "old" New England
that may have a few trendy dowtown shops, but that is about the extent
of Scituate being an upscale summer tourist destination. Scituate is a
"real" community, waiting to be discovered for those in search of the
best New England has to offer.
For
more information on Scituate, click here
