Today, Lindsey shares a special local gems edition, focused on 3 fantastic maker sites:

Though my 10-year-old son likes hockey and baseball, his true passion seems to lie in science and engineering. He's a budding maker, wants to be a robot designer, is often found poring over a book about physics, has a periodic table poster on his wall, loves Minecraft, and delights in home science projects (cue baking soda and vinegar!).

I'm always looking for activities and events to nurture this interest, and have found them surprisingly difficult to identify. I wanted to share three local gems, and would love to hear of any others in the Boston area via the comments below!

1. Einstein's Workshop. This space in Burlington is an engineer's paradise. They have a 3D printer, weekly classes in everything from Mindstorms to Scratch to Minecraft to Math, and a regular drop-in program after school and during holidays. We have only begun to explore their offerings, but my son loves it at Einstein's Workshop. The place is clean, bright, welcoming, and full of evidence that the life of the scientific and engineering mind is a fascinating and fun place.

2. Parts and Crafts. This workshop and playspace in Somerville is another of my son's very favorite places to go. At Parts and Crafts he was finally allowed to use a soldering iron, something he's been asking to do forever (the downside of this is that I think we're going to have one in our house soon). My son has been doing an Introduction to Electronics class and was crushed to miss a recent weekend workshop on 3D Printing. The mood of this place is casual and warm, and my son really enjoys it there.

3. Science on Saturday. Run by the Edgerton Center at MIT, these Saturday events (presentation with demonstrations from 10-11 followed by hands-on exploration at different demo booths) are free and great fun. I think my favorite part of this endeavor is how compelling the MIT students who present are. They are full of passion and energy and are terrific role models. What an opportunity for them -- some undergrads -- to present to an auditorium of a thousand rapt listeners. Whit and I went to the presentation about underwater robotics this weekend and do not plan to miss any others. The next presentation is in March.

Image credit: Einstein's Workshop

Just before the holidays, Jon and I enjoyed a day in Rockport, inspired by a kind invitation from the Town of Rockport. Though we were there for less than 24 hours, I simply fell in love with this seaside town and know we will visit again soon! Just 45 minutes north of Boston (and commuter rail accessible!), Rockport is replete with awesome. And as we explored, I realized that I had a great Local Gems feature on my hands!

Today I'm featuring 14 picks I discovered during our little overnight trip. However, I am certain based on the reading material I reviewed that there is tons more to explore -- both in seasonal shops/restaurants and attractions more conducive to flip flop weather! Think of this feature as the Rockport winter edition; once I have a chance to explore further during the spring/summer, I have a feeling I'll have a lot more gems to share!

1. Blue Lobster Grille. Casual, comfortable, and bustling with activity, Blue Lobster Grille was our first stop when we arrived in Rockport. The food was hearty (and generously portioned!) and props to the availability of local beers. Be sure to hit the ATM in advance as this is a cash-only cafe.

2. Lula's Pantry. Foodies (and foodie gift givers) will delight in Lula's Pantry. Filled with pretty kitchen accessories and food gifts (including lots of locally made items), my only struggle was with the overwhelmed-by-awesome factor. I spent a considerable amount of time paralyzed in front of the gourmet salts and gorgeous tableware options. (Total first world problem, I know.)

3. Rockport Art Association. Rockport is clearly an artist's haven, with galleries seemingly at every turn; it reminds me quite a lot of Wellfleet and Kennebunkport. If you're looking for a starting point, head to the Rockport Art Association, which offers exhibits and educational offerings.

4. The Tuck Inn. Rockport's range of accommodation options shows that the town is clearly ready for visitors. And if you're looking for a homey, cozy option just steps from Bearskin Neck, head to The Tuck Inn. Owners Liz and Scott Wood make their guests feel like family, and if you enjoy baked goods, PREPARE YOURSELF. The breakfast buffet was bursting with fresh fruit, yogurt, an incredible warm homemade applesauce, and a truly crazy array of baked treats. Scott even sent us off with a goodie bag of delicious baked treats to take home to the girls. (My girls will love you forever, Scott.)

5. Toad Hall Bookstore. I adore indie bookstores and Toad Hall donates 100% of net profits to environmental charities (FIST BUMP, Toad Hall!). The entry floor is small but packed with titles and if you've got the legs to try the narrow spiral staircase, you can ascend to used and sale titles upstairs or children's books downstairs.

6. Brothers Brew Coffee Shop. Coffee on vacation tastes even better than coffee on a regular day and Brothers Brew doesn't disappoint. They also offer killer homemade donuts for 94 cents. I almost never buy donuts but here I couldn't resist. And it was hard to stop at one. (Now that I think of it, I'm wondering why I stopped at one.)

7. Milk & Honey. Milk & Honey is such a tantalizing gift store that I visited and shopped twice within an 18-hour period. Filled with gorgeous home goods, bath products, and specialty food items (e.g., fancy marshmallows, condiments), it was very, very easy to shop here (for others and, er, myself). I recently learned that 95% of the locally owned small businesses in Rockport are woman-owned (I don't know about you but this makes me want to shop there even more) and the woman who owns Milk & Honey (as well as a small clothing/accessories store across the street) has impeccable taste. Also, I loved that the owner's mom was working the cash register during our first visit. Hooray for moms!

8. The Paper Mermaid. The Paper Mermaid is a small shop offering a delightfully curated array of paper goods, gifts, and toys. As a former employee of Paper Source, it was fun to see some of PS's wares for sale there. I picked up some lovely kids' gifts there.

9. Rockport Music Shalin Liu Performance Center. The former semi-professional musician in me nearly passed out when we peeked into the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Rockport offers a truly impressive range of cultural programming year-round, and what blew my mind was the stage's oceanfront backdrop. Simply magical. I admittedly totally fantasized about playing my college recital programs in that space.

10. The Grand Café at Emerson Inn By the Sea. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the elegant Grand Café at Emerson Inn By the Sea. The stately 36-room seaside inn is on the Historic Hotels of America registry and The Grand Café conjured a similar feeling of grandeur, complete with live piano playing. From appetizers to dessert, the food was delicious (the seafood stew was amazing and seemed to include many pounds of seafood, which I devoured in entirety) and the cocktails delightful.

11. Halibut Point State Park. It was quite cold and windy when we were in Rockport, but nothing could keep us from exploring Halibut Point State Park. This oceanside state park includes breathtaking quarry views (no rails or ropes; keep back from the edge!) and trails that lead to the ocean. The ocean truly is my happy place and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was moved to tears by the beauty and vastness down on the rocks. Also, this may sound slightly crazy crunchy, but I was quite excited that the porta potty at this site is hooked up to a composting system.

12. Helmut's Strudel. Tucked away towards the end of Bearskin Neck and set back a bit off the road, I couldn't resist this strudel house. I mean, I totally applaud a baked good purveyor that wants to go narrow in a niche! And Helmut's delivered. The warm little cafe was a respite against the cold and offered quality strudel at an affordable price.

13. Bean & Leaf Cafe. Open year-round and offering cafe seating with a gorgeous view of the water, the Bean & Leaf Cafe is a good spot for families to refuel; plenty of kid-friendly offerings, coffee, and treats.

14. Motif #1 Rockport Harbor. There's a reason this red fishing shack/barn (known as Motif #1) in Rockport Harbor is one of the most photographed structures in the United States. I couldn't help but let out a happy little sigh when I saw it. And I immediately took out my phone to snap this picture.

Want more Local Gems? Check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Coolidge Corner, Huron Village, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Natick, Newton North villages, Watertown, and Wellesley features. And if you'd like to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Disclosure: The Town of Rockport kindly invited me to visit and I was invited to stay at The Tuck Inn and enjoy dinner at The Grand Cafe gratis. All opinions about these two gems (and the other 12 featured here) are, of course, my own.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages, with the exception of Halibut Point State Park, Motif #1, and the first thumbnail, via Christine Koh.

Hooray, it's Local Gems time! Today's Newton recommendations come from my friend Sharon Reilly, mom of three, blogger at ViolaCay, and cofounder of the Newton Kitchen Tour. Thanks for sharing these 11 local gems, Sharon! And be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Coolidge Corner, Huron Village, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Natick, Watertown, and Wellesley features!

From Sharon:

Newton was founded in 1630 and is comprised of 13 villages, all with their own personality. We have a population of close to 80,000 in approx 18 square miles. So yeah, it's big. For today we're going to concentrate on the north part of Newton. Yes, the one with the gazillion dollar high school! There's no shortage of fine dining, high end boutiques, and hair salons, but I'm going to focus on my favorites as a mom! My parents both grew up in Newton. I have loved it forever and knew I wanted to raise my kids here.

1. The Cove/Lyons Park/Charles River Canoe and Kayak (Auburndale). My first gem is a giant space encompassing Charles River Kayak & Canoe, Lyons Park, and The Cove. These outdoor spaces are loosely connected and awesome places to take the kids. You can paddle your way down the Charles River and end up at The Cove, a park run by the city of Newton. You can take a walk through the woods and end up at Lyons Field where they play little league baseball under the lights on warm spring nights. It's magical, all of it. I have had two of my kids' birthday parties at The Cove (you can rent sites that have BBQ grills and picnic tables), a massive park with tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, a giant pile of sand, play structures, and bathrooms. In the winter there is ice skating on the river with a warming hut! Sometimes the mayor even stops by with hot chocolate!

2. Just Next Door (Auburndale). I buy almost all of my gifts at Just Next Door! I can stop in on the way to a 7-year-old's party find something awesome for the right price and they wrap it up. I've even found something for the ever difficult to buy for 14-year-old boy. They have a huge selection of Vera Bradley and fun jewelry. My Christmas presents from the kids always consist of a bangle or a necklace from JND. 

3. West Newton Cinema (West Newton). West Newton Cinema is a small six-screen theater that shows first run and film festival favorites. You can rent a theater for kids parties and special occasions. WNC was a part of our wedding celebration, showing our love story to our guests. It was built in 1937 and the seats have seen better days, but it's still a gem. I'm hoping Newton native John Krasinski (of The Office) will swoop in to restore it. Oh, and the popcorn has REAL BUTTER!

4. Sweet Tomatoes (West Newton). Sweet Tomatoes is a small chain of pizza places throughout Massachusetts. It's pretty close to true Neapolitan pizza. My personal favorite is mushroom, spinach, and ricotta. Ask for the smooth sauce if you have chunk-averse kids (like mine).

5. The Rox Diner (Newtonville). The Rox Diner is one of our go to family dinner spots; they serve delicious salads, burgers (Green Lantern please!), and breakfast. The Mickey Mouse pancakes are available all day long AND they have wine and beer. Major win.

6. George Howell Coffee (Newtonville). I am a coffee snob. I love a good cup of coffee. I like it roasted well. I like espresso better than drip. A good latte is a day-changing event for me. Yes, I have had baristas remake a coffee. I'm that customer. However, I always get great coffee at George Howell Coffee in Newtonville. Always. They consider themselves a coffee lab. They brew new coffees to gather customer feedback before offering them online and test new coffee equipment and brew methods.

7. Down Under Yoga (Newtonville). Ohhhhhhhhm. Take a break mom, take a well-deserved break! Down Under Yoga is a great spot to get your ohm on. 

8. Salvis Barber Shop (Nonantum). I take my boys to Salvis Barber Shop when they need haircuts. The price is right. The guys are awesome. My father and grandfather also got haircuts at Salvis back in the day, which makes me feel all kinds of nostalgic. 

9. Coletti-Magni Park (Nonantum). There's a little park in Nonantum called Coletti-Magni Park (across from Salvi's) that gets LIT UP at Christmastime. It is home of the Giant Santa. No matter your religion you'll have a fun time at the tree lighting festivities. The Newton Children's Association Christmas has been doing this since before I was a kid.

10. Prana Power Yoga (Newton Corner). Prana offers a lot of heated power yoga classes, but lots of variation as well. I most like the Hour of Power. A quick sweat and back to the pick up line. 

11. Amarin of Thailand (Newton Corner). I have been going to Amarin of Thailand for Thai food for over 20 years. I lived around the corner when I was in my twenties and that's where the love affair began. This is my mom splurge because I can't go here with my kids or bring home my pad thai because of my peanut allergic guy. I have tried a lot of Thai food in my day and apart from the street vendors on Kao San Road in Bangkok, Amarin is my favorite.

Thanks for sharing, Sharon! If you have other Newton North village favorites, feel free to share in the comments below. If you'd like to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages, with the exception of West Newton Cinema, Coletti-Magni Park, Salvis Barber Shop + Amarin of Thailand images, courtesy of Sharon Reilly.

Hooray, it's Local Gems time! Today's Natick recommendations come from my friend Jodi Grundig, mom of two and editor of Mom's Favorite Stuff and Family Travel Magazine. Thanks for sharing these 10 local gems in Natick, Jodi! And be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Coolidge Corner, Huron Village, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Watertown, and Wellesley features!

From Jodi:

Although it’s commonly referenced as the home of the largest mall in New England, this town 15 miles west of Boston is home to a thriving community as well as many hidden gems. From locally owned shops and restaurants to several outdoor attractions, Natick has so much to offer. Here are 10 of my favorite local gems:

1. Tilly and Salvy’s Bacon Street Farm. This small grocery shop maintains an old-fashioned, small-town vibe while offering local produce, meats, baked goods, and traditional grocery items. Seasonal offerings include Christmas trees, pumpkins, and outdoor plants.

2. Casey’s Diner. This 10-stool diner located on the fringes of downtown Natick is on the National Register of Historic Places. It still offers the same delicious steamed hot dogs that made it a Natick institution.

3. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Broadmoor, one of the Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries, is a great place for a family hike. Marked trails are easy to follow. The sanctuary also offers educational programs and workshops.

4. The Natick Community Organic Farm. The Natick Community Organic Farm is truly one of the hidden gems in Natick. This nonprofit, certified organic farm is home to many farm animals and offers complimentary admission during daylight hours.

5. The Center for Arts in Natick. Housed in a former firehouse, this nonprofit arts organization presents kid-friendly and adult shows throughout the year.

6. Oga’s Japanese Cuisine. Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you. This Japanese restaurant is easily one of the best in the state.

7. Five Crows. Located in Natick Center, Five Crows offers a selection of handmade gifts from a variety of artists in the area.

8. Uni-T. Local artist Eujin Kim Neilan owns this independent shop, one of the few located in the Natick Mall. Along with Eujin’s work, the shop also features products from about 50 local artists.

9. Lola's Italian Groceria. This locally owned shop offers delicious pasta and sandwiches as well as Italian grocery items and an impressive gluten-free selection.

10. Park Street Ice Cream. Tucked away alongside Natick Common is the Park Street Ice Cream Shoppe, a shop that’s been in business for more than 30 years

Thanks for sharing, Jodi! If you have other Natick favorites, feel free to share in the comments below. If you'd like to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages.

Goodness, it's been too long since I've shared a Local Gems feature! Today's Coolidge Corner recommendations come from my friend Sheri Gurock, mom of 3, co-founder of the award-winning toy/gear store Magic Beans, food blogger at Unbageled, and longtime Coolidge Corner dweller. Thanks for sharing these 12 local gems, Sheri! And be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Huron Village (Cambridge), Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Watertown, and Wellesley features!

1. Pear Tree. This lovely beading shop offers a huge variety of beads and tons of gorgeous example pieces to inspire you. It's a great place to visit on a rainy day with the kids, because everyone gets to be creative. One of my favorite necklaces is one my 6-year-old made for me here!

2. Eureka! It's impossible not to love this quirky game and puzzle shop, filled with all kinds of interesting products and staffed by people who love their goods and can make spot-on recommendations.

3. Knight Moves. Former Eureka! employee Devon Trevylan opened this board game cafe nearly a year ago. Gather with friends at his cozy space and choose from over 300 different board games. The cafe serves drinks and pastries, including some gluten-free options!

4. Tiny Hanger. Tiny Hanger owner Lucia has such fabulous taste and it shows in her appealing selection of clothing and gifts for babies and kids.

5. The Coolidge Theater. The Coolidge is widely accepted to be a great date-night venue, but did you know they also do a family-friendly show each weekend on either Saturday or Sunday morning? The programs are always low-key and high quality -- a great combination.

6. Brookline Booksmith. This charming locally owned bookstore is everything you'd hope for it to be and more. The selection is extensive, the staff is wonderful, and there is always an amazing schedule of authors coming to speak and sign. In the basement you'll find great deals on used books (you can also sell your used books to them), and they have a wonderful, quirky gift department, too.

7. Regal Beagle. It's always been tough to get a table at this tiny, delightful bistro, but now that executive chef Stacy Cogswell is a contestant on this season's Top Chef, it's a good idea to plan in advance if you want to come for dinner. The lunch menu is also wonderful, and they are kid-friendly.

8. Zaftig's. This iconic Coolidge Corner delicatessen is always swamped on weekends for brunch, but you can eat breakfast all day long at this very family-friendly establishment. The menu is wide-ranging and everything is tasty.

9. Rani Bistro. This Indian restaurant is really something special. The atmosphere is serene, and the menu is full of flavorful dishes with a wide range of choices for vegetarians and carnivores alike. The lunch buffet is a great deal, and before I went Paleo I loved their Dosa.

10. Paris Creperie. This hole-in-the-wall offers a dizzying array of delicious choices, from crepes to soups to smoothies. Need a meal? Grab a hearty savory crepe. Looking for a snack? Don't miss the strawberry Nutella crepe or the Nutella hot chocolate. They are set up to accommodate a range of dietary restrictions, too.

11. Party Favors. Since going GF/Paleo over a year ago, there are few things I miss as much as Party Favors cupcakes. They look as pretty as they taste, and they are always topped with a very generous amount of sweet buttercream. You can also find a wide range of party goods and even cake decorating supplies. They also offer occasional classes and birthday parties.

12. Rami's. This is an authentic Israeli dining experience. Come when it's busy and the line is likely to be disorganized, but that's part of the charm. The falafel is outstanding, crispy and bursting with flavor, served in a soft, warm pita nestled in homemade hummus. It's street food at its absolute best. Another food I miss terribly!

So awesome, right? Thanks again Sheri, for sharing your favorite picks. If you have other favorite Coolidge Corner gems, feel free to share in the comments below. And of course don't forget to pop in to Magic Beans if you're in Coolidge Corner! If you'd like to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages.

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Watertown, and Wellesley features)! Today's Huron Village recommendations come from Leah Klein, blogger at Leah's Life, mom to Henry and Isabelle, and Boston Expert for the app and online magazine Mommy Nearest. Thanks for sharing these 15 local gems in Huron Village, Leah!

1. Sarah’s Market & Café. Sarah’s Market is like the kitchen of the neighborhood; it's where everybody gathers and catches up. The early morning crowd includes regulars getting their coffee, parents out for an early morning breakfast with their kids, and various workmen and women, police officers, and firefighters grabbing a hearty breakfast to start their day. Sarah’s Market is half café, half market and they now carry beer and wine as well.

2. Hi-Rise Bread Company. Hi-Rise is a busy neighborhood bakery that offers treats and also dinner options. After 4pm, oven-roasted chickens are ready to be packed to go with gravy, onions, and a choice of a couple of sides. During the day, professors, professionals, and students pop in and out picking up coffee, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Kids will love the hand painted gingerbread cookies, vanilla bean loaf, rich chocolate sandwich cookies, cupcakes, and cream filled cakes.

3. Majestic Yoga. Majestic Yoga is a cozy little yoga studio with classes that let mom and dad hang upside down on straps. They have classes for all levels of yoga and for those who practice different types of yoga as well. The Tuesday afternoon children’s classes are also very popular.

4. Boudreau Branch Library. A sweet little branch of the Cambridge Public Library, the staff at Boudreau is extremely helpful and will gladly encourage little ones to get their own library card, try a new series, or request a book even if they can only remember what the cover looked like. There is a weekly singalong and story time for younger future readers as well.

5. House of Chang. House of Chang is popular for takeout and dine-in; try the dim sum on the weekends! The owners are very nice and they’re happy to talk about menu items and suggest dishes based on what you like, or what they think your children might want to try.

6. Formaggio Kitchen. Formaggio Kitchen is mecca for cheese and charcuterie, but while you are sampling cheeses the kids might have their eyes on the beautiful cookies from Lakota Bakery or the shelf full of penny candy. Formaggio also has soups, sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods for busy parents who want to eat well but have no time to cook.

7. Magic Beans. Magic Beans is one of the best toy stores in town, offering everything from baby gear to games and toys for your tween’s next birthday party. They also have a display of little toys near the checkout that makes for great party favors.

8. Fresh Pond Market. A true neighborhood market, you can stop at Fresh Pond Market for a bottle of wine and ingredients for dinner, pick up a roasted chicken, or stop in on your walk home from the local park to buy the kids a popsicle.

9. Larch Road Park. Larch Road Park (off of Larch Road) is a great little playground with swings, two climbing structures (suitable for different ages), a basketball court, and two grassy areas.

10. Full Moon Restaurant. A truly kid-friendly spot, Full Moon offers a little play space, buckets of toys that children can bring to the table, and books, not to mention a menu that pleases both little and big palates. Come early for a quiet dinner with the family. Brunch is also very popular so head in early.

11. Marimekko. Though Marimekko is a chain, this little oasis of beauty and color warrants inclusion. Marimekko's classic graphic prints can be found by the yard or on beautiful little trays, mugs, and clothing for kids and adults.

12. Susi’s. This quirky, tiny little shop is a great place to pick up unique, handmade gifts for baby showers or birthday parties. Walking into Susi’s is like opening a treasure chest. Whether you only have time to window shop or pop in quickly, it's worth a stop because you will definitely see things you have never seen before.

13. Crate Escape Too. Whether you have your own four-legged friend or a little dog lover in the family (my kids love seeing the visiting doggies!), Crate Escape Too offers treats and playtime for dogs.

14. Elizabeth Clark Photography. Elizabeth Clark captures beautiful images both in her Huron Village studio and on location at favorite family spots and city landmarks.

15. GrayMist. GrayMist is a boutique full of beautiful things. Not only can you shop for gifts, home decor, and unique jewelry, you can also take classes and learn how to make Nantucket baskets.

Do you have other Huron Village gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages with the exception of the Marimekko image, which is by Christine Koh

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, and Watertown features)! Today's Wellesley recommendations come from reader Melissa, a five year resident of Wellesley, mom to an adventurous toddler son and soon-to-be-kindergartener daughter, and patent law attorney with Wolf Greenfield. Thanks for sharing these 13 local gems in Wellesley, Melissa! 

1. Weezie’s Garden at Elm Bank. This enchanting natural play space includes a giant red chair, a koi pond, a tree house, a sand play area, and enough nooks and hiding spots to keep kids lost in their imaginations for hours. My daughter likes hosting tea parties at a table so well-hidden within the draping branches of a tree that it took a couple visits to discover.

2. Wasik’s. Wasik’s is a cheese lover’s happy place. Turophiles from all over greater Boston travel to this 35 year-old family run shop for its friendly, knowledgable service and wide selection. Having trouble deciding? Ask for a recommendation!

3. Ollie Turner Park. I’m charmed by secret spaces, so there is something special about kicking around a ball at this secluded field tucked away at the far end of Longfellow Pond. Yet what appeals most is the journey to get there - a serene hike along the Longfellow Pond Trail.

4. Cafe Mangal. My favorite date night restaurant in town, Cafe Mangal has the ambiance of a Turkish friend's house. Don’t forget the bottle of wine - it’s BYOB!

5. The Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses at Wellesley College. Looking to escape the cold or rain? These interconnected greenhouses are my favorite of the many gems that Wellesley College offers. Whether I’m cultivating my inner botanist or snapping candids against the lush backdrops, I always leave feeling a bit more Zen.

6. Little Bits Toys. Shop while the kids play at this thoughtfully stocked toy store, or take advantage of their priceless (yet free!) call ahead service: Tell the friendly staff what you’re looking for and they’ll wrap it and even run it out to your car.

7. Centennial Reservation. A popular spot for dog walking, Centennial Reservation offers trails that are great for kids as well. Highlights for my little ones include Bezanson Pond, which teems with tadpoles and bullfrogs, and a scenic hillside meadow that has the perfect grade for skipping downhill at full throttle.

8. Green’s Hardware. This extraordinary hardware store is like having a handy uncle around the corner. After being greeted at the door, tell the gentlemen your home issue, and they’ll find the items you need, explain how to use them, and bring it all to your car. 

9. Tutto Italiano. Pick up some top-notch meatball subs at this quaint corner Italian grocery/deli, then head across the street to the picnic tables at Morton Park where the kids will enjoy watching the ducks swim in the pond and the geese brazenly approach.

10. Healthy Habits Kitchen. Whenever I’m short on time or inspiration for dinner, I’ll head to Healthy Habits Kitchen and stock up on their pre-packaged meal kits. With all of the ingredients and directions for healthy and kid friendly meals, their kits make dinner prep a cinch.

11. Hills Branch Library. The book selection is not vast; I frequent this single-room branch library because I love the historic ivy-covered stone building with its church-like interior. The library recently added a coffee, tea and cocoa station, adding to its homey charm.

12. Jammin' with You. The most popular class at this music mecca is JamBaby, which features sing-alongs to songs by kindie rock artists Josh and the Jamtones and a mid-class jam session to adult faves from the likes of Pharrell and Robin Thicke. Classes led by Jamtones frontman Josh fill up fast.

13. Warren Park. This busy playground has it all - tables and fields for picnicking, playground equipment for all ages, bathrooms in the adjacent Warren building, a hill for sledding in winter, and a prime Marathon viewing location.

Do you have other Wellesley gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages.

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, and Watertown features)! Today's Easton recommendations come from my delightful friend Christina, who writes at The Fairly Odd Mother and Cool Mom Picks. Thanks for sharing these 10 local gems in Easton, Christina! (And if you want to submit a Local Gems feature, see details here!)

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Right next to the busy city of Brockton, Easton is a pretty, historically rich, tree-filled town I've called home for the last 14 years. It's a wonderful spot for kids with lots of safe outdoor spaces in which to roam, great schools, and a not-too-long drive to either Boston, Providence, or Cape Cod. Here are some of my family's favorite spots:

1. The Village Toy Shop. This is my go-to stop for all those birthday gifts my kids need for their friends, and also for awesome holiday shopping too. With free gift wrapping, it's clear how much this store is loved by all the matching gift wrap piled up at any child's birthday party.

2. Hilliards House of Candy. There is no bigger treat than a stop at Hilliards House of Candy, where my kids can scoop out their own assortment of goodies into bags while I check out their delicious boxes of salted caramel chocolates, roasted-on-site nuts, or adorable holiday chocolate lollipops. It's a great spot to stop in summer for a scoop of their own yummy ice cream too.

3. The Children's Museum in Easton. Easton's old historic fire station makes a wonderfully playful spot in which kids can explore, climb, learn, and play. Getting to the top of the old fire pole is a challenge for little arms, and their outdoor play space, The Wild Place, let's kids explore nature and maybe even get a little messy.

4. The Farmer's Daughter. The "it" place for breakfast or lunch on Main Street, The Farmer's Daughter works with local growers to create delicious masterpieces that have people lining up to experience. I like that even their kids' menu takes into account their focus on fresh and local ingredients.

5. Borderland State Park. The former stopping grounds of the rich and famous (notably, the Ames Family who donated much to the town), Borderland is truly a gem for everyone in the state. The park offers great hiking and biking trails, a sprawling disc golf course that is open to everyone, huge lawns for tag, a fun sledding hill, and picnic tables for when it's time to refuel.

6. Natural Resources Trust of Easton. Otherwise known as Sheep Pasture, the NRT exists as an educational center for the town, with chickens, sheep, and other livestock on site for kids to see, as well as easy walking trails to explore. The NRT puts on Spring Family Night Hikes, summer camp for kids, and a huge Harvest Fair in October that seems to bring the entire town to their grounds.

7. Easton Town Pool. Opening this week, this town pool is the best spot on a hot summer's day with little kids. The pool is more like a small pond with filtered water, a sandy beach, and lots of lifeguards on hand to help keep an eye on beginning swimmers. 

8. Maguire's Bar and Grill. Massachusetts' oldest independently owned and continuously operated restaurant and bar, I don't think Maguire's ever closes -- we've made the short drive during a snowstorm! Maguire's is a great place to stop for a juicy burger, blackened shrimp pasta (my favorite!), or one of their special seasonal offerings. My kids love the lively, informal atmosphere as much as I do.

9. Ames Free Library. Check out one of the town's many historic buildings, this one designed by the famous American architect Henry Hobson Richardson. A spacious children's room and pretty outdoor gardens make the Ames Free Library a great stop for books, movies, and video games.

10. The Marketplace at Simpson Spring. Take a field trip to the oldest independent bottling plant in the US and try some of their delicious old-fashioned soda flavors like Cream Soda and White Birch. The Saturday marketplace also brings together local farms and food producers, crafters, and other locals businesses into a bustling year-round indoor market. If you can catch a tour, do it---totally fascinating for both kids and grown ups.

Do you have other Easton gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: thumbnail via Maguire's; all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages with the exception of Borderland State Park, via Wikipedia.

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Lexington, Medford, and Watertown features)! Today's Jamaica Plain recommendations come from my rad friend Casey, who writes about her city adventures with her wife and daughter over at Life with Roozle. Thanks for sharing these 10 local gems in Jamaica Plain, Casey!

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1. Arnold Arboretum. Dog walks. Bike rides. Hikes. Sledding. A view of the July 4th fireworks. Arnold Arboretum has it all. Not only is the Arboretum easy to get to (accessible by both the Orange Line and has loads of parking), once inside, you feel like you've stepped out of the city and into a magical green space.

2. The Dogwood Cafe. The Dogwood is a staple in Forest Hills. When I first moved to JP 11 years ago the pizzas were square and named after trees -- perfect for our big roommate meetings, as we had a lot of roommates in a large Victorian house overlooking the nearby Forest Hills Cemetery. Now, the pizzas are circles, but still named after trees. We've exchanged our late nights of beer and baseball and pizza at the bar for my daughter's favorite giant $3 pancake at brunch and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

3. Fazenda Coffee Roasters. There are two things I love most in the world (besides my family, of course): writing and coffee. Fazenda is a coffee shop and bakery in Forest Hills that brings my two loves together. Well, my three loves often too, as it's one of my daughter's favorite spots as well. At Fazenda, the wifi is strong (and never shuts off!), the tables are big enough to work, but not too big that any space is wasted. People stay for hours drinking coffee and writing or reading or working, but the turnover is always just fast enough to never have to wait long for a table. Sandwiches are tasty and the lattes are perfect. It's my favorite.

4. Salmagundi. You might not know you needed a hat. Or a fancy bow tie. Or all the fancy things. But when you enter Salmagundi, you become aware of all your needs. You suddenly need a lot more fancy in your life.

5. City Feed and Supply. Do you need a fair trade latte and a few groceries? Look no further! City Feed is the place to be! Local produce, Equal Exchange coffee, Batch ice cream, amazing sandwiches (including my favorite, the Farmer's Lunch), and now even beer and wine make City Feed a one stop local shop.

6. Bikes Not Bombs. JP is known for being progressive, hipsterish, and full of families. And what do all progressive hipster families need? A refurbished bike from Bikes Not Bombs! My family has a bit of a bike hoarding problem, thanks to BNB. Bikes Not Bombs rules as a non-profit, of course, but is also a bike retail shop, and the best place in JP to stop in to get that sidewalk sale bike you picked up for your kid all fixed up with purple grips. I'm speaking from experience here.

7. Southwest Corridor. The Southwest Corridor is a bike path that runs all the way through JP. It splits in several places with walking sides too, great for jogging or walking. We love to playground hop our way through on our bikes as there are six playgrounds along the Corridor.

8. The Brewery. The Sam Adams brewery is a staple in JP. Boston invented awesome. And beer. Or we can pretend. The brewery building isn't just beer, though. Ula Cafe, Bella Luna, Mike's Fitness, Tony Williams Dance Studio, and the Sam Adams Brewery are just a few of the great spots in the Brewery building. Parking is a bit of a disaster, but the ramp out front is my 5-year-old's most favorite place in all of JP.

9. Hatched. Hatched is JP's own eco-friendly children's shop. They carry cloth diapering supplies, wooden baby toys and books, and the most adorable children's clothes ever.

10. Vee Vee. No neighborhood is complete without a perfect date night spot. Vee Vee is it. For our date nights, I tend to be a vegan-leaning wine drinker and my wife enjoys oysters, steak, and seltzer. Vee Vee is perfect for both of us. We both leave happy every time. Especially since we stopped trying to share dessert. You definitely each need your own here.

Do you have other Jamaica Plain gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages