Waltham, MA

Waltham has done a great job of making their downtown area entertaining and fun. Lots of great restaurants are available right off of the Common.

Ethnic food abounds, with Cambodian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, and other restaurants all in one relatively small area. All well done and worth visiting.

Downtown Waltham known as "Restaurant Row" has a great variety of restaurants featuring literally dozens of ethnic fare as well as American. One could "travel the culinary world" within about half mile stretch of this downtown.

Celebrate the arts in Waltham with a Broadway-style show featuring the Reagle Players at Robinson Auditorium inside Waltham High School on Lexington Street, classical music concerts performed by the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) in the Gallagher Auditorium at McDevitt Middle School on School and Church Streets, experience live theater in the intimate setting of the Abbott Theater in Spring Street with The Hovey Players. Whether it be a comedy or drama, original or classic works, one can enjoy live theater at affordable prices.

Take a walk along the Riverwalk by the Charles River. The Riverwalk runs through the downtown as well as most of the city's "South Side" and East End (also known as "The Bleachery"). You can walk the Riverwalk from Waltham to Boston!

Take your bike or perhaps hike up Prospect Hill Park. The park's entrances are located on Totten Pond Road and on Prospect Hill Road (just off Main Street). At the top of Prospect Hill Park you are treated to spectacular views of Waltham, Boston, Cambridge and other cities in the area.

Enjoy a summer concert on Tuesday evenings on Waltham Common, the annual Do Wop concert on the Common in August, the Farmers Market with entertainment at One Moody Street from Spring to Fall.

Visit one of Waltham's historical homes. Perhaps the Lyman Estate also known as "The Vale", a stately mansion house boasting the oldest greenhouses in America with heirloom plants for purchase. Set on several sprawling and picturesque acres of land inviting visitors to stroll at their leisure. Lyman Estate is located on Lyman Street just off Main Street. The perfect setting for a wedding.

Across from Lyman Estate is the Thomas Treat Paine Estate also known as "Stonehurst" is a classic example of the design work of Olmstead. Stroll through the woods on the property to see wildflowers, birds and whatever else nature offers along the way. Stonehurst is open for tours on a limited basis but you may call to arrange a personal tour. The Paine Estate is owned and operated by the City of Waltham and is also available for weddings and other functions.

Gore Place Mansion a Federal-style mansion house was the summer residence of Governor Christopher Gore and his wife. The governor was an avid farmer and had a love of horticulture and Mrs. Gore had a passion for Asian influence and it showed throughout Gore Mansion. Stroll the forty-plus acres anytime throughout the year but do not miss their annual "Sheep Shearing Festival" in the spring or attend a summer night's concert in the Carriage House. Get into the Holiday season with "Candlelight and Holly" at Gore Place in December. Enjoy a tour of the mansion which is decorated with ornaments of the period and see how the Gore's would have celebrated the holidays with family and friends at Gore Place. Tours of the mansion may be taken throughout most of the year. Gore Place is located just off Main Street at Gore Street. The grounds of Gore Place is a popular setting for a summer wedding or you may arrange to have your reception in the quaint Carriage House.

The Waltham Museum located at 25 Lexington Street just across from City Hall is a showcase for Waltham memorabilia such as the Waltham Watch, Orient motor cars and bicycles among thousands of other items.

With more hotel rooms available than any other city outside of Boston, and most are located just off Route 128 (Interstate 95)there is always a place to hang your hat while visiting "The Watch City".