BOHO Travel Diaries – Scituate, Massachusetts Ever wanted to know a little bit more about our home break? In Massachusetts and looking for local recommendations on a cool town to visit for lodging, restaurants and beaches? Sick of traveling abroad to find good surf? We’ve got you covered with a little bit of insider info on our wonderful little town where we are located; Scituate, Massachusetts! This little seacoast gem is on the South Shore of Massachusetts between Boston and Cape Cod that you don’t want to miss….
1. Stay
Inn at Scituate Harbor is conveniently located right in the thick of the Harbor where you can walk just about anywhere…even the beach! Reasonably priced, clean, spacious and they also have an indoor pool! http://www.innatscituate.com/
2. Eat
Rise and shine and make your way over to Lucky Finn Café, diagonally across the street from the Inn. Order our favorite Salted Carmel latte and say ‘Hi’ to our girls Brianna, Erin and Kaitlyn. Make sure you sit outside on the deck overlooking the harbor to catch the local fishermen unloading the morning catch on the fishing pier to your left. https://www.luckyfinncafe.com/
For lunch we recommend heading over to the Mill Wharf Restaurant that is tucked in the back corner off of Front Street. There is not a bad view at this staple restaurant either inside or outside. However, best views are in the bar upstairs and there is a hidden outdoor deck with a few ‘secret spot’ tables. Order the lobster bisque, one of the best in New England! https://millwharf.com/
Dinner you don’t want to miss Riva Restaurant. They have a super cool patio or sit at the bar with our favorite bartender Amelia for a more intimate local vibe. There aren’t a lot of seats so try to get there early. Specials are typically on the black board that you don’t want to miss. Bonus, furry friends are welcome outside and they even have water bowls! https://www.rivarestaurant.com/
3. Thrift
After finishing your clothes shopping online at BOHO thrift shop (wink wink), head on over to our favorite furniture thrift store right on Front Street. Filled with tons of awesome coastal finds, antiques and local artists. Hunt for the work of Plymouth artist MyBalanceRocks who makes fantastic signs out of repurposed articles from the sea. Check out our ‘SURF’ find above! Goodies II, 124 Front Street, Scituate, MA 02066, 781.544.0010
4. Surf/SUP
Our two favorite home breaks are Peggotty Beach and Egypt Beach. Peggotty has a nice little left off the point but is super rocky and NOT recommended for beginners. It is best with a northeast swell, southwest wind and tide incoming. Egypt Beach is perfect for beginners. Best on an easterly swell with westerly winds and mid to low tide. Make sure to park in the guest spots otherwise you will be hit with a $50 ticket.
In between swells and the forecast is flat (sigh)…have no fear. You can still get out on the water by paddling down the river towards the Spit (fun little sandbar island that pops up on low tide). The Driftway Conservation Area (Scituate Park and Boat Launch) has access to the Herring River and North River and is located directly across the street from the Widow’s Walk Golf Course. If you are there on the weekend, look out as it gets crowded with boats and Spit party goers. If you like peace and quiet like us, head out between 6-7am to view all the wildlife and recharge your soul.
Leash broken and need some new gear or dings fixed while you’re in town? Head on over to Nor’East Surf Shop in North Scituate. They’ve got everything under the sun when it comes to Surf/SUP equipment and clothing. It is how a local shop should be…laid back, no frills. Say hello to fellow surfer and owner Mark Keup for us. http://www.noreastersurfshop.com/
Never surfed but always wanted to? Need to rent some boards because yours got lost or trashed in your travels? You will be in good hands with East Coast Hui that is located right in Scituate and run by the most awesome human being ever, Bobby Fenton. Bobby is a native with over 40 years of water experience and has spent his life surfing all over the world. We can’t speak highly enough of him and we guarantee you will have the best time ever! http://www.eastcoasthui.com/.
5. Events
If you happen to be in town during these local events, don’t let them pass you by:
- Paddy’s Day Parade – on or around March 17th. Front Street is closed with a St. Patrick’s Day parade followed by a blowout party at The Galley with live musicians. Look for the fantastic creative mixologist, Kate! http://www.galleyscituate.com/
- Classic Cars – June through August second Thursday. Head down to the Cole Parkway parking lot behind CVS. There you will find local classic gems parked throughout. http://www.scituateharborma.com/classic-cars-in-the-harbor2.html
- Scituate Carnival – second week in July. This old fashioned carnival rolls into town and magically sets up overnight. Features rides, games, and food hosted by the Knights of Columbus for the past 60 years! Usually lasts a week and the last two nights are filled with a spectacular fireworks display.
- Heritage Days – first weekend in August. By far the town’s biggest annual outdoor event. The event boasts everything from artisans and vendors, arts & crafts, kids carnival and a stellar music line-up with past musicians including; John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Steve Augeri (Journey) and Brian Howe (Bad Company).