Quincy is a coastal city in Massachusetts, United States. It is the largest city in Norfolk County and is part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. The population of Quincy was estimated at 101,636 in 2020. The city is an attractive destination for tourists because it is full of historic places and attractions.
Villa Kathrine
You can visit the historic Moorish-style courtyard mansion, Villa Kathrine, located in Quincy, Massachusetts. It was built in 1900 by a wealthy local man, W. George Metz, for a woman he adored. The mansion is now a National Register Historic Place, and the villa is open for tours and events.
The historic villa was purchased by the Quincy Parks Department in 1955, and it has been refurbished for the public. The property features a four-acre park and the Quincy Tourist Information Center. Inside, you can take a tour of the historic property and view the furnishings. The original interior designs were based on sketches by W. George Metz, who was an avid traveler.
Located on Gardner Expressway, Villa Kathrine is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. It also houses the Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can tour the building, which has a marble mosaic reflecting pool and balcony. The villa is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events. Last year, 32 special events took place in the villa.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or architecture, Quincy is a charming city that offers a wealth of things to do. Its unique location along the Mississippi River offers a wide variety of cultural activities and great restaurants. The town is also home to the ornate Villa Kathrine, which is an ornate Morrocan-style castle built for wealthy Quincy native W. George Metz in 1900. After the restoration of the property in 1998, the building is now open to the public. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the castle.
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
Located 15 miles south of Boston, Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate is a beautiful country retreat for a wedding. This ninety-acre property has space for up to 180 guests. The grounds can be rented out for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds during the reception. The venue is managed by Fireside Catering.
Built during the Gilded Age, the Bradley house sits on 90 acres of land. The historic home was designed by renowned architect Charles Platt and was purchased by Eleanor Cabot Bradley in 1945. Bradley lived on the estate until her death in 1991, during which time she added a greenhouse and studio.
Houghton’s Pond
Houghton’s Pond is a spring-fed kettle hole pond located in Milton, Massachusetts, south of Boston. It was formed 10,000 years ago by receding glaciers. It is classified as a lake because it contains a body of water larger than 20 acres.
The Houghton family farmed the area from the colonial period to the late 1800s. The pond is a popular destination among residents and visitors. It features a supervised swimming area and stocked fishing. There are also picnic tables and hiking trails. The Houghton refreshment stand, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, can be found on the grounds.
The park is a great place for a day out with the family. The pond’s pristine waters make it a safe place to play with kids, and the recently added boathouse is a perfect place to spend the day. The best time to visit is during off-season, when the park is less crowded.
The Blue Hills Reservation is located just 30 minutes from downtown Boston. It is a beautiful region of hills and ponds. Its 22 hills are covered in lush greenery during the summer months, while the rocky outcrops provide sweeping views of the Boston skyline. One of these hills, known as Great Blue Hill, is 635 feet tall and looms over the pond and bottomland forest. Ancient Native Americans lived in this region for centuries.
Hancock Adams Common
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hancock Adams Common is a wonderful park that is perfect for any type of gathering. There are grills with disposal bins for hot coals, ice cream, water features, and native landscape. The park is also dog-friendly, and there are benches for resting.
Visitors can also check out the nearby Church of the President and the Hancock Cemetery. The park has no parking lot, but street parking is available in nearby areas. The park is named after two important American presidents, John Hancock and John Adams, and has a promenade, fountains, and grassy areas that are perfect for picnics.
While in Quincy, visitors should also take a stroll along the Presidents Trail, a city-wide urban walking path that features many historic sites. The trail is divided into three sections: the north section includes the Old House at Peacefield, Dorothy Quincy Homestead, and Adams Academy, while the south section includes the Church of the Presidents, Hancock/Adams Common, and Old Town Hall.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, or a romantic getaway, Quincy has it all. From historic parks to quaint neighborhoods, the city is full of things to do.
Quincy Quarries Reservation
Quincy Quarries Reservation is a great place to explore the local landscape. This former granite farm has plenty of hiking and rock climbing trails, as well as graffiti artists. The property is easily accessible and there is free parking. However, be aware that some areas may contain glass and trash. In the past, this area was dangerous for people.
The Quincy Quarries Reservation is connected to the nearby Blue Hills Reservation. Hikers should explore the Blue Hills Reservation as well. While there, be sure to check out the Skyline Trail. Please respect the park’s rules. Graffiti, hunting, trapping, and the use of explosive devices are prohibited.
Quincy Quarries Reservation once had a thriving granite industry. It is now a historic preservation site. But the historic quarries are not without controversy. Over the years, many deaths and accidents have been reported. In fact, there are over a dozen reported deaths since the quarries closed in 1963.
The abandoned quarries were once used as dumps and unsupervised swimming holes, which presented safety hazards for the public. However, these quarries were eventually filled with 800,000 tons of excavated dirt from Boston’s “Big Dig.” Today, the former quarries have been transformed into a 22-acre park. There are remnants of the old quarries, as well as several golf courses.
Blue Hills Ski Area
The Blue Hills Ski Area in Quincy has served the community for more than sixty years. It started with just a few downhill runs and a practice slope in 1935, and added 3 rope tows, a lodge, and a double chair lift in 1963. Today, the ski area spans 60 acres and features 16 trails, four lifts, and a 309-foot vertical drop.
The ski area is family-friendly, and is well known for its learn-to-ski programs and a well-stocked rental fleet. It is also home to a beginner-friendly area with trails and magic carpets. This area is easily accessible from the rental building, and parents of children who are taking lessons can watch their progress from a variety of vantage points.
The Blue Hills Ski Area was named after the former commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, William F. Rogers. The park’s ski area is owned and operated by the state and is often referred to as a “feeder” resort. Because it’s small and not a large resort, it is a good place for beginners to get their feet wet and start experimenting with skiing.
