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Seven Spots in Shovel Town
Showcasing notable landmarks in honor of 300 years since Easton’s establishment.
Stonehill College community members represented the institution at the Easton 300 Parade, which took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The year 2025 marks the Town of Easton’s 300th anniversary. Over the years, Stonehill College has enjoyed many impactful collaborations with the people of Shovel Town. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni are grateful to be part of the community’s enduring history.
In celebration of Easton’s tricentennial, we’ve compiled a list of attractions that are beloved by the people of Stonehill.
1. Governor Oliver Ames Estate
This idyllic setting was home to Oliver Ames, the 35th governor of Massachusetts. After he and his wife Anna died around the start of the 20th century, their children moved away, leaving their mansion to be razed. These days, the property is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and is noted for its 19th century stone stable, farm fields, brook, and ponds.
2. Borderland State Park
If you’re a fan of movies like Shutter Island (2010), Ghostbusters (2015) and Knives Out (2019), visiting Borderland State Park is a must. The 1,843-acre park served as a filming location for both flicks. Besides bringing a touch of Tinseltown to Easton, the history and nature preserve includes hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, a pond for fishing and boating, and play areas perfect for tennis and golf. It’s also home to the Ames Mansion, the former residence of botanist Oakes Ames and artist Blanche Ames.
3. Museum of Family Prayer
Operated by Holy Cross Family Ministries, this museum opened in 2019. Through inspirational and interactive exhibits, the site offers lessons about the history of prayer in the Catholic Church. Highlighted among the museum’s installations is the work of a sainthood candidate, Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., the famous “Rosary priest” who coined the phrase, “The family that prays together stays together.”
4. Buddy’s Union Villa
Family-owned and operated, Buddy’s Union Villa has served the Easton community for four decades. The classic American pub is the town’s oldest bar and grille. Known for its delicious pizza, the business was used in the filming of Stronger (2017), a film based on a book of the same name. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, the movie follows a man who survived the Boston Marathon bombings.
5. The Farmer’s Daughter
A brunchtime favorite of Stonehill community members, this restaurant is owned by chef Chandra Gouldrup, 2016 winner of WGBH’s Stewardship Award and 2018 Best of Boston recipient. The establishment’s menu boasts a range of options featuring natural, fresh and sustainable ingredients from local providers across New England. The Farmer’s Daughter has also been featured in a Lifetime movie, The House Sitter (2015).
6. Shovel Town Brewery
The building that houses this microbrewery was originally built as part of Easton’s Historical Shovel Manufacturing operations. These days, the establishment offers a cool and comfortable setting that’s perfect for people looking for something fun to do during a night out. Shovel Town’s menu includes a selection of tasty drinks, including lagers, hard seltzers, IPAs, and more.
7. Langwater Farm
This 80-acre farm in Easton is a great place to shop if you’re looking to support local farmers and artisans. Its store offers high-quality vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers, dairy, meat, and more. And each day, visitors flock to the farm for delicious sandwiches, salads and sides at the Langwater Lunch Corner.
We Want to Hear from You!
This article only features a small sample of some of the local attractions in Easton. Share your favorite spots by reaching out to the Office of Communications and Media Relations at media-relations@stonehill.edu.