Marshfield, Massachusetts is defined by the sea. More than just a beach town though, Marshfield’s diverse geography ranges from woodlands to rivers and of course copious amounts of beach. Its history is varied as well. From being a major Tory town during the Revolutionary War, to its agrarian past, its history is long and storied. For our afternoon in Marshfield, we’re taking a look at the annual fair, heading for a hike, followed by the beach, a unique tower, and food and drink.
Marshfield Fair
The Marshfield Fair is an annual agricultural fair that has been in existence since 1867. Today’s fair is full of rides, amusements, and plenty of fair food. National and local performers grace the stages along with tractor-pulls, dirt bike racing and plenty of other fun diversions. The Marshfield Fair takes place in the last weeks of August.
John Little Conservation Area
Located off of picturesque Union Street on the Norwell border is the John Little Conservation Area. The walk starts in a meadow, delves into the woods, and skirts the banks of the North River. The terminus is a boardwalk and dock into the river. It’s a peaceful retreat with amazing views. A visit in the fall affords some beautiful foliage.
Brant Rock Tower
When traveling to the beachside neighborhood of Brant Rock, expect seaside cottages, a seawall, and numerous restaurants, oh, and a 70-foot, eight-story concrete tower rising above the village! Literally towering above Brant Rock and located in the middle of the commercial area is the Brant Rock fire control tower. This was built during World War II as part of the system of defense of Boston Harbor. Once the tower at Saquish was demolished, this was the southern point of defense for the greater Boston region via the water. From this tower, watchful eyes can view 180 degrees on the lookout for enemy ships or U-boats.
Roht Marine
This is NOT a place you’ll just stumble upon. It’s a small restaurant/bar inside a small marina on the Marshfield side of the North River, on Route 3A. It’s a slice of low-key Margaritaville with mixed drinks, their signature hard lemonade, and beer to sip while the warm breeze blows through. In the cooler months there’s a fireplace inside. The menu focuses on fried seafood. It’s a neat little hangout that only the locals know about.
Beaches
Marshfield for many vacationers is simply synonymous with the beach. Take your pick: Green Harbor, Rexhame, Brant Rock Humarock, Fieldston. In season most need passes but out of season, it’s free rein. The beaches range from sandy to rocky, busy to empty.
Mandarin Tokyo
Marshfield has some excellent restaurants and establishments including Haddad’s, Cask ‘n Flagon, Mia Regazza, and Stellwagen Beer Company. Today though, we’re heading to an old favorite, Mandarin Tokyo. When I lived in Rockland, Mandarin Tokyo was one of my go-tos for sushi. With a mix of sushi and Chinese cuisine located in a house, Mandarin Tokyo is a winner for our afternoon in Marshfield.
Green Harbor Lobster Pound
The waterfront view is authentic. The Green Harbor Lobster Pound is a fish shack in a beachside residential neighborhood in Marshfield. Not the usual tourist destination, the experience of sitting at one of the handful of picnic tables on the cove and chowing down on their lobster roll was perfection. The onion rings are lightly battered shoestring and amazing. The jumbo lobster roll is huge and good to split with a friend. The lobster roll is the real deal, cold meat served on a buttered bun and that’s it. Green Harbor Lobster Pound is only open in the summer.
We’ve had quite a busy day in our afternoon in Marshfield. From the fair to beaches, sushi to a nature walk, I’m exhausted!
