Ring in the New Year this weekend at one of the best annual holiday celebrations in all of Metrowest Boston…..New Year’s Needham 2017. Head down to Needham this Saturday and Sunday for the ultimate celebration. Enjoy family-fun events all day long at locations throughout the city. And, many of these events are free to the community! Needham is truly “Where the New Year Begins” this Saturday, December 31st! Here is all the information you need to make the most of your time this weekend at New Year’s Needham 2017:

Full Schedule and Map of Venues

Live Entertainment and Performances!

With the first event beginning at 9:30 am and the last one starting at 10:00 pm, it is impossible for you to not find something to keep you and your family entertained all day long. With story time for the little ones, dance performances, local singers and bands, puppet shows, theatrical performances, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy this New Year in Needham.

Magic Show! http://www.newyearsneedham.org/comedy-show/

Don't miss the day's headlining performance by comedian and magician Steve Kradolfer. You will spend the evening mesmerized by his amazing magic tricks and mind reading abilities. The show begins at 7:00 pm at Needham Town Hall.

Countdown Party!  

The countdown festivities will start at 9:30 pm on Saturday at the beautiful Powers Hall. Dance the night away to Boston's favorite blues band The Love Dogs. There will be a cash bar and light refreshments served throughout the evening. The party will bring you right into the New Year until 12:30 am. Attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets are $30 per person. Purchase tickets HERE.

New Year’s Day 5K Run!

Start working towards your New Year's resolutions by participating in the Needham Running Club's 9th Annual New Year's Day 5K run. The race begins at 11:00 am on Sunday, January 1st, at the Needham YMCA Pool Building (863 Great Plain Avenue). Prizes will be awarded to the top runners. Enjoy food, beverages, and raffle prizes after the race. The cost of the race is $20 per person in advance and $25 per person on race day. Register in advance HERE.

We can't wait to celebrate the New Year with you in Needham!!!

It is that spook-tacular time of here! Halloween is just around the corner! Get in the spirit of the season at some of the amazing events planned in the Wellesley & Metrowest Boston area. Whether you are looking for the ultimate scare or want some tame family friendly fun, check out these great activities going on all month long!  

Bates Elementary School Pumpkin Fair

Date: Saturday, October 15th

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Bates Elementary School (116 Elmwood Road, Wellesley)

Cost: FREE!

The Bates Elementary School Pumpkin Fair is a favorite fall tradition for families in Wellesley. This event is open to everyone in the community. Your family will enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, children’s games and activities, and a haunted house! Plus, enjoy the great pumpkin smash!

Edgar Allen Poe Visit to Weston Public Library

Date: Tuesday, October 11th

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Weston Public Library (87 School Street, Weston)

Cost: FREE!

The works of Edgar Allan Poe are some of the most haunting. Listen to dramatic performances of The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven. Performed by Mr. Campbell Harmon, there will also be interesting information provided regarding the author’s life, death, and his impact on literature in the United States.

11th Annual Weston High School Pumpkin Festival

Date: Saturday, October 15th

Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: Town Green (11 Town House Road, Weston)

Cost: FREE!

Weston High School once again presents their annual Pumpkin Festival. This great fundraising event features everything you could want at a great family Halloween event. Enjoy cider, home baked goods, and traditional fair food. Listen to great live music. Decorate and carve a pumpkin. Plus, there are more activities for the kids to love, such as balloon animals, a magician, and face painting! All proceeds from the event benefit Camp Sunshine, a camp in Maine that helps families of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Halloween Happening

Date: Friday, October 28th

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Wellesley Free Library (530 Washington Street, Wellesley)

Cost: FREE!

Bring your children down to the library for an afternoon of Halloween fun. Dress them in their scariest or prettiest Halloween costumes. There will be a costume parade at 4:30 pm. Prior to the parade, enjoy a spooky story time as well as arts and crafts!

Halloween Open Tower

Date: Monday, October 31st

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Galen Stone Tower (Wellesley College)

Cost: FREE!

Come in costume to the Galen Stone Tower on Wellesley’s campus. The carillon (“bells”) in the tower will be performing spooky theme music for Halloween! Marvel at the talent of the Wellesley students who are playing the bells and at the beauty of the historic college.

Fall in the Northeast is spectacular! There is nothing quite like watching the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, purple, orange, and brown as the weather begins to cool. Celebrate the beauty of the season in Wellesley by hiking one of the many trails located throughout the city. The Wellesley Trails Committee will be hosting four guided trail walks this fall! No registration is required for these hikes. Put on your sturdiest footwear and head out for a 1.5 to 2 mile hike as you watch the landscape of Wellesley change before your eyes!

Boulder Brook Reservation Hike

Date: Sunday, September 25th

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Meeting Location: Kelly Memorial Park parking lot (68 Elmwood Road)

Enjoy a peaceful hike through Kelly Memorial Park and Boulder Brook Reservation. This hike will have you exploring woodlands and meadows. Marvel at how the surrounding landscape was transformed by the glaciers and witness a beautiful view from the top of Rockey Ledges.

North 40 Walk

Date: Saturday, October 15th

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Meeting Location: Town Beach gate (Turner Road)

Explore the area around Morses Pond, which was recently purchased by the town. You and the other hikers will walk along the Cochituate Aqueduct. This hike will take you on a scenic route through a pine forest and woodlands before finishing up in the community gardens and near a vernal pool.

Kids’ Trails Day

Date: Sunday, October 23rd

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Meeting Location: Longfellow Pond parking lot (Oakland Street)

Your kids can get in on the fun too with a trail walk designed specifically for them! They will love exploring nature as they look for treasure boxes using clues. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the hike.

Town Forest Walk

Date: Saturday, November 5th

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Meeting Location: Longfellow Pond parking lot (Oakland Street)

The final hike of the season will take hikers near Longfellow Pond. This fun hike will have you exploring landscapes deposited by the glaciers. Witness the end of the fall season as you walk through a tree tunnel in the woodlands.

This summer was filled with days of family adventures outdoors. Our family took advantage of the warm, sunny days by exploring New England. The memories from our time in New Hampshire this summer will last us forever. 

Although the kids are back in school and Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, the beautiful weather in the Metrowest Boston area will stick around for a while! Enjoy the sunny days, crisp nights, and spectacular autumn colors this fall by continuing to spend time outdoors with your family. These are our favorite local spots to continue family fun adventures over the next couple of months. 

We are bound to still get some incredibly hot days this September. For those humid days when you need to cool off, splash around in Cochituate State Park (43 Commonwealth Road) in Natick. This state park is perfect for the water enthusiast…..with swimming, boating, windsurfing, and fishing available on the three large lakes. 

Bake a delicious homemade pie from the apples you pick yourself at Belkin Lookout Farm (89 Pleasant Street South, South Natick). Along with spending time picking apples and pumpkins, you and your family can make a whole day of it at the farm with all of the available activities. Your children will love the play area with farm animals, face painting, hay maze, train rides, and so much more. Try some hard apple cider in the tap room while enjoying a freshly baked apple cider doughnut. The farm is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Practice your putt at Golf on the Village Green  (315 Worcester Street) in Natick. You and your family will enjoy a game of mini golf while being reminded of our area’s history. The park is themed after the Freedom Trail. After finishing up your game, grab a delicious ice cream treat. The park is open daily. 

Go for a hike at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street) in Natick. You and your family can explore 9 miles of trails that will take you over broadwalks and past waterfalls. There are lots of awesome activities planned for the new season including fall foliage canoe rides, wildlife watching activities, and walks through wildflowers. The sanctuary is closed on Mondays.​

Marvel at stunning flowers and plants at The Gardens at Elm Bank (900 Washington Street) in Wellesley . This is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic with your family. Your children will love exploring the gardens specifically themed for them. There are also several activities offered throughout the week at the gardens. Elm Bank is open Tuesdays through Sundays. 

Our furry friends are truly a part of the family! Although we appreciate our dogs everyday for the unconditional love they provide us, there is no better time to show Fido how much you truly love him by celebrating National Dog Day with a special day trip! Take your dog to a pet friendly restaurant or dog park to give him a day he will never forget!

Ready to go on a day adventure with your dog? Follow these get tips to enjoy National Dog Day to its fullest!

Plan Where You Are Going!

The first step is to decide where you and your furry friend are going to go. There are so many great options in the Wellesley & Metrowest Boston area! We will make your planning easy by recommending these awesome, local dog friendly spots!

Restaurants

Petit Robert Bistro (45 Chapel Street) in Needham has delicious french food for you and a dog-friendly patio for your pooch! Sip on some red wine while your dog hydrates with water from the provided water bowls!  

Not only humans love a cool treat on hot summer days! Your dog will love some ice cream from Cedar Hill Diary Joy (331 North Avenue) in Weston.

Parks

Centennial Reservation  (150 Oakland Street) in Wellesley is a dream come true for your dog! With almost 2 miles of trails, your dog will get plenty of exercise in a beautiful natural setting. And, when he gets too warm? He can take a dip in Bezanson Pond with the other pooches to cool off.

Needham Dog Park (145 Pine Street) is a special spot for your furry friend. Let him off the leash in one of the two fenced off dog areas.

Don’t let the name fool you….Cat Rock Park (Drabbington Way) in Weston is a dog paradise! Give your pet a full day of exploring of the lease on the trails, open fields, and swimming area.  

Pack Your Car!

With the hot summer weather, you want to ensure that your dog is comfortable during the entire trip. Make sure your car is fully gassed up before you add him as a passenger to avoid making additional stops that will leave him in the hot car.

Add any pet-friendly accessories to your car to make the trip easier and more fun. Put a blanket or extra cushions in the backseat so he is more comfortable on the trip. You can use a console cover to keep your dog in the backseat where he is safer and able to spread out more.

Your dog needs lots of water! Make sure to pack plenty of water bottles to keep him hydrated along with a bowl so he can easily drink it in the car or at your final destination.

Time to Go!

Beyond making sure your pooch is comfortable in the car, make sure to remember safety once you hit the road. Harness them into their seat to keep them safe in the event of a sudden stop.

While on the road, use the air conditioner and only crack windows a little bit. Although your dog loves the fresh air, it can be dangerous for them to have their heads too far out the window and there is always potential for them to jump out.

See an unexpected stop on your way? Make an extra spot. It’s your dog’s special day so make sure they are able to experience all that they might want to. Or, remember the spot for in the future and take your pet back there the following week.

Bring some delicious treats for you and your furry friend. Pack a picnic for you and your family. Be sure to throw in something extra special, and healthy, for your dog as well!

A photo lasts a lifetime so be sure to grab your camera to capture all of the fun that you and your beloved dog have throughout the day!

We hope you and your four legged family member have a very happy National Dog Day!

Just because the work week started doesn't mean that the fun stops in Wellesley!! There are events occurring all week long! Enjoy the summer weather and time with family and friends at one of these awesome events.

July 26th

Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Quartet Concert: 2:00 pm at Waterstone at Wellesley (27 Washington Street). Celebrate the brave men and women that serve in our armed forces by attending a concert by the Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Quartet. This is one of the 11 official U.S. Navy bands and is based onboard NAVSTA Newport. The concert is FREE but an RSVP is requested at (781) 235-1614.

July 27th

BaHa Brothers Concert: 7:00 pm at the Wellesley Town Hall Green (525 Washington Street). This week’s Summer Concerts on the Green features Massachusetts band the BaHa Brothers. Dance the night away to the perfect summertime music. Concessions will be available from the Rotary Club of Wellesley.

July 28th

Raiders of the Lost Ark Screening: 7:00 pm at Davis Square (106 Central Street) at Wellesley College. Bring your blanket and enjoy this 1981 classic film under the stars. Arts and crafts projects start at 7:00 pm and the film will be shown at 8:15 pm. This event is FREE and popcorn and beer are also complimentary!

Arts on the Green: 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Elm Bank Horticulture Center (900 Washington Street). Spend a beautiful evening in the gardens while enjoying live music and admiring the work of local artists. This great family event will also feature hands-on activities. Bring your own picnic dinner with beverages available for purchase. Admission is $8. Children 12 and under, as well as Massachusetts Horticultural Society members, are FREE. 

July 29^th & 30^th

Annie Jr.: Performances at 7:00 pm (Friday) and 2:00 pm or 5:00 pm (Saturday) at Wellesley High School (50 Rice Street). See the beloved musical presented by the Wellesley Theatre Project, a local nonprofit organization that grants our community’s youth access to acting and theatrical productions. Tickets can be purchased in advance HERE or at the door prior to the performances.  

Looking for something fun to do in Wellesley and Metrowest Boston? There are several family fun events coming up through the next week. Whether it’s a movie, concert or outdoor activity, these summertime events offer something for everyone!

Wellesley

Saturday, July 16th

July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at Wellesley Square. Come for amazing deals from over 60 merchants located throughout Wellesley Square but stay all day for the family fun! Enjoy music, performers, food, kids activities, and so much more!

Thursday, July 21st

Pumpernickel Puppets: 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the Wellesley Free Library (530 Washington Street). Bring the family down to the library to see performances of  “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Lion and the Mouse”. This entertaining show will include colorful puppets, sound effects, and audience participation.

Friday, July 22nd

Summer Family Flix: 1:30 to 5:00 pm at the Wellesley Free Library (530 Washington Street). Watch the hilarious family animated films Ice Age and Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. Popcorn will be provided! First screening is at 1:30 pm and the second movie will start at 3:15 pm.

Natick

Saturday, July 16th

Natick Farmer's Market: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Natick Common (Intersection of Routes 27 and 135). Stock up on some delicious food and beverages from local vendors and farmers.

Fun with Butterflies and Dragonflies: 1:00 to 2:15 pm at the Mass Audubon’s Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street). Learn more about the magnificent butterflies and dragonflies that call the Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary home.

Summer Morning Canoe on the Charles: 6:00 to 9:00 am at the Mass Audubon’s Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street). Enjoy the great outdoors on the beautiful Charles river. Admire at the local wildlife as you canoe.

Needham

Friday, July 15th

On Your Mark, Get Set - Read! Summer Film Festival: 3:00 pm at the Needham Free Public Library (1139 Highland Avenue). Bring the kids to the library for a screening of the Disney film Cloud 9.

Weston

Friday, July 15th

Olympics Celebration:  9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Spellman Museum (241 Wellesley Street). Celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games by viewing an exhibit of stamps that feature past Olympians, participate in many hands on activities, and potentially meet some past Olympians! Make your own Olympic stamps that you can bring home with you. Admission is FREE!

Friday Night Flicks: 8:00 to 11:00 pm at Town Green. This week’s Friday Night Flicks is the beloved 1980’s classic John Hughes film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! Bring a blanket and watch the film on the big screen outside. Free popcorn will be available for the first 100 people!  

Sunday, July 17th

Caribbean Cruise Day: 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Memorial Pool (Alphabet Lane). Head down to the pool for a fun Caribbean themed day. Enjoy a sundae buffet, games led by cruise directors, and listen to some great music. Event is free with regular pool admission.

Tuesday, July 20th

Concert on the Green: 7:00 pm at Town Green. Swing the night away with the Tom Nutile Big Band! This great regional band features 15 musicians. Enjoy past swing classics as well as contemporary favorites.

The 4th of July is almost here! There are many exciting family-friendly events going on this holiday throughout Metrowest Boston that we wanted to share with you! Spend the holiday with live entertainment, kids activities, delicious food, and, of course, spectacular fireworks displays!

NATICK

Family Night on the Common

When: Wednesday, June 29^th | 4:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: Downtown Natick

Cost: FREE!

Kick off the 4^th of July celebrations by bringing the whole family down for a night filled with fun activities. The kids will love the obstacle course, bounce house, face painting, slip n’ slide, and endless other activities. Watch the Annual Children’s Parade starting at 6:30 pm which will feature Uncle Sam himself!

Natick’s VOICE on the Common

When: Thursday, June 30^th | 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Where: Downtown Natick

Cost: FREE!

Put your vocal talents to the test and audition to sing the National Anthem at the upcoming 4^th of July Parade. Solo artists, duets, and vocal groups are all invited to try out. Not a singer? Come down to the event to cheer on the performers!

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

When: Monday, July 4^th | 7:00 am – Noon

Where: First Congregational Church (2 East Central Street)

Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12

Start off the 4^th of July with a belly full of delicious pancakes.

61^st Annual July Fourth Parade

When: Monday, July 4^th | 9:00 am

Where: Wilson Middle School to Natick Center

Cost: FREE!

Set up a spot for you and your family along the parade route on Monday morning. Enjoy local performers, live music, and patriotic floats. The theme of this year’s parade is “Celebrating Natick’s Rich History” and the grand marshal is World War II veteran Paul Hasgill.

WESTON

Annual “Happy Birthday USA” Family Day  

When: Monday, July 4^th | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Spellman Postal Museum (241 Wellesley Street)

Bring the kids to the Spellman Postal Museum in Weston for a day filled with activities. Children can design their own 4^th of July stamp, participate in a scavenger hunt, and make arts and crafts. All kids will be able to take home a free collection of American flag stamps and enjoy a piece of birthday cake!

Red, White, and Pool!

When: Monday, July 4^th | 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Where: Memorial Pool (Alphabet Lane)

Cool off this 4^th of July with a day at the pool! There will be patriotic events, games, and a pool side DJ!

NEEDHAM

Fourth of July Celebration

When: Sunday, July 3^rd – Monday, July 4^th

Where: Memorial Park (92 Rosemary St.)

Cost: FREE!

Take part in two days of festivities! The celebration kicks off at 5:00 pm on Sunday with music, food, and a fireworks show. On the 4^th, start the day by watching the raising of the American flag at the Town Common at 9:00 am. Afterwards, spend the day watching the Grand Parade, attending the craft fair, and participating in the countless other fun activities at the park.

Charles River YMCA Independence Day 5K

When: Monday, July 4^th | 8:30 am

Where: Episcopal Church (1132 Highland Avenue)

Cost: $30

Be active this July 4^th and race in the Charles River YMCA Independence Day 5K!

Celebrate America’s 240^th birthday at one of these amazing events in Metrowest Boston!

Team Lynch Real Estate wishes you and your family a very happy and safe Independence Day!

Halloween is just around the corner! Get ready for a weekend full of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. If you want a good scare, walk through the halls of “The Sanatorium of Horror” at 67 Whittier Road in Wellesley. This haunted attraction is sure to make you go crazy! 

If your little monsters aren’t quite ready for a haunted house, there are plenty of events around town to keep them smiling this Halloween. Dress up in your favorite costume and march down Washington Street for the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Parade on October 25^th. The parade will be followed with kid-friendly activities in Clock Tower Park.

Wellesley Middle School will be the site for the highly anticipated Kiwanis Pumpkin Race!  Oct. 26, from 10am-noon, build, decorate and race the fastest pumpkin on wheels! This is always such a fantastic, fun event for everyone! Award Categories are: Most Creative Pumpkin, Best Pumpkin Crash, and Race Winners (Champion, second, and third place).

Enjoy a free Halloween party at the Wellesley Library main branch on October 28^th at 3:00pm. There will be stories, crafts, treats, and much more!

It's going to be a howlin' good time....just remember to be safe and and have fun! 

LET THE HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES BEGIN......

If you're like most of us Yankee's, you love getting out and enjoying the Fall weather in our magnificent part of the U.S. It really doesn't get much better than New England, we've been blessed with some of the best scenery and it behooves us to get out of our city cubby holes and explore and enjoy the magnificent Fall foliage.

Since we do this every year we rack up some serious miles in the car and when the grandkids are along I like to find new iphone apps and movies for them to watch so they aren't getting too bored with all our "ooh's and ahh's" at the fantastic colors we pass along the way. While checking some new apps out this year I came across some fantastic ones for us!  And you guessed it....they are for checking out Fall Foliage in New England (well some help you with general directions...but who cares...they're still helpful in our quest)!  So of course we have to share them with you and I know you're going to get a kick out of using them and find them helpful in general too.   Enjoy!

If you have any apps you'd like to review or share with us, post them to our Facebook page.  We'd love to hear about them!  As always.....if you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Metrowest area we are always here to help in any way we can. 

#WellesleyMA, #NatickMA, #NeedhamMA, #WestonMA, #RealEstate  #LuxuryHomes  #HomesforSale #TeamLynchRealEstate