End of summer bucket list: Still time to do the things you mentioned in June
Summer ends in the morning hours of Sept. 23. But the equinox aside, the unofficial end of summer is Labor Day.
That gives you about a week to do all the things you said you were going to do this summer. Things you haven't done. Things that looked so cool, so doable in June.
Who needs a ski lift?
Wachusett Mountain in Princeton can be ascended by a hiking trail. The mountain, best known as a ski destination, is part of the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, an expanse of 3,000 acres on and around the mountain. No snow needed.
Getting to the top by foot can be done by a few routes, via the Old Indian Trail (start at ski area) and the Pine HIll Trail (start at Visitor Center, 345 Mountain Road, Princeton). There are plenty of scenic views from the 2,006-foot peak.
WooSox
The season's nearing the final innings for the Worcester Red Sox, but you're in luck: The team has six home games leading up to the Sunday before Labor Day.
The Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are in Worcester for a six-game series, starting Aug. 29. Among the promotions for the week are Woof Woof Wednesday (think dog days of summer) and a visit by baseball legend Bill Lee on Thursday.
There are more home games on the schedule in September. But keep in mind: Unlike the big leagues, there's no baseball in October for the WooSox and other Triple-A teams.
Grown here
It's peak season for the many farmers markets in Central Mass. Several communities have weekly events. Perhaps you've driven past one and admired the offerings — but never stopped.
Here's a few: Barre Town Common, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays; Grafton Common, 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 1174 Main St., Holden, 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays; Westborough, 117 East Main St., 2-6 p.m. Thursdays.
Hear this
The Out to Lunch series on Worcester Common, highlighted by music, food and fun, will close out the season to the country sounds of Stomp N' Holler. The Worcester band, known for its feel-good music, will anchor the Out to Lunch on Aug. 31. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Another band worth checking out is The Eagles Experience, slated to perform Aug. 31 at the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, The free show, from 6 to 8 p.m., is part of the ValleyCAST Summer Concert Series, organized by Open Sky Community Services.
On the water
There's more to a lake or pond than swimming. How about a kayak or a canoe? Or a paddleboard? Maybe a pedal boat?
Hopkinton State Park is a fun place to spend a few hours atop the surface. The park rents a range of watercraft. And it has become a popular spot for one of the more popular water activities in recent years, paddleboarding. For those who might be a little wobbly on the water, lessons are offered.
A parade? Love it.
How about closing out the summer with a parade?
Since 1952, when Marlborough Mayor Romeo J. Gadbois sought a way to brighten the lives of his constituents, Marlborough has marked the change of seasons with an annual Labor Day Parade.
The parade, which steps off at noon Sept. 4, covers a 1.7-mile route in and around downtown Marlborough.
Time's running out
Was this the summer you planned to sign up for a road race or two? You could use the free T-shirts.
You might not need an excuse after all, because there are a few road races Labor Day weekend. There's the Charlton Old Home Day Road Race (5 miles) on Sept. 3. Or how about the Barefoot Half Marathon on Sept. 3, stretching from Sterling to Shrewsbury? Shoes optional.
A different flavor
By this time in the summer, you've worn a path to your favorite ice cream spot. Same place. Same order. You've put enough money in the server's tip jar to cover grad school.
Earlier this summer, we asked our readers to choose the best ice cream stand in Central Mass. Froze Zone of West Boylston took home the top spot.
But the contest had many great places for a tasty treat. Perhaps check out a place you've never been:
Rota Spring Farm, 117 Chace Hill Road, Sterling
Meola's Wayside Ice Cream, 165 West Boylston St., West Boylston; 1134 Main St., Holden; 110 Leominster Road, Sterling
Uhlman's Ice Cream, 232 East Main St., Westborough
Robbie's Place, 790 Southbridge St., Auburn
Pinecroft Dairy and Restaurant, 539 Prospect St., West Boylston
Cherry Hill Ice Cream, 826 Leominster Road, Lunenburg; 53 Main St., Townsend
Trombetta's Farm, 655 Farm Road, Marlborough
Ice Cream Pharm, 185 West Main St., Dudley
Kimball Farm, 1543 Lunenburg Road (Route 70), Lunenburg; and Westford, Carlisle and Jaffrey, New Hampshire
Ronnie's Seafood and Ice Cream, 871 Southbridge St., Auburn
Christopher's Homemade Ice Cream, 22 West St., Millbury
Gibby's Famous Ice Cream, 42 Sunderland Road, Worcester
Kay's Dairy Bar, 196 State Road West, Westminster
Froze Zone, 184 West Boylston St., West Boylston
West End Creamery, 481 Purgatory Road, Whitinsville
Madulka's Ice Cream, 193 Lake Ave., Worcester
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: End of summer bucket list: Still time to do the things you mentioned in June
