L to R Samantha Wargo, Brittany Mitchell, Gail Petersen Bell, Steve Bartlett, Andrea Berte, Stacy Sturdy
Discover Your Timeless Beauty!
At Gentle Aesthetics, we’re dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty with passion and precision.
Located in the heart of South Shore, our full-ser vice medical spa offers stateof-the-art technology and a team of highly qualified professionals ready to transform your skincare journey
Let your journey begin!
For an initial conversation, please contact: Deirdre Prescott @ 617-622-1500
37 Derby Street, Hingham
T. M. Sullivan Contruction is a clientfocused, full-service design, build, and remodel contractor serving residents of the South Shore. We deliver a broad range of services, including home renovations, large and small scale additions, and new construction.
From fabulous florists and craft cocktails to beloved bakeries and gift boutiques, the local businesses and service professionals spotlighted in this issue are at the top of their game. Congratulations to all of the lucky winners!
114
SUNSHINE AND SANDY PAWS
A guide to enjoying the dog days of summer with your four-legged friend!
124
CATCHING THE PERFECT WAVE
Artist Jess Hurley Scott turned dyslexia into her “superpower,” allowing her to paint spectacular seascapes in layers.
EDITOR LETTER 16
CONTRIBUTORS 18
SOCIAL SCENE 40
CALENDAR 49 Events you don’t want to miss.
VIEWFINDER 144
26 HERE & NOW
Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmade Garden Club of Hingham A House Restored
130 VISUAL INTUITION
Photographer Peter Lavris refuses to let partial blindness prevent him from pursuing his passion for photography.
136 BLOOM AND GROW
A boutique garden center cultivates community through an array of workshops and a welcoming atmosphere.
ON THE COVER: Sunrise at Peggotty Beach by Kaitlyn Peretti. IG: @kate.peretti
It’s Summer!
here is a delicious rhythm to summer–from the crash of the waves on the sun-soaked sand, to the blue and white hydrangeas that burst into bloom each year, just in time for 4th of July celebrations. It’s also the time of year when our team at South Shore Home, Life & Style gets to share some of the most highly anticipated news of the year with our readers–the results of our annual Best of the South Shore (BOSS) Awards!!
The winners of the BOSS Awards are determined through an online survey that we run on our website each year. Small businesses are nominated and voted for by members of the South Shore community. More than 25,000 people cast votes this year, which is simply amazing. Each vote signifies a vote of confidence for a local business. If you’re a BOSS Award winner, you should be very proud of your achievement.
This issue also features stories that showcase fun ways to enjoy summer on the South Shore. Writer Kellie Speed, a foodie and dog lover, penned “Sunshine and Sandy Paws,” a story about fun ways to spend the summer with your four-legged friends. Don’t miss the section with adorable doggie photos submitted by our readers!
The South Shore is filled with creative souls and we’ve spotlighted a few in this issue. Writer Jen McInerney’s story, “Catching the Perfect Wave” takes readers inside the art studio of local artist Jess Hurley Scott, a painter who turned dyslexia into a “superpower,” allowing her to create spectacular seascapes in layers. We’ve also included a photo essay of quintessential summer snapshots captured by Hull resident Peter Lavris.
If you’re a gardener, or if you simply enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of nature, you’ll want to check out our feature, “Bloom and Grow.” This story takes a look inside a boutique garden center in Scituate. More than a place to purchase plants, The Root is a community gathering place where people come to meet up with friends and attend workshops. Our story also shines a light on a recent Baking With Botanicals workshop.
Last, but certainly not least, mark your calendar for September 18, for the 2024 BOSS Bash! This annual celebration honors the many amazing BOSS winners and it’s a night to enjoy live music, dancing, fun photo ops and food and drink from the best restaurants, breweries and bakeries in the region. We’ll see you on the dance floor! Be sure to visit our website and follow us on Facebook @southshorehomelifestyle and Instagram @southshorehls for all of the details!
Enjoy!
JOEY MACARI is a freelance writer and content creator based out of Boston and New York. She writes bespoke copy for multiple media publications in the Northeast, in addition to social media management for a wide range of Boston clientele. She has won several Connecticut Press Club Awards and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women. Joey also loves spending summer days on the South Shore and was excited to contribute to this issue. She penned several small business spotlights for our Best of the South Shore feature article and also wrote a story about the 100th anniversary of the Garden Club of Hingham.
Father, husband and photographer of all things nautical and coastal, KJELD MAHONEY is the owner of Afterglow Fine Art Gallery in Scituate, where he exhibits work by local artists as well as examples of his own fine art photography printed on glass, metal and wood. Be sure to check out his new gallery inside the old Roht Marine Ship Store, located at 12 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Scituate, overlooking the North River! Kjeld is known for his spectacular family portraits, food and drink photography, and scenic images of Scituate and beyond. For this issue, Kjeld photographed several Best of the South Shore (BOSS) Award winners and also captured dynamic images of local artist Jess Hurley Scott.
JEN MCINERNEY graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication in 1995 and has served as a writer and editor for local, national, and international publications ever since. Over the years, her work has appeared in South Shore Living, Hingham Magazine and Plymouth Magazine, as well as Boston Homes, Club Business International, Global Traveler, and Max Magazine, among many others. For this issue of South Shore Home, Life & Style, she went into the studio of artist Jess Hurley Scott to see how her spectacular layered wave paintings come together.
KELLIE SPEED has more than 20 years of experience as a freelance writer and her work has been published in a variety of local and national publications, including Haute Living, Realtor.com, Forbes Global Properties, DiverseAbility and US Veterans magazines. Kellie loves to travel and her husband, Will, and their 3-year-old English bulldog, Gertrude. They drive to Florida every year and Gertie keeps them entertained the entire way with her snoring and slobbering. While at home on the South Shore, Gertie can be spotted everywhere from local breweries to luxury hotels. For this issue, Kellie wrote an article all about the many great ways to enjoy the “dog days of summer” on the South Shore.
VOLUME SIX | ISSUE TWO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CO-FOUNDER
Maria Allen maria@southshorehomelifeandstyle.com
CHIEF REVENUE AND MARKETING OFFICER / CO-FOUNDER
Jane Cournan
781-243-1263
jane@southshorehomelifeandstyle.com
ART DIRECTOR Eric Brust-Akdemir
DESIGNERS
Rachel Clayton, Kendra Sousa
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Claudia Oliver Laurie O’Malley Kathy Rusinoski
WRITERS
Dave Kindy, Joey Macari, Jen McInerney, Kellie Speed
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Blue Amrich, Lisa Czech, Jack Foley, Christina Hickey, Peter Lavris, Kjeld Mahoney, Kaitlyn Peretti, Kate Rogan
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Pasture to Plate
A European-styled butcher shop is taking summer barbecues to new heights with its extensive selection of
Summer is grilling season on the South Shore and Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmande has everything you need for a memorable backyard feast. The artisanal butcher shop opened its doors in Cohasset in September of 2023 and has already become a destination for chefs and home cooks seeking the highest quality of farm-fresh meats. The shop’s owner is Cohasset resident Rosangela Teodoro, a skilled butcher, farmer, and thirdgeneration cattle rancher who has a warm smile and a wealth of knowledge.
Growing up in Brazil, Teodoro’s father taught her all about the cattle business. He also instilled her with a deep-rooted respect for the earth and a commitment to ethical and sustainable farming practices.
“My father is my true inspiration and my fortitude comes from him,” says Teodoro.
In many ways, Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmade is a tribute to her father’s legacy. There’s a mural depicting his image on the back wall and decorative elements reflecting her family’s ranching traditions are peppered about the store.
At the center of the shop, a sleek Italian-made display case is tastefully arranged with an assortment of beef, chicken, pork and lamb products. There are stacks of hand-ground burgers, homemade meatballs, marinated chickens as well as classic pincushion chickens (a favorite of chef Julia Child), lamb koftas, briskets, Halal whole chicken and ducks. Many South Shore clients come in for her prime steaks, from the impressive Cowboy Ribeye to the marbled Wagyu steak (Teodora’s signature steak).
“Grass-fed beef is sweeter,” says Teodoro, who believes the secret to a delicious cut of meat all comes back to how the animal was raised. She procures all of her products from a few hand-selected farms in New York that practice transparency and compassionate treatment of animals. “It’s all about respecting the earth and respecting the animals,” she says.
Teodoro still oversees her family’s ranch in Brazil from afar, though she does not source from there. She is committed to serving and educating her South Shore customers and in the future she plans to host educational events at her shop, fostering an appreciation for the skills involved in traditional butchery, and teaching customers the best way to prepare each cut of meat. Her long term goal? “I’d like to buy a farm in New York where I can raise cattle and continue the legacy my father started.”
To learn more, visit teodoras-boucherie.com.
Rosangela Teodoro, owner of Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmande, is a skilled butcher and thirdgeneration cattle farmer.
Recipes for a Flavorful Feast
Chef Tom MacInnes, owner of the personal chef business Taste: In-home Dining, loves sourcing meats from Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmande for his clients. Here are a couple of his favorite recipes that are guaranteed to impress the guests at your next dinner party.
Chef Tom MacInnes stands with Rosangela Teodoro, owner of Teodora’s Boucherie Gourmande
Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
Makes about 12 tacos and perfect for Taco Tuesday with the family.
Combine salsa ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Mix in the corn, peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, vinegar, olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper and set aside. The salsa can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Prepare the Avocado Crema
In a blender, combine avocado, sour cream, mayo, lime zest and juice, salt and pepper, smoked paprika and blend until smooth. Tip: Repurpose a squeeze bottle and add avocado crema for easy use. The crema will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Grill the Tortilla
Heat the grill to medium and quickly cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Grill the chicken breast until the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the meat from the heat and let it cool. Chop chicken breast into bite-size pieces.
Assemble Tacos
Add chicken chunks onto the tortilla, add a scoop of corn salsa to top of chicken, add Avocado Crema to taste, followed by grated cotija cheese and a nice squeeze of fresh lime. Enjoy!
Cowboy Ribeye Steak
Recipe created by Chef Tom
MacInnes
Ingredients
◊ 1 Teodora’s Cowboy Ribeye Steak
◊ 1 stick of butter, melted
◊ 1 rosemary sprig
◊ 3 thyme sprigs
◊ Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
◊ Instant-read meat thermometer
Steak Preparation
Liberally add salt and pepper to ribeye. Place on a wire rack uncovered in the refrigerator (allow steak to sit overnight for best flavor).
Grilling Preparation
Remove steak from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temp while you prepare the grill. Create a hot side and a cool side on your grill. Add rosemary and thyme to melted butter for basting.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Place steak on the hot side of the grill to sear. Flip after 3 minutes or once you have achieved the desired sear. Once the top and bottom have been seared, place the steak on its side to sear the fat cap. Next, move the steak to the cool side of the grill and lightly baste with the butter herb mixture. Flip and baste again. Do not allow the grill to flare.
Continue to flip the steak and lightly baste every couple minutes until you have reached the desired temperature and doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the steak.
Tip: To have a medium cook on the steak, remove steak off the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees. The steak will continue to cook while resting in a cool area by 7 to 10 degrees. If the outside of your steak is fully cooked and beginning to dry out and internal temperature is not reached, move the steak to a sheet tray and place in your oven at the preset 375 degrees. Baste with remaining butter. You want the steak’s internal temperature to reach 128 degrees.
Allow the steak to rest, uncovered, for a minimum of 15 minutes, ideally 30 minutes. To carve, run a knife along the edge and length of the bone to separate the steak. Then, slice steak perpendicular to the fibers and across the grain. This will ensure the most tender bite. Finish with a sprinkle of kosher salt.
For more information, visit tasteinhomedining.com.
Photo by: Michelle Doherty
Photo by: Michelle Doherty
Celebrates 100 Years The Garden Club of Hingham
By Joey Macari
Photo by Jack Foley
In the heart of Hingham, a century-old tradition continues to flourish. The Garden Club of Hingham, a vibrant assembly of passionate gardeners and floral enthusiasts, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Its time-honored legacy, cultivated by its historic female leadership, has transformed the Garden Club of Hingham into a thriving cornerstone of beauty, community and environmental stewardship—which has nurtured an indomitable spirit of belonging and civic pride among its members.
“While some of our initiatives and events have changed over the years, at our core, we are a working club that maintains several civic spaces in Hingham,” says former President, Maura Graham. “Our goal is to make our coastal town as beautiful and welcoming as possible.”
Beginning in 1924, eight women planted the seeds of what would become the Garden Club of Hingham—seeking likeminded individuals through an ad in the Hingham Journal. The club’s focus shifted during the Depression and World War II, with members rallying to support their community through service initiatives. A century later, the club remains deeply rooted in its mission of education and service, holding workshops, talks and fundraisers–carrying on a tradition as rich as the soil they tend. Over the years, the club has dedicated the majority of their efforts to designing and tending to civic gardens. From the historic Old Ordinary Garden to the bustling Hingham Public Library, it’s evident that this labor of love extends beyond mere landscaping. Club members are hands-on with each new project; planting and maintaining these vibrant spaces themselves to ensure they remain lush and inviting all year.
Beyond aesthetics, the club is deeply committed to involving the community in its endeavors. Educational programs, like the Junior Gardeners, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards; sowing the seeds of sustainability and fostering a greener legacy. Since 2021, the club has also expanded on its Plant A Row program—encouraging members and the community to grow and share their bounties with the Hingham Food Pantry, which provides fresh produce and flowers to those in need. The Hingham Garden Club’s centennial celebration isn’t just about looking back on a century of achievements—it’s a promise to keep nurturing and enhancing the community.
To learn more, visit gardenclubofhingham.org.
Restoring
an antique colonial – the old-fashioned way.
BY DAVE KINDY
In 2017, Lee McColgan laid eyes for the first time on the historic Loring House in Pembroke.
Built in 1702, the structure was in dire need of a rescue effort and the former financial expertturned-restoration enthusiast believed he was up for the challenge.
“What could go wrong?” McColgan remembered thinking as he and his wife Liz completed the purchase, thus beginning his odyssey to breathe new life into an antique home. While encountering the onerous obstacles that inevitably come with restoring an ancient building, he embarked on his own path to self-awareness – especially after deciding to do most of the work the way it was done 300 years ago.
“It was a spiritual journey for me,” McGolgan says. “I naively wanted to do this, not realizing what it would take, but I learned a lot about myself. As I discovered how difficult these skills were, I gained a greater appreciation of the effort involved – and what I was capable of.”
Of course, McColgan didn’t realize where all this would take them back then. “I had no idea that I’d just made a deal with the devil,” he writes in “A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial,” his recently published book about this sometimes unholy adventure.
McColgan soon got a taste of what he was in for when he pried open a wall in the kitchen and discovered the large wooden beam supporting that corner of the house was all but gone. To his horror, he realized that nature and time had left him with a major structural hazard.
Rather than fix it using modern methods, McColgan decided to do it the old-fashioned way: hand-hewing a huge timber with the same kind of tools used three centuries ago. While he brushed up on old skills by reading books, he was also ready for this work because of his career correction a few years earlier. After leaving the financial industry, he cut his teeth on antique restoration at Boston’s Old North Church, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, and other historic buildings.
With the structural integrity of his house shored up, McColgan than tackled other imposing issues in the traditional style. For repairing windows with 300-year-old glass, he worked for months with a glazier in Nantucket to see how it was done in 1702. He also learned how to operate an iron forge so he could make replacement hinges for a built-in cabinet, as well as found out how to do masonry, plastering with horsehair and lime, and dozens of other long-forgotten construction techniques.
To top it all off, McColgan was working against a tight timeline to complete his quest: his wife wanted to have Thanksgiving at their restored colonial home. She asked if he could complete the work in time. “Of course, I can, no problem,” he innocently answered, and then blindly stumbled forward. The day before the big meal, he was rewiring the kitchen and shoring up sagging floor boards in the dining room.
In fascinating fashion, McColgan’s book captures the highs and lows of his resurrection pilgrimage. His lyrical narrative is immersing, entertaining and informative as he delves into the history of ancient building methods and details the process of learning how to use them again.
“I wanted to write a true preservation story,” the author says. “I’m not saying everyone needs to learn how to timber frame to restore a house. But that’s what I was drawn to and that’s the story I wanted to tell.”
Along the way, McColgan discovers that the journey was not just about repairing an antique home, but also about finding his own place in the cosmos.
“In understanding my house, I came to understand a little bit more about the world and myself,” he concludes.
A Charming New Community on The South Shore
I am driven to create that kind of positive change and it’s especially motivating to bring that to this area I love – where my family and friends live.
The Current South Shore is an outstanding senior living community that has an additive effect for the residents and the entire area – it can be transformative to not only the lives of those who live there, but their families and network of loved ones.”
– Michael Glynn, CEO, Monarch Communities
Your Day, Your Way at The Current South Shore
We fill your days with activities that bring joy, foster connections, and celebrate life. From peaceful mornings to the shared laughter of evening gatherings, every day is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents.
At The Current South Shore, we prioritize your passions and preferences while handling the details. Let us amplify your life by bringing you what you love and minimizing the rest. Immerse yourself in captivating activities and indulge in regal accommodations.
Where Relaxation Knows
No Bounds
Our community caters to your unique needs and wants. Experience a life that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Enjoy our rooftop decks, green spaces, courtyard, and beautiful patio where you can enjoy the sunshine, natural light, fine dining, and endless activities.
South Shore Home, Life & Style Spring Issue Launch Party
South Shore Home, Life & Style celebrated the launch of the Spring Home Design and Decor Issue with a showroom soiree hosted by Topnotch Design Studio in Hanover. Writers, photographers and other members of the magazine team were joined by local business owners and magazine supporters to raise a glass to spring.
Pamela Copeman, Emily Copeman, Jennifer Powell
CJ McCabe, Christine Carvalho, Sara Babson
Simon and Jaine Davies
Lisa Grisolia, Jennifer Powell
Paul Melo, Jenny Gustafson, Christine Carvalho, Christina McCabe, Patty Winberg, Delaney Ferry, Sara Babson, Jennifer Durfee, Jean Hayes, Tracey Andrews
Photography by Lisa Czech
Kara Doyle-DuMouchelle
Kara Doyle-DuMouchelle
Christina Dear-Goldstein
Christina Dear-Goldstein
Fashion Showcase
On April 26, fashion designer Nina Pimenta hosted a runwaystyle fashion show at Tosca in Hingham. Models showcased Pimenta’s new collection of chic custom looks as well as fashions from Bobbles and Lace and glittering jewelry from DRE Designs. Live entertainment was provided by violinist Rozita Fishta.
Ivone Santos, Joe Sanders
Tracy Branstrom, Judy Celata
Tim and Megan Cheek
John and Erin Bradley
Photography by Lisa Czech
Amy Henry, Fashion Designer Nina Pimenta Caitlin Gibson Anna McGarry
WATD is a family-owned, full-service radio station that has been a part of the fabric of the South Shore of Massachusetts since 1977. WATD offers excellent award-winning local and regional news, including live coverage of breaking stories, high school sports, and an unmatched variety of music and specialty programming. We shine the spotlight on the organizations and the people that make the South Shore hum. Listen online at 959watd.com or tell your smart speaker to "play WATD."
facebook.com/959watd @959watdfm @watdgram
International Women’s Day Celebration
A great crowd turned out to celebrate International Women’s Day at Untold Brewing’s brand new Plymouth taproom on March 14. Coordinated by Feather + Finn, The Collective Co, and Macaroni Kid South Shore, the event featured a presentation by award-winning author Mattie Kahn in support of girlsecurity.org.
Kaleena LaVine, Chelsea Lyons, Lauren Bombardier, Katie Flaherty
Photos by Christina Hickey
Jenna Cahill, Jenni McDonough, Andrea Anthony
Women-Owned Business Expo
Marshfield Chamber of Commerce hosted its first WomenOwned Business Expo on April 6 to help support and celebrate amazing women-owned businesses from across the South Shore. Held at RT3 Stages in Marshfield, the event featured more than 60 vendors, featuring a wide range of local makers and specialized services. South Shore Home, Life & Style was a presenting sponsor for this event and collaborated with Such Fun Photo Booth to create an interactive photo experience designed to put guest photos on the cover of a magazine.
Photos by Such Fun Photo Booth
Noreen Cataldo, RN, BSN, CCM Director of Care Mangement, Navigator 27
Navigator 27 is a concierge case management service of NVNA and Hospice that assists clients and their families as they traverse the challenges of aging and care transitions. For more information, please visit nvna.org or call 781.659.2342.
SUMMER CALENDAR 2024
JUNE – JULY 13
SSAC EXHIBITION “YOUNG BLACK WOMAN/OLD WHITE MAN”
South Shore Art Center is hosting a joint exhibition of thought-provoking art by Devyn Casey and James Burke, titled “Young Black Woman/Old White Man.” Burke, a Scituate resident, met Casey virtually during the pandemic, and the two shared a mutual appreciation of each other’s artwork. While both artists share much in common—big families, love for the arts, and similar senses of humor—they have had vastly different experiences of being American. Each has painted about those experiences and thought it would be powerful to showcase their different viewpoints around global issues. In addition to their individual works, Casey and Burke collaborated on a sculptural statement that will serve as the centerpiece and cohesive link for the exhibition, which is free and open to the public. 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset, ssac.org.
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 1
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN ARTISTS EXHIBIT AT ART COMPLEX
The Art Complex Museum in Duxbury presents a special exhibition highlighting the vast life experiences of members of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWAMA). The exhibition is titled after questions posed by Paul Gauguin in his 1897 painting: “Where do we come from? Where are we? Where are we going?” Juried by contemporary curator Craig Bloodgood, the exhibit invited participating artists to explore and express their heritage, what made them artists, why they focus on a particular interest, and where they may go with their work. Each artist’s statement/bio will hang on the wall with their work. 189 Alden St., Duxbury, artcomplex.org
JUNE – AUGUST 11
“DIG” EXHIBITION AT ART COMPLEX MUSEUM
Through August 11, the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury presents Dig, an exhibition featuring the artwork of Joe Caruso, Jennifer Liston Munson, Christine Palamidessi, and Marsha Odabashian. Dig remembers, recognizes, uncovers, unearths, resurrects, and validates personal memories, past events, or current practices. Using a wide range of interesting materials in their creative processes, the four artists in this exhibition explore the taken-forgranted, the ordinary, and the passed-by and transform their subject matter into something out of the ordinary. 189 Alden St., Duxbury, artcomplex.org
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JUNE 14 – 16
SOUTH SHORE ARTS FESTIVAL ON COHASSET COMMON
The 69th Annual South Shore Arts Festival returns to Cohasset Common on Father’s Day Weekend. Presented by South Shore Art Center, this much-anticipated festival features three days of nonstop art and entertainment on Cohasset’s historic town green with more than 80 craft vendor booths; a sound stage showcasing local and national acts, including Perfect Example, Jay Psaros Band, and Aldous Collins; a kids’ tent with interactive art-making activities; food trucks, ice cream, and Del’s Lemonade; several art installations; and a huge marquee housing multiple art exhibitions. A $5 donation is suggested. Festival parking will be available in Cohasset Village with satellite parking on Sohier Street at South Shore Music Circus and at the Deer Hill and Osgood Schools; there will be a trolley to shuttle visitors from satellite parking to the historic Cohasset Common 781383-2787, ssac.org
JUNE 24 – AUGUST 28
Project Arts of Plymouth kicks off its free summer concert series on June 24 with a performance by Munk Duane. The show begins at 6:30 at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the Plymouth waterfront. The series will continue with Chicago Total Access on July 10; Trinity on July 17; Draw the Line on July 24; Divas with a Twist on July 31; Larsen on August 7; 3rd Left with Fey Band on August 14; Wut It Iz on August 21; and Brothers Project on August 28. projectarts.com
JUNE - SEPTEMBER 1
PAINTERS AND POETS EXHIBITION AT ART COMPLEX MUSEUM
Now through September, the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury is partnering with the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Women Artists and the Duxbury Poetry Circle for a special exhibit called, “Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?” 189 Alden St., Duxbury, artcomplex.org
JUNE 15
LACE UP FOR CANCER TO SUPPORT SOUTH SHORE HEALTH
The South Shore Health Foundation invites the public to Lace Up for Cancer on Saturday, June 15, at Weymouth High School. This fun, family-friendly walka-thon directly supports cancer care services at South Shore Health. There are multiple ways to participate: register as an individual; create a team; sign up as an event sponsor; or make a donation. The event supports cancer screening, prevention, and education initiatives in the community. southshorehealth.org/walk
Chest at the Nutshell which carefully hand selects specialty and educational toys, games and activities for all ages!
Clothing: Angel Dear, Copper Pearl, Casero, Luli, Mayoral, Hatley, Me & Henry, Quincy Mae, Magnetic Me, Huggaluggs, Mudpie, Vignette, Widgeon Toys: Corolle, Jellycat, Douglas, Plus Plus, Peaceable Kingdom, Tonka, Creativity for Kids, Thames and Kosmos, Calico Critters, Klutz, Eeboo, Magnatiles, Great Pretenders, Think Fun, Gamewright
JUNE 21 – AUGUST 9
GIRLS JUST WANNA PAINT THE JAMES FUNDRAISER AND EXHIBITION
In honor of The James Library’s 150th Celebration, members of the “Girls Just Wanna Paint” artist group will be creating artwork using their individual perspective and style to capture images from in and around the James. Each of these pieces will be on view and also available for bidding during a silent auction from June 21 to August 9. An opening reception and fundraiser will be held on Friday, June 16, 6-8 p.m. James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell, jameslibrary.org
JUNE 21
“SHAKE IT OFF” AT SOUTH SHORE CONSERVATORY
South Shore Conservatory will host “Shake It Off,” a pop hits singalong concert, at the Carr Amphitheater in Hingham. All ages are invited to sing and dance along to today’s top hits from such pop artists as Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, performed by SSC teaching artists and voice students. This family-friendly event also features bracelet-making, popsicles, temporary tattoos, and photo booth fun. 3-5 p.m., 1 Conservatory Drive, Hingham, sscmusic.org/ shake-it-off
JUNE 21 – OCTOBER 27
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING FURNISHED: FOUR BACHELORS AT HOME
The Eustis Estate in Milton will host “The Importance of Being Furnished: Four Bachelors at Home.” This special exhibition explores the influence of the “bachelor decorator” on historic preservation, collecting, and interior design through the stories of four historic houses and their creators. Showcasing an extraordinary range of furnishings, design work, and personal artifacts, this exhibition considers how the four men challenged traditional notions of the family home through a variety of distinctive stylistic approaches. 1424 Canton Avenue, Milton, historicnewengland.org
JUNE 22
CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE AT WORLD’S END
The Trustees of Reservations will host a Summer Solstice celebration on June 22 at World’s End in Hingham. Registrants are invited to experience driving along the carriage roads to set up blankets and chairs atop Planters Hill, dance to the music of South Shore favorite Aldous Collins, and relax with friends and family as the sun sets over the Boston skyline. Bring a picnic or purchase food, ice cream, and beer from on-site food trucks. Preregistration for this event is required. 0 Martin’s Lane, Hingham, thetrustees.org
JUNE 22-23
PILGRIM FESTIVAL CHORUS PRESENTS SUMMER SONGS CONCERT
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus presents “Summer Songs: Tunes from Broadway and American Traditions” at two locations in Plymouth. On June 22 at 7:30 p.m., the concert will be performed at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, and on June 23 at 4 p.m., an encore presentation will take place at St. Bonaventure Parish, 803 State Road. pilgrimfestivalchorus.org/tickets
JUNE 23
POP-UP SHOPS AT THE PINEHILLS
The Pinehills will host Pop-Up Shops at the Mayflower Beer Garden on the Village Green on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from June through October 6. Come out and shop from the amazing artisans, makers and purveyors, courtesy of Inebri-art. There will also be food trucks, live music, and refreshing beverages from Mayflower Brewing Company to enjoy. 12 - 6 p.m. 1 Village Green North, Plymouth, pinehills.com
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Sponsored by the Hull Redevelopment Authority, the Hideaway Circus comes to Hull on July 2 and 3, for two shows providing family-friendly entertainment for all ages. Featuring an array of 10 world-class performers, Hideaway Circus blends the wonder of classical circus with a contemporary storyline, telling a relatable tale of acceptance, friendship, and teamwork. Hull Shore Drive,
JULY 4
PLYMOUTH FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
The Plymouth Fourth of July Parade steps off from Cordage Park at 9 a.m. on July 4 and will follow Route 3A South toward downtown Plymouth, turning left onto Water Street, and ending at the entrance to the State Pier, where the Mayflower is moored. The parade’s theme this year is “Celebrate America” and will include floats designed by commercial and community groups as well as marching bands and musical participants. 10 Cordage Park, Plymouth, july4plymouth.com
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT WITH PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC
Enjoy an Independence Day Concert performed by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra on the Plymouth Waterfront on July 4, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Led by Conductor Steven Karidoyanes, the concert is free and open to the public at Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the concert begins in order to find a parking spot and walk to the state park. The concert will be followed by the town’s fireworks display. plymouthphil.org
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JULY
5 - 20
LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL AT PRISCILLA BEACH THEATRE
The Priscilla Beach Theatre continues its tradition of “Broadway in a Barn since 1937” with a series of performances of the musical “Legally Blonde” throughout the month of July. This musical adaptation of the movie follows Elle Wood to Harvard Law School as she confronts stereotypes, scandal and, ultimately, self-discovery. 800 Rocky Hill Road, Plymouth, pbtheatre.org
JULY 5-7
LEVITATE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Experience three full days of music and arts at the historic Marshfield Fairgrounds. This event was born out of a surf shop basement and has grown into the Northeast’s largest, most unique music and arts festival. The weekend features the lineup that includes powerhouse female fronted acts Lake Street Dive and Tash Sultana, indie rockers Mt. Joy, fan favorites Dirty Heads and hometown heroes, The Elovaters. There will also be a special appearance from the newly reunited the 90s surf-punk band Sublime. 1% per ticket per day is donated to the Levitate Foundation. The festival also features an array of food trucks and vendors, live art installations and activities for kids. For tickets, visit levitatemusicfestival.com.
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JULY 5 - JULY 21
ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS COMES TO PLYMOUTH
The Americana Theatre Company Presents “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” on Fridays through Sundays in July at the Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth. This classic murder mystery takes the audience on a suspenseful journey as detective Hercule Poirot sets out to discover whodunnit among the train’s passengers. 25 1/2 Court St., Plymouth, americanatheatre.org
6
HINGHAM FARMERS MARKET
The third oldest farmers market in Massachusetts, this popular event continues to bring the community together. In addition to fresh produce, shoppers can peruse prepared foods and dairy products, meats, seafood and unique craft vendors. This is a walk-through market but pre-order is also available for low-contact shopping. Markets take place on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June through November. Station Street Parking Lot, 95 Station St., Hinghamhinghamfarmersmarket.org
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JULY 6 – 27
SOUTH SHORE CONSERVATORY’S EVENINGS UNDER THE STARS
Enjoy the South Shore Conservatory’s Evenings Under the Stars concert series, on Saturdays at 7 p.m. throughout the month of July at the Carr Amphitheater in Hingham. On July 7, Transatlantic Rhapsody celebrates the juxtaposition of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with Freddy Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The following weekend, French Connection will feature a concert of French and French-inspired works. The third concert in the series, Wild Symphony, brings to life a children’s story by author Dan Brown. And finally, Jazz + Rock With Friends will offer a mix of jazz classics and rock favorites. 1 Conservatory Drive, Hingham, sscmusic.org
JULY 7
KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET
Kingston Farmers Market will take place on the first Sunday of the month, from now through October. The market aims to provide the community with a vibrant gathering place, while supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Gray’s Beach Road, Kingston, farmersmarketkingston.com
JULY 11 – 19
DUXBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERS COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
The Duxbury Music Festival showcases more than a week of performances for the community, including Community Harmony, a special lunchand-learn presentation in conjunction with the Duxbury Senior Center featuring cellist Sophie Shao and Duxbury Music Festival Artistic Director and pianist Stephen Deitz, performing works by Bach and Fauré. All other performances will take place at South Shore Conservatory’s Ellison Center for the Arts, 64 St. George St., Duxbury, sscmusic.org
COHASSET FARMERS MARKET
This popular market takes place on Thursdays, from June through October 10. The market offers fresh local produce, grass-fed beef, seafood, jams, tasty prepared dishes and specialty artisan products (don’t miss the fresh pastries from Alecco Bakery & Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset). Revel in live music, indulge in the freshest farm picks, and immerse yourself in the colorful artistry of local crafters and creators. 2 - 6 p.m. on the historic Cohasset Common (between Main Street and Highland Avenue). cohassetfarmersmarket.net
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BOSTON COMEDY BLOWOUT AT SOUTH SHORE MUSIC CIRCUS
Cranberry Research Foundation’s annual fundraising tournament invites the public to enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, food, and fellowship while raising vital funds for the foundation at Southers Marsh Golf Club. Foursome teams are welcome beginning at noon, with a 1 p.m. start time. Contests offer special prize gifts, including hole in one, 50/50, raffles, and mulligan bundles. Banquet, recognition and awards presentation will follow. Sponsor packages are available. 30 Southers Marsh Lane, Plymouth, cranberries.org JULY 13
No need to travel into the city for the hottest acts in comedy— the Boston Comedy Blowout comes to the South Shore Music Circus’s outdoor in-the-round venue for one night only. Catch the area’s funniest comics, including Christine Hurley, Tony V, Jimmy Cash, Rafi Gonzalez, and Will Noonan, together under the tent on July 13. 130 Sohier St., Cohasset, themusiccircus.org
JULY
18 - 23
DUXBURY HYDRANGEA FESTIVAL & GARDEN TOUR
The Community Garden Club of Duxbury presents the 2024 Duxbury Hydrangea Festival & Garden Tour. Learn about “Hydrangea Heroes” on July 18, presented by Russ Knowles from Proven Winners. All of the gardens on tour feature unique settings, hydrangeas, special events, and seaside views. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by colorful blooms! For tickets, visit communitygardenclubofduxbury.org/ Hydrangea-Festival
The annual Hull Harbor Illumination will light up the night from the A Street Pier to James Landing, for one night only. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the harbor will be lit with more than 1,000 flares in celebration of Hull’s maritime heritage. Volunteers are always needed to help with flare sales, night-of setup and breakdown, and much more. The Illumination will be preceded by a Coast Guard City Commemoration at Hull Cemetery at 5 p.m. and an open house at Hull Lifesaving Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. hulllifesavingmuseum.org
South Shore Food Scene
Discover what’s new with an annual subscription Coupon Code: SUMMER
Att: Subscriptions, 260 Water St., Pembroke, MA 02359 781-243-1263 southshorehomelifeandstyle.com/subscribe/
JULY 21
HANOVER FARMERS MARKET
Spearheaded by the founders of Hale Bone Broth, the Hanover Farmers Market offers more than 20 local vendors. Shoppers can find fresh produce, delicious baked treats, all natural body products and candles and much more. Similar to previous years, the market will take place the third Sunday of each month (May-November) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Hanover High School located at 287 Cedar Street in Hanover. Thehanoverfarmersmarket.com
JULY 26 - AUGUST 18
KINKY BOOTS AT THE COMPANY THEATRE
The Company Theatre in Norwell will present a series of performances of “Kinky Boots,” the hilarious and uplifting award-winning musical scored by pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Filled with glitter, glam, and a whole lot of “sole,” this production encourages audiences to live life triumphantly. 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, companytheatre.com
Introducing the Sunset Pizza Lounge and Lawn Party at Plimoth Patuxet!
Every other Thursday from June 27th to September 5th • 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Be a part of the fun on June 27th as we kick off this summer series with local musician, Jessi Kenney.
Enjoy the best view in town; a peaceful walk; playing lawn games; family fun with the kids; pizza fresh out of our clay oven, and live music.
FREE admission for children 12 and under, and Plimoth Patuxet Members! General Museum Admission for adults.
Learn more at plimoth.org/events
AUGUST 7 – 8
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA AT SPIRE CENTER
The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will make a two-night stop along its national tour to bring its big band sound to audiences at the Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth. Enjoy an evening of nostalgia as the orchestra performs its greatest hits, including “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “American Patrol,” “A String of Pearls,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and its theme song, “Moonlight Serenade.” 25 1/2 Court St., Plymouth, spirecenter.org
AUGUST 8 SUNSET PICNICS AT WEIR RIVER FARM
Enjoy sunset picnics with friends and family at Weir River Farm in Hingham this summer. Starting June 20 and running every Thursday evening until September 19 (excluding July 4), the Sunset Picnic series will feature local breweries and food trucks, live music, and stunning views on this working farm. Guests are invited to pack a picnic blanket and chairs and relax while watching the sun set over the Boston skyline. 140 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, thetrustees.org
AUGUST
9
GRACE KELLY COMES TO THE SPIRE CENTER
Singer, saxophonist, songwriter, composer, and band leader Grace Kelly is considered an unequivocal musical prodigy, with 14 acclaimed albums to her credit. Touted for her scorching saxophone stylings and purring vocals, Kelly has performed and recorded with an array of renowned artists, including Lin Manuel-Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, and Wynton Marsalis. She will perform at the Spire Center for Performing Arts on August 9. 25 1/2 Court St., Plymouth, spirecenter.org
AUGUST 10 & 11
PEMBROKE ARTS FESTIVAL
The 57th Annual Pembroke Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Pembroke Community Center. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the many artists and artisans who live and work in and around Pembroke. Artwork and photography may be purchased during the show for the prices indicated by the artist. 128 Center St., Pembroke, pembrokeartsfestival.org
Consultations
Internet
AUGUST 16 – 25
MARSHFIELD FAIR
The 156th annual Marshfield Fair will be held August 16-25 at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. This historic community event features agricultural and horticultural exhibits; arts, crafts, flowers and photography displays; beekeeping and birds of prey; children’s activities; a petting zoo and pony rides; thrill rides for all ages; midway games; a wide range of food and beverage options; a demolition derby, tractor pulls and more at the grandstand; and a full schedule of live entertainment daily. 140 Main St., Marshfield, marshfieldfair.org
AUGUST
18
GREAT RIVER RACE ALONG THE NORTH RIVER
Join in the 34th Annual Great River Race on August 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along the North River. The 7.5-mile race starts at Bridge Street Canoe Launch in Norwell and ends at Indian Head Road in Hanover. All skill levels, from novice to racer, are welcome to take part in the race and all ages are welcome. (Participants ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Any type of nonmotorized watercraft is eligible to enter the race, even stand-up paddle boards. All participants (including minors under 14 years of age) must have a signed waiver to participate in the race. nsrwa.org
AUGUST 24
PLYMOUTH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Waterfront Festival on Plymouth’s historic waterfront on August 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festivities include: the Ducky Dash Race, live entertainment, an arts and crafts show with more than 200 exhibitors, local nonprofits, and the annual Cruise-In Car Show. Events will take place throughout the day at the waterfront, Plimoth Grist Mill, Brewster Gardens and the Plymouth Waterfront Amphitheater. Water Street, Plymouth, plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com
AUGUST 24
KERRY JON WALKER FUND HOSTS END OF SUMMER JAMBOREE
The Kerry Jon Walker Fund (KJWF), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping humanity and supporting those affected by poverty, presents its annual benefit event as an “End of Summer Jamboree” from 4 to 8 p.m. on August 24, at Sunset Point Camp in Hull, rain or shine. All proceeds support the fund’s mission, including mission service trips for teens supporting sustainable programs to improve health, education, and economic opportunity for those in need. KJWF provides financially challenged urban teen students with the opportunity to create global objectivity and travel abroad in charitable service. Sunset Point Camp, 2 10th Street, Hull, thekerryfund.org
AUGUST 27
WEIR RIVER FARM OFFERS HULL FIREFLY STORYTELLING
Weir River Farm in Hingham welcomes Hull FireFly Storytelling on August 27, an outdoor spoken-word gathering overlooking the farm pastures and the Boston skyline. Modeled after The Moth Story Hour on NPR radio, this live storytelling program invites participants to share a three- to five-minute true story, told to an assembled group of friends, family, and strangers. Over the years, this event has grown from a small circle to a large following of intrepid spirits willing to tell stories ranging from deeply personal to laugh-outloud funny. 140 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, thetrustees.org
SEPTEMBER 7 ENDLESS SUMMER WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 7 (rain date is September 8) and plan to be at the biggest and best annual party on Nantasket Beach – the Endless Summer Waterfront Festival. Brought to you by the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, this year’s festival promises to be the best yet! All the great Endless Summer traditions you’ve come to expect will be there – delicious food, great vendors, and live music. For more information, visit hullchamber.com.
SEPTEMBER 14
MARSHFIELD LOBSTERFEST
The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce presents LobsterFest, a community celebration in Harbor Park on the Town Pier in Brant Rock. Festivities include live entertainment, marine education, a Kids Zone, a local artisans fair, and food and drinks. Shuttle buses will be available from Daniel Webster and Governor Winslow Schools. Harbor Park, Marshfield, marshfieldlobsterfest.com.
SEPTEMBER 18
BEST OF THE SOUTH SHORE BOSS BASH!
South Shore Home, Life & Style is celebrating the winners of the annual Best of the South Shore Awards by throwing the ultimate party–the BOSS Bash! We’re teaming up with South Shore Chamber of Commerce once again to plan a night filled with delicious food and drink from award-winning restaurants, breweries and bakeries from across the region. Expect a fun night filled with live music, dancing, photo ops and more! Get your tickets early as this event will sell out! Weathervane Golf Club in Weymouth. For tickets, visit bossbash.net.
Celebrate the Best!
The wait is over! The 2024 Best of the South Shore (BOSS) Awards results are in!
More than 342,000 votes were cast for local businesses through our online ballot. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their favorites!
From fabulous florists and craft cocktails to beloved bakeries and gift boutiques, the local businesses and service professionals spotlighted in this issue are at the top of their game. Congratulations to all of the lucky winners!
Join us at the BOSS Bash!
Get your tickets for the year’s most exciting South Shore
BOSS section contributors: Maria Allen, Joey Macari, Jen McInerney
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Outdoor Adventure WORLD’S END
thetrustees.org
Runner-Up: Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park
Nestled in Hingham Harbor, this scenic gem boasts not just one, but four coastal drumlins, adding a spoonful of charm to your outdoor adventures. Originally envisioned as a grand residential development by John Brewer and later fancied as the United Nations Headquarters and even a nuclear power plant, World’s End is now a haven for hikers, joggers and cross-country skiers. Traverse the 4.5 miles of treelined paths, immersing yourself in breathtaking vistas of Weir River, Hingham Harbor and the iconic Boston skyline. Whether you’re strolling through saltwater marshes, frolicking in meadows, or conquering granite ledges, World’s End promises an unforgettable journey through nature’s whimsical wonders.
Best Golf Course PINEHILLS GOLF CLUB pinehillsgolf.com
Runner-Up: Widow’s Walk Golf Course
Step into a golfer’s paradise at Pinehills Golf Club, where every swing tells a story. Tucked away in the scenic landscapes of Plymouth, this haven spans over 300 acres of rolling hills adorned with glacially carved kettles and kames. Designed by golf icons Rees Jones and Nicklaus Design, Pinehills offers not just one, but two championship 18-hole courses that beckon both novices and pros alike. With premier PGA instruction available at the Pinehills Golf Academy, mastering the game has never been more exhilarating. And when it’s time to unwind, the Clubhouse awaits with its lavish amenities, fine dining and enchanting event spaces tailored for every celebration.
DONNA MELLO
Best Art Gallery
GALLERY NANTASKET FINE
ART AND CRAFT hullartists.com/gallery-nantasket/ Runner-Up: Fuller Craft Museum
Best Bowling / Indoor Games
ALLEY KAT LANE alleykatlane.com
Runner-Up: Boston Bowl - Hanover
Best Dance / Ballet Studio
SHOESTRINGS STUDIO shoestringsstudio.com
Runner-Up: DanceSport Boston Ballroom Dance Studio
Best Live Music Venue LEVITATE BACKYARD levitatebackyard.com
Runner-Up: The Music Circus
Best Local Beach NANTASKET BEACH hullchamber.com
Runner-Up: Rexhame
Best Local Fair / Festival MARSHFIELD FAIR marshfieldfair.org
Runner-Up: Levitate Music and Arts Festival
Best Local Radio Personality ROB HAKALA AT WATD 959watd.com
Runner-Up: Audrey Constant
Best Marina
ROHT MARINE facebook.com/rohtmarine/
Runner-Up: Hingham Shipyard Marinas
Best Museum
PLIMOTH PATUXET MUSEUMS plimoth.org
Runner-Up: Hull Lifesaving Museum
Best Nature Trails WORLD’S END thetrustees.org
Runner-Up: Wompatuck State Park
Best
Place for Kid Parties
STARLAND SPORTSPLEX & FUN PARK
starlandsports.com
Runner-Up: Big Bouncy Party
Since its inception in 1968 as a family entertainment center, Starland has been a hub for first dates and family fun alike, boasting bumper boats, batting cages and a beloved mini golf course. Through the years, Starland’s core mission of providing a vibrant, familyfriendly atmosphere has remained steadfast. In 2013, a transformative upgrade brought forth a massive 100,000-square-foot facility, featuring turf fields, hardwood courts and a bustling bar and restaurant all in one place. Whether it’s a child’s birthday bash, corporate team-building, or a friendly go-kart race with grandpa, Starland offers boundless opportunities for adventure and excitement for all ages.
Best Radio Station - AM WBZ 1030 BOSTON wbznewsradio.iheart.com
Runner-Up: WMEX 1510 Boston
Best Radio Station - FM WATD 95.9 959watd.com
Runner-Up: Country 102.5
Best Theater THE COMPANY THEATRE companytheatre.com
Runner-Up: Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing
Best Tourist Attraction SCITUATE LIGHTHOUSE scituatehistoricalsociety.org
Runner-Up: Plimoth Patuxet Museums
www.southshorehomelifeandstyle.com
FOOD & DRINK
Best Appetizers
THE SQUARE CAFE
thesquarecafe.com
Runner-Up: Grille 151
Best Bagels
GUNTHER TOOTIES gunthertooties.com
Runner-Up: Hearth Artisan Bread
Best Bakery
MONTILIO’S BAKING COMPANY montilios.com
Runner-Up: Veronica’s Sweetcakes
Best Bar Pizza
POOPSIE’S facebook.com/BestBarPizza/
Runner-Up: Lynwood Cafe
Best Bartender (Individual)
KELLY MARCH AT POLCARI’S BRIDGWAYE INN polcarisbridgwayeinn.com
Runner-Up: Brittany from The Marsh
Best Beer Selection (Restaurant or Pub)
SPEEDWELL TAVERN speedwellplymouth.com
Runner-Up: Grille 151
Best Beer Selection (Store) CURTIS LIQUORS curtisliquors.com
Runner-Up: Lukes Liquors
Best Bloody Mary THE TINKER’S SON thetinkersson.com
Runner-Up: Yaz’s Table
Best Breakfast
THE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN bluebmuffin.com
Runner-Up: TOAST
Best Burgers
KKATIE’S BURGER BAR kkaties.com
Runner-Up: Burtons Grill & Bar
Best Catering
THE CHEF’S TABLE tctcatering.com
Runner-Up: Smith’s Catering
Best Charcuterie Board
UVA WINE BAR uvawineplymouth.com
Runner-Up: Board143
Best Chinese Restaurant
TSANG’S VILLAGE CAFE tsangsvillagecafe.com
Runner-Up: Beijing House Restaurant
Best Chowder
POLCARI’S BRIDGWAYE INN polcarisbridgwayeinn.com
Runner-Up: The CabbyShack
Best Craft Cocktails
SALT SOCIETY saltsocietyma.com
Runner-Up: ALBA on 53
Best Cupcake Shop
VERONICA’S SWEETCAKES veronicassweetcakes.com
Runner-Up: Cupcake Charlie’s
Best Date Spot
LUCCA SOUTH SHORE luccasouthshore.com
Runner-Up: ALBA on 53
Best Deli
PREVITE’S MARKETPLACE previtesmarket.com
Runner-Up: EUROMART
Best Doughnuts
DONUT KING
donutkingweymouth.com
Runner-Up: Coffee Shack
Best Family Restaurant
MIA REGAZZA miaregazzamarshfield.com
Runner-Up: Polcari’s Bridgwaye Inn
Best Farm-to-Table Menu
RYE TAVERN theryetavern.com
Runner-Up: The Farmer’s Daughter
Best Fish ‘n Chips
JAKE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT jakesseafoods.com
Runner-Up: Haddad’s Ocean Cafe
Best Food Truck
SOUTH SHORE TACO GUY southshoretacoguy.com
Runner-Up: Miss Emily Food Truck
Best Fried Clams WOOD’S SEAFOOD woodsseafood.com
Runner-Up: Tony’s Clam Shop
Best Gluten-Free Menu
BURTONS GRILL & BAR burtonsgrill.com
Runner-Up: 110 Grill
Best Happy Hour Spot
TAVERN ON THE WHARF tavernonthewharf.com
Runner-Up: The Jetty
Best Hot Wings
SPEEDWELL TAVERN speedwellplymouth.com
Runner-Up: The Marsh Coal Fired Pizza
At Blackbird Baking Co. cookies transcend mere treats to become gourmet works of art. Owner JoAnna Letourneau, affectionately known as the COO (Chief Cookie Officer), started her own enchanting bakery business during her maternity leave, igniting a passion for the art of cookie decorating. A fully licensed, inspected and insured home bakery in Pembroke, Blackbird Baking Co. offers artisan cookies to fit any theme. Whether skillfully decorating cookies for baby showers, birthdays or bachelorette parties, or printing edible logos on cookies for local businesses, every batch is made with care and creativity.
FOOD & DRINK
Best Ice Cream HORNSTRA FARMS
hornstrafarms.com
Runner-Up: Dairy Twist
Best Irish Pub THE TINKER’S SON thetinkersson.com
Runner-Up: The Snug
Best Italian Restaurant THE VENETIAN venetian-weymouth.com
Runner-Up: Mother Anna’s
Best Juice Bar
PRESS JUICE BAR pressjuicebar.com
Runner-Up: Juice Mill
Best Lobster Roll
GREEN HARBOR LOBSTER POUND INC.
greenharborlobsterpound.com
Runner-Up: Jake’s Seafood Restaurant
Best Local Brewery UNTOLD BREWING untoldbrewing.com
Runner-Up: Stellwagen Beer Company
Best Local Coffee Shop SLACKTIDE COFFEE ROASTERS slacktidecoffee.com
Runner-Up: Lucky Finn Cafe
Best Local Distillery DIRTY WATER DISTILLERY
dirtywaterdistillery.com
Runner-Up: Boston Harbor Distillery
Best Lunch Spot
MAE’S SANDWICH SHOP maesmarshfield.com
Runner-Up: Bark BBQ
Best Margaritas LOCALÉS localestaco.com
Runner-Up: Ocho Cafe
Best Martinis ALBA ON 53 albaon53.com
Runner-Up: Lucca South Shore
Best Mexican Restaurant DON BRAVO MEXICAN GRILL donbravomexicangrill.com
Runner-Up: Cancun Family Mexican Restaurant
Best New Restaurant 71 WEST ATLANTIC RESTAURANT
71westplymouth.com
Runner-Up: Bluefish River Tavern
Best Outdoor Restaurant Bar THE PARROT theparrothull.com
Runner-Up: East Bay Grille
Best Pizza THE ARTISAN PIG artisanpig.com
Runner-Up: CPs Woodfired Pizza
Best Prepared Meals To-Go GERARD FARM OF MARSHFIELD
gerardturkeyfarm.com
Runner-Up: Clandestine Kitchen
Best Raw Bar THE RAW BAR AT ISLAND CREEK OYSTERS islandcreekoysters.com
Runner-Up: Trident Galley & Raw Bar
Best Restaurant Chef PAUL WAHLBERG AT ALMA NOVE almanovehingham.com
Runner-Up: Paul King at The Venetian
Best Restaurant Vibe ALBA ON 53 albaon53.com
Runner-Up: Rye Tavern
Best
Outdoor
Dining TOWNE TAVERN & TREEHOUSE
townetavern.com
Runner-Up: Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant
If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind alfresco dining experience, look no further than the Towne Tavern & Treehouse in Pembroke. In addition to the restaurant’s primary dining room and expansive outdoor bar and patio, guests have the opportunity to enjoy their meal in a literal treehouse. Built to look like a log cabin nestled in the trees, the treehouse features its own bar and a spacious deck with panoramic views of Furnace Pond. Be sure to arrive early to snag one of the highly desired high-top tables — although, even waiting for a table can be a relaxing experience with plenty of Adirondack chairs scattered along the water’s edge. When it comes to the food, the scratch kitchen pumps out an eclectic array of delicious options, from grilled street corn avocados and fried chicken and waffles, to slow roasted baby back ribs and flavor packed pizzas (gluten-free guests can order the cauliflower crust). Wash your meal down with a cold refreshing cocktail, such as the strawberry limoncello spritz or the dragonberry mai tai.
FOOD & DRINK
Best Ribs and Barbecue
SARCASTIC SWINE BBQ & RESTAURANT
sarcasticswinebbq.com
Runner-Up: BARK BBQ
Best Sandwich Shop
MAE’S SANDWICH SHOP maesmarshfield.com
Runner-Up: Previte’s Marketplace
Best Seafood Restaurant
JAKE’S SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT jakesseafoods.com
Runner-Up: Haddad’s Ocean Cafe
Best Soups HALE BONE BROTH halebonebroth.com
Runner-Up: PRESS Juice Bar
Best Tacos SOUTH SHORE TACO GUY
southshoretacoguy.com
Runner-Up: Don Bravo
Best Special Occasion Spot TOSCA
toscahingham.com
Runner-Up: ALBA on 53
Best Sports Bar CASK ‘N FLAGON casknflagon.com
Runner-Up: The Fours
Best Steak STOCKHOLDERS STEAKHOUSE
stockholderssteakhouse.com
Runner-Up: Burtons Grill & Bar
Best Sunday Brunch YAZ’S TABLE yazstable.com
Runner-Up: The Tinker’s Son
Best Sushi Restaurant FUJI AT WOC fujiatwoc.com
Runner-Up: Salt Society
Get ready to spice up your event with South Shore Taco Guy. Offering both the Taco Truck and unique Catering Pop-Up Grills, they bring scratchmade, authentic Mexican fare with a fun, interactive touch. From intimate gatherings to large-scale affairs, the Taco Guy specializes in elevating any occasion with delicious homemade tacos, salsas and sides. Let them handle the prep and grill, while you enjoy mingling with friends, family, or colleagues. With South Shore Taco Guy, authenticity, quality and service take your taste buds on a journey south of the border.
Best Takeout / Curbside Pickup
MAMMA MIA’S mammamias.net
Runner-Up: Fasano’s Marketplace
Best Tapas / Small Plates LIV CREATIVE CUISINE livcreativecuisine.com
Runner-Up: Galley Kitchen & Bar
Best Thai Restaurant WILD GINGER wildgingermass.com
Runner-Up: The Mea Thai Cuisine
Best Vegan / Vegetarian REVIVE & CO. KITCHEN AND JUICE BAR reviveandco.com
Runner-Up: Bungalow Kitchen
Best Scenic View While Dining LOCAL 02045
local02045.com
Runner-Up: Mill Wharf
You can’t beat the spectacular sunsets at Local 02045, a popular Hull hot spot overlooking Safe Harbor Sunset Bay marina. The restaurant features two levels of waterfront dining where guests sip on frozen cocktails and enjoy fresh New England fare. The menu features an assortment of shareable appetizers, fried seafood plates, burgers, salads, and hearty entrees. Favorite dishes include the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and the Lobster Luau, a dish that features lobster fried rice piled high inside a fresh pineapple bowl paired with fried crab rangoons.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Best Acupuncture
MARY T. EGAN ACUPUNCTURE
maryeganacupuncture.com
Runner-Up: Essence Community Acupuncture & Herbs
Best Audiology/Hearing Health Professionals
HEARING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, LLC
hearinghealthhhp.com
Runner-Up: South Shore Hearing Center
Best Barber THE CORNERSTONE BARBER SHOP
thecornerstonebarbershop.com
Runner-Up: Craft Barbering
Best Barre Class SECRET PHYSIQUE secretphysique.com
Runner-Up: Weymouth Club
Best Botox/Injectable Service
DELUXEBAR
thedeluxebar.com
Runner-Up: Skin Esteem Med Spa and Wellness Center
Best Chiropractor ELEVATE WELLNESS
DR. JAY PROVENZANO
elevatewellnessquincy.com
Runner-Up: Perry Family Chiropractic, Inc.
Best Cosmetic Surgery Office
STEPHEN DELIA COSMETIC SURGERY
stephendelia.com
Runner-Up: Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa
Best Counseling, Spiritual/ Meditation Classes
SEA TO BELIEVE
EXPRESSIVE ARTS STUDIO
seatobelievellc.com
Runner-Up: Liane Dupuis, LICSW
Best Crossfit Gym STRIVE FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE
(Duxbury and Norwell) strivefitnessandperformance.com
Runner-Up: Proving Ground Studio
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or you’re new to working out, STRIVE Fitness & Performance is a fitness center that provides the tools to bring your CrossFit game to the next level. The space is well equipped with suspended rings, climbing ropes, sleds, yokes, sandbags, stones, tires, chains, rowing machines, and more. The workouts are 60 minutes long and are designed to help improve your mobility and strength. STRIVE has two South Shore locations, in Duxbury and Norwell, where trainers seamlessly integrate mind-body sessions, high intensity workouts, and strength training to achieve ultimate success. Workouts are also adaptable to any fitness level. With a team of professional and reliable staff, the facility offers a welcoming community vibe where members feel supported in their health journey. There’s even a CrossFit Kids program that is designed to help children aged 5 to 12 work on their coordination, balance, agility and endurance, all while developing a lifelong love of fitness.
Best Day Spa
MIRBEAU INN & SPA
plymouth.mirbeau.com
Runner-Up: Skin Esteem Med Spa and Wellness Center
Best Dentist
NORWELL FAMILY DENTISTRY
norwellfamilydentistry.com
Runner-Up: Holly Tree Dental
Best Dietician
MK THE RD NUTRITION SERVICES mktherd.com
Runner-Up: Kim Trudel
Best Eye Doctor
NIELSEN EYE CENTER golasik.net
Runner-Up: Dr Jessica Crooker, Scituate Harbor Vision
Best Eyebrow Shaping
THE LASH LADY
thelashlady.com
Runner-Up: Reign Beauty
Best Facial
SKIN ESTEEM MED SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER skinesteemmedspa.com
Runner-Up: Face + Body Studio
Best Hair Blowout
VERDE SALON verdesalon.org
Runner-Up: Charles David Salon & Spa
Best Hair Colorist
CHARLES DAVID SALON & SPA charlesdavidsalon.com
Runner-Up: Rebel Girls Beauty
Best Martial Arts Studio KAIZEN
kaizennorwell.com
Runner-Up: Dynamic Martial Arts
HEALTH & BEAUTY
A state-of-the-art wellness and martial arts facility located in Norwell, KAIZEN offers both adult and youth classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, yoga, barre, and more. The studio name, which translates to “continuous improvement” in Japanese, is perfectly aligned with its commitment to encourage each member to strive to be one percent better every day. KAIZEN’s team of experienced martial arts instructors is led by Professor Bruno Jacaré, one of the top Jiu Jitsu competitors and coaches in the Northeast. Classes emphasize respect, discipline, and camaraderie and help students improve their strength and motor skills while learning basic self-defense moves. The facility is also a family-friendly environment where everyone who comes through the door feels welcome and empowered to reach their potential.
Best Women’s Hair Salon VERDE SALON
verdesalon.org
Runner-Up: Charles David Salon & Spa
Verde Salon is where sustainability meets style. As a zero waste, certified sustainable hair sanctuary, the salon is committed to responsible beauty practices that minimize their carbon footprint. Embracing individuality, Verde offers an hourly pricing model tailored to each client’s unique needs. Say goodbye to hidden fees and upcharges–at Verde: what you schedule is what you get. Let the skilled hair artists craft your bespoke look without breaking the bank, or the environment. Step into Verde Salon for a personalized, planet-friendly pampering experience like no other.
Best Hair Removal Services
WAXED. waxedhingham.com
Runner-Up: Mariel’s Laser and Electrology
Best Health Club
WEYMOUTH CLUB weymouthclub.com
Runner-Up: KAIZEN
Best Home Health Services
SOUTH SHORE VNA southshorehealth.org
Runner-Up: NVNA and Hospice
Best Hospice Care
OLD COLONY HOSPICE oldcolonyhospice.org
Runner-Up: NVNA & Hospice
Best Lash Extensions
THE LASH LADY thelashlady.com
Runner-Up: EyeCandy Lash & Skin
Best Makeup Artist
REIGN BEAUTY
reignbeautyhanover.com
Runner-Up: Face + Body Studio
Best Manicure
OASIS DAY SPA relaxatoasis.com
Runner-Up: Natural Nail Bar
Best Massage
FACE + BODY STUDIO
facestudiomarshfield.com
Runner-Up: Prakriti Healing & Wellness
Best Med Spa
SKIN ESTEEM MED SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER
skinesteemmedspa.com
Runner-Up: Powell Studio
Best Orthodontist
DOMENIC A. MAZZOCCO, DMD AT SOUTH SHORE
ORTHODONTICS smilessouthshore.com
Runner-Up: Abington Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
Best Pedicure SUNRISE NAILS sunrisenailsweymouth.com
Runner-Up: Feel Nails & Spa
Best Personal Trainer BIG DAY FITNESS bigdayfit.com
Runner-Up: Nothing Stronger
Best Physical Therapy Services
BAY STATE PHYSICAL THERAPY baystatept.com
Runner-Up: Cray Physical Therapy
Best Remote / Zoom-Powered Workouts STUDIO 143 studio143scituate.com
Runner-Up: Holding Space
Best Self-Defense Classes KAIZEN kaizennorwell.com
Runner-Up: Dynamic Martial Arts
Best Spray Tan REIGN BEAUTY reignbeautyhanover.com
Runner-Up: Glow Beauty Boutique
Best Tennis / Pickleball
WEYMOUTH CLUB weymouthclub.com
Runner-Up: Pickles Indoor Pickleball Club
Best Yoga / Pilates Studio
EMERALD YOGA STUDIO emeraldyoga.com
Runner-Up: Capella Yoga & Wellness
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Best Architect
PATRICK AHEARN ARCHITECT
patrickahearn.com
Runner-Up: MASS Architect
Whether restoring century-old structures or creating new homes that blend seamlessly into the neighborhood aesthetic, the experienced team at Patrick Ahearn Architects believes that good design has the power to improve lives and that learning from the past is crucial to creating the future. The firm specializes in creating classic American architecture that is designed for contemporary living. For more than four decades, founder Patrick Ahearn, FAIA, has focused on historically motivated, site-sensitive private residences in some of America’s most desirable and storied destinations. His latest book, “History Reinterpreted,” details the dramatic transformation of what was once Duxbury’s Myles Standish Hotel into a captivating seaside residence.
Best Appliance Store
GEORGE WASHINGTON
TOMA TV AND APPLIANCE gwtoma.com
Runner-Up: Yale Appliance
Best Bath Fixtures
SNOW AND JONES, INC. snowandjones.com
Runner-Up: Renovisions
Best Bathroom Remodeling Company THE DESIGN STUDIO thedesignstudio.design
ARCHWRIGHT | FINE HOME BUILDERS & ESTATE MANAGEMENT archwright.com
Runner-Up: Ronan Residential
Best Electrician
GLACIER ELECTRIC glacierelec.com
Runner-Up: M.J. Carr Electrical Services, LLC
Best Furniture Store
ETHAN ALLEN ethanallen.com
Runner-Up: Boston Interiors
Best Heating / Air Conditioning Company
BLUE BEAR PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR bluebearplumbing.com
Runner-Up: Braintree Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.
Best Home Accessories THE WELCH COMPANY welchcompany.com
Runner-Up: Beautiful Horizon
Best Home Framing
BETHONEY BUILDERS LLC bethoneybuilders.com
Runner-Up: I.S. Hager Building & Remodeling
Best Home Renovation Company THE DESIGN STUDIO thedesignstudio.design
Runner-Up: Almar Building and Remodeling Hanover
Best Home Staging THE HOUSE OF VIAN thehouseofvian.com
Runner-Up: The Queen’s Garden
HOME & GARDEN
HOME & GARDEN
Best Interior Design
VIOLANDI & WARNER
INTERIORS
violandiandwarnerinteriors.com
Runner-Up: Penny & Pearl Design
Best Kitchen Designer
TOPNOTCH DESIGN STUDIO
topnotchds.com
Runner-Up: the Design Studio
Best Landscaping Service
SEOANE LANDSCAPE DESIGN seoanelandscape.com
Runner-Up: D&J Enterprise Inc.
Best Lighting Shop
FLEMING’S LIGHTING OF COHASSET VILLAGE flemingslighting.com
Runner-Up: Granite City Electric Supply Company
Best Local Hardware Store
CURRY ACE PAINT & HARDWARE curryhardware.com
Runner-Up: Hingham Lumber Company
Outdoor Furnishings
THE COASTAL SHED thecoastalshed.com
Runner-Up: Back Yard Living
Best Outdoor Grills HINGHAM LUMBER hinghamlumber.com
Runner-Up: KAM Appliances
Best Painting Company
M.A. FALVEY PAINTING SERVICE mafalveypainting.com
Runner-Up: One Stop Painting & Renovating
Best Pest Control
PILGRIM PEST
PROFESSIONALS
pilgrimpestpro.com
Runner-Up: ohDEER South Shore
Best Plumbing Company
HUBBARD PLUMBING & HEATING
Runner-Up: 3R Plumbing and Mechanical
Best Pool and Hot Tub Store / Installer
NEW ENGLAND SPAS nespas.com
Runner-Up: Sunshine Pool Co.
Best Roofing Company
COUNTY CRAFTSMEN CONSTRUCTION facebook.com/ countycraftsmenconstuction/
Runner-Up: John Bean Roofing
Best Tile Store
CLASSIC TILE & STONE INC. classictile-stone.com
Runner-Up: Bellew Tile & Marble Co
Best Upholstery
ALL ABOUT SEWING & UPHOLSTERY
Runner-Up: The New Upholstery Shop
Best Window Treatment
KURMIN KREATIONS
kurminkreations.com
Runner-Up: Budget Blinds of Norwell
JACK FOLEY
Best Garden Center THE GARDENERS’ CHOICE
the-gardeners-choice.myshopify.com
Runner-Up: Kennedy’s Country Gardens
The Gardeners’ Choice is a family-owned full-service garden center that offers a vast array of top-quality plants, statuary, pottery and home decor. Conveniently located in Pembroke and spread across five picturesque acres, it is the perfect stop for gardeners and gift seekers alike. Come stroll through its greenhouses, explore the nursery and let your creativity flourish in its inspiring spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, The Gardeners’ Choice has everything you need to cultivate your green thumb.
KIDS & FAMILY
Best Childcare / Nannies
MAGIC DRAGON PRESCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CENTER duxbury.k12.ma.us
Best Private Elementary School INLY SCHOOL inlyschool.org
Runner-Up: Quincy Catholic Academy
Best Kids Classes MY GYM
(Braintree, Norwell, Kingston) mygym.com
Runner-Up: Kaizen
Founded on a passion for teaching kids in a physically engaging environment, My Gym is dedicated to nurturing children through meaningful play. My Gym celebrates every milestone with enthusiasm, whether it’s witnessing those tentative first steps, tumbling down soft mats, or participating in a Ninja Jr. class. My Gym also hosts unforgettable parties and engaging community events, aiming to create joyous memories for children and families and provide kids with a place where they can move their bodies, develop confidence and have fun.
Best Private High School
CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL spellman.com
Runner-Up: Archbishop Williams High School
Rainy Day Fun
STARLAND SPORTSPLEX & FUN PARK starlandsports.com
Runner-Up: Kids World at the South Shore Sports Center
Best Summer Camp HOLLY HILL FARM hollyhillfarm.org
Runner-Up: South Shore Select
Best Toy Store THE TOY BOX thetoyboxhanover.com
Runner-Up: Rock Paper Scissors
Best Tutoring Service
GRAYBILL LITERACY AND LEARNING STUDIO literacyandlearningstudio.com
Runner-Up: ABC Reading Adventure
Best Photographer (Newborn)
ladybugfoto.com
Runner-Up: Meri Lee Photography
Sleepy babies are some of the most adorable and delicate of photo subjects. Sisters Margaret Heinke and Natalie Colbert have decades of experience in many forms of photography, but one of their specialities is capturing images of newborns. Their Plymouth studio is designed to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for families. Newborn photo sessions are booked before the babies are born and images are captured when the infants are between 6 and 14 days old. With Heinke behind the camera and Colbert focused on gently posing each sleeping baby inside tiny baskets and in nests of fuzzy blankets, they ensure the experience is smooth and stress-free and the resulting images are beloved keepsakes.
SERVICES & RESOURCES
Best Accounting Firm
SCAPPINI & PINA, P.C. scappinipina.com
Runner-Up: McCarthy Ferguson CPA
Auto Repair Shop
WILDER BROTHERS TIRE
PROS wilderbros.com
Runner-Up: Lucchetti’s
Complete Auto Center
Best Bookkeeper
LARSEN BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
larsenbookkeeping.com
Runner-Up: AB Financial Services
Best Campground
WOMPATUCK STATE PARK mass.gov/locations/ wompatuck-state-park
Runner-Up: Camp Kiwanee
Best Car Wash
VERC BRITEWAY CAR WASH britewaycarwash.com
Runner-Up: Crystal Clear Detail
Best Cleaning Service
THE CLEAN TEAM thecleanteam.net
Runner-Up: A Mother’s Touch Cleaning Co.
Best Coworking/ Office Space
THE COLLECTIVE CO. theccsouthshore.com
Runner-Up: Lucky Finn Cafe
Best Dry Cleaner
COLUMBUS CLEANERS columbuscleaners.net
Runner-Up: Dependable Cleaners
Best Financial Planner
SANDY COVE ADVISORS, LLC sandycoveadvisors.com
Runner-Up: WH Cornerstone Investments
Best Florist CANDY JAR AND DESIGNS
IN BLOOM candyjarflorist.com
Runner-Up: Flowers By Maryellen
Best Funeral and Burial Services
QUINCY MEMORIALS
quincymemorials.com
Runner-Up: Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Service of Massachusetts
Best Hotel
MIRBEAU INN & SPA plymouth.mirbeau.com
Runner-Up: The Inn at Scituate Harbor
Best Insurance Agency (Home, Auto)
LALLIS & HIGGINS
INSURANCE lallisandhiggins.com
Runner-Up: Richardson Insurance
Best Insurance Agency (Life)
RICHARDSON INSURANCE
insurewithrichardson.com
Runner-Up: Lallis & Higgins Insurance
Best Law Firm (Real Estate Law )
KELLEM & KELLEM, LLC kellemandkellem.com
Runner-Up: Stiles Law
Best Law Firm (Estate Planning)
LONG HAGAN HUFF-HARRIS lhhlegal.com
Runner-Up: Legacy Legal Planning
Best Law Firm (Family Law)
WALSH LAW OFFICE allisonwalshlaw.com
Runner-Up: Long Hagan Huff-Harris
Best Livery Service
DADDIO daddiollc.com
Runner-Up: Charles B Livery
Best Local Airline / Airport
BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BOS) massport.com
Runner-Up: Shoreline Aviation Inc.
Best Local Bank ROCKLAND TRUST BANK rocklandtrust.com
Runner-Up: North Easton Savings Bank
Best Marketing Services SOCIALLY CORRECT MEDIA sociallycorrectmedia.com
Best Meal Delivery Service CLANDESTINE KITCHEN clandestinekitchen.com
Runner-Up: Mom On the Go Food Truck
Best Mortgage Broker BLUESTONE BANK bluestone.bank
Runner-Up: The Bob Melone Team at Radius Financial Group Inc.
Organization Service
SYMMETRY ORGANIZING symmetryorganizing.com
Runner-Up: Childish
Best Pet Services (Grooming, Training, Etc.) GROOM WITH ME groomwithme.com
Runner-Up: The Foxy Dog
Best Pet Specialty Store FETCH 02025 fetch02025.com
EMMIE FLAHERTY, REALTOR® AT BOSTON CONNECT REAL ESTATE emmieflaherty.com
Runner-Up: Bill D’Entremont, Keller Williams Realty
Best Real Estate Team
BEN & KATE REAL ESTATE benandkaterealestate.com
Runner-Up: KC Home Team, Engel & Völkers
Best Resort
WEQUASSETT RESORT wequassett.com
Runner-Up: Nantasket Beach Resort
Best Seamstress / Tailor
LISA MARIE’S BOUTIQUE lisamarieboutique.com
Runner-Up: Michael-Boston For the Bride
Best Senior Living Community BRIDGES BY EPOCH AT PEMBROKE bridgesbyepoch.com
Runner-Up: Benchmark Senior Living
Best Veterinarian
143 VETERINARY SERVICES 143veterinaryservices.com
Runner-Up: Duxbury Animal Hospital
Best Personal Chef Services H COLE
hcoleclub.com
Runner-Up: Clandestine Kitchen
Known for their curated catering and vibe-making expertise, H Cole is not your average party planner. From orchestrating elegant events to perfect picnic setups, they’re a tribe of talented individuals who are deeply passionate about designing exceptional experiences. Each H Cole event is a handcrafted masterpiece, where guests are enveloped in thought, intention and care. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, no two parties are alike—just like their clients. Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure by the sea shore with their upcoming Rolling Bars. Discover their offerings and reach out when you’re ready to kickstart your culinary adventure.
Best Travel Agency SUSAN PEAVEY TRAVEL, INC.
susanpeaveytravel.com
Runner-Up: Sheer Travel
Pack your bags and buckle up for adventure with Susan Peavey Travel, where your dream vacation is just a flight of fancy away. Dreaming of sipping a peach margarita on a sun-drenched beach or exploring new corners of the world? Let Susan Peavey Travel tailor-make your dream vacation. With over 25 years of experience, owner Susan Peavey and her team are your trusted travel companions—dedicated to sharing firsthand knowledge of destinations, resorts and experiences. From romantic getaways and family fun, to Disney escapes and dream weddings, they’re here to turn your travel dreams into unforgettable realities.
MULLANEY’S HARBORSIDE FISH MARKET mullaneysseafood.com
Runner-Up: Wood’s Seafood
Best Gift Shop MONO MONO BOUTIQUE monomonoboutique.com
Runner-Up: The Cozy Cottage
Best Gourmet Food Shop
PREVITE’S MARKETPLACE previtesmarket.com
Runner-Up: Board143
Best Lingerie Shop
LULABELLE THE BRA STUDIO
mylulabelle.com
Runner-Up: Bloom Lingerie and Swim Boutique
Best Local Bookstore BUTTONWOOD BOOKS AND TOYS buttonwoodbooksandtoys.com
Runner-Up: Storybook Cove
Best Locally Made Food Product HIPPY PILGRIM hippypilgrim.com
Runner-Up: Hale Bone Broth
Best Marine Supplies
MONAHAN’S MARINE monahansmarine.com
Runner-Up: West Marine
Best Men’s Clothing Boutique
MILTON’S THE STORE FOR MEN miltons.com
Runner-Up: Mahi Gold Outfitters
Best Music Store INCLUSION RECORDS inclusionrecords.com
Runner Up: Matt’s Music
Best Nutrition Store GOOD HEALTH
NATURAL FOODS goodhealthnaturalfood.com
Runner-Up: Healthy Appetites Natural Foods
Best Shoe Store SHOE MARKET theshoemarket.com
Runner-Up: LaRossa Shoe
Best Shopping Center
DERBY STREET SHOPS derbystshops.com
Runner-Up: Colony Place
Best Sporting Goods
SPORTWORKS LTD sportworksduxbury.com
Runner-Up: Good Sport Cohasset
Best Stationery Shop CELEBRATIONS ETC. celebrationsetconline.com
Runner-Up: Happy Frog Ink
Best Swimwear
LEVITATE levitatebrand.com
Runner-Up: Yup Sup
Best Candy Store PEPPERMINT TWIST CANDY SHOPPE
pepperminttwistcandy.com
Runner-Up: Hilliards Chocolates
Stepping through the door of Peppermint Twist Candy Shoppe in Marshfield is a delight for the senses. The air smells sweet and colorful candy displays showcase everything from handcrafted truffles and fudge to crunchy freeze-dried candies (they’re all the rage on TikTok). You’ll find old-fashioned sweets like jumbo Whirly Pops and caramel creams to make you feel like a kid again. However, one of the sweetest things about this local candy store is the owner’s passion for coming up with creative gift ideas. Be sure to ask about the candy “bouquets,” which are perfect for graduations and recitals, and color coordinated care packages for students heading off to college. The shop can also design a custom candy buffet or charcuterie board for your next special event–making every day a little sweeter.
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique OUT OF THE BLUE
outofthebluescituate.com
Runner-Up: Nectar Collective
Located at the heart of Scituate Harbor, Out of the Blue has been helping women of all ages and sizes find fashions and accessories that are fun and flattering for the past 18 years. Owner Nancy Jones offers a curated assortment of well-known designers and newer brands sourced from the United States and around the world. Open seven days a week, year round, Out of the Blue is a boutique that local shoppers can count on, whether they are looking for something comfortable and stylish to wear for a coffee date with friends, or the perfect summer dress for an alfresco dinner party.
WEDDINGS
Best Wedding Caterer
THE CATERED AFFAIR thecateredaffair.com
Runner-Up: Lavishly Dunn
Best Dance Lessons
DANCESPORT BOSTON dancesportboston.com
Runner-Up: Pembroke School of Performing Arts
Best Formal Wear
MISS LOUISE PROM CLOSET & SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS SHOP instagram.com/misslouisepromcloset
Runner-Up: Miltons
Best Invitations
CELEBRATIONS ETC. celebrationsetconline.com
Runner-Up: Happy Frog Ink
Best Limo Service
TK LIVERY
Runner-Up: Pro Limo
Best Occasion Cakes
VERONICA’S SWEETCAKES veronicassweetcakes.com
Runner-Up: b. Wild Baking Company
Best Reception Venue (Intimate) THE RED
LION INN
redlioninn1704.com
Runner-Up: 1620 Winery
Steeped in rustic romance, The Red Lion Inn is a spectacular place to have a wedding. The iconic Barn can host ceremonies and receptions of up to 250 guests and features a grand staircase, natural wood beams and sparkling chandeliers. The historic property is situated in the heart of Cohasset Village and has many convenient onsite features, such as accommodations for guests and a highly acclaimed restaurant. The grounds are simply stunning, and the beach is just five minutes away so there are lots of great spots for bridal photo ops.
Best Reception Venue (Large)
PINEHILLS GOLF CLUB pinehillsgolf.com
Runner-Up: Waverly Oaks Golf Club
Best Wedding / Party Rentals
BOSTON BACKDROPS bostonbackdrops.com
Runner-Up: BUSY BEE JUMPERS
Best Wedding Band/DJ HOT MESS hotmessrocks.com
Runner-Up: The Emergency Broadcast System
Best Wedding Dress Shop ALEXANDRA’S BOUTIQUE alexandrasbridalboutique.com
Runner-Up: Michael-Boston For the Bride
Best Wedding Photographer
ELIZABETH TALBOT PHOTOGRAPHY elizabethtalbotphotography.com
Runner-Up: Lisa Gilbert Photography
Best Wedding Planner
KATE MURTAUGH EVENTS & DESIGN katemurtaughevents.com
Runner-Up: Jessica Hennessey Weddings
Best Wedding Florist BEACH PLUM FLORAL + EVENT DESIGN
beachplumfloral.com
Runner-Up: Buds Floral Design
Well known for elevating the atmosphere at ceremonies and special events across New England (and beyond), Beach Plum Floral + Event Design understands the magic flowers can bring to an event. Working closely with wedding planners, Jill Landry and her talented team execute highly personalized floral creations for their clients. Bountiful blooms and seasonal stems are transformed into bespoke bouquets, eye-catching backdrops, and stunning untamed floral installations that help define the aesthetic and showcase the beauty of nature.
A guide to enjoying the dog days of summer with your four-legged friend!
By Kellie Speed
PHOTO BY KJELD MAHONEY
Hit the Beach
While many beaches do not permit dogs seasonally from May 1 to September 15, there are some spots that welcome leashed dogs all year round.
Rexhame Beach in Marshfield is surrounded by miles of hiking trails and offers a nice spot for pets to cool off along the South River. There is a snack bar and restrooms are also available.
870 Moraine Street, Marshfield
The only restriction at Plymouth Beach is that leashed dogs must be kept “under control at all times.” A bathhouse is available when Sandy’s Restaurant is open.
1 Ryder Way, Plymouth
There is nothing quite like summertime on the South Shore and the warm summer days seem even better when spent with a traveling tailwagger. From dog-friendly beaches and breweries to hiking trails and specialty treats, we have created the ultimate guide featuring the most pawsome ways to enjoy the dog days of summer with your favorite fourlegged friend by your side. So, grab a leash, an extra bottle of water to keep your pet hydrated, and get ready for a doggone good time!
Take a Hike
With high heat temperatures soaring in the afternoon, it’s best to head out for some exercise with your furry friend at dawn or dusk for a hike to ensure they don’t overheat.
Webb Memorial State Park
This peninsula of land extends into Hingham Bay and is a great place to walk your dog. The only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, the state park treats visitors to scenic views of the Boston skyline.
371 River St., North Weymouth
Bare Cove Park
This local park features 484 acres to explore along the Back River and its miles of paved roadways and woodland trails attract many dog lovers. Be sure to leash or control your dog. This means your dog should respond immediately to your commands. Also keep in mind fines will be imposed if you do not clean up after your pet.
Fort Hill Street, Hingham
Blue Hills Reservation
Boasting more than 7,000 acres and 125 miles of trails designed for adventuring, Blue Hills Reservation is a great place to hike with your dog. Be sure to leash your dog and bring a trail map.
695 Hillside Street, Milton
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
The grounds of this historic estate is one of the prettiest spots to enjoy the outdoors with your pup. The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate has 90 acres of elegant gardens and fields to explore.
2468B Washington Street, Canton
World’s End A beloved Hingham preserve managed by The Trustees, World’s End features 251-acres of rolling hills and rocky shoreline. Bordering Weir River and Hingham Harbor, this coastal gem offers plenty of spots to cool off after a long hike.
Martins Lane, Hingham
Plan a Day Trip
Captain John Boats operates a fast ferry from Plymouth to Provincetown that permits leashed dogs for no extra charge.
10 Town Wharf, Plymouth, captjohn.com
CapeFLYER
If you are looking to head to the Cape for the weekend, one of the easiest ways to get there is aboard the CapeFLYER, a passenger train that just so happens to be dog friendly. The train departs from Braintree and offers several stops along the way, including Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, and Hyannis.
capeflyer.com
Off-Leash Dog Parks
There is nothing quite like the feeling of enjoying a freedom run with your well-behaved dog off leash.
Stodder’s Neck & Abigail Adams Park
Located at the mouth of the Back River, Stodder’s Neck is a grassy park that has trails to explore, woods to romp in and river access for water-loving pups. Well behaved dogs under voice control are permitted off leash in designated areas. Waste stations can be found throughout the park, as well as benches and picnic tables.
457 Lincoln St., Hingham
Rainy days begone! JB’s Indoor Dog Park comes to the rescue with its enormous inside space that allows pets to enjoy year-round exercise in a climate-controlled environment.
106 Longwater Drive, Norwell
Camp With Your Canine
You don’t have to go far from home to sleep under the stars and enjoy a relaxing escape surrounded by nature.
A staycation at a local pet-friendly campground is a fun and affordable summer vacation activity.
Wompatuck State Park has 3,526 acres of hiking trails, streams, and ponds to explore along with a 250-site campground.
204 Union Street, Hingham
Overlooking Ponkapoag Pond, AMC Ponkapoag Camp is nestled in the 7,000-acre DCR Blue Hills Reservation and offers rustic pet-friendly cabins available for nightly or weekly stays.
Randolph Street, Randolph
Pitch a tent and bring up to two furry friends with you to Pinewood Lodge Campground. There is more than 3,000 feet of lake frontage along with a six-acre island to explore. Dogs are welcome in marked areas of the park.
190 Pinewood Road, Plymouth
Myles Standish State Park
A canopy of tall pine trees shades the quiet camping areas at Myles Standish State Park, which permits up to four leashed dogs at each campsite. There are miles of paved bike paths and sandy walking trails as well as kettle ponds to explore.
194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, mass.gov
WEBB MEMORIAL
STATE PARK PHOTO BY BEYOND THE FENCE ADVENTURE DOG PHOTOGRAPHY
Local Reads for Dog Lovers
Nala’s Meatball Mission
Inspired by her family’s loveable English Labrador Retriever, Marshfield resident Robyn Avery recently published her first children’s book, “Nala’s Meatball Mission.” Perfect for young readers ages 2-10, the book is a heartwarming story of adventure filled with mischief, friendship, and the magical allure of meatballs. Books can be purchased locally at Storybook Cove in Hanover. For more information, visit nalabooks.com.
Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass
Bichons
Retrieved our Joy
Coming out in September, 2024, from Akashic Books, “Five-Dog Epiphany” is a moving and sometimes funny memoir penned by South Shore author, screenwriter, and actor (The Sopranos) Marianne Leone. She and her husband, actor Chris Cooper, lost their only child suddenly in 2005. This story is about the mutual healing that can occur between rescue dogs and people who have experienced a soul-crushing loss.
For more information, visit marianneleonecooper.com.
Treat Your Pooch
Everyone enjoys a snack now and then and your dog is no exception. Here are a few places to pick up locally made doggie treats.
Polka Dog Bakery healthy treats in Boston and sells them locally at their Derby Street shop.
92 Derby Street, Hingham
Bona Fido is a Plymouth-based business that specializes in making wholesome all-natural dog foods and dehydrated dog treats. Products are made by hand and are available at select shops, including Board143 in Scituate and JB’s Indoor Dog Park in Norwell. They also offer local home delivery and pickup and sell at the Rye Tavern Farmers Market once a month. Follow Bona Fido on social media for market dates, or purchase products on their website.bonafidoma.com
JB’s Doggie Delights Frosty Cups by JB’s Indoor Dog Park offers healthy treats in flavors like peanut butter and blueberry. The pup cups are dished out by an ice cream truck (keep an eye out for their schedule) or home delivery by ordering online. www.jbsindoordogpark.com/doggie-delights
In addition to the freshly baked snacks Kupcakes and Kibble sells DIY doggie ice cream mix. Just add water and freeze for the perfect cool-down on a hot summer day.
29 Main Street, Plymouth
Dog-Friendly Patios and Beer Gardens
Nothing says laid back vibes more than sunny patios and lazy dogs.
Overlooking Duxbury Bay, The Raw Bar at Island Creek
Oyster Farm welcomes dogs to relax on their outdoor patio while humans can sip on drinks and enjoy ICO’s award-winning bivalves.
403 Washington Street, Duxbury
Paragon Boardwalk has a nice selection of locally crafted beer served up in a fun beer garden with a spectacular oceanfront view of Nantasket Beach.
189 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
Leashed dogs are welcomed on the shaded patios
Vitamin Sea Brewing and neighboring Barrel with water bowls.
30 Moore Road, Weymouth
Situated at the edge of the Village Green at The The Blueberry Muffin welcomes dog owners and their four-legged friends to enjoy breakfast or lunch on their outdoor patio.
12 Village Green South, Plymouth
For the quintessential summer experience, head with your four-legged friend to Erich’s Clam Shack at Roht Marine to nosh on a basket of golden fried clams or an overstuffed lobster roll.
2205 Main Street, Marshfield
Towne Tavern & Treehouse is a lively waterfront dining spot overlooking Furnace Pond. While dogs aren’t permitted in the treehouse, there are plenty of picnic tables and adirondack chairs by the water’s edge where dogs are welcome to hang with their owners.
242 Mattakeesett Street, Pembroke
Dog-friendly Untold Brewing provides a nice excuse to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying 13 freshly made taps, snacks, food trucks, and live entertainment in a historic one-room former schoolhouse.
6 Old Country Way, Scituate
Stellwagen Beer Company welcomes well behaved dogs and hosts fun events like trivia on Thursdays, cornhole fundraisers, and even dog bowl paint nights.
100 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield
Untold Brewing
In celebration of National Dog Day on August 26, 2024, here’s a collection of adorable dog pics submitted by our readers.
FORREST
PHILO
FINLEY-RIPLEY-HUNTER
CHRISTMAS-FINERY
PRINCESS
LUCKY
OTIS
REGAL-RALPHIE
BABY
PHANTOM
ROCKY
SADIE GEMINI
TOBY
PEPPER
THE-MARVELOUS-MISS-MAISIE
JAKE
ZOE
CALYPSO
KODAK
LUNA
LOUIE
ZIGGY-NASH
BELLA
KATLA
South Shore Smile W thy Tips
Veneers
“Veneers are very popular because they look and feel natural. They blend in with your natural teeth and don't require any additional maintenance beyond routine dental hygiene visits.”
Dr. Derek Asack — Wollaston Dental Group
Restorative Dentistry
“By addressing issues like damaged or missing teeth, restorative procedures help individuals feel more self-assured and positive in social and professional interactions. Don't underestimate the emotional benefits.”
Dr. Kayla Cuddy — Columbian Square Dental
Whitening
“For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can.”
Dr. Barry Tufts — Plymouth Dental Group
Columbian Square Dental Plymouth Dental Group
Wollaston Dental Group
PREMIER MEMORY CARE
DESIGNED TO FOSTER
Connections
Bridges® by EPOCH memory care residents find comfort and connection with fellow residents. They bond over shared interests, socialize during group activities, share new experiences on local outings, or simply enjoy each other’s quiet company.
Our team members get to know each person’s life experiences, favorite passions, and treasured memories – everything that makes our residents who they are.
Through companionship and meaningful programs that engage unique interests, Bridges® residents enjoy happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of community.
Artist Jess Hurley Scott turned dyslexia into her “superpower,” allowing her to paint spectacular seascapes in layers.
By Jennifer H. McInerney
Photography by Kjeld Mahoney
Though she’s not a surfer, Scituate artist Jess Hurley Scott frequently dons a wetsuit and plunges into the roiling waves at local beaches. But instead of hopping on a surfboard, she points her GoPro waterproof digital camera at the swells rising above her head, capturing the peak of a wave as it crests and breaks, curling and peeling, tossing froth in its wake.
On a recent morning in the aftermath of a late-season Nor’easter, Scott discovered that “the action was good” at three of her favorite nearby spots: Peggotty, Egypt and Minot beaches in Scituate.
“When I’m photographing waves, I’m looking for energy, force, and shape, but also color and texture,” Scott explains.
From her up-close vantage point, she’s able to focus on the unique force and power—as well as the distinctive beauty— of the ocean’s motion, which she ultimately transforms into a three-dimensional painting on her easel.
“It’s easy to understand a seascape or a landscape because we’re very familiar with looking at them,” she says. “But I like presenting them in a different way and challenging how we perceive things.”
To create her 3-D images, Scott actually paints in reverse, layering three individual acrylic panels that come together to form a whole, comprising the background, middle ground and foreground. Painting in separate layers, rather than on a single flat canvas, enables her to build depth, add texture, and amplify details, resulting in dynamic and lifelike depictions.
The finished product, which she assembles by hand, appears at first glance to be a photograph. But viewed from the side, the routed acrylic panels she has layered on top of each other clearly show the color and contrasts of the paint and even the brush strokes.
“It’s something I came up with, through trial and error, about 20 years ago,” she says.
While working in product design for Tommy Hilfiger in New York City, Scott took a nude figure class in the evenings to continue working on her painting skills. The teacher, sensing that nudes were not her preferred medium, asked to see some of the landscapes she’d been painting on her own. When she showed him her experimental multi-layered works of waves and water, he fatefully said, “Whatever this is, keep doing this.”
“This validation sort of gave me permission to explore this medium and keep playing around with it,” she recalls.
Scott also attributes her success at this specific style of painting to the dyslexia she has lived with since childhood. While dyslexia is defined as a learning disorder, as an artist, “It’s my superpower,” she asserts. Her experience using graphic design programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop has also helped her with layering.
When she teaches children’s workshops, Scott makes sure to point out how dyslexia allows her to paint in reverse and not necessarily in sequence, which enables her to create her vibrant paintings.
“I’m a visual learner. I think that’s why I became an artist,” she notes. “I’ve always looked at painting structurally, like a sculpture.”
In 2019, Scott began a teaching residency for South Shore Art Center in Cohasset, presenting art lessons that connected the science of waves with artistic techniques to 1,500 South Shore students at area public and charter schools. When the pandemic shut down the schools, the art lessons continued on Zoom (with art materials mailed home to participating students), followed by a hybrid year of online and in-person teaching.
“I always talk about my dyslexia with the students because it’s important for them to understand that not everyone learns things the same way. They can find different ways of learning that work for them.”
Scott’s signature three-layer approach clearly works well for her. Over the past two decades, she has painted hundreds of pieces, each one taking 10 to 70 hours to complete, depending on the size. Her larger-scale works measure up to six feet.
Due to the nature of the acrylic panels, strategic lighting— whether in a gallery or in a home—can further enhance her paintings’ effects. “It’s like stained glass: the more you light it, the more the color changes.”
Her work can be viewed year-round locally at Bia Bistro in Cohasset, Coastal Chic Interiors in Norwell, and Untold Brewing’s taproom in Scituate, as well as at the Woodward Gallery in New York City and the James Baird Gallery in Newfoundland, Canada.
This spring, “Here and There,” a diptych she painted of waves at Minot Beach, will be featured in a group exhibit called “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, beginning that is running through September 1. Presented by the National Association of Women Artists, this juried show highlighting only women artists responds to a series of questions originally posed by artist Paul Gauguin.
For the month of June, Scott will join seven other artists at an invitational residency in Newfoundland, where she will devote her creative energies to her larger-scale seascapes. Of course, she’ll probably also spend some of her time outside the studio, most likely in her wetsuit, capturing some of Newfoundland’s finest waves with her waterproof camera for future projects.
At the conclusion of the month-long residency, works produced by Scott and her peers will be showcased in “Water,” an Exhibition of International Residency Artists at Pouch Cove Foundation at the James Baird Gallery in Newfoundland, on display from June 29 to July 27.
Photographer Peter Lavris refuses to let partial blindness prevent him from pursuing his passion for photography.
By Maria Allen
Photography by Peter Lavris
The beauty of a South Shore summer is something that is too often overlooked by busy people as they go about their daily lives.
For photographer Peter Lavris, however, each day presents new opportunities to capture scenic images that tell a story.
Photography has become a therapeutic and enriching pastime for Lavris, who is visually impaired. Lavris was diagnosed with a progressive cornea disease years ago, which resulted in partial blindness. An aspiring photographer who has always enjoyed shooting photos with a smartphone, he began dedicating more time to his hobby in 2020, as a way to keep himself busy. Over time, Lavris discovered that photography was not only a creative outlet–it was also a new way for him to see and appreciate the beauty of the world around him.
Lavris and his wife moved to Hull a year ago and he has since enjoyed exploring scenic spots around the town with his cell phone camera at the ready. From picturesque beach paths to golden ocean sunsets, his images capture the essence of summer on the South Shore.
“The convenience of having a camera in my pocket ensures that I will never miss a moment,” says Lavris. “Whether it is a sunset, sunrise, or a quirky detail, I seize opportunities spontaneously.”
His favorite spots to take photos in Hull include Nantasket Beach and The Gut, an ocean channel that runs between Pemberton Point in Hull and the East Head of Peddocks Island. “I genuinely appreciate watching sunsets and the many sailboats that go by. I have taken a few breathtaking photos from this location.”
“As a partially blind photographer, I find solace in capturing moments through my lens, even though I cannot always see the resulting images very well,” he says. “I have learned to live and deal with my condition. I do rely on my memory and intuition. The camera becomes an extension of my senses, as a tool to translate the unseen into something tangible.
Photography brings Lavris joy and satisfaction and it has allowed him to experience the local landscape in a meaningful way by sharing his images with his community and the world.
“My goal is for whoever views my photos to be inspired to make a connection and understand the story being told,” he says. “I am using my camera to see the world around me, and my pictures to speak my words. I did not choose photography, it chose me.”
To learn more, follow Peter Lavris on Instagram @blindeye_ptl.
Longtime friends Cherie Myatt and Lisa Swanson are building a sense of community at The Root in Scituate.
A
boutique garden center cultivates community through an array of workshops and a welcoming atmosphere.
By Maria Allen Photography by Kate Rogan
Friends for more than 20 years, Lisa Swanson and Cherie Myatt have always enjoyed being surrounded by plants and flowers. For Swanson, a master gardener with a background in landscape design, getting her hands dirty was second nature. For Myatt, whose career has been in the corporate world, gardens have always been an escape–a place to de-stress and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a dream of sharing their passion with the South Shore community, Swanson and Myatt decided to team up to create a one-of-a-kind garden boutique. In June of 2023, after years of planning and an extensive renovation of a preexisting nursery structure, the two friends opened The Root in Scituate. More than just a place to purchase plants, the business offers a welcoming environment where members of the public can relax, learn something new, and possibly make a few friends.
The Root attracts many of the usual suspects: plant lovers, friends of plant lovers, and shoppers searching for naturethemed gifts or decorative home accents. But they aren’t the only ones who have become enchanted by The Root. There are bookworms who come to relax and read on the expansive back patio, needlepoint groups that convene at the long wooden tables in the greenhouse, and work-from-home professionals who come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a coffee and a laptop.
“We have moms who come by with their kids to have lunch on the patio and visit with the goats and chickens,” says Swanson. “It was Cherie’s idea to incorporate the animals and make the property a destination for families.”
“The Root was designed to be a sanctuary,” explains Myatt, who says she was inspired by visits to elegant home and garden shops like Terrain in Westport, Connecticut. The main storefront area at The Root has a Northern California vibe. There are elegantly appointed potted plants of all sizes interspersed with small garden-related accessories. Leafy vines drape gracefully over the edge of a series of wooden ladders hung overhead, adding to the feeling of being surrounded by nature. Visitors will also find citrus trees and jasmine trees, as well as highly sought-after plants like the Thai Constellation Monstera. “Lisa always tries to bring unique varieties of plants into the boutique,” says Myatt.
The Root also offers a variety of design services, including houseplant consults, seasonal container beautification, and floral subscriptions–thanks to the flourishing flower garden at Myatt’s Hingham home. Five years ago, prior to opening The Root, Myatt and Swanson established Root to Rise, a philanthropic farmstand where they sold flower bouquets and donated the proceeds to local charities. The two friends have since made Root to Rise a charitable branch of The Root, allowing them to give back to deserving causes and continue their core mission of ”gardening for good.”
Hands-on workshops have become another big draw at The Root. Just inside the front door, a chalkboard sign lists upcoming programs. Topics range from beekeeping and candle making to mocktails and charcuterie board classes. Swanson and Myatt plan to expand their offerings even more in the coming year, adding things like yoga classes and a build-yourown-bouquet bar. They also have plans to open up the property for small private events.
“I had an aunt who would say that you should always have something fresh and blooming in your home,” says Swanson. “Being around plants is very therapeutic and we love that we’re able to spread joy through nature.”
Learn more at therootscituate.com.
Baking with Botanicals
A conversation with Alexandra Griffin, founder of Alma Kitchen.
Alma Kitchen founder, Alexandra Griffin recently hosted a Baking with Botanicals workshop in the greenhouse at The Root. A self-taught chef and recipe developer, Griffin has spent over a decade in the food and beverage industry. During her visit to The Root, she prepared a beautiful spread of dishes, each containing edible flowers. We sat down with the Dedham resident to learn more about her career as a content creator and her passion for edible flowers.
Have you always enjoyed baking and cooking?
Yes, my childhood was full of doughy hands and sticky cookbooks. There was always a draw to the magic of the kitchen and it’s been a creative outlet ever since.
What inspired you to create Alma Kitchen?
Alma Kitchen was originally launched in 2020 as a botanical shortbread company and direct-to-consumer business. Some of our clients included Van Cleef & Arpels, Ulla Johnson, Saks Fifth Avenue, Pomello and Alice & Olivia. One of my favorite parts of the day was writing out the notes that accompanied the orders being sent as gifts, because it helped bring the customer closer, despite never having met them in person.
You’re now focused on content creation and workshops. What do you enjoy most about hosting the workshops at The Root?
With workshops, you’re able to make those connections directly and learn about each other. Just like food, these workshops bring people together around the table and form new friendships. Cherie is one of the most incredible women I know and I’m so thrilled this project has resonated for so many in the community.
When did you first learn about baking and cooking with botanicals/ edible flowers?
I had the idea for Alma Kitchen, as a shortbread company, when I struggled to find unique and beautiful favors for a baby shower I was hosting for my sister-in-law. Learning about the care and art of using edible flowers and botanicals in the kitchen was completely self-taught and remains a continuous learning experience.
Are
you a gardener?
Where
do you source flowers for your recipes?
After recently moving to the suburbs with my family, I’m thrilled to now have the space for a garden! A kitchen garden is certainly part of that, but because of the volume of edible flowers I’ve needed historically, I’ve sourced them online (and you can, too!).
Can you share a few helpful tips for sourcing or using edible flowers in baking/ cooking?
Edible flowers are best when picked fresh from a garden, but if growing your own edible flowers isn’t an option, I encourage you to check your local farmers market. Another great source online is Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. No matter where you source from, you should always be sure the flowers you’re using are safe for consumption and pesticide-free.
What
can people expect to receive if they subscribe
your newsletter?
to
In a world where we’ve been conditioned to digest huge amounts of content in minutes, I consider our newsletter a place to take a beat. It’s sent through a platform called Substack each Monday. Readers can expect 3-4 recipes a month, seasonal produce shopping guides, thoughtfully curated gift guides, and inspiration for hosting beautiful gatherings at home, all designed to celebrate the best of the season with your loved ones. So if you’d like to better understand how to pick the best tomatoes at the market, or are looking for a hostess gift that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer, you’ll find it there. To learn more, follow @almakitchenco on Instagram.
Recipe by Alexandra Griffin
Ingredients
◊ 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
◊ 2/3 cup water
◊ 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
◊ 1/4 tsp kosher salt
◊ 1 tbsp fresh chive stems, chopped
◊ 16-20 purple chive blossom flowers (optional)
◊ Flaky salt for finishing
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a standing mixer. Using a dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
Remove the dough from the bowl and form it into a smooth ball. Lightly drizzle olive oil around the edges of the bowl, and place the ball of dough back into the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest in a warm place for 20 minutes.
Once rested, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 even pieces.
Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough until very thin, but not transparent. Using your fingers, break up the petals from ~1 chive blossom and sprinkle them evenly over the cracker. Press the petals into the dough by going over it 1-2 times with the rolling pin.
Gently transfer to the baking sheet and sprinkle with flaky salt. Repeat with the remaining 15 pieces of dough.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Lisa Adams, Owner and Principal Bookkeeper
When Lisa Adams established Adams Financial LLC, a full-service bookkeeping agency, in 2014, she knew that she wanted her company to empower individuals—both clients and employees. A mother of two, she set out to provide job opportunities for highly educated women who yearned for a similar work/life balance. Her “family first” motto not only supports her growing team of both Associates and Comptrollers, but also provides an unmatched benefit to clients as the members of her team work meticulously and harmoniously to attend to their clients’ every need. Based in Hanover, Adams Financial provides top-of-the-line professional bookkeeping services to a range of businesses. Following an in-depth audit of the client’financial situation, Adams’ team gets to work organizing and recording expenses through an individualized approach.
Let Our Rivers Flow
Art by Sally Dean Mello and Cathy McCarthy
After years of planning, three months of painting, and multiple community participant days, a mural, titled “Let Our Rivers Flow,” is finding its permanent home on the “green” at Hanover Crossing. Measuring 40 feet long and 10 feet high, the mural consists of a series of 10 weather-safe aluminum panels, which together create an elaborate depiction of the North River.
The collaborative art project was initiated by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA), who brought together a series of project partners, including Hanover Crossing, Mass Cultural Council, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Sign Design, as well as the artists who brought the idea to life. The design for the mural was conceptualized by South Shore artists Sally Dean Mello and Cathy McCarthy. Working together, Mello and McCarthy melded their artistic styles together to create a cohesive image representing the abundance of wildlife that call the river home. Butterflies and a great blue heron are pictured together with a kayaker, and last but certainly not least, a river herring (the image pictured above represents one small section of the mural).
In addition to being a beautiful piece of public art, the mural was created to bring awareness to the Third Herring Brook, a 5-miles tributary of the North River that forms the town border between Norwell and Hanover. The mural will be complemented by historical signage detailing the removal of the Peterson Pond Dam as part of the Third Herring Brook Restoration Project, as well as stone benches created by stone sculptor Chris Brennan, made from portions of the old mill grindstone that were salvaged from the site. A mural dedication ceremony will take place on June 15 at 11 a.m. on The Green at Hanover Crossing (outside JCrew Factory) 1775 Washington Street, Hanover. To learn more, visit nsrwa.org.
-Maria Allen
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Come for a visit. The Pinehills is the kind of place that that invites you to explore. Dine. Shop. Spa. Play. Or just lollygag on the Village Green. Share a pint at the Mayflower Beer Garden. Grab a basket full of goodies at The Market. Hike or bike for miles through an old pine forest. Taste the farmto-table goodness of the legendary Rye Tavern. And perhaps extend your stay at the world-class Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Who knows? You might just decide to call The Pinehills home.
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