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With Patch Passport, Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see.
In the Venture Out portion of the Patch Passport series, we show you some of the best places near your hometown you can visit in less than a tank of gas. Enjoy the drive. 1 Hour Drive Wells State Park in Sturbridge 30-Minute Drive NARA Park in Acton 15-Minute Drive Hammond Pond in Newton
After fighting crowds at the mall or a stressful lunch with your boss, relax at the surprisingly serene Hammond Pond in Newton's Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Don't sweat the drive, it is only 15 minutes. Check out the video in the photo box to the right.
Acton's NARA Park is one of the most unique places in town. Not every town has a nine-acre pond to swim in (with on-duty lifeguards), a beach to lay-out on, a trail to walk through, fields for a picnic and play and a stage for live entertainment — all in one place. Whether you have a family who wants to cool off on a hot summer day or want a nice quiet place to clear your head during a walk, NARA Park offers all this and more. Watch the attached video interview with Acton's Recreation Director, Cathy Fochtman, as she takes us through the many exciting summer activities offered at NARA Park.
Do you want to get out of the kitchen, but are bored of the same old places you always go to? Want some fresh ideas for tasty meals? Then the Patch Passport can help. We have assembled a list of local places with international flavors. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! Erawan Of Siam — This Asian eatery offers authentic Thai Food in an interesting part of Waltham, Moody Street. Sample the Carb Rangoon, a classic Asian dish, or the many varities of curry. Margarita's — This Mexican eatery offer a large menu of filling burriots, quesadillas and other tasty food, as well …
Few things say summer more than flowers, and Waltham's Florist offers one of the finest places in town to get them. Located at 174 Lexington Street, this colorful locale offers a variety of flowers and arrangements. Although currently undergoing renovations, the store remains open and improvements should be complete by September. Orders are available for pick-up or delivery. 
The treatment menu is extensive at Elizabeth Grady in Waltham. From skin care and massage, to nails and makeup application, hours of pampering and rejuvenation await. The numerous options offer the chance for a soothing retreat right in the city, or a way to prepare for a wedding or special night out. Watch for promotions offered throughout the year or purchase a series for a discounted price on repeated treatments.  What I tried: The Marine Essentials Facial and eyebrow waxing. One of the dozen facial offerings available at Elizabeth Grady, this treatment is meant to balance and hydrate the …
Vestiges of the city's rich history still dot the community today, evoking recollections of eras past when the city was filled with old railroads, a watch factory and even a famous writer. Let Patch Passport be your guide to discovering some historic sites in the city. But first, some back history on the city's beginnings. Waltham was founded in 1738 after succeeding from Watertown. The city was finally incorporated in 1884. The first settlers arrived during the 17th century and laid their roots in the Chester and Beaver Brook areas. Years later in the 19th century, philosopher Ralph Waldo …
The Hagop N. “Jack” Koutoujian Playground, located at 901 Moody St. in Waltham, has a skate park, basketball courts, a baseball field, a swing set and climbing equipment with two slides, which kids can spend hours enjoying.  The park closes at 8 p.m.
We all know the Charles River runs through Waltham, but what you may not be aware of is that it has a beautiful path to run, walk or bicycle. Check out our photos of the walkway.
Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Check back to Waltham Patch daily to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Waltham. And you can tell us what you love about Waltham, and we'll include it as part of our project. We hope this project encourages you to shop local, eat local and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own town has to offer. And although everything will appear this week, it's not going anywhere. This page will remain a …
Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Come back to Waltham Patch each day next week to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Waltham. And you can tell us what you love about Waltham, and we'll include it as part of our project. We hope this project encourages you to shop locally, eat locally and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own town has to offer.

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