Winthrop, Massachusetts: A Local’s Tips for Winter Visitors

“Welcome to Winthrop, a beautiful oceanside community situated at the entrance to one of the most beautiful harbors in New England! We are a peninsula of 1.6 square miles and boast some of the most spectacular views on the East Coast. On one side we have a panoramic view of the outer harbor and on the other we have the Boston Skyline and the inner harbor silhouetted against the sky.In between, we have the look of a quaint and friendly New England town with shops, parks, marinas, inns and miles of lovely beaches ” Offers Winthrop’s new town website.

“An excellent public transportation system brings people to Winthrop from Boston in just 20 minutes and from the airport in five. Winthrop is also just a short boat ride away from many communities on both the North and South Shore. We like to think of Winthrop as the gateway to the North Shore.Settled in 1630, Winthop is one of the oldest communities in the country. It was named for John Winthrop; a governor of Massachusetts and John’s relative Dean Winthrop’s home, built in 1637 is now an historic site and museum.”

Personally, I like Winthrop, and have lived here for 5 years now, because it offers me a sort of getaway from the business and work-day of the city and surrounding areas, while allowing easy access to the beach and city-life amenities many small towns lack. In addition, there are many restaurants right here in town, ranging from fast food (we have our own McDonald’s!), takeout (Italian, Chinese/Thai, Greek, and American fare), casual (Brothers Restaurant is a local favorite) and and even elegant (Winthrop Arms)! A favorite place of mine is the Hi Tide Diner, open for breakfast and lunch. A fantastic meal unbelievably cheap. Oh, and of course, we have 2 Dunkin’ Donuts shops. One even has a drive through!

The entire eastern (Atlantic) side of Winthrop is beach with ample beach side parking. The town does have a resident sticker system in effect, but only after 11pm. The harbor side of Winthrop is more for docking boats than swimming, but some beaches can be found.

Historically, Winthrop is quite interesting as well. The peninsula town was named after the first Governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop, and as of 2005 was the only remaining ‘Town’ in Suffolk County. The town website also offers a great deal of information regarding the town’s history.

Here are a few of the events that the Chamber of Commerce is hosting this winter. Please see their website for more events!
Holiday Concert Dec. 16-Enjoy a Holiday Concert in memory of Betty Streeter at 7:00 pm at Fortunato Hall, Winthrop High School on Friday, December 16. Donation is $10. Featuring Ellen O’Brien, the Winthrop Concert Band and the Winthrop Middle School Choral Ensemble and sponsored by the Music Parents Association. All proceeds benefit the Winthrop Concert Band and the Betty Streeter Scholarship Fund. Tickets are available at the WHS Office, Luna Boutique, and WCAT (open until 9pm). For more information please call 617-846-7418 (Information taken from Winthrop COC website).

New Years Eve Skate-Saturday, December 31 at Larsen Rink next to the Middle School from 3 – 6 pm skate with all your favorite characters. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation, $5 admission is at the door. For more information please call 617-846-8243 (Information taken from Winthrop COC website)

Fine Wine Fridays in Winthrop Center-Every Friday afternoon from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Swetts Liquors, 3 Somerset Ave. in Winthrop Center there will be a free wine tasting. Featuring wines from various areas and food catered by Shoko’s CafÃ?©. Come down to Winthrop Center and have some fun(Information taken from Winthrop COC website)!