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Winter in Arlington: Ideas for Getting Outside and Exploring

It’s a new year, and even though the days are gradually getting longer, gearing up to head outside doesn’t always seem like the most exciting idea. Especially when there’s a cold drizzly mist and there’s no epic snowstorm in the forecast. A new study from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki claims that “physical activity is thought to be the key mediating factor in the health benefits of green spaces when availability or active use of green space are considered.”  Luckily Arlington has much to offer when it comes to walking and hiking, and exploring!

The Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Minuteman Bikeway travels from one end of Arlington to the other, and connects the nearby towns of Bedford, Lexington, and Cambridge. All 3 business districts can be visited from the bikeway, whether you’re walking or biking, it’s a great way to explore the town, at any time of year. The Alewife Brook Greenway is another biking and walking path that ties into the Minuteman Bikeway. The Greenway connects with routes to Davis Square in Somerville, Harvard Square and Fresh Pond in Cambridge, and Belmont. Go for a run, a walk, ride your own bike or rent one from one of the six Bluebike stations located in Arlington.

Arlington is also home to a number of beautiful parks and green spaces. The view of the Boston skyline from Robbins Farm Park is spectacular. On a clear morning, you can head up to the top of the hill to watch the sun come up over Boston. It’s stunningly beautiful, and you’ll always have company; it’s a popular spot for photographers and early morning walkers and runners. When it snows, there are a couple great hills for sledding at that park. 

Magnolia Park is home to some of Arlington’s sports fields, as well as a basketball court and a dog park. You can also head over to Spy Pond, which has a new playground, as well as scenic paths along the water. Spy Pond is a coveted spot for watching the sunset. Menotomy Rocks Park is a 35 acre hilly woodland park that’s perfect for a walk or family hike, any time of the year. It’s a great place for dogs as well. In the winter it can be a popular spot for sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. But be careful!

Also, located in Arlington Heights, the Arlington Reservoir has long been a destination for local residents and visitors. It’s a popular swimming hole in the summer, but during the rest of the year, people can enjoy the beach with dogs, and hike on the 1.2 mile loop around the water, which connects to the Great Meadow Trail, well-known for walking and hiking, cross country skiing and wildlife observation during any season.

There is no shortage of trails in the surrounding Arlington area. You can also check out Whipple Hill, Turkey Hill, Arlington’s Great Meadows, McLennan Park, and the Middlesex Fells. Spending time outdoors is essential for health and well-being. It can be difficult to establish new patterns, but you can start small. Even 15 minutes outdoors can boost your mood and energy. Read more tips on safety and motivation. Be safe and have fun!

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Explore East Arlington & Capitol Square

Just over the border from Cambridge, East Arlington/Capitol Square is a lively, bustling neighborhood and home to the historic Capitol Theater, independently owned retailers, and excellent eateries.

The Minuteman Bikeway is just 1/4 mile away making East Arlington the perfect refueling stop for cyclists before heading to Harvard Square or Lexington/Concord.

Here are just a few of East Arlington’s highlights.

The shops of the Capitol Square block offer books, gifts, floral, home decor, baked goods, and more! This block is anchored by the Capitol Theatre. Since 1925, this movie palace has delighted visitors with old-world charm and the most up-to-date movies.

Before seeing a movie at the Capitol, grab a drink or a bite to eat from the scratch kitchen at Town Tavern, directly across the street from the theatre. The Tavern also offers live music so check their schedule.

Looking for some exercise? Pick up a Bluebike at either Linkwood St. or Grafton St. and ride to Arlington Center, Arlington Heights, Lexington, and beyond!

 

 

 

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Arlington Open Studios 2021

Arlington Open Studios returns on Saturday, November 13 in a mostly with lots of new features and visitor favorites.

Over 50 participants will be featured this year at 3 locations in Arlington Center. The Robbins Library will offer a Book & Art Sale as a new addition to the event. Six Studio Artists will open their doors to visitors. Participating artists will present a range of mediums including painting, photography, fiber, ceramics, glass, fine jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, and sculpture.

As a bonus, this year’s event will feature a Porchfest Stage on the steps of Town Hall and poetry readings from the Red Letter Poems Project.

For more info visit: https://www.acarts.org/arlington-open-studios

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Pine Forest in Arlington Offers A Place for Reflection

Please join the Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture for poetry, music and conversation in an inspiring setting: an evocative art installation — woven into a beautiful pine forest — that invites you to reflect on Arlington’s experiences of the pandemic.

Experience the installation before it closes in mid-November and meet the artist Nilou Moochhala. Enjoy poetry by Francesco Fiondella from his collection of pandemic writing “#SpontaneousCoronaverse”. Delight to short performances by clarinetist Todd Brunel and french hornists Hazel Dean Davis and Nick Auer. Hear reflections by Dr. Robin Schoenthaler, Arlington’s “COVID Dr.,” and Kickstand Cafe co-owner Emily Shea on sharing their stories through Moochhala’s project.

Reflecting on our Pandemic Experience was funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and contributions from the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park and generous individual supporters.

 

 

 

 

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Sculpture & Music at Old Schwamb Mill

 

OCTOBER 23rd 

ART & MUSIC at Mill Pond Park

October 23, 1 – 4 PM

Mill Pond Park at Old Schwamb Mill | 17 Mill Lane | Arlington MA

New England Sculptors Association (NESA) has partnered with the Old Schwamb Mill and the Town of Arlington to present  an outdoor sculpture exhibition at Mill Pond Park.

The Mill will host a reception from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Come meet the artists and enjoy a concert that will follow from 2:30 – 4:00 PM by FOGGY MOUNTAIN CONSORT, a Renaissance/Blue Grass Band. http://foggymountainconsort.com/

The installation of six juried pieces that are available for purchase can be enjoyed through the middle of November. The participating artists’ sculptures on view are:

Mid-Century Modern Heart by Cassie Doyon

Weedy Sea Dragon by Cassie Doyon

My Love by Memy Ish Shalom

Cat by Marin Murakoski

Colliding Worlds by R. Douglass Rice

Dragoon by Dan Rocha

ABOUT NESA

New England Sculptors Association (NESA), est. 1948, supports established and emerging sculptors in achieving their highest potential and in connecting with fellow artists, curators, and collectors. Together with our partners, we promote excellence in sculptural art and seek to inform, educate, and inspire the public throughout New England and beyond. 

http://nesculptors.org

ABOUT OLD SCHWAMB MILL

The Old Schwamb Mill is the oldest continuously operating mill site in the U.S where guided tours are available as well as demonstrations of frame-turning on original 19th-century lathes, still used today to create handmade oval and circular frames. The Mill presents a calendar of events held throughout the year, including gallery and park exhibits, musical performances, lectures and special events.

Also at the Mill…

‘3 Views of a Secret’

Three Views of a Secret

“Three Views of a Secret” is currently on display in the mill’s gallery. It features nature-inspired paintings and sculptures from Arlington artists Gwen Chasan and Dan Cianfarini and Lexington-based Bill Cohn.

The collection showcases Gwen’s tantalizing watercolor and acrylic paintings of birds’ nests, landscapes and botanicals, Dan’s haunting watercolors of New England and international landscapes and structures, and Bill’s other-worldly “industrial-organic” ceramic sculptures. Each artist’s interpretation of the visible world is an affirmation of life, a welcome therapy as we emerge from the global pandemic.

Cianfarini, is an artist who paints exclusively in watercolors, focusing on representational landscapes that often include architectural or other man-made elements to suggest human presence or the passage of time. He is also drawn to certain aspects of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, specifically its search for beauty in the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Since beginning to paint about 20 years ago, he has studied painting and drawing with instructors in the greater Boston area, Maine, and Italy and has participated in several solo exhibitions as well as numerous group exhibitions. His most recent work can be seen at www.danswatercolors.com.

Cohn is a Lexington-based ceramic artist and sculptor. Working in clay, rock, and wood, his unique “Industrial/Organic” themed sculptures have been described as evoking feelings of “being in the New England woods or on a foreign planet all at the same time.” Bill’s work enriches landscapes, gardens, atria and homes. His pieces have been featured in solo, two-person, and juried group shows. Bill has been a studio owner at Artspace in Maynard MA since 2000, and his work can be seen at www.billcohnart.com and on Instagram@cohnbill18.

Chasan is an Arlington artist who creates watercolor and acrylic paintings inspired by the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Her work bridges realism and expressionism as she is drawn to expressing the inner world and emotions evoked by what we see around us. Gwen loves to experiment with new materials and approaches to making marks and images. She has studied drawing and painting with artists in the Boston area, Italy and Greece. Her work has been included in solo and juried exhibitions locally and regionally. She paints in her Arlington studio and teaches workshops in Massachusetts. Her work can be seen at www.gwenchasan.com, and on Instagram @gwen_chasan_art.

These works will be for sale after the show which ends on November 6.

 

 

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