Dwell360 Guide: Welcome to Newton Centre
A bustling village packed with shops, restaurants, and businesses, Newton Centre truly is the hub of Newton.
A Brief History
Be sure to visit this historic village.
In 1660, with a growing population, one of the original meeting houses in Newton was built in Newton Centre, following its separation from Cambridge. After that, people began to shift southward, so in 1774, a new meeting house was built in Newton Centre to accommodate these changes. It was considered the approximate center of town. In 1781, the first baptist church in Newton was constructed, making Newton Centre a more religious hub in Newton. Compared to the northern villages, Newton Centre saw much less business and prosperity, and as such, town meetings were moved from this village to the thriving West Newton in 1848, sparking the longstanding Newton Centre-West Newton rivalry. With development more focused on the land along the Charles River, Newton Centre was very sparsely developed until the mid-1800s. In the 1850s, the Charles River Railroad was established, and was initially unreliable, as it was meant to serve only Newton Upper Falls and various Back Bay projects. However, in the 1870s improvements were made, and thus began reliable transportation between Boston and Newton Centre. This sparked the steady development and industrialization of the village, and it soon went from an agricultural community to a bustling suburb.
Top 10 Things to Do in Newton Centre
Stop for food at Johnny’s.
Johnny’s Luncheonette: A classic, retro diner, Johnny’s offers an all-day breakfast menu, as well as lunch and beverage menus. Enjoy some Johnny’s Flapjacks from the griddle, a hot pastrami sandwich, or maybe try the 50’s Burger, complete with Johnny’s special 50’s sauce.
Crystal Lake: Cool off during the hot summer months at Crystal Lake, either with a day pass (for everyone) or summer pass (for Newton residents only). With lifeguards, docks, and a big swim area, Crystal is the perfect spot to take a dip.
Little Big Diner: This little spot serves up the most delicious ramen, using only the freshest ingredients. Dive into a vibrant bowl of spectacular ramen, with ingredients such as egg, chashu pork, chicken, nori, and funny cabbage.
Newton Centre Playground: Right next to Mason-Rice Elementary, Newton Centre Playground boasts a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, playing fields, and more. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to spend an afternoon outside here!
Lee’s Burger: Crafting some of the best burgers around, Lee’s is sure to please with its menu of unique burger creations. Treat yourself to one of their signature burgers, such as the Beantown Burger, or go simple and enjoy one of their classic cheeseburgers. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Rosenfeld Bagels: A certified kosher bakery, Rosenfeld has been crafting bagels the old fashioned way for over 45 years. Crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, their bagels are the perfect bite to start off the day. Maybe even slather on some of their fresh cream cheese as well!
Browse the shops in Piccadilly Square.
Puzzle Break: Looking for a thrilling couple hours? Puzzle Break provides an array of escape rooms with puzzles and logic games to tickle your brain. Bring your family or a group of friends and test your wit and logic!
Piccadilly Square: Piccadilly Square is a quaint little shopping center right next to the T in Newton Centre. With a plethora of jewelry and other high end shops, as well as decadent cafes and eateries, it's a great place to stop into and browse.
Tango Mango: With one step into this restaurant, you’re welcomed by bright colors and vibrant art. Putting together authentic, delicious burritos, Tango is the spot for you if you’re craving some Mexican cuisine, and a cozy atmosphere.
Newton Cemetery & Arboretum: A beautiful and peaceful place, the Newton Cemetery & Arboretum is a nice spot for a relaxing walk. The many trees and colorful foliage create a serene and cathartic atmosphere that provides a brief escape from the bustle of daily life.
With all of these wonderful spots to visit, Newton Centre is a Newton village you won’t want to miss! Be sure to let us know where you go, and if there are other places we should add to the list.
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Sources
Historic Newton. Newton Centre. Retrieved from https://www.newtonma.gov/government/historic-newton/research/newton-history/villages/newton-centre.
