Our Favorite Town Commons in Massachusetts

There's nothing common about these classic Massachusetts village greens!

Town Common, Cohasset, Mass. (photo by Eric H.)

Article and photo by Eric H.

If we ever moved out of New England, one of the things we'd miss most are the classic town commons. Situated mainly in the town and city downtowns of most New Englanc communities, the town common dates back to the Colonial Days as a meeting place for good conversation as well as events, festivals and public ceremonies.

We've seen some amazing free concerts, emotional Veterans Day ceremonies, fall festival celebrations and tree lighting ceremonies at our local town commons.  In a small town, it's particularly nice as you see a lot of people you know and are able to get involved with your own community.  There's not always a lot to do in a small town, so, in many instances, the town common can fill that void with myriad activities.

What's more, the town commons in New England keep things looking attractive, noteworthy in this day of overdevelopment in the name of industrialization, commercialism and the building of homes. Many times, the overall look of a town common includes surrounding churches with tall white steeples, and historical buildings and homes.

Our favorite New England town commons:

West Brookfield, MA -- There's something so pure about this town common. Perhaps it's that the peaceful central Massachusetts town of West Brookfield is just as nice as its centerpiece town green with its peaceful, small town aura. The West Brookfield Town common features summer little league games, concerts on the common, fall festivals, tree lighting ceremonies, flea markets  and wonderful paths to stroll on its four acres. There's a beautiful bandstand, a restored fountain that dates back to 1886, plenty of trees and benches.

Cohasset, MA - The beautiful coastal South Shore town of Cohasset has a town common with a small pond, expansive open green spaces, benches, a church with a tall white steeple, and classic old Colonial homes surrounding the idyllic setting - what more could anyone want in a village green?

Lexington, MA -- Better known as the Battle Green, the Lexington Town Common is home of the Lexington Minuteman Statue and the more modern visitor center (open daily from 9am to 5pm (10am-4pm Dec-Mar).  For those interested in history it's a great place to take a tour and learn about how Lexington had a major role in the Revlutionary War. For those seeking a big green lawn with plenty of shade, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more attracctive town common. The Town Common has a great location, too, near a bike trail and all the neat shops and restaurants in Lexington center.

Concord, MA -- The oblong-shaped Monument Square features a Civil War memorial obelisk erected in 1866. This low-profile town common is sourrounded by the "real New England" : the stately, quaint Colonial Inn hotel and restaurant, three churches, the old town hall and some gorgeuous Colonial homes. It's not a big town common, but there's a special feeling here, being in the middle of history, given Concord's presence with Lexington as a major player in the Revolutionary War.

Wrentham, MA -- It's amazing a Boston suburb has maintained such a classic New England look with the expansive town common with gazebo and a church and school all located in this small, but charming downtown. The concert on the commons in the summer are quite enjoyable and the tree-lighting before the Christmas season is one of the most spectacular with its beautiful lights gracing this quintessential New England town. Tootsie's ice cream parlor, and Marcia's Sweet Pantry (wonderful chocolates) add some delicious flavors to this special town, right off the common.