MASSACHUSETTS - South of Boston/Plymouth

Seven Arrows Farm in Attleboro, Massachusetts is not your typical farm. Now in its 31st year, the farm is the product of owners/growers Judy and Michel’s mutual passion for plants, gardening, and all things green. Here you can stroll through the gardens and the uncommon plant nursery, find a remedy or a gift at the farm’s extensive herb shop, visit with the chickens and goats, seek counsel from one of the farm’s knowledgeable staff members, or simply relax with a book from the farm’s library in the sunny tea room. Hours: Open year-round; call for spring and summer hours. Phone: 508-399-7860.

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary at 37 Eddy Street in Norton is a nonprofit stay-for-life animal reserve established to care for abused and abandoned farm and exotic animals. Visitors can take a tour the farm, meet the animals who live there, and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the season. Winslow Farm also offers a nature trail, full playground, birthday parties, perennial garden, and many activities throughout the year, like the October Festival, Sheep Shearing, Easter Egg Hunt, Green Sprouts, Renaissance Faire, Yuletide Festival, and Arts and Craft Faire. Open daily except Tuesdays, year-round. Phone: 508-285-6451.

Visitors to Fall River, especially during the cold seasons, would be wise to visit the Knitting Mills Factory Outlet Store on Quarry Street for fantastic savings on sweaters, knitwear, and blankets. This is a true factory outlet, selling only what is made by the company. The hundred of thousands of sweaters made here have commanded the attention of customers from all over the country. Prices are 50 percent to 70 percent off retail. Wow! Phone: 508-678-1383

The Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro is open to all football fans. Try your skill at kicking or converting a field goal. See how high can you jump compared to Devin McCourty. Is your reaction time as quick as that of NFL players? How hard is it to make an official’s call on the field? Listen to Coach Belichick explain the strategies behind each play. Learn if you have what it takes to score a touchdown. Finish with a special visit to see the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophies and World Championship rings from 2001, 2003 and 2004. The Hall is open daily, but it closes occasionally for private functions. It is typically closed before and during a Patriots home game, but it re-opens after 1 p.m. home games. Hours vary seasonally. Phone: 508-6989-4800.

Step back in time with a visit to the Old Country Store & Emporium on Otis Street in Mansfield. Many of the household goods that our grandparents knew are here in the rambling wooden buildings. The West Mansfield Fire Barn next door now houses the Firehouse Candle Shop. The Emporium houses a restored soda fountain and apothecary shop. The sound of the three restored nickelodeons brings back memories of an earlier time. The Barn contains stuffed bears, pictures, linens, braided rugs, jelly cupboards and occasional furniture, hutches and lighting fixtures and gifts galore. Open daily. Phone: 508-339-8128.

For a romantic walk in a leafy woods, visit World’s End in Hingham, a nature preserve tucked into the end of a curve of shoreline that sweeps southeast from Boston. Rolling hills and rocky shorelines offer views of the Boston skyline, while tree-lined carriage paths make delightful walking trails. The 251-acre landscape includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by woodlands. The property is ideal for walking, picnicking, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It is managed by the admirable Trustees of the Reservations, and open to the public for walking year-round.

For lively, dynamic, creative entertainment of all stripes, stay tuned to the Zeiterion Theatre on Purchase Street in New Bedford. This historic performing arts center is located in a restored 1923 vaudeville house, and its programs include summer musicals, comedy, great American music, dance, special events, and family fun. The 2011 season includes "The Wizard of Oz," Ana Vinagre, Bela Fleck and Flecktones, Victoria Stillwell, Midtown Men, a number of Christmas specials, and more. Check the theater’s website for schedules. Phone: 508-997-5664.