GORE PLACE, EDGE,
Gore Place offers a beautiful respite, history close to home
One of the great things about travel is discovering a new place; one whose beauty and charm offers you great ways to explore, learn and escape the everyday.
Thankfully, we can wander a few miles from Boston proper and find the very spot.
We speak of Gore Place (goreplace.org) at 52 Gore St. in Waltham, a National Historic Landmark and a spot some call the best kept secret in Greater Boston.
In the summer, Gore Place is 50 green and pristine acres centered by a famous mansion, a carriage house and remarkable gardens. Come winter, it’s a lovely spot for meandering, snowshoeing, exploring, learning and just enjoying the fresh air, views and natural beauty.
In nonpandemic times, it hosts events and programs about everything from architecture to the history of the owners to formal teas.
This winter, within pandemic rules, Gore Place still has plenty to offer. Whether you want to focus on history or outdoor activity, daytime rituals or the night sky, there’s something for everyone.
Gore Place is centered by a federal style mansion built in 1806 for Christopher and Rebecca Gore. Rebecca, the lady of the house, was allowed to actively participate in the design and planning, which was unusual for the time.
She chose to emulate the European mansions and grounds of the times, creating more “natural” space outside.
Instead of neat, symmetrical gardens, the landscape is an idealized version of nature featuring broad lawns, clumps of trees and inconspicuous gardens.
You’ll find sheep, thick trees, open spaces and more surprises on site.
Today, that means grounds that are fun for strolling, hiking and even snowshoeing.
The historic tours inside are on hold for now, but you can get an advanced tour online, so when you wander around and gaze up at fanlight windows over the doors, you know what you’re looking at.
But despite the pandemic, this winter Gore Place offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages on site.
Its walking trails are breathtaking. The “Mile Walk” goes around the perimeter of the property, a great way to get your bearings and see it all in a grand scale before strolling around the interior grounds. One side of the Mile Walk is the Old Boston Post Road, with its own rich history. Another side is lined by a brook that flows all the way to the Charles River. On a cold winter day when it’s frozen, one can imagine the March girls skating on it.
And then there’s the “Straight Walk,” which cuts through the 50-acre property in a direct line. Trees on either side of the trail create a canopy. In the winter, on just the right snowy day, it’s like a lovely white overhang with winter sun glimmering through.
On Jan. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. you can join in on a Winter Walk that takes you along the fenced pasture and offers “history” stations along the way.
They’ll also serve hot chocolate and warm apple crisp post-walk.
Every Saturday morning you can join in on an outdoor tour where you’ll learn the history of this farm that dates back three centuries. Preregistration is required and groups are limited to 10 to allow for proper social distancing.
It will offer other special events too, including a walk and lesson about winter trees.
While many think of tree peeping as an autumn thing, the winter reveals another view of trees, like easy-toview nests and growth circles. There’s an expert to show and tell you all you need to know.
There’s snowshoeing offered all winter as well. You can rent your gear right there and get out and hike on even the stormiest of days. COVID-19 restrictions mean you’ll need to reserve rentals and tickets. Your best bet is to call ahead and get updated information on restrictions and if openings are available, and the snow pack as well.
This winter, there are even archery lessons available on site. The On the Mark Archery Club (onthemarkarchery.com) will offer lessons all season.
Nighttime is special too, and this winter Gore Place is offering regularly scheduled star-gazing classes. They are held outdoors at night (cold winter nights often lend to much better visibility). When clouds or weather impacts that, they move the class online. Those star-gazing nights are quite popular with children and adults.
According to Gore Place Director of Interpretation and Programs Thom Roach, the goal is to “get people outside, exercising and learning.”
“Don’t let the cold weather stop you,” he said. “Just dress for it.”
If the crowds they saw this summer are any indication, more and more of us are realizing we can find adventure and history right down the street. In a winter of “close to home,” that’s good news.