Medford is a city 3.2 miles northwest of downtown Boston on the Mystic River in Middlesex County. Medford prides itself on being the town described in the famous Christmas song “Jingle Bells” (though Savannah, Georgia would dispute that). Fannie Farmer was also born in Medford and became famous for publishing The Boston Cooking School Cookbook in 1896, revolutionizing American cooking. Along with this history, Medford is a place for young professionals who commute to the city for work and for families alike.

There are more than 24 public parks along with other recreational spaces in Medford, taking up in total over 118 acres of land, including baseball fields, swimming pools, basketball courts, playgrounds, and soccer fields. In the summer months you can swim, grill, and fish at Medford’s Wright Pond. You can also hike up to Wright’s Tower to see a structure built in 1937 and to look at sweeping views of the Boston skyline. The Condon Shell is a live music venue right along the river and is also where the Mystic River Celebration is held each year. You can also walk along the Mystic River State Reservation and Mystic River Watershed, where you can boat and canoe. Choosing where to eat in Medford is not going to be easy, as the town has many high-quality food options spanning a variety of genres.