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Travel

MetroWest Massachusetts: A Weekend Getaway Beyond Boston

February 13, 2024

Looking for a charming escape within easy reach of Boston? Look no further than MetroWest Massachusetts! This vibrant region offers a diverse blend of history, nature, art, and delicious food, perfect for a weekend getaway filled with unique experiences.

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Stylish Comfort at The Verve Hotel

Our adventure began with a stay at The Verve Hotel in Natick. This chic and modern hotel provided the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Our room was spacious and stylish, with all the amenities I needed for a relaxing stay. Plus, the hotel’s location in the heart of Natick put me within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Arielle particularly loved the unique theme and fun scavenger hunt that she easily conquered during our stay. I’ll be sharing my full review on The Verve tomorrow!

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A Taste of Local Flavor at Lookout Farm Taproom

For dinner, we ventured to Lookout Farm Taproom in Natick. This lively spot boasts a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines. I opted for the cider flight, featuring a variety of delicious Lookout Farm ciders paired perfectly with upscale comfort food. The friendly staff and warm ambiance made it a truly enjoyable dining experience.

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History Comes Alive at the American Heritage Museum

The next day, we embarked on a journey through time at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. This fascinating museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of America’s involvement in global war, from WWI to the present day War on Terrorism. I was particularly captivated by the World War II artifacts, including working tanks, and salvaged pieces from the infamous Hanoi Hilton from the Vietnam War. Both the items and the presentation of information brought history to life in a captivating way.

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Thrills and Laughs at Urban Air

Looking for some afternoon fun? Urban Air in Bellingham offered the perfect solution. This massive indoor trampoline park provided hours of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. While I mostly let Arielle rock the trampoline, I will admit I bounced, flipped, and soared through the air, reliving my childhood dreams and creating some hilarious memories in the process.

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Creative Expression at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts

To round out our weekend full of family fun, we indulged in our artistic side with a mug-making class at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Ceramics Department. Under the guidance of the talented Hana and Cheska, I learned the basics of hand-building techniques and created my very own mug. And while I had wondered if Arielle would be able to follow the steps or find herself getting restless, she was so focused on making the perfect creation. I was so impressed when I saw her mug all built and ready for the kiln! She still says this is one of her favorite parts of the trip!

They even involved Aurora by creating a special ceramic piece with both her and Arielle’s handprints that we will eventually hang in our home as a unique souvenir. I cannot wait to receive our final products in the mail and will make sure to share them over on my Instagram.

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This is just a glimpse into the many possibilities that await in MetroWest Massachusetts. From exploring the scenic trails of the Sudbury River Valley to discovering hidden gems like the Natick Center for the Arts and the Freedom Trail in Framingham, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, ditch the crowded tourist spots and embark on an adventure to MetroWest Massachusetts. You won’t be disappointed!

As this was part of our fam trip to Central Massachusetts, I would like to thank the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, The Verve Hotel, Lookout Farm Taproom, American Heritage Museum, Urban Air, and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts for hosting us! 

For more on our experience in the heart of Massachusetts, check out my travel guide to Central MA and my review of Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg.

metrowest-massachusetts-travel-guide

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Kate Andrews

Travel, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Kate, the founder and editor of Fashionably Kate & Co., a website that encompasses fashion, travel and how to live life to the fullest.

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I fully intended to get a Mother’s Day post up yes I fully intended to get a Mother’s Day post up yesterday, but I was too busy living it. Aside from traveling, there is nothing I love more than the beautiful, loud chaos of my family.

Alex spoiled us with a gorgeous brunch. Then he set up a fun obstacle course for Arielle and Aurora to tackle with Leyla and Chicho, while my mom watched, laughing at the madness. I snuck in some prep for Arielle’s upcoming birthday (I can never resist a good party-planning session). Throw in some epic ice cream sundaes and lullabies with my girls, and it was perfect. ✨

Speaking of songs, I had to share this sweet memory from our recent trip to the Museum of Science. Arielle captured this magical moment while Aurora serenaded me with You Are My Sunshine—one of the lullabies I sing to them every night.

And honestly? It’s true. When life gets tough, or the political landscape leaves me feeling hopeless, these two are the absolute sunshine that chases the grey clouds away. 

As much as I love my career—the travel, the fashion, the glamour, the sheer joy of creating content—when you strip it all away, they are the reason I wake up every morning. I love showing them the world, proving to them that you can fiercely love your kids, be present, and still fiercely chase your own dreams. I want them to know you can absolutely get ready to walk a runway and still help them with a school science fair project—even when wearing sequins. 🪩🥂

I am lucky to have the support that I do, not every woman has that. But I still carry a massive weight on my shoulders, just like every mother out there. Beyond the everyday chaos of chauffeuring to activities and appointments, and making sure everyone is fed and functioning, there is the heavy, invisible load. It’s balancing my freelance schedule, creator events, and travel with Alex’s work commitments. And then there’s the late-night anxiety of wondering what kind of world are we leaving these kids?

To say motherhood is tough is the understatement of the century. But if I were given the chance to do it all differently? I would choose my children over everything, in every single lifetime. 

My girls are my life, my love, my 🩷🩷
There are two types of people at Epcot on Cinco de There are two types of people at Epcot on Cinco de Mayo: those braving the midday Florida sun, and those of us who know the true luxury of the Mexico pavilion. 🌮✨ 

It is a completely different world in here—perpetual evening, top-tier air conditioning, and margaritas that actually deserve the hype. 

Taking a slow boat ride with the family while enjoying a perfectly salted rim is my kind of ride. 

Because you can absolutely be fully immersed in the mom-life hustle and still demand a chic cocktail break. 🍹

#cincodemayo #epcot #waltdisneyworld #disneyfamily #DisneyWithKids
“Everybody wants this.” And honestly? Miranda Prie “Everybody wants this.” And honestly? Miranda Priestly was entirely right. 👠✨

I am still trying to convince myself I didn’t just dream up Thursday night walking the runway in honor of the sequel release for The Devil Wears Prada 2 with @showcaseus and @MarloMarketing!

But while walking a catwalk in a stunning Mac Duggal sequin dream had the butterflies working overtime, the real magic was in re-screening this film. You know I’m not just a regular fan; when the first movie was released in 2006, I was living in NYC, obsessed with fashion editorial, a theater major who had just rediscovered her love of writing. 

From my TV journalism career to becoming a Content Creator (the irony of being part of the ‘downfall of print’ narrative isn’t lost on me!), my perspective on The Devil Wears Prada has completed a full 20-year circle.

This film is a sharp, brilliant examination of social media superseding traditional editorial, gender equality, the death of print, and the new guard stepping into the spotlight. Miranda would certainly have something cutting to say about it, but I thought it was stunning. There is a moment when you almost wonder if Miranda has lost her edge, until you realize—we’re all just so tired as women.

I don’t want to give away too much, but I left the theater feeling a bit like a traitor to part of my own work, and I immediately went out and bought the May issue of Vogue with Anna and “Miranda” on the front. I had forgotten how good it felt to sit down with a real glossy magazine in my hands. I need to do this more often.

I’ll still always believe in Vogue as my bible. Who else is as excited for the sequel as I am?! 🥂🎬🍿

Sharing more of my thoughts over on my Substack (🔗 in bio)!

#TheDevilWearsPrada #ShowcaseCinemas #BostonBlogger #Vogue #PinchMeMoment
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Walking the ru Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Walking the runway as a mom of two on a random Thursday? A whole different kind of magic. ✨👠

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There’s a moment in the new film where Miranda talks to Andy about all the time she missed with her kids—because she loves her work. It struck such a chord with me. I unapologetically love the work I do. I love the thrill of building my career, taking these wild opportunities, and yes, stepping onto a runway. But I also fiercely love my girls and I am so protective of my time with them and I cherish it, so navigating the tension between those two truths is the ultimate high-low juggle. 

(Massive shoutout to Alex, my sister and brother-in-law for stepping in at the science fair so I could step out this one time!)

It takes a village to get runway-ready. From my girl Heather at The Hair Society preserving these curls for 48 hours, to Aurora acting as my glam squad assistant, this entire week was a masterclass in balance. And it was worth every single second.

Because sometimes, you just have to put on the sequins, silence the guilt, and show your daughters what it looks like to own the spotlight. 🥂✨

Who else has seen the sequel already???! (Review coming soon, and I have thoughts!)

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Everybody wants this.” And honestly? Miranda Pries Everybody wants this.” And honestly? Miranda Priestly was entirely right. 👠✨

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Channeling a little downtown grit, a whole lot of sequins, and my favorite hot pink heels, stepping onto that catwalk was pure magic. Not too shabby for a 4’11” former TV host stepping into her supermodel era for the night! 😉

A massive, chic thank you to @ShowcaseUS and @MarloMarketing for making my high-fashion dreams come true. The energy, the glamour, the sheer joy of the evening—it was everything.

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Last night? Actually groundbreaking.

Plus, I had the chance to screen the film and let me tell you… I have THOUGHTS. A full review is coming soon, but I absolutely loved it. It is such a sharp, brilliant examination of social media superseding traditional editorial, gender equality, and the new guard stepping into the spotlight. It really makes you examine what this massive shift means for content and our society overall.  I thought it was stunning. 🥂🎬🍿

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Tomorrow, The Devil Wears Prada 2 drops—exactly 20 Tomorrow, The Devil Wears Prada 2 drops—exactly 20 years after the original. Which immediately brought me back to this photo.

Central Park. Strawberry Fields. 2006.

I had just wrapped my freshman year living in NYC. Despite what the camo dress and the grey Walmart hoodie might suggest (listen, college budgets and a fleeting grunge phase will do that to a girl), I was fiercely obsessed with fashion. I had also just started dating Alex—the guy who, 8 years later, would become my husband, and 13 years later, the father to my girls.

Back then, with a year of city living under my belt and having navigated childhood hardships that no kid should ever have to face, I genuinely thought I had seen it all. Looking at this picture now? I realize just how beautifully green I really was.

When I first watched the film, I was 100% Team Andy. (Though, let’s be honest, I was definitely vibrating on Emily’s frequency, wishing I could afford even a fraction of that wardrobe.)

But as I’ve gotten older, my perspective has shifted. I understand Miranda’s POV more and more.

Yes, she’s a caricature. The movie leans into extremes for the sake of entertainment. But at her core? Miranda expected a job to be done, and she expected it to be done well.

These days, I am absolutely doing a better job at giving myself grace and protecting my boundaries between work and family life—something that film definitely doesn’t advocate for. But I will argue that Miranda’s expectation of excellence is something we should all strive for.

I’m not accepting any job half-done when it comes to my work, my business, or my collaborations. I show up, and I expect the same energy in return.

And that’s what I learned from Miranda.

That, and it’s Cerulean .... ☕️🚕👠

(BTW - I have something really exciting to share that’s happening tonight to do with The Devil Wears Prada 2! Make sure to stay tuned to my stories later today! 🤫💃)

#TheDevilWearsPrada2 #ItsCerulean #MillennialNostalgia #NYCThrowback #citygirl

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