Norwell and Hanover, Massachusetts
I love being a parent. Truly, just watching my son, Danny, play makes me happy. I entered fatherhood in my thirties so I was a little nervous about how my lifestyle would change. Travel has always been dear to my heart and I was afraid that parenthood would limit my ability to travel. I enjoy visiting breweries wherever I travel and lucky for me, I can still do this with a kid in tow. Through the proliferation of craft breweries in New England, having a day out with my family, what I call a family friendly brewery road trip is easy to do.
The first few months I would say to my wife, “Let’s go to Maine!” and got shot down. “Let’s go to the Berkshires” and it was the same response. It was a bit of a change to reinvent my road-tripping ideas. Through it though, the idea of Backyard Road Trips was born. I’ve always enjoyed exploring the world (literally) around me and I had to get back into that mind frame through traveling with a young child.
This family-friendly brewery road trip fits three perfect excursions into a one-morning itinerary. They are geographically within only a few miles of each other. This is the first in a series of southern New England destinations for families with kids, which include a nature walk and a brewery which I call “family friendly brewery road trips.”
Hornstra Farms
We start at Hornstra Farms in Norwell. Hornstra is much more than a run-of-the-mill farm store. It is known for its milk, which is still delivered by truck. The cows at Hornstra are viewable from either inside the barn or outside, depending on their location. Calves seem to always be in the lower level of the barn, accessible from the side of the main driveway. Kids get a kick out of seeing the young cows up close and personal.
The farm store is small but contains locally sourced and seasonal items. Hornstra is famous for its homemade ice cream. The creamery offers ice cream cones at the window (in season) and in cartons to go. Although I often equate cider donuts with northern New England, Hornstra makes some of the best. Danny really enjoys watching them being made from the large window with a view into the donut room. The store also sells vegetables, pumpkins, and its milk. The long front porch of the store has a seating area and is decorated with autumn accouterments including hay bales, gourds, and corn stalks. The farm is located at 246 Prospect Street in Norwell. This visit to the farm takes place in the fall, but Hornstra changes with the season and is perfect to visit at any time.
Norwell Recreation Path
Close to the farm is the Norwell Recreation Path. This is quite the hidden gem! Norwell is a quaint New England town whose beautiful homes exude charm. Its main roads are busy with traffic, as Route 123, on which the center of town is located, connects Route 3 to the coastal towns. Recently, the town has been installing sidewalks to make it more pedestrian friendly. (Norwell also contains great conservation land, perfect for hiking.)
Running behind much of Route 123 is the recreation path. Each time I have spent time walking on the path, I access it from behind the middle school at 328 Main Street. Starting from here and heading east, the paved path winds along the perimeter of the school’s fields. As soon as it sinks into the woods, the pavement gives way to a boardwalk.
The boardwalk meanders over swampland with brooks and streams running underneath. In the autumn, the color here is splendid. View the majesty of the season from the boardwalk on the path. Fall’s vibrancy is on display. Living on the South Shore for seven years, this path was only recently recommended to me. Its use was to connect the parks and make a safe way for children to access places in town instead of traveling on the busy road. At the end of the boardwalk, the path abuts a cornfield. Here it continues to other important sites with the intention of eventually connecting much of the green space in Norwell. At this point, given the fact that I am typically traveling with young kids, I turn around.
Burke’s Alewerks
If the article is titled “family friendly brewery road trip” then a brewery must be featured! The final destination is close by in Hanover. Burke’s Alewerks, located at 1230 200 Webster Street, is a family friendly brewery that specializes in both American and European styles of beer. The staff is always welcoming to kids. There are toys, games, and a large tv. A fireplace warms the room. Its location in an unassuming strip mall is surprising, but the interior is inviting. Some of my favorites include the ESB (extra special bitter), brown ale, and pale ale. I often flirt with styles at Burke’s that are not in my traditional IPA wheelhouse. Burke’s doesn’t serve food, but visitors can bring their own food. They do have snacks available to purchase. You can take Burke’s beer home in a growler.
After an exciting time watching cows, eating a cider donut or two at the farm, going on an exhilarating run on a path with a beautiful setting, and having a flight of beer, my son is ready for a nap on the ride home. This is the first of a series of family-friendly brewery road trips. They will feature attractions that are good for families, along with a nearby nature walk and a brewery that welcomes kids. This backyard road trip is a perfect itinerary any time of the year. Enjoy!
For similar destinations that feature nature, farms, and beauty, but that are located in Connecticut, click here.
