Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bridgewater, MA to Dedham, MA

If you're looking for a fun and adventurous road trip in Massachusetts, a drive from Bridgewater to Dedham can be the perfect escape. The journey takes about an hour and a half, covering a distance of approximately 46 miles. Through this road trip, you'll travel along a scenic route, passing a few quaint New England towns, historic landmarks, and parks. The trip is perfect for a day's getaway with family and friends, where you can make some memorable stops along the way.

Halfway Point: Brockton, MA

Brockton, MA, is the midway point between Bridgewater and Dedham, making it an excellent place to stop and take a break. Known as the ‘City of Champions,' the town has a rich history in boxing, with several champs hailing from the area, including Rocky Marciano. A statue of the heavyweight champion stands proudly in the city center.

There are many things to see and do in Brockton, including visiting the Fuller Craft Museum, a cultural center that showcases contemporary crafts and New England art. The Brockton Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1948, is another must-visit attraction for classical music lovers. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at Joe Angelo's Cafe, a legendary local spot that serves up some of the best subs in town.

1. Borderland State Park

There's nothing better than soaking in the breathtaking beauty of nature, and a visit to the Borderland State Park will offer you just that. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the picturesque woodlands, ponds, and fields of the park. The park is home to historic estates, including Ames Mansion, which was built-in 1910. You can also go fishing, horseback riding, or swimming in the nearby ponds. To satisfy your hunger, you can pack a picnic or grab some snacks from the Borderland State Park Visitor Center.

2. Old Sturbridge Village

Take a journey back in time and visit Old Sturbridge Village, where you'll be transported back to the early 19th-century New England. The history museum is a living, breathing village, with costumed historians taking visitors through the colonial lifestyle. Here, you can witness a Blacksmith at work, watch women making bread, see a school lesson in session, and so much more. You can also enjoy a traditional 1830s-style meal at one of their taverns.

3. Patriot Place

Football fans, this one's for you! Located right next to Gillette Stadium, Patriot Place is a sports-lovers shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. The complex attracts fans from all over the world and is packed with family fun. The 1.3 million-square-foot marketplace is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment like fashion outlets, movie theatres, a wax museum, a bowling alley, and much more. While here, don't forget to grab a bite to eat at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill, which serves up fantastic BBQ and has a dance floor you can take full advantage of.

4. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Shopaholics rejoice! The Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is your one-stop-shop for bargain deals. With over 170 stores, including high-end brands and designer labels, you're sure to find something you love. With discounts of 25-60% off the regular prices, you can buy the latest fashion trends or home goods at a fraction of the cost. You can also grab a bite to eat from the many restaurants in the mall.

5. Enchanted Village

Christmas lovers can keep the holiday spirits alive by visiting the Enchanted Village in Dedham. The Village is a special place that celebrates the holiday season and is open all year round. It features dozens of family-friendly attractions like train rides, Christmas shops, and a magical snow palace. You can enjoy live shows featuring the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, take a walk through the gingerbread village, and even meet Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. After all the festivities, you can grab some gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa from one of the many vendors.

Conclusion

The drive from Bridgewater to Dedham is a great way to explore the beauty of Massachusetts and experience some of the unique attractions dotted along the way. And as we've seen, there are so many exciting places to visit, from the scenic Borderland State Park to the shopping paradise that is the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Make sure to stop and take in the half-way point in Brockton and try some of the delicious food on offer. At the end of it all, you'll have an enjoyable day trip and an insightful taste of Massachusetts.