CNN/Money.com recently identified the 100 best communities in the US in which to conduct business AND enjoy a great leisure lifestyle.
Franklin, MA won very high honors in this CNN/Money survey: Franklin, MA was awarded a “Top 10 in the US” designation!
In the opinion of the people at CNN/Money.com, Franklin, MA is one of only ten commiunities in all of the United States which offer “the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal”.
Part of the lifestyle appeal of Franklin, MA is the remarkably varied open space and forest resources located right in the community. You don’t have to travel outside the town or spend any money to “get away from it all” in Franklin, MA!
The following posts will introduce you to the many opportunities for outdoor recreational activities you’ll find in Franklin, MA.
From the category archives:
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[post_content] => The Gianettis' U-Pick Blueberries has been a summertime staple for family fun in Franklin, MA for years! Located just off Exit 16 on I-495 , the pick-your-own farm is at 557 Union Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.
How to get there
Get off Route 495 at Exit 16.
Head east on King Street to Union Street. Turn left and drive north about 600 feet.
The Gianettis' U-Pick is across Union Street just north of the intersection with Loretta Road.
There is plenty of free parking.
Video of a day picking blueberries
Here's a video of a recent day at the Gianettis' U-Pick in Franklin, MA:
Exploring the rows and finding ripe berries
The Gianettis' U-Pick has what looks to be about 6 acres of blueberry bushes. There are 7 varieties of blueberries, each with its own distinctive taste.
The long rows of tall bushes makes for a maze-like experience.
You get to explore and wind through the rows, looking for clusters of ripe berries.
Knowing what blueberries to pick
You want to pick the firm, all blue berries. It's wise to eat one off the bush before picking, to make sure the taste is sweet.
Skip the green, unripe berries and the over-ripe soft purple ones.
Buckets of fun, especially for the kids
The farm loans you buckets and gives you the plastic bag liners.
You supply the hands and the fun!
Limited season
Gianettis' is open to the public only during the blueberry season which runs typically from mid-July to the end of August.
The hours are limited to Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.
It is well worth the visit - my family had a wonderful time!
Click the link to see the many recreational resources Franklin, MA residents enjoy - Franklin is a great place to call home!
Copyright ©2010 02038.com
[post_title] => Pick-your-own blueberries in Franklin, Massachusetts (MA)
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[post_content] => Snow came a bit early this year to Massachusetts. Several inches of powdery snow fell overnight December 5 – 6, 2009. Here are some photos showing how pretty things looked Sunday morning in Franklin, MA.
Plenty of nature in a populous community
For a densely populated community with a substantial business and industrial base, Franklin is blessed with a surprisingly diverse array of quality recreational resources, including nature trails and conservation areas and two large forests.
I took some time off in the morning Sunday to walk with my three year old son through a large 42 acre conservation area in the northern part of town.
Early winter wonder land
I snapped some photos of some very striking snow-covered scenery.
The snow stuck in the branches of trees and bushes, creating a “winter wonderland effect.”
Please see the photo gallery below for all the shots.
Wildlife at pond
My son and I went to a large pond at the center of the conservation area.
There we surprised a large gathering of what looked to be migratory geese resting on their way south for the winter.
Nature's beauty and the conveniences of modern civilization close together
It was wonderful for my three year old to see some of the beauties of natural New England in winter so close to home.
And that's just one of the many things that make Franklin, Massachusetts so special!
Franklin offers a hard-to-surpass mix of rural New England recreational resources combined with easy access to a world-class outlet mall, plentiful premium and discount shopping, commuter rail service to Boston, and the many restaurants and bars that you’d expect to find in a heavily populated suburban city right on Interstate 495 – Franklin, MA enjoys the best of both worlds!
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => First snowfall of the year in Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => This 880+ acre woodland is located in the western and southern parts of Franklin, MA. There are many trails and dirt roads that wind and loop through the Franklin State Forest.
Some trails are reserved solely for hiking while other trails are designated for non-motorized multi-use. So mountain bikers will find a lot of challenging runs on those paths.
Dirt bikes and off-highway vehicles are also allowed in certain areas of the Franklin State Forest in Franklin, MA. The north section of the forest is crossed by a large power line right of way which many bikers use to get further into the forest.
In 2008, it was announced that dirt biker group is upgrading a 7 mile trail in the Franklin State Forest using a small grant from the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The hikers-only portion of the Franklin State Forest is in the north portion of the forest between Grove Street in Franklin, MA and the power line right of way.
This offers very pleasant walks, past old stone walls and the occasional deer and fox. Trails are clearly marked and well maintained. There are some uphill stretches, but nothing too taxing. So young families and the occasional walker can use this area with confidence (just wear common sense shoes and you might want some insect repellant in your pocket just in case).
Access to the Franklin State Forest in Franklin, MA could be better delineated and parking areas improved.
There is a small informal car parking area on the shoulder of Grove Street at the welcome sign for the Forest (near Grove Street’s intersection with Beaver Street in Franklin, MA).
There’s also a larger stretch of car parking at the end of Forge Hill Road in Franklin, MA, near the YMCA property.
I have also gotten to trails in the west portion of the Franklin State Forest by parking at the end of Lorraine Metcalf Road and also Spring Street in Franklin, MA. (But there are no defined parking areas at those two sites.) This region of the forest appears less used and the trails cross some large muddy areas during wet times of the year; for me, walks in this section of the Forest were less agreeable than in the north portion of the Franklin State Forest.
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => Franklin State Forest, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) in Franklin, MA is a roadbed for an old failed railroad.
The story goes that early 1900s entrepreneur who was a driving force behind the proposed rail road was on the Titanic and did not survive the ships’ sinking. The rail line project died with him and construction was not completed.
The roadbed now is a multi use recreation trail that runs 20 miles from Franklin, MA to the Douglas State forest. Connecting trails go to Connecticut and Rhode Island. This `Rail Trail' is open to bicycles and other trail users including horse riders.
You'll see some scenic views from the trail; note that there are tentative plans in very early stages of formulation to upgrade the at least a portion of the SNETT to a paved bike trail.
Access to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail in Franklin is haphazard. There is a rudimentary parking area for a few cars off Grove Street in Franklin, MA. You can also get to the SNETT via the trails in the Franklin State Forest.
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => Southern New England Trunkline Trail, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => Beaver Pond serves as Franklin, MA’s town public beach and swimming hole. It also has a nice playground.
There’s a level walking trail along the east shore of the pond which affords pretty water views.
There have been reports of good fishing at Beaver Pond (largemouth bass in particular) but I have not personally confirmed this. There is a boat launch to the west of the parking lot.
The Chilson Memorial Beach at Beaver Pond is typically open July to Labor Day. A swimming dock is anchored in deeper water for use by swimmers.
Lifeguards are on duty during summer months.
During winter, you can see ice skaters and ice fishermen on the pond.
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[post_title] => Beaver Pond Recreation Area, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => Called a “hidden gem” by the Milford Daily News in an article published back in November 2007, this 130 acre parcel (also known as the Franklin Reservoir) was a gift to the Town of Franklin, MA.
Worth an estimated $3 million at the time of the donation in 2001, the land had belonged to the late Ernest DelCarte; his daughter made the gift to the town in return for the town’s commitment to preserve the land as open space.
The land has easy trails that pass by a series of man-made ponds created by earthen dams that restrain the Mill River. The dams reportedly once supported cranberry bogs. When DelCarte bought the land in the 1940s, he ran a variety of business ventures from the property, ranging from a fish farm to a recreational fishing area with rental boats and fishing gear.
Today, you can see remnants of those uses in some derelict cabins and quite a lot of peaceful water views as you walk the perimeters of the ponds on the twisting trails.
On one recent visit, I saw a number of aquatic birds in their nests and signs of recent beaver activity. You might also see the commuter train in the distance, making its run to and from Boston.
Access is easy: car parking is ample and well-marked in a parking lot on Pleasant Street, in Franklin, MA.
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => DelCarte Conservation Area, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => The Franklin Town Forest is a 180+ acre preserve that should not be confused with the Franklin State Forest also located in Franklin, MA. They are separate woodland resources.
Many trails traverse the Franklin Town Forest. Typical walks take from 20-40 minutes. You’ll move through pines, cedars, and swamp maples. Beware that this forest borders on the golf course owned by the Franklin Country Club and you can inadvertently end up walking onto that property. You’ll also walk at times along the boundary lines of private land with homes, so show consideration and common sense as you walk.
There are two access points to the Town Forest in Franklin, MA, neither of which is clearly marked as such as of date of this posting:
From the cul-de-sac at the end of Russet Hill Road in Franklin, MA;
On Summer Street, about one-half mile from the intersection with King Street in Franklin, MA (access point is approximately opposite 373 Summer Street).
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => Town Forest, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => The Indian Rock Conservation Area in Franklin, MA is a pleasant wooded area with some short walking trails that allow you to walk up to (and actually walk on) Indian Rock, a rounded granite hilltop ending abruptly in a jagged cliff that played the featured role in a bit of grisly early Colonial history in Franklin.
If you bring food and drink, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a nice picnic at the site of a fatal skirmish between Native American and Colonial forces that was a part of the savagely bloody King Phillip’s War that convulsed Massachusetts in 1675 – 1676.
The rock formation called Indian Rock is a moderate precipice with a gentle wooded rise on one side which leads via an easy trail to a granite crown. The hilltop ends abruptly at an exposed rock face that looms some 20 to 30 feet over the forest floor which slopes way from the jagged base of hill.
The granite crown is broad and mostly flat – here’s your spot for that nice picnic - just take care not to go over the ledge! You can also take the chance to engage in rudimentary rock climbing techniques on the cliff.
There are some carvings in the rock that were unintelligible when viewed by me; they appear to have been left by previous latter-day picnickers.
A highly abbreviated story of the combat at Indian Rock in Franklin, MA runs this way:
A war band of approximately 20 - 30 Native American warriors were camping at Indian Rock, apparently intent on attacking the Colonial settlement then called Wrentham (what was later to become the Town of Franklin was a part of the greater community of Wrentham in the 1670s).
The Native American war band was discovered late in the day by a colonist searching for his stray horse; the man quickly warned the Wrentham townspeople who took arms to defend the town.
A group of 13 armed colonists snuck up and surprised the camping Native American warriors the following morning just at dawn.
In the struggle that followed, many of the Native Americans were shot and killed outright. Several survivors sought escape by jumping off the cliff, were injured by the fall and were subsequently easily dispatched by the victorious colonists. (Hence the name “Indian Rock”.)
There’s no sign of the battle today, although during my visit to the area, my young son greatly enjoyed insisting that he saw arrowheads on the ground and blood stains on the rockface.
The history behind Indian Rock in Franklin makes for a fun excursion with the little ones and gives context for the street names in the immediate vicinity (Lost Horse Trail, Indian Lane, King Phillip Road, etc).
You can access the Indian Rock Conservation Area in Franklin, MA from the cul-de-sac at the end of King Philip Road.
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => Indian Rock Conservation Area, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => This nearly 42 acre parcel of conservation land runs parallel to Lincoln Street and lies between Lincoln and Maple Streets in Franklin, MA.
This conservation area in Franklin, MA appears to be unnamed. It provides very pleasant walks through gently rolling, wooded terrain.
There are occasional abandoned stone walls which mark what must have been at one point in the past cleared farm and pasture land. Trails cross a couple of steams, and you’ll walk by two large ponds (Fales and Rodgers). I have seen deer, foxes, turtles, and hawks i my frequent walks in this area. If you look carefully you see evidence of beaver at the ponds.
Access is fairly limited and to my knowledge no designated parking areas exist. You can get onto walking trails within the Franklin Woods subdivision (on a public street called Bridle Path) and from the cul-de-sacs at the end of other public streets (Madison Avenue and Eric Drive in Franklin, MA).
[post_title] => Conservation Area Between Lincoln & Maple Streets, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => Early on its approximately 80 mile run to Boston Harbor, the Charles River forms the boundary between the Towns of Franklin, MA and Medway, MA.
The Charles River affords canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities in Franklin, MA, especially where the river moves past picturesque Populatic Pond, a recreational body of water open to non-motorized boating.
The pond connects to the Charles River and straddles the border between the three adjacent Towns of Franklin, MA, Medway, MA and Norfolk, MA. You can paddle down the Charles River onto Populatic Pond or continue on the Charles as it moves downstream through the towns of Medfield and Millis and beyond.
Take care as the waters can get rough in spots, especially after heavy rains .
There’s a concrete boat launch on the Norfolk side of Populatic Pond (the side of the pond away from Franklin). Once on the Pond, you can access the Charles River.
You can also enter the Charles River at a flat, grassy stretch of river bank located near the Populatic Street - Walker Street Bridge (technically in the Town of Medway, but very close to the border between the towns of Franklin, MA and Medway).
Below is an excerpt about canoeing and fishing on Populatic Pond and the Charles River from a 2001 publication entitled “Outdoors in Franklin” written by Michael J. Tougias:
“The paddle from Populatic Pond downstream and into the Charles is always a treat because there is a touch of mystery as you leave the open waters of the pond and enter the shaded confines of the Charles. The bass fishing is good in the river because the river is quite deep, and there are plenty of fallen trees behind which bass like to hide and stay sheltered from the current. From Populatic Pond to the River Road launch site is about a mile. Mill Brook enters at River Road and curious paddlers can make there way up this brook, which is surprisingly deep in spots. For those looking for a paddle with a mixture of rocky rapids and long sections of flat water, the 3.5 mile run from the River Road Launch to Forest Road on the Millis/Medfield border is a great ride. Be sure to wear a life jacket and don’t attempt to make the run during exceptionally high water unless you are experienced. During low water periods be prepared to drag the canoe through a couple scratchy areas. I’ve made the trip a few times, and its always different . . .”
Copyright ©2009 02038.com
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[post_title] => The Charles River & Populatic Pond, Franklin, MA
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[post_content] => The Gianettis' U-Pick Blueberries has been a summertime staple for family fun in Franklin, MA for years! Located just off Exit 16 on I-495 , the pick-your-own farm is at 557 Union Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.
How to get there
Get off Route 495 at Exit 16.
Head east on King Street to Union Street. Turn left and drive north about 600 feet.
The Gianettis' U-Pick is across Union Street just north of the intersection with Loretta Road.
There is plenty of free parking.
Video of a day picking blueberries
Here's a video of a recent day at the Gianettis' U-Pick in Franklin, MA:
Exploring the rows and finding ripe berries
The Gianettis' U-Pick has what looks to be about 6 acres of blueberry bushes. There are 7 varieties of blueberries, each with its own distinctive taste.
The long rows of tall bushes makes for a maze-like experience.
You get to explore and wind through the rows, looking for clusters of ripe berries.
Knowing what blueberries to pick
You want to pick the firm, all blue berries. It's wise to eat one off the bush before picking, to make sure the taste is sweet.
Skip the green, unripe berries and the over-ripe soft purple ones.
Buckets of fun, especially for the kids
The farm loans you buckets and gives you the plastic bag liners.
You supply the hands and the fun!
Limited season
Gianettis' is open to the public only during the blueberry season which runs typically from mid-July to the end of August.
The hours are limited to Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.
It is well worth the visit - my family had a wonderful time!
Click the link to see the many recreational resources Franklin, MA residents enjoy - Franklin is a great place to call home!
Copyright ©2010 02038.com
[post_title] => Pick-your-own blueberries in Franklin, Massachusetts (MA)
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by Warren Reynolds
This 880+ acre woodland is located in the western and southern parts of Franklin, MA. There are many trails and dirt roads that wind and loop through the Franklin State Forest. Some trails are reserved solely for hiking while other trails are designated for non-motorized multi-use. So mountain bikers will find a lot of challenging [...]
Tagged as: Franklin State Forest, Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) in Franklin, MA is a roadbed for an old failed railroad. The story goes that early 1900s entrepreneur who was a driving force behind the proposed rail road was on the Titanic and did not survive the ships’ sinking. The rail line project died with him and construction [...]
Tagged as: conservation land
{ 2 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
Beaver Pond serves as Franklin, MA’s town public beach and swimming hole. It also has a nice playground. There’s a level walking trail along the east shore of the pond which affords pretty water views. There have been reports of good fishing at Beaver Pond (largemouth bass in particular) but I have not personally confirmed [...]
Tagged as: Beaver Pond
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
Called a “hidden gem” by the Milford Daily News in an article published back in November 2007, this 130 acre parcel (also known as the Franklin Reservoir) was a gift to the Town of Franklin, MA. Worth an estimated $3 million at the time of the donation in 2001, the land had belonged to the [...]
Tagged as: Franklin Reservoir, Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
The Franklin Town Forest is a 180+ acre preserve that should not be confused with the Franklin State Forest also located in Franklin, MA. They are separate woodland resources. Many trails traverse the Franklin Town Forest. Typical walks take from 20-40 minutes. You’ll move through pines, cedars, and swamp maples. Beware that this forest borders [...]
Tagged as: conservation land, Recreation, town forest
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
The Indian Rock Conservation Area in Franklin, MA is a pleasant wooded area with some short walking trails that allow you to walk up to (and actually walk on) Indian Rock, a rounded granite hilltop ending abruptly in a jagged cliff that played the featured role in a bit of grisly early Colonial history in [...]
Tagged as: conservation land, Indian Rock, Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
This nearly 42 acre parcel of conservation land runs parallel to Lincoln Street and lies between Lincoln and Maple Streets in Franklin, MA. This conservation area in Franklin, MA appears to be unnamed. It provides very pleasant walks through gently rolling, wooded terrain. There are occasional abandoned stone walls which mark what must have been [...]
Tagged as: conservation land, Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds
Early on its approximately 80 mile run to Boston Harbor, the Charles River forms the boundary between the Towns of Franklin, MA and Medway, MA. The Charles River affords canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities in Franklin, MA, especially where the river moves past picturesque Populatic Pond, a recreational body of water open to non-motorized boating. [...]
Tagged as: Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds on August 1, 2010
The Gianettis’ U-Pick Blueberries has been a summertime staple for family fun in Franklin, MA for years! Located just off Exit 16 on I-495 , the pick-your-own farm is at 557 Union Street in Franklin, Massachusetts. How to get there Get off Route 495 at Exit 16. Head east on King Street to Union Street. [...]
Tagged as: Recreation
{ 0 comments }
by Warren Reynolds on December 6, 2009
Snow came a bit early this year to Massachusetts. Several inches of powdery snow fell overnight December 5 – 6, 2009. Here are some photos showing how pretty things looked Sunday morning in Franklin, MA. Plenty of nature in a populous community For a densely populated community with a substantial business and industrial base, Franklin [...]
Tagged as: Franklin recreational resources
{ 0 comments }
Warren Reynolds, Esq, GRI, e-PRO
Tel: 508.613.2889 | Contact
Century 21 Commonwealth
9 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
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