Category Archives: blog

The spring season is a great time to enjoy all the state of Massachusetts has to offer. A great way to enjoy Massachusetts is to take a scenic drive on a nice sunny, spring day. As a listed location on the National Registry of Historical Buildings, we wanted to write a blog on some of the nearby historic buildings that are great to swing by on a Sunday drive!

Concord-Lexington, MA

Massachusetts is the birthplace of America. From the pilgrims landing here to the start of the Revolutionary War. The Isaac-Davis trail, which begins in Acton, was pivotal in the success of the United States in the Revolutionary War. On this “trail” which is mostly paved now with roads accessible by vehicle, you will see numerous historical homes that have been preserved since the 1700’s! Nearby, you can drive by Wrights Tavern which was operating during the Revolutionary War and played a role in aiding Patriots during the war. It is now an exhibit of the Concord Museum. Within Concord, there are an additional 27 National Historic Sites! See the Wikipedia page to see the rest of the sites.

Salem, MA

Salem is infamously known as the town that held witch trails back in the 1800s. The city of Salem has more than 40 registered Historic places! In addition to a rich and interesting history, Salem is on the coast which makes for a beautiful drive along the ocean. Be sure to stop by the John Ward House which is one of the oldest homes in the US! Constructed in 1684, the John Ward House is now a part of the Peabody Essex Museum. Downtown Salem also offers restaurant and shops to round out the rest of your Sunday drive!

Plymouth, MA

Plymouth is a Massachusetts South Shore staple and where the Pilgrims land in 1620. In addition to seeing Plymouth Rock, be sure to check out Cole’s Hill. This National Historic Landmark contains the first cemetery used by the first pilgrims. It is nearby Plymouth Rock and is a public park which boasts ocean views. A great place to hold a picnic after a drive. Like Salem, MA, Plymouth has a bustling, yet quaint, downtown area great to explore during a spring afternoon.

Acton, MA

In addition to stopping by Exchange Hall, Acton has a few more locations that are on the National Historic Registry. The Jones Robin House is located on Great Road and was one of the largest Farmhouses in Acton during the 19^th century. It is currently an art gallery which is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 am- 5 pm.

Surrounding States

Since New England has such a rich history, Massachusetts isn’t the only place you can see a historical site. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont all have numerous historical sites that are nearby and can make for great drives during the spring. See their linked Wikipedia pages above to see some historical locations to visit!

With Acton being the scenic, New England town it is, Thanksgiving in Acton can conjure images of the traditional, American Thanksgiving. But before you sit down and give thanks with family and friends, what are your families doing the morning of Thanksgiving? If your involved in the cooking process, your most likely busy, but for everyone else, here is a blog highlighting some of the fun activities happening around town!

Thanksgiving Football

A tradition like no other. Occurring generally after the high school football season has ended, these rivalry games between neighboring towns are usually most seniors last chance to play in front of friends and families. The winner of the annual Thanksgiving game has bragging rights for every time they return home for the following years for Thanksgiving. The annual game between Acton-Boxborough vs Westford Academy will take place at 10:00 am at Leary Field in Acton, MA.

If you would rather throw the pigskin around with friends any family at a manicured field, the lower fields of Acton-Boxborough High School may be a viable option. Casual games of touch football are known to occur there on Thanksgiving with ample room for more than a few parties to share the field.

10th Annual 5k Turkey Trot!

While not on everyone’s agenda during Thanksgiving week, fitness conscious people need an excuse to eat all those calories from the day before! If this sounds like you, sign up for the 5k Acton Turkey Trot! This race annually brings in over 2000 participants and even more spectators cheering them on. The race starts at 10 a.m. and it is on the following day after Thanksgiving (Friday, 23rd ). Starting at the high school, customs are welcome, and part of the proceeds goes to helping the Acton food pantry and youth running groups!

Thanksgiving in Acton Ma

If you are traveling to Acton to attend a thanksgiving, we welcome you to our town. While turkey trots and high school football are not unique to Acton, MA, we are thankful for the community we are a part of and the traditions that have become a part of our Thanksgiving. If your first time in Acton, come by Exchange Hall and check out our outdoor Fall decorations! From all of us here at Exchange Hall we say Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!

Celebrating the “Sweet 16” birthday has become especially popular over the years. For parents, throwing a Sweet Sixteen party can quickly feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been through one yourself! Autumn is a great time for Sweet Sixteen parties. Here are a couple of tips for planning a fall-themed Sweet Sixteen.

Choose a Venue (Ideally Exchange Hall!)

If fifty (or more!) screaming, excited kids running around with soda and cake in hand sounds like a strain on your home, then you should choose a venue for your event to take place. This should be one of the first steps you take, since wedding receptions, award ceremonies, and other events will be competing for locations. In choosing a venue, make sure it fits your needs—double check how long you can be there and if they provide referrals for vendor services (like a DJ). We have experience in hosting sweet sixteens and birthday parties, and happy to help with your plans.

Embrace Fall Decor

If the sight of pumpkins and colorful leaves gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, translate that sensation into your Sweet Sixteen celebration. This can range from homemade save-the-date cards, displaying colorful pressed leaves and opting for tablecloths and table runners in vibrant shades of bordeaux and dark orange.

Are you planning an autumn-themed Sweet Sixteen? We’d love to hear what you have planned, and let you know how we can help. Contact Exchange Hall at 978-263-8500 for more information and assistance.

According to the popular wedding website The Knot, four out of the five most popular wedding dates for last year’s 2017 were in autumn. September and October are great months for getting married! Not only are you less likely to run into weather issues, but you also get to take advantage of beautiful fall foliage for your photos and wedding decor.

Are you planning a fall wedding for this upcoming year? Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Plan for the Weather

Outdoor weddings in early fall aren’t that unusual—it can be a great time to enjoy the natural scenery without sweating in a fancy jacket or dry-clean only dress. Fall weather can be unpredictable, though. Think about how charming it could look if all your bridesmaids have matching pashmina shawls. Another cute idea? Have a hot cocoa station waiting for your guests at the reception for a quick warm-up solution.

Make Use of Seasonal Decor

Pastels and springtime florals don’t lend themselves as well to autumn as rich hues of burgundy, ochre, and pumpkin orange. Make the most of fall’s incredible palette and incorporate seasonal decor into your wedding reception. Obvious examples include using gourds in lieu of flowers as centerpieces and opting for caramel apple-scented candles, but why not get even more creative? Have the flower girl throw colorful leaves instead of petals, and opt for bales of hay (covered with a soft cloth to prevent poking) that will serve as chic sitting areas at the reception.

It’s Hard to Say No to Apple Pie

The menu is a great place to fully explore the theme of fall. Many brides are exploring alternatives to the traditional wedding cake—why not have wedding pies? Apple, pumpkin, and peach are sure to be a hit. As for dinner, turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are sure to be a home run. Additionally, here is the list of approved vendors we like to recommend to those considering using Exchange Hall!

Bottoms Up: Pumpkin Pie Sangria

Choosing a few signature drink mixes for your wedding reception can ensure your guests get their drinks quickly, while also adding a memorable touch to the evening. Drinks like pumpkin pie sangria, caramel apple mimosas, and cranberry sauce mimosas will have everyone saying your autumn wedding is unbe”leaf”able!

How will you take advantage of autumn for your wedding reception? Talk to the event experts at Exchange Hall for more ideas. They have plenty of experience—give them a call to see how their venue can be transformed for fall.