Welcome to Like a Native, our journey collection the place writers share how you can spend an excellent lengthy weekend of their favourite hometowns. This time, Marisa offers us an insider’s information to Cohasset, Massachusetts—an enthralling coastal city simply south of Boston, stuffed with recent seafood, cozy retailers, and many to do with (or with out) children.

As I used to be rising up in New York Metropolis and New Jersey, residing on the New England coast appeared like a dream. But, as an grownup, when life threw us a curveball, we jumped on an opportunity to maneuver to Boston—and I’m so glad we did. We cherished our time there, exploring the charming cobblestone streets and making an attempt all of the clam chowder. However as our household grew out of our cozy condominium, we knew we wanted more room and ultimately settled within the coastal city of Cohasset, about 45 minutes south of Boston. We’ve lived right here for 5 years now, and it actually looks like we’re house.

The place to Keep

In case you’re not staying with pals or renting a home (there’s actually a rental market, particularly within the hotter months), positively try The Pink Lion Inn. It dates again to the 1700s and is positioned proper on Primary Avenue. The inn boasts a scrumptious, seasonal restaurant, The Pink Lion Tavern, recognized for its wonderful cocktail program and fashionable New England fare. Assume roaring fireplaces all through, plus an out of doors patio and porch. And on Thursday nights, the decrease stage—affectionately known as “The Cave”—has stay music and leisure.

The place to Eat & Drink

Begin the day at Seabird with an iced matcha latte or cortado, then head to French Reminiscences to select up a pastry or attempt one in every of their many sorts of croissants. This family-run French bakery has been in operation for over 30 years and presents scrumptious pastries, soups, salads, and sweets. We’re a fan of the macarons and love their selfmade, salted butter.

For an informal seashore vibe, Salty Days is one in every of our favourite spots. They’ve a strong sushi menu and different scrumptious choices like a smash burger, tuna soften, and poke bowls. They provide a youngsters’s menu so it’s family-friendly, and there are wine and beer choices for adults. It’s additionally excellent for grabbing takeout—particularly for those who’re making an attempt to catch the sundown on the seashore or in your boat.

For pizza, we love the award-winning Stoked for wood-burning, Neapolitan-style pizza. The youngsters will just like the retro vibe and their menu boasts loads of salads, appetizers, and vegetarian-friendly choices for everybody in your occasion.

There’s nothing like lobsters or seafood for a quintessential New England dinner. In case you really feel like staying in, native seafood market Mullaney’s has your whole sea-worthy meals. After you seize your native cod, head subsequent door to Teodora’s Boucherie, a woman-owned and operated gourmand butcher store with an unbelievable collection of grass-fed meats and proteins (we’re a fan of the prime ribeye, jamon serrano, and hen kebab skewers).

Different informal choices embody 5 South Primary for salads and sandwiches and Lenny’s Hideaway, which has a mouth-watering coconut margarita and Mexican-inspired fare. For a fast takeout meal we additionally like Mediterranean meals from Olympus Grille and the recent smoothies from Every day Press and Thrive.

What to Do

If the climate is good otherwise you simply wish to take within the sea view, there are two seashores in Cohasset. Sandy Seaside is the principle—and also you guessed it—sandy seashore that has a snack shack and restrooms throughout summer time hours, however you want a resident sticker to enter and park. If you find yourself renting a home, see in case your rental presents a seashore automobile. Or, if not, head to the opposite seashore—Black Rock Seaside, additionally nicknamed Rocky Seaside—the place just a few non-resident parking spots can be found. This seashore tends to be quieter and older youngsters love climbing and exploring the bigger rocks.

Procuring

With its quaint village vibe, Cohasset has a stunning array of boutiques and retailers. Head to Anchor & Sail or Darilynn’s for curated house items and decor. ASSEMBLY has a collection of up to date clothes, and Strand the Boutique simply opened up a brand new store close to the harbor. For luxurious consignments, go to Second 2 None Consignments, and Phia has your whole wants for tween and teenage garments. Need to choose up one thing for the littles? Pop into Brook & Primary for kids’s garments, toys, books, plus just a few cute outfits for Mother.

Artwork & Music

If you would like some artwork, make certain to go to the rotating exhibition at South Shore Artwork Middle or native photographer and gallerist, Brian Sager Nice Artwork Gallery.

For leisure and stay music, The Music Circus is an out of doors venue underneath a tent that options bands starting from The Seaside Boys to Blues Traveler. The stage rotates so there isn’t a nasty seat in the home.

Wellness & Spa

And, once you want that second of zen, head to Steadiness Studios for yoga, pilates, and barre. Across the nook at Epiros Wellness, yow will discover therapeutic and wellness modalities, akin to infrared sauna or magnesium float remedy. Must you want a bit extra pampering, Tiffany Nails presents manicures and pedicures, simply make certain to name to make an appointment.

Household-Pleasant Actions

For household hanging, we love Cut up Rock for its informal, family-friendly out of doors uncooked bar and beer backyard. Be certain to take a look at their calendar for stay music, household programming, and different pop-up occasions.

In case your children want a bit more room to play, there’s a playground close to the native library with basketball courts. And some minutes from city, there’s the newly-built Beechwood Playground, which occurs to be close to Mrs. Mekler’s Mercantile, or as we name it “the Sugar Shack;” a real-life sweets cabin within the woods with a fee honor system.

For extra out of doors enjoyable, Holly Hill Farm is an natural and historic working farm that provides instructional programming and occasions. Our youngsters love visiting the animals that stay on the property, akin to a donkey and chickens, and there are a number of trails and paths for hikes and exploring. Additionally they have a year-round farmers market within the barn on Saturdays.

For indoor enjoyable, we regularly go to Buttonwood Books & Toys, a family-run bookshop for kids and adults, plus they’ve cute toys and residential items. And, for those who want an end-of-day deal with, don’t miss out on Candy Mouse Cafe for boba tea, and naturally, J.J.’s Dairy Hut for an old school ice cream journey, outfitted with a kid-friendly picket prepare play construction.

Elective Extras

For a spirited afternoon or night, seize the household and drive over to Nantasket Seaside in Hull, which has a full of life boardwalk and seashore with tons of eating places, ice cream retailers, and a historic-operating carousel.

Lastly, for those who’re staying in Cohasset (or close by) and wish to go to Boston, you possibly can take the prepare from Cohasset or the commuter ferry from the shipyard within the neighboring city of Hingham, which makes it a breeze to spend time in Boston.