Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Whitman, MA

Summary of Top Attractions in Whitman:

On just seven square miles, this town east of Brockton is one of the smallest by area in Massachusetts.

Recognized for its shoemaking industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Whitman derived its name from a local philanthropist in the 1880s, shortly after achieving township status.

Dairy farming has also been a longstanding tradition in Whitman. Notably, Peaceful Meadows transitioned into the ice cream business in the 1960s and has been operating a stand that has flourished for over 60 years.

Speaking of sweet treats, Whitman is credited as the birthplace of the Toll House cookie, created at the Toll House Inn in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, who established a fruitful partnership with Nestlé that led to the publication of the recipe on their packaging.

1. Whitman Center

Located at the intersection of Washington Street and South Avenue, extending north, south, and east for several blocks, Whitman boasts a vibrant downtown area.

A distinguished Town Hall building, constructed in the Colonial Revival style at the turn of the 20th century, stands prominently. Adjacent to it is Whitman Park, a venue for numerous outdoor events during the summer season.

The streets feature a modest yet resilient selection of coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants, with some establishments, such as Millie’s Lunch (established in 1971) and The Venus Cafe (since 1964), being long-standing local favorites.

2. Whitman Town Park

The notable local figure Augustus Whitman (1821-1880), after whom the town is named, donated this 14-acre parcel of land for public park purposes in 1880.

The design was crafted by the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm and completed in the early 1900s.

Many original features from their plans remain, including a bandstand, wading pool, grand drinking fountain, and a tennis court which has been repurposed for basketball.

The Olmsted firm returned in the 1930s to enhance the drainage and adjust the design to incorporate the Civil War Monument, dedicated here in 1908.

The pathways wind through stately oaks and pines, while amenities include a large picnic area, a pond teeming with various waterfowl, and the town’s premier children’s playground.

3. Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream

A recognized establishment in the area for decades, this ice cream-focused farm stand in Whitman operates year-round. The dairy farm at Peaceful Meadows dates back to 1920 and has provided its homemade ice cream since the stand was established in 1962.

Every aspect of the production process, from flavor development to milking and freezing, occurs on-site. In addition to approximately 25 flavors, there is a range of sundaes (including custom creations), shakes, ice cream cakes, and frappes.

Beyond the ice cream, nearly all items are homemade, including waffle cones, syrups, cookies, and brownies. The store also offers fresh milk, bake-at-home pies, and seasonal dairy products such as eggnog.

4. Hobart Pond

A noteworthy aspect of Whitman Center is that Whitman Park is only one feature of a larger expanse of public green space. This includes sports facilities at Memorial Field to the north, as well as the picturesque conservation land at Hobart Pond.

This area presents an ideal setting for a leisurely walk without the need to leave the downtown vicinity. An uninterrupted paved pathway, known as The Boulevard, runs along the southern shore of the pond.

Stretching between Essex Street and South Avenue, this path meanders past mature evergreen trees and a line of benches over the course of a third of a mile.

Hobart Pond is artificial and has existed since the 17th century, along with a water-powered mill located at South Avenue.

Initially a sawmill, it transitioned into a gristmill by the 1730s and evolved into an iron foundry and munitions factory by the late 18th century.

5. Old Colony Brewing

It is advisable to keep an eye on Old Colony Brewing, a compact craft brewery offering a variety of quality, handcrafted beers on tap.

Typically open on weekends, Old Colony Brewing (OCB) was established by four native residents of Whitman in 2013 and has recently relocated to a commercial space in downtown.

The brew list features a selection of offerings, including Moneyline (IPA), Whitman Wheat, OCB Hard Seltzer (multiple flavors), Hoppy Patriot (IPA), and a range of seasonal brews like Poolside American Wheat Beer, Snow Day Spiced Porter, and Pumpkin Ale.

Regular events occur here, including seasonal celebrations, a running club, music bingo, and sports nights.

6. Whitman Day

At the time of this writing, Whitman had recently inaugurated a summer celebration taking place on Saturdays in June at Whitman Park.

Benefiting the Whitman Food Pantry, Whitman Day features a schedule brimming with enjoyable and complimentary activities for individuals of all ages. The event includes a lineup of live music featuring five or more acts, accompanied by additional performances at the bandstand.

Highlights include a puppy parade, an art tent, an array of food options, and demonstrations ranging from dance to yoga and robotics.

For children, a notable attraction may be the Touch a Truck event, where they can experience driving local service vehicles, including fire and police vehicles, and a tactical rescue truck.

7. Ames Nowell State Park

Located just a few miles from Whitman, this 700-acre state park is steeped in historical significance, extending back to the 17th century.

Among the many remnants of past human occupancy are an extensive network of stone walls, a couple of quarries dating from the 1600s and 1700s, and two wagon bridges.

The individual who left the most significant imprint on the landscape at Ames Nowell State Park was the affluent lawyer Edwin Holmes, who dammed Beaver Brook in the 1920s, creating Cleveland Pond in a bid to develop a bird sanctuary in the area.

Today, this location serves as a venue for fishing and hiking, featuring several miles of trails bordering the pond and meandering into the woods, complemented by a picnic area.

8. The Venus Cafe

Bar pizza has been a culinary specialty of the South Shore for decades, gaining significant popularity around the time this article was penned.

Characterized by a thin, cracker-like crust, these personal-sized pizzas are typically baked in round 10″ pans until the cheese acquires an enticing crust. Although the unassuming building at 47 South Ave may be easily overlooked, The Venus Cafe has been a staple in downtown since 1964.

In addition to classic toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, onion, mushroom, and bacon, a selection of sweet pizzas is also available, featuring options like blueberry, apple cinnamon, and oreo.

9. Donald Flaherty Trail

Along Auburn Street, near the intersection with Washington Street, you can commence a serene nature walk on this less-frequented trail.

Just under a mile round trip, the Donald Flaherty Trail is marked by a large wooden sign, which has become somewhat obscured by the undergrowth and may be easily missed.

This trail follows an old cart path adjacent to wetlands drained by Meadow Brook. If you proceed quietly, you stand a good chance of observing a variety of birdlife in the marshy areas, with great blue herons frequently sighted here.

Several short spurs diverge from the main path, with one leading west toward St. James Cemetery.

10. Strawberry Valley Golf Course

Located within a short distance from Whitman, in Abington, is a well-regarded, 9-hole public golf course, owned by the Town of Abington since its establishment in 1965.

If you are seeking a forgiving course suitable for new players or looking to refine your iron technique, this municipal course meets a majority of your requirements.

Consistent praise is given for its maintenance, and the greens are regarded as true. Being a public area, the undulating landscape transforms into a winter paradise after snowfall, ideal for sledding and cross-country skiing.

11. Carousel Family Fun Center

Having been a part of the Whitman community for two decades, Carousel Family Fun Center features a primary attraction in its indoor roller skating rink.

Evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of 1980s rinks, it boasts a large, smooth wooden surface, disco lights, and star motifs adorning the walls.

The center caters to all age groups, offering lessons for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skaters. Wednesdays are designated as family nights, with a variety of seasonally-themed events throughout the year.

Addittionally, check the schedule for adult nights featuring a soundtrack of soul, disco, R&B, house, and reggae.

12. Toll House Inn Site

In Whitman, a parking area situated between a Wendy’s and a Walgreens is home to an unexpected piece of modern history.

A sign and accompanying plaque denote the site of the Toll House Inn, which operated here from 1817 until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1984.

The inn became renowned due to its proprietor Ruth Wakefield (1903-1977), who invented the chocolate chip cookie recipe in the 1930s using butter drop dough and Nestlé’s semi-sweet chocolate.

The cookies gained immense popularity, leading Wakefield to strike an agreement with Andrew Nestlé, permitting the company to publish her cookie recipe on their Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

13. 10th District Brewing Company

For beer enthusiasts, there are two craft breweries available for exploration in the Whitman area.

Established in 2014 by two childhood friends, 10th District Brewing Company is located just five minutes away in Abington and is increasingly featured in a variety of local restaurants and bars.

The taproom showcases a minimalist design with a sunny patio and a large window providing a glimpse into the brewing process.

Visitors can expect a rotating selection of more than a dozen beers on tap, each featuring straightforward, style-based names such as Extra Special Bitter, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Vanilla Porter, Tripel, and Double IPA.

14. East Bridgewater Cinemas

South Shore Cinemas operates two movie theaters nearby, one in South Weymouth and another just a few miles from Whitman in East Bridgewater.

Originally opened in 1991 and having changed hands multiple times, this five-screen multiplex, located at Carriage Crossing Shopping Center, offers a refreshing alternative to the larger theater chains.

The difference is particularly evident in the personalized service provided by the staff and the affordability of ticket and concession prices, which are notably lower than those found elsewhere.

Patrons still have access to the latest Hollywood releases, complete with excellent picture and sound quality and comfortable seating.

15. Summer Concert Series

An ideal way to enjoy a warm summer evening in Whitman is to attend a complimentary concert, funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

These concerts are held on Thursdays from June through mid-July at the gazebo in Whitman Park, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

The concerts commence at 6:00 PM, showcasing various genres with each performance, covering styles from oldies to country, soul, rock, funk, folk, and even performances by the Defenders Drum and Bugle Corps.

In late June, an additional concert on Saturday coincides with the Whitman Day celebrations.