Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1281965
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 32 SEPTEMBER 2020 FAC E S + P L AC E S Winchester's population grew rapidly until the mid-1900s. Today, growth has leveled off. The factories and mills have closed, but the town's combi- nation of charm, beauty, and proximity to the city remains appealing to commuters, profes- sionals, and families. The downtown is one of Winchester's most notable features, say those who live in (and love) the town. The center is anchored on one end by a classic New England white church and on the other by a stately brick town hall and a granite-faced public library. Lined with small, locally owned businesses, many set in historic red-brick buildings, downtown is an active place at the heart of the community. "We have a downtown historic center where people can really meet and greet each other," says Catherine Alexander, executive director of the Winchester Chamber of Com- merce. "People are very loyal to the retailers and the restaurants." The diversity of shops and eateries make the center a pleasant place to stroll and browse. At Recess Boutique, Runway Cou- ture, and SoleAmour, shoppers choose from a carefully curated selection of stylish apparel. For home décor and gifts, there's Studio on the Common or Home. If you get hungry, you could grab a sandwich or a snack at Fuller Cup, an innovative sushi roll at The Spot, or an authentic Italian dinner at Lucia Ristorante. "We have a unique center—it is vibrant," says Dot Butler, a longtime resident and active volunteer in several community organizations in town. Outside of the town center are street after shade-dappled street lined with elegant Victo- rian homes as well as opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. At the historic Wright-Locke Farm, visitors can explore trails through fields and forest, visit with livestock, and enjoy locally grown and produced foods. At the eastern edge of town, the Middlesex Fells Reservation gives locals and visitors a chance to escape to a peaceful woodland without wandering too far afield. The sense of community that connects the town has always been strong, but has come to the fore during the coronavirus pandemic. "I think every single person in the town is working together to keep our community alive," Alexander says. for money during a time of crisis. "But in fact they came through magnificent- ly," she says. Picnic tables have been set up in green spaces around the center, giving people places to enjoy takeout in the open air while still feeling part of the community. And a group of concerned teenagers has started a social media campaign to demonstrate that wearing masks can be a cool thing to do, Wong says. While everyone agrees it is a time of un- certainty, there is an optimism in town that Winchester will able to thrive despite current challenges. "It takes a whole community to make it work," Butler says. "And Winchester has risen to the occasion." The chamber of commerce has distrib- uted masks to local businesses to help keep employees and customers safe. The chamber also made yard signs promoting "Winchester spirit" and sporting the town's zip code, 01890, that can now be seen all over town. When it came time for the annual tradition of collect- ing donations to fund hanging flower baskets, Alexander was a little worried about asking Studio on the Common offers an art studio next to its gift shop.