Between Providence And Cape Cod Is A Friendly East Coast Town With Outdoor Fun, Tasty Eats, And A Local Museum

The East Coast, site of the nation's original 13 colonies, is a deeply historic region. Massachusetts in particular is full of early American history, as Plymouth County is home to the famous Plymouth Rock, traditionally recognized as the landing site of the Mayflower Pilgrims. This storied county is dotted with quaint little towns that blend history, nature, and small-town appeal. One such town is Lakeville, a great option for those who enjoy fun on the water, mouthwatering local eats, and historic charm.

Lakeville is a hub for water-based adventure, as its name might suggest. Although the town spans about 36 square miles, it has several lakes that cover about 4,000 acres altogether. One of the lakes plays an interesting part in American history: Assawompset Pond. This is where the 1675 murder of an English ally helped spark King Philip's War, a conflict between the Native American Wampanoag people and English settlers. A few decades later, Lakeville emerged as a parish settlement of Middleborough in 1717 before becoming its own town in 1853. Visitors can learn more about the town's past at the Lakeville Historical Museum, which is partly made up of the old Grove Chapel Church, built in 1875. This free-to-enter museum features items that highlight the town's role in American history, including old farming tools and bomber wreckage from World War II. 

Today, Lakeville has a population of approximately 12,500 residents and a friendly, rural atmosphere. It is about 45 miles west of Cape Cod and just under 40 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island, making it a great option "for people who want to be able to get away from the noise of the city," according to one current resident. If outdoor adventure and small-town charm pique your interest, make sure to keep Lakeville on your radar.

Lakeville has a vibrant community spirit. According to Business View Magazine, Town Administrator Andrew Sukeforth considers "the friendliness and the closeness of the people" among Lakeville's "most prominent [features]," which adds to the small-town charm. If you happen to visit in October, you can experience this welcoming atmosphere during the annual Lakeville Arts and Music Festival, a family-friendly celebration of the town's creative spirit featuring handmade crafts, live music, and plenty of food options from local vendors.

Regardless of when you visit Lakeville, you'll have plenty of unique local eateries to choose from. Start your day with a meal at JK Cafe, which, according to a Tripadvisor review, "has a real neighborhood charm that makes you feel right at home." Plus, the cafe serves all-day breakfast throughout the week except Sunday, just in case you're looking to start your day a bit later. For lunch, enjoy some classic American fare at Baldie's Craft Pizzeria, a Lakeville staple since 1998. With a name inspired by the owner's bald head, this family-owned establishment serves delicious brick-oven pizza, has an impressive selection of draft beers, and received the SEED Corporation's Small Business of the Year Award in 2021.

In the evenings, Red Hand Brewing Co. is a great stop for anyone in the mood for good beer and a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. Another family-owned establishment, this brewery keeps things lively with events such as live music performances and trivia nights alongside specialty pizzas and beer on tap. For more tasty eats and artsy vibes around Massachusetts, visit Florence, just two hours away.

The biggest draw to Lakeville is, of course, the lakes. Although these major bodies of water are technically classified as lakes by today's standards, 17th-century English settlers in northern New England often used the term "pond" for bodies of water that would now be considered lakes. Among these lakes are Assawompset Pond and Long Pond, the two largest natural bodies of water in the state and hubs for outdoor activity. The bigger of the two, Assawompset Pond, spans around 2,500 acres and sits between Lakeville and the neighboring Middleboro, a forested town with a historic downtown. 

While activity on the Assawompset Pond itself is very limited, visitors can enjoy plenty of recreation overlooking the water at Tamarack Park, a lush meadow and marsh landscape that sits between Assawompset and Long Pond. It's a great location for spotting wildlife like eagles or painted turtles and enjoying a stroll through the scenic surroundings. If you're in the mood for some lake recreation, the 1,780-acre Long Pond is your best bet. The warmer months draw visitors to its shallow waters for fishing, boating, and swimming, while the winter months bring ice fishing and ice skating to the area.

Lakeville's location in southeastern Massachusetts places visitors close to some of the region's best outdoor offerings. Of the several state parks and forests nearby, the closest option is Massasoit State Park. Across its 1,200 wooded acres are several sprawling lakes and ponds, adding even more water recreation to your getaway. For another lovely park with scenic trails and pond recreation, Borderland State Park is just over 22 miles northwest of Lakeville and offers about 1,840 acres of outdoor adventure and history.