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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Most People Don’t Know About This Underrated Zoo Hiding In Massachusetts

Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, Massachusetts, offers a variety of animals and activities for all ages in a charming, small setting.

Published Sep 6, 2018

Written by 

Sophia

There are so many hidden gems to find in Massachusetts if you just know where to look. Located in Attleboro, this underrated zoo may be on the smaller side, but it’s packed with cool animals and activities for all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Capron Park Zoo.

Capron Park Zoo is a small, eight-acre zoo tucked away in Attleboro. It actually opened all the way back in 1937 and has been entertaining families every since. Visitors to the zoo can acquaint themselves with animals from all over the world, from rhinos to snakes and even warty pigs.

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Facebook/Capron Park Zoo

The zoo’s collection offers an animal for everyone. They delightfully small dart frogs, adorable sloth bears, charming fennec foxes, Indian porcupines, and red kangaroos.

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Facebook/Capron Park Zoo

You can hear the thunderous roars of the lions and hang out with douroucouli monkeys.

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Facebook/Capron Park Zoo

Looking for the ultimate animal encounter? Check out the Zoo Quest Adventure experiences. These experience allows you to have special behind-the-scenes access to animals like red pandas, lemurs, and lions.

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Facebook/Capron Park Zoo

The grounds of the zoo are pretty stunning as well. There are plenty of shady spots to relax and grassy areas to stretch out.

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Google/Frank Jordao

Activities for kids allow little ones to pet and interact with some animals, as well as take care of the creatures' habitats.

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If you’re visiting on a steamy summer day, the kids can cool off in the zoo’s mist tent and splash pad.

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Admission for non-Attleboro residents is $9 per adults and $7.50 for children. Attleboro residents and all seniors can receive discounted admission.

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Don’t miss a visit to this underrated zoo with so much to offer.

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Facebook/Capron Park Zoo

You can find Capron Park Zoo at 201 County St., Attleboro, Mass. Check out their website for more information about visiting and current opening hours. If you’re looking for another awesome place to hang with animals, check out this alpaca farm in Massachusetts.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Massachusetts Where You’ll See More Than 20 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Looking for a great place to view a variety of bird species? Head to Great Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord for fantastic bird watching and outdoor fun.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

As I have gotten older, I have developed a stronger appreciation for the creatures and critters that live in the great outdoors. Bird watching has become a new hobby and I have added feeders, regional bird guides, and binoculars to my collection of personal possessions. While I love watching the various species of birds that visit my window feeder throughout the day, I also enjoy getting outdoors to view birds in their natural habitats. Did you know there are over 500 species of birds in the Bay State? There are tons of wonderful local nature trails and sanctuaries where you can view these creatures. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord and Sudbury is one spot where you will see a variety of beautiful birds.

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A Canada goose stands protectively near its goslings on grassy ground, surrounded by greenery and yellow flowers.
KenCanning/iStock /Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile-long conservation area on river wetlands. The two primary units of the refuge are Sudbury and Concord. Both offer a variety of beautiful landscapes and activities, but you will want to head to the Concord unit for the best bird watching. Please be aware there is an entrance fee.

A serene landscape featuring a lake with lush green trees and a forest in the background under a bright sky.
danlogan/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Over 220 species of birds have been sighted and recorded at Great Meadows. The species and numbers vary throughout the year. In the summer, you may spot geese, red-winged blackbirds, and mallards in the wetlands. Some hawks remain in the area in the fall and songbirds such as the black-capped chickadee can still be seen in the winter. Spring is the best time to view migratory birds such as ring-necked ducks, tree swallows, and warblers.

A black bird with a bright orange patch on its shoulder perched on a tall stem against a blurred green background.
KenCanning/iStock /Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

And the wildlife sanctuary is not just for the birds! There are also foxes, frogs, bats, deer, black bears, and beavers. A large group of endangered Blanding’s turtles can also be found here. The sanctuary offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and cross-country skiing, too.

Be sure to bring a helpful bird guide, such as the "Birds of Massachusetts Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela, and a good pair of binoculars. You can view wildlife from the trails, an observational platform, and an observation tower.      

Have you visited Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary? Where else do you like to bird watch? More information about the sanctuary can be found at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary website. Visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet and the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard for more fantastic local birding.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Massachusetts Come From This Farm

Are you craving a delicious warm cider donut? Head to Smolak Farms in North Andover for some of the best cider donuts in Massachusetts.

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

There is just something about fall that has me craving (I mean really craving) cider donuts. While plenty of local bakeries sell these treats all year long, there is nothing like devouring a fresh, warm cider donut straight out of the oven as you sport your favorite flannel and breathe in the crisp autumn air. A visit to any local farm, fall festival, or autumn event is always a great excuse for a delicious cider donut, and the best in the state can be found at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Massachusetts.

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Two sugar-coated donuts on a napkin, resting on a red surface.
Smolack Farms/Facebook

One bite of this delicious sweet treat and you will instantly know why the donuts are flying off the conveyer belt at Smolak. The farm sold approximately 450,000 cider donuts last year and returning customers are already running back for more this fall.

One of the best things about the cider donuts at Smolak is that they come in three different varieties. Not only does the farm bake traditional cider donuts, but they also make sugar and cinnamon sugar and honey-glazed options. I suggest trying all three!

A close-up of freshly made, sugar-coated donuts arranged in a neat row.
Smolak Farms/Facebook

The donuts are perfectly sweetened on the outside and are soft and tender on the inside. Smolack Farms has received several awards and accolades for its cider donuts, including an impressive “second best in New England” and "best sugar-coated cider donut."  

You can grab your donuts hot off the belt or purchase them to bring home with you. Smolak also has an online bakery ordering system that allows you to order ahead of time. The delectable treats are available all year long.

Three cinnamon sugar donuts stacked on a box in an orchard setting with blue skies and greenery in the background.
Smolak Farms/Facebook

If you enjoy the donuts at Smolak, you may want to try their muffins, pies, breakfast sandwiches, and quiches. The farm also makes weekly meals-to-go and a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, including one called Cider Donut Supreme.

Many people come to Smolak specifically for the donuts, but there is more to enjoy. The farm is a great place to go apple picking, take a hay ride, or visit the farm animals. Smolak also holds fun fall festival weekends and hosts birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events. 

So what do you think? Are the cider donuts at Smolak Farms the best of the best or do you prefer the donuts from a different farm or bakery? Find out more about Smolak Farms at the Smolak Farms website and Smolak Farms Facebook page. You can find more great donuts at The ANGRY Donut in Newburyport and Kane's Donuts in Saugus and Boston. If you really love donuts and can't get enough of them, you may wish to embark on this utterly delicious Massachusetts Donut Road Trip.

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