July 7, 2021 by Mona K. Pohl on behalf of the Hingham Downtown Association (photos provided by HDA)
The weather feels like mid-summer and we’ve all flung open our windows, doors, and arms, welcoming family and friends to long-awaited visits and gatherings. This time of year always feels celebratory in Hingham and the energy is even more festive than usual. Our picturesque, active waterfront, charming Downtown and definition-of-Americana Fourth of July festivities offer so many options for entertaining or just enjoying an ideal summer day.
Beach Bumming and Hanging on the Harbor
If it’s the holiday weekend, a few days off during the week, or a Saturday or Sunday with nothing on the calendar, the waterfront is a playground for all ages. Start or closeout the day by enjoying a swim off the bathing beach or by renting a kayak or stand-up paddle board (SUP) from Hingham Harbor Paddle Sport at the town landing -- it’s run by the Hingham Recreation Department. Rentals run $30.00 for two hours and $175.00 for 10 two-hour rentals. Hours are 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Arrangements can be made for group rentals for 5 or more boards or kayaks.
Being on the water provides a different vantage point of our very quintessential New England, yet European-flavored coastline. It’s also easy to paddle toward one of the small harbor islands, explore and take in the incredible close-up views of wildlife. After working up an appetite on the water, grab a picnic lunch, dinner, ice cream or snack at the Beach House Hingham and sit on the beach or the expansive lawn and enjoy the views from the land side of the harbor. Sunsets are not to be missed.
Fun for Foodies
After a day at the beach, or in the hammock, it’s always great to have a fridge and pantry stocked with goodies that make it easy to whip up appetizers and dinner. Finding key ingredients and some unexpected, delicious items is a culinary adventure between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. every Saturday until November 20 at the Hingham Farmers Market on Station Street. It beckons everyone’s inner foodie with a bounty of the freshest, fruits and vegetables, sumptuous breads and pastries, a glorious array of spreads, sauces, soups and jams, dreamworthy artisanal cheeses, perfect pick-me-up coffee and chocolates, fresh seafood, chicken and beef, home and farm grown plants and flowers, unique crafts, and more.
Guests in town? Plan a dinner shopping excursion and have everyone enjoy the discovery of locally grown and produced delights. Then, enlist the group to help in the preparation of some part of the meal. If home isn’t conveniently close, pack a cooler and store the market treasures for a couple of hours while everyone takes a swim or a paddle. A bonus of shopping at the farmers market before launching into activities is a picnic lunch can be compiled right there—bag to beach.
Timeout in Downtown
One night in and one night out seems to be the right combination for hosts and weekend guests, or just after a long week. Take a break from cooking and watching Netflix on your makeshift, outdoor movie screen and go to the movies. Yes, you can because the Loring is open! Watch a movie and have popcorn for dinner or make a bigger night of it and arrange walkable, pre- or post-movie plans. Enjoy delectable, modern American and European fare for lunch (if you’re going to the matinee) or dinner at Square Café, or be transported to Ireland at the Snug, known as home of the perfect pint. The Snug’s casual pub menu includes award-winning steak tips, fish and chips, burgers, and salads. You can dine al fresco or inside at both restaurants.
There are plenty of choices for activities, meals and snacks throughout downtown Hingham, making it a destination for more than one day or the reason for creating a Downtown bucket list of things to do throughout the summer. Another way to get new ideas and step beyond the usual is to share and compare lists with friends and pick something to do together, whether it’s spontaneously hopping on a paddleboard, shopping and lunch, savoring an ice cream while listening to live music, taking a walking tour with the Hingham Historical Society, or simply grabbing a cold drink and strolling from town to the harbor-- or the harbor to town.
For more information about paddle boarding and kayaking at the harbor visit www.hinghamrec.com or call 781-741-1464, visit www.patriotcinemas.com for movie features and times at the Loring, go to www.hinghamfarmersmarket.org for details about the farmers market, find more about Square Café and The Snug at http://www.thesquarecafe.com/and http://www.snugpub.com/, and for all downtown Hingham has to offer/ visit the Hingham Downtown Association’s (HDA) site at http://www.discoverhingham.com/.