By Olivia Green
While remaining historic, lush, and well rounded, Wayland is not necessarily well known for its entertainment. However, if you know where to look, there are plenty of gems you won’t want to miss this summer.
To have fun without spending a dime, try visiting one of Wayland’s many parcels of conservation land. Scattered across the town, these swaths of verdant foliage are completely free and open to all. Out of Wayland’s 19 conservation areas, most notable are Greenways and Pod Meadow, both easily accessible from Old Connecticut Path. Enjoying some greenery, wildflowers and a view of the Sudbury River can be a great remedy for a hot summer day.
Another often overlooked feature is the Weston Aqueduct, which runs through Wayland and surrounding towns. This elevated pathway spans 13.5 miles and is completely open for walking. There are many access points, so you can start and stop wherever you like. This trail provides a peaceful, quiet look into the scenery surrounding Wayland.
A notable highlight in Wayland is the Town Beach, where people go to swim, kayak, paddleboard, sail or just bask in the sun on the shores of Lake Cochichuate. To enjoy access to the beach and its amenities all summer long, you can buy a season pass. Otherwise, day passes are only $5 for Wayland residents and $10 for non-Wayland residents.
Not far from the Town Beach, you can find Mansion Beach, an access point to Dudley Pond. Less known for swimming but popular among residents for kayaking and paddleboarding, this is a completely free option ideal for those seeking a quieter and less bustling atmosphere. Because the Town Beach is very popular among residents, Dudley Pond is a way to escape the presence of many others while still enjoying a beachy feel.
To maximize the breezy summer small-town feel, visit Russell’s Garden Center for the Wayland Farmer’s market on Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy local food and drink, and explore the vast selection of plants and flowers available inside and outside the store. Furthermore, the gift shop offers an expansive collection of handmade and local products among garden tools and decorations.
The Wayland Museum & Historical Society offers an interesting respite on a hot day. See the “Echoes of Liberty” exhibit at the Grout-Heard House at 12 Cochituate Road through July 31.
The Wayland Free Public Library is a historic and prominent building in the town, and it features a variety of events for all ages throughout the summer. The full schedule can be viewed on the Library website. The building provides a cozy atmosphere for reading and escaping the heat, and there are always discounted books for sale on the lower floor.
The library is located right next to the Mass Central Rail Trail, an expansive paved pathway perfect for walking, biking, running, rollerblading and more. Check out a book, attend an event, park at the library, and then explore the smooth trail that runs for miles.
Food and drink
A guide to summer activities wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the many options for food and drink scattered around the town. These local spots are the perfect remedy for cooling down on a hot day or just treating yourself to a comfort food fix.
Although Wayland doesn’t have many ice cream options, just a few hundred feet past the Entering Natick sign, you can find Dairy Queen, which is where many Wayland residents get their summer sweet treats. Additionally, New City Microcreamery in Sudbury offers unique flavors and vegan options. Beyond that, popular with the younger crowd is Yogurt Beach in Newton, a self-serve frozen yogurt frenzy. While it’s located a little further from Wayland, Yogurt Beach is frequented by Wayland residents and is known for its inexpensive yet delicious frozen yogurt.
For a morning treat or early afternoon brunch, visit the Muffin House, a cafe right next to Dairy Queen with an extensive selection of muffins, pastries and coffee. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to enjoy fresh muffins and baked goods under the summer sun.
Another enjoyable way to spend a summer morning is to pop down Route 20 to Heirloom in Weston. It’s hard not to indulge in one of their tasty summer coffee menu items and enjoy a sandwich on the inviting outdoor patio. The fresh, local taste and aesthetic interior provides an enticing atmosphere that attracts as many Wayland residents as it does Weston.
And finally, last but not least, no Wayland guide would be complete without mentioning the famous Dudley Chateau, whose outdoor “chatio” is the perfect place to spend a summer evening. Enjoy one of their enormous burgers along with a view of Dudley Pond.
