  Parks/Recreation/Events Transportation 
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 When Captain John Smith discovered "Ouonahasset" in 1614, he described it as "a paradise of all these parts." And so it has remained for more than three centuries. Carved out of a rugged stretch of New England coast, the "long rocky place" of the early Algonquin Indian settlers is today a community of striking contrasts. To the east, the deep blue Atlantic Ocean extends to the distant horizon, the line of vision broken only by Minots lighthouse blinking its "I love you" signal to warn ships of treacherous shoals hidden just beneath the waters surface. Inland from sandy beaches and hidden coves that for centuries have attracted visitors with their beauty and tranquility, a different Cohasset captures the imagination. The landscape here is one of pristine elegance; of rolling hills softened by a gentle light: of tree-canopied roadways; of sunlight dappling patterns on the spacious lawns of stately mansions, dramatic contemporary houses and weathered sea captains' homes of days gone by, and of a woodland's silence broken only by a bird's song. Conveniently located just 20 miles south of Boston, Cohasset is a year-round vacation land with strong ties to the sea. The town achieved prominence during the "great hundred years of sail" when Cohasset was a busy port of entry and shipbuilding community. Between 1780 and 1880, 368 sailing vessels were registered in Cohasset while more than 160 vessels were built in its 'fine local shipyards." Today, a strong tradition of sail still flourishes at the Cohasset Yacht Club and the Sailing Club and in local races and national competitions held in Cohasset waters. Cohasset has a deep-rooted cultural community and each July hosts one of the most popular arts festivals in the region. From June through September, the South Shore Music Circus features live performances by outstanding recording artists, comedians and actors and actresses. The Drama Club offers live stage plays, and art exhibits and musical events are held throughout the year. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Whitney and Thayer woods provide 750 acres of wooded trails while Wompatuck State Park in bordering Hingham and Norwell offers hundreds of acres for hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, nature walks and horseback riding. Wheelwright Park's 80 acres are set aside for hiking and picnicking in a peaceful environment. Education has always been a subject of pride among Cohasset residents. The public school system offers innovative programs at all levels and 85 percent of the town's high school graduates pursue higher education. Although Cohasset is located within easy driving distance of the South Shore Plaza in Braintree and Hanover Mall, residents can take care of most of their shopping needs in quaint village shops. Excellent restaurants with splendid ocean views invite fine dining year-round. Cohasset offers classic examples of colonial architecture, late 19th century estates, award-winning contemporary homes, national award-winning cluster housing with a condominium form of ownership and traditional single family houses. Statistics |