Otherwise known as “the Launch at Hingham Shipyard,” this little treasure is worth checking out and getting to know. Despite the far distance from my house, I make the journey at least once a week.
History
During World War II, 227 warships were made at the Shipyard for use in battle. Recently, Samuels & Associates began developing at the shipyard and have transformed it into an outdoor mall rivaling the Derby Street shops.
What it has to offer
If I went through all of the stores and options open at the Shipyard, this would be either a boring list or a shadow of their website, so I’ll go through what brings me to the shipyard.
Red Mango
The first store that ever sparked my interest was Red Mango. I had never had frozen yogurt before, but when friends brought me to this new dessert experience after a trip to Nantasket beach, I was instantly hooked. Not only does it have excellent flavors, the store is self-serve (priced by weight). Red Mango is the #1 reason I drive the 12 miles and 30 minutes to Hingham.
Wahlburgers
What better precursor to Red Mango than a restaurant owned by the Wahlberg family? As soon as Wahlburgers opened up I could tell it was a hit; mainly by the hypnotic smell and the line of people out the door. Moderately priced, the burgers are fine quality, the shakes taste great, and the fries are the reason I keep going back.
Panera
Need I say more? Before Wahlburgers sparked my interest, Panera was my restaurant of choice. Good options, fast service. Superb choice if you have picky eaters or vegetarians in your party. Not much to say about this South Shore classic.
Although I’ve never actually seen a movie here, I’ve heard it’s a great option for dinner and a movie nights. On the topic of movies, what is remarkable to me is that the Shipyard hosts free outdoor movies every Thursday night in July and August. Here is the program of events.
The Moorings
If you don’t live in Hingham/Weymouth and don’t want to commute all the way to this shopping mecca, why not move there? There are homes for sale right in the middle of the plaza. And what is convenient is the commuter ferry to Boston right at the Shipyard. Now this location is like a double edge sword when it comes to insurance. Not only is it condominiums, it coastal too. Check with your independant insurance agency to make sure your home is fully protected at the best price.
Shopping
There are many stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, and Eastern Mountain Sports that people might be interested in. I have never gone shopping there so I can't really offer a complete review.
Overall
The Shipyard is a great place to go to get some shopping done, go out for a bite to eat, and spend time with friends. The parking situation is exponentially better than at Derby Street Shops. There’s always spots open and if not, there is a nearby parking lot waiting for your car to rest. Traffic is a minimum.
Every time I make the trip, it is worth it.
If you’re from a small town and have recently moved to Whitman, then you’re sure to feel at home here. With a population of 14,000 residents in a 7 mile square radius, you’ll make new acquaintances in no time!
The Toll House Inn, established in 1709, invented Toll House cookies in the late 1930’s. Although the Toll House burned completely down in 1984, their sign and landmark still remains on Bedford St. (Rte 18).
Park your car only once downtown and avail yourself of many merchants and services within close walking distance. Banking, coffee shops, restaurants, drug store, hair salons, dry cleaners, post office, town hall, churches and other merchants and services are just too numerous to mention. Walk over to our newly renovated Lower Town Park; it is listed as one of the 1,000 greatest places in Massachusetts by the state legislature. The Old Colony Commuter Rail, a short walking distance from downtown, provides rail service from Plymouth to Boston.
For the youth of Whitman, there are organized sports teams, active scout packs and a recreation commission that provides many activities. The Recreation department also oversees our swimming programs at our town pool, located at the Lower Town Park.
The Whitman Senior Center, also located downtown, provides many activities, trips and daily meals.
Some of the downtown restaurant favs are McGuiggan’s Irish Pub, Tea Time Cookies, Venus Café (great pizza!), Ted’s Place (seafood). On Rte 18 is also the infamous Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream (dairy barn open year round).
Last December, Whitman just celebrated their 17th year Winterfest. Always held on a Saturday in December, the downtown streets are closed for their festival. Parades, fireworks, caroling, contests, etc. fill the day and though through the night. www.whitmanwinterfest.com
Whitman hosts an annual Fourth of July Field Day at the park, with a road race, carriage or bike decorating, pie eating contests and other events.
The Town of Whitman was incorporated in 1875. As a primary South Shore residential community, it has retained much of its rural character.
If you are moving to Whitman or any town in Massachusetts, see our website to view our whiteboard videos at www.agordon.com. The videos provide valuable tips if you are new to Massachusetts or buying a new home.
And if you’re thinking of moving to town soon, visit agordon.com/newhomebuyer for tips on purchasing new home owner’s insurance. Also check out our Auto page for auto insurance deals and information, as well as our Whiteboard series for great general tips.
I’m proud to say that I’ve been on the board of directors for Whitman Youth Soccer since 1995. I am the current President and enjoy my involvement with this association. It’s all about giving back to the children, our youth soccer players, in our small town of Whitman, MA. Working for the youth has been a real privilege. What I believe makes our program so successful are the goals of Whitman Youth Soccer to provide a program where kids get to play and develop their skills in the game of soccer and instill and foster in them the value of sportsmanship and team play in a safe, pressure free and fun environment.
The Team
Our players are the heart and soul of Whitman Youth Soccer and our soccer program is only possible by their participation teamed with the dedication and enormous amounts of time and energy devoted to the program by the backbone of our league - our all-volunteer board members, coaches and assistant coaches. All of these men and women should be recognized for their tireless efforts, dedication and the precious time they devote to our kids and our program.
Fundraising Start
Recently, one of our coaches, Pam Tassey of Whitman, developed and organized a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Fundraiser
She has placed six recycle bins among our soccer fields to be used for recycling bottle and can returns. Our soccer fields and bins are located at the Whitman Middle School, 100 Corthell Ave, Whitman, MA. 100 % of the proceeds from the can and bottle redemptions will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Recycling Bins
The recycle bins were purchased from Whitman’s Department of Public Works. The recycle bins are pink and cost $65 each. The manufacturer of the recycle bins then donates $5.00 for each bin sold to the Breast Cancer Society. In turn, Whitman Youth Soccer purchased and donated these six recycle bins to the organizer to give the organizer, Pam Tassey, a head start with her recycling efforts.
Talk about a win-win situation!