Minot’s Ledge I Love You Lighthouse, 143
One of the most romantic lighthouses in the country, Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse winks and blinks “I Love You” to Lighthouse Lovers every day of the year.
Using a 1-4-3 flashing sequence which is the same numerical count as the words “I love you,” the lighthouse was aptly dubbed the “Lover’s Light” or the “I Love You Light.”
More than just famous with love-struck couples, it has also been the muse of many well-known artists. Five months after the lighting of the second Lighthouse on Nov 15, 1860, Fitz James O’Brien’s poem “Minot’s Ledge” was published in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.
Just over a decade later, Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow elegantly documented his visit to Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse:
“…we find ourselves at the base of the lighthouse rising sheer out of the sea like a huge stone cannon, mouth upward. We are hoisted up forty feet in a chair, some of us; others go up by an iron ladder… The lighthouse rises out of the sea like a beautiful stone cannon, mouth upward, belching forth only friendly fires.”
– Final Memorials of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1887
The Historic Marshfield General Store
Located in the heart of Marshfield Hills, the General Store is a truly historic gem and a must-see for visitors. They carry a wide variety of goods, from candy and toys to wine and even those last-minute housewarming gifts you may just need in a pinch. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll surely find something to delight. It’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a scone, and some friendly conversation. And you may just run into actor and owner Steve Carell if you happen to stop by during the summer months.
Carell along with his wife, actress Nancy, both grew up in Massachusetts and still spend their summers near the quaint, seaside town of Marshfield Hills. It was all about timing when it comes to how they came to acquire the historic property. While visiting the couple at their California home in October 2008, Nancy’s sister Tish mentioned that the historic general store was up for sale. By November, Carell had agreed to purchase the business and the ownership changed hands on New Year’s Day, 2009. What a great way to ring in the New Year Steve!
Hingham Was Once ‘Bare Cove’!
The town of Hingham wasn’t always known as Hingham. It was first settled by Europeans in 1633 and named Bare Cove. The town was later incorporated in 1635 and renamed Hingham. Who knew?!
The South Shore Is Home to the Oldest Co-education School in the Country
Founded in 1784, Hingham's Derby Academy is the oldest co-educational school in the United States.
Hingham Is Home to the Oldest Church Structure Still in Use.
Located at 107 Main Street in Hingham, the First Parish Old Ship Church is the oldest church structure in the United States in continuous use as a place of worship.
The Town of Kingston Has a Special Name.
The town of Kingston on the South Shore is the only city or town in all of Massachusetts whose name begins with a “K”.
The Original Wahlburger Is in Hingham
Situated south of Boston in the Hingham Shipyard, the original Wahlburger has been serving burgers, frappes, and mouth watering sides since 2011. Be sure to visit them in the summer months when you can sit outside and enjoy their “Sipyard” overlooking the beautiful harbor.
Oh, and if you didn’t know, it’s also owned by the Hollywood celebrity Wahlberg brothers.
Alma Nove Is Named After the Wahlberg Matriarch and Her Nine Children
Another Wahlberg hotspot, Alma Nove was founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, along with celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. Hingham's premier waterfront restaurant, the restaurant is inspired by a blend of flavors from Italy and the Mediterranean. Named after the Wahlberg’s mother, Alma, and her nine (nove) children, the restaurant features a fantastic menu of antipasti, specialty pastas, fresh seafood, and chops prepared on their wood-burning grill.
How’s that for some fun facts about our beloved South Shore!