Connect with us

Massachusetts

A sweet story: Massachusetts unveils official ice cream trail with more than 100 shops, dairy farms – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

Published

on

A sweet story: Massachusetts unveils official ice cream trail with more than 100 shops, dairy farms – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


You’ve heard of the storied Freedom Trail — the two-and-a-half-mile path stringing together a constellation of historical sites in downtown Boston.

Now, Massachusetts residents and visitors alike can traverse a new, dairy-filled trail that traverses the state, called the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail.

The trail covers more than 100 dairy farms and ice cream shops from Western Massachusetts to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Adventurers can embark on a self-guided tour of the state’s famed ice cream destinations, which are listed in alphabetical order by each region.

“This is the perfect way to explore Massachusetts. You’ll discover hidden gems, charming towns, unique ice cream shops with incredible flavors and beautiful farm settings,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the state’s office of travel and tourism.

Advertisement

Notable destinations in the Greater Boston area include the Boston Children’s Museum Hood Milk Bottle, Cabot’s Ice Cream and Restaurant in Newton, Gracie’s Ice Cream in Somerville, and Sweeties in Roslindale.

North of Boston, those on the trail can stop by Connors Farm in Danvers, the Ice Cream Store in Rockport, and Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe in Gloucester, Peabody, and Salem.

Heading south, Farfar’s Danish Ice Cream Shop might do the trick. Or Joyful Scoops in Middleboro. Inching west, Hanson’s Farm in Framingham and Black Cow in Millis are both featured on the map.

Then, on the list in Western Massachusetts are High Lawn Farm in Lee and Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream in Easthampton, among a handful of others.

One cannot forget Mad Martha’s on the Vineyard, which can be found in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. Also featured are Lil’ Caboose Ice Cream in South Yarmouth and the Juice Bar on Nantucket.

Advertisement

“All of the destinations on the map use local milk and cream from our Massachusetts dairy farms,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Ashley Randle.

Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms, making it an integral part of state agriculture.

“We are the ice cream capital. We eat the most ice cream per capita of just about any other place and we’re here to demonstrate why these products are so great,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

Those who want to embark on an ice cream journey can check out the full map here.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Advertisement
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox



Source link

Massachusetts

163 surrendered rats seek new homes in Massachusetts

Published

on

163 surrendered rats seek new homes in Massachusetts


Attention all non-traditional pet lovers! A non-profit organization in Massachusetts received a boatload of pet rats in need of new homes. 

An individual in northeastern Massachusetts surrendered 163 rats in early February. That’s almost 60 percent more than the total number of rats that were adopted from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell (MSPCA-Angell) in 2025 alone. 

“A well-meaning person got into a tough spot, and we were able to help,” Mike Keiley, Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, said in a statement. “As a humane law enforcement department, we want to work with people who love their animals to make sure those animals are getting the care they need.Sometimes that means helping with resources, other times it means facilitating a surrender, which was the case here.”

Advertisement

MSPCA-Angell must have also found itself in need of a hand, because the sheer size of the rat surrender prompted the organization to request support from adopters as well as other animal welfare organizations. Ultimately, MSPCA-Angell kept 53 rats, increasing the total number of rats the organization is caring for to over 70, which is almost 75 percent of all the rats they adopted out last year. 

Massachusetts’ Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and New Hampshire SPCA and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire also took in rats from the surrender. 

“Taking in so many of one kind of small animal or bird really taxes resources,” Keiley said. “It pulls our attention to accommodating one species when we’re caring for so many at the same time.This kind of surrender wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support we’ve received from other shelters—and we’re hoping we get a similar level of amazing support from the community!”

MSPCA-Angell’s plans to bring the rats to their four shelters—Boston, Salem, Methuen, and Centerville—despite the fact that the Salem location normally only hosts cats and dogs. This surrender was so big that the organization had to use every location. 

So if you’re looking for a pet rat—or just a small furry animal—now is your time. Keep an eye on the websites of MSPCA-Angell, Dakin Humane, Lowell Humane, Berkshire Humane, ARL Boston, NHSPCA, and ARL New Hampshire for information on where there are rats up for adoption, and stop by during open hours to adopt the next member of your family. 

Advertisement

“Rats have a bad reputation, but they actually make really great companion pets,” Keiley pointed out. “They’re smart and clean. They also form deep bonds with their owners,” he continued. “We’re hoping that rat lovers—and anyone looking for a less conventional small pet—comes out and gives these great animals the happy homes they deserve!”

 

2025 PopSci Best of What’s New

Advertisement

 

Margherita is a trilingual freelance science writer.




Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Massachusetts

School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Friday, March 6

Published

on

School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Friday, March 6


Several school districts in Massachusetts have delayed the start of classes for Friday, March 6 because of a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow.

Take a look below for the full list of school closings and delays.

The list displays all public schools in alphabetical order, followed by private schools and then colleges and universities.

Advertisement

Delays on this page are current as of

Advertisement

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Massachusetts

Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play

Published

on

Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play



A body part was found in a pond in Shirley, Massachusetts and investigators said foul play is suspected.

Advertisement

It was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday as a group of people were walking along Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road.

Police said the group noticed something suspicious in the water of Phoenix Pond. The Middlesex District Attorney confirmed that the item was a body part, but would not elaborate.

Police shut down the road and divers could be seen exploring the pond late Wednesday. Authorities were back at the scene Thursday morning.

No other information is available at this point in the investigation.

Phoenix Pond connects to the Catacoonamug Brook, which flows into the Nashua River. It’s also connected to Lake Shirley.

Advertisement

Shirley, Massachusetts is about 44 miles northwest of Boston and around 13 miles from the New Hampshire border. 



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending