Weymouth Landing - Weymouth, MA

Weymouth began as a colony that didn't quite thrive in 1622, thwarted by a lack of adequate supplies and illness. The town was founded shortly after in 1635 and named after the coastal English town of Weymouth. From the 1700s until 1973 the town developed into a thriving shoe industry center. This Boston suburb community continued to grow in population and economics following World War II.

Discover more about the times and life of president John Adam's wife with exhibits from the Abigail Adams Historical Society, which is centered around her birthplace in North Weymouth. Locals enjoy pieces by local and regional artists along with music and local food at the annual Fall Arts Festival hosted by the Weymouth Public Library.

Weymouth Landing provides a range of cuisine from Irish to traditional American to Thai, and a smattering of entertaining local pubs. Simply take a stroll down Washington Street to find your pick of restaurants.

Peruse the unique menu for Irish-inspired brunch at the Mad Hatter Cafe on Main Street. While boosting your energy with a cup of coffee, choose from the highly recommended corn beef hash, French toast, crab cake Benedict or an egg sandwich. For lunch, head to Main Street Deli and Pizza, which is strangely enough on Washington Street. Customers tout the buffalo chicken calzones, tender steak tip subs and the perfectly seasoned onion rings.

To satisfy cravings for international food, locals grab an authentic Thai dinner at Sweet Lemons on Washington Street. Order the spicy chicken pad Thai, drunken noodles or Thai basil fried rice with a bowl of ginger ice cream to finish. Whether you go for delivery or dine-in, service is quick and friendly.

Find the best happy hour drinks along with the best pizza in the area all in one spot at Union Brewhouse on Washington Street. Regulars come here to unwind with one of 99 beers while catching a Patriots game and enjoying a slice of "brewshetta" pizza or the well-sized buffalo wings. Those up for a challenge can ask for a "99 - Club" card and work their way through the 99 beers on the list to receive a plaque and t-shirt.

To experience the low-key nightlife scene, head down Washington Street to Hajjar's Bar and Grille on Wednesdays for Rock n' Roll bingo and Fridays and Saturdays for live music. Also head there for trivia and $1.75 PBR's every Tuesday. For a wider range of nightlife options, including music venues and dance clubs, locals drive into Boston.

The residents of Weymouth Landing rely heavily on a car to run errands, commute and for recreation. Walking and biking is best left for leisure rather than a mode of transportation since most streets don't have bike lanes or walkable sidewalks. Drivers can take routes 3 or 18 to access Boston or other areas of Massachusetts.

Locals often get around using public transportation on either the MBTA bus routes or the Weymouth Landing/East Braintree commuter rail station. Though you are unlikely to have any luck hailing a cab on the streets of Weymouth, several taxi companies service the area for scheduled trips. Both Uber and RelayRides offer car sharing service. Public parking usually comes free on the neighborhood streets, though parking at the commuter station costs a moderate fee.

Residents of all ages love getting out for some fresh air and natural beauty of the well-run, friendly parks in and around Weymouth Landing. Dogs and kids are welcome at every park and entry typically does not carry fees, excepting certain large events or reservations.

Webb Memorial State Park sits in North Weymouth at the end of River Street, made of a peninsula that juts about half a mile into Hingham Bay. The scenic free park offers numerous trails that prove highly popular for dog-walking, weekend family outings and running. With a view of the Boston Harbor Islands over the water, great fishing and pavilions with grills for picnics, this park has it all.

Athletes head to Middle Street to Legion field for soccer or baseball and well-maintained tennis courts. Parents take their children to Lovell Playground on Commercial Street or to enjoy the amenities at Pond Meadow Park in Braintree. The paved paths around the pond provide joggers, bikers and parents with strollers a nice way to get some exercise.

The whole community packs beach blankets and refreshing snacks to enjoy the annual movie and concert series at the Ralph Talbot Amphitheatre next to town hall. Classic, family-friendly, free movies are also showcased at Movie on the Beach, held at George Lane Beach every year.

Residents pay a decent amount for urban proximity with a cost of living at about 3 percent below the average for Boston. Renters pay roughly $1,605 per month for a one-bedroom unit. When grabbing a cool beer, look to pay from $5 to $6 for a pint at the local sports bar.

Commuters pay a total of $4.75 to take the Greenbush line commuter rail from Weymouth Landing/East Braintree station to South Station on the red line T stop and ride into Park Street Station in downtown Boston. Local bus routes cost $1.60 per ride. Drivers expect to pay 12 percent above the national average cost of gas.

Weymouth Landing provides a mix of chain and specialty stores to local shoppers, mostly lining Washington Street. For more retail selections, residents often head to Braintree or Quincy to fulfill their shopping needs. For the usual household goods, athletic equipment and clothes, head to the Walmart on Middle Street for high value and low prices.

Those looking for a more unique, local experience browse the musical instruments of South Shore Music on Washington Street. This shop sells a large selection of guitars and guitar accessories. Ask the knowledgeable staff for help, bring your guitar in for repair or take some lessons.

Antique and interior design enthusiasts rave about BG Galleries Beyond Gorgeosity found on Washington Street. Customers search through beautifully maintained furniture from the 1800s along with mid-century modern pieces for decor that enriches their homes.

For affordable prices and friendly faces, Bradbury's Boutique carries plenty of unique items, stylish outfits and beautiful accessories. The shop also has a large selection of local gifts sure to please everyone on your list.

Get the weekly grocery list taken care of at Stop N Shop on Middle Street or the Shaw's supermarket in East Weymouth. If you need to grab a few quick items such as toilet paper, apples or toothpaste, Jenny's Food Market on Middle Street has what you need.

For organic grocery options and a great butcher, check out the aisles of Prevites Marketplace on Washington Street. Locals flock to the Weymouth Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings to find the best local, fresh-off-the-farm produce and meats alongside homemade crafts and jewelry.