What to Do in Norwood | A Quick Guide to the New England City - Dune Jewelry

Norwood, Massachusetts is a quiet New England town about 15 miles southwest of Boston, coined “the town everyone returns to.” It’s the kind of place with a walkable town center, a few local favorites, and just enough charm to make a stop worth it.

It’s also home to Dune Jewelry’s studio, where all your favorite handcrafted designs are made with thought and care by our talented Sand Artists.

Whether you’re here for our Open House or just passing through, here’s our guide to the handful of spots worth knowing. You can book your stay at major hotel chains like Courtyard by Marriott & Hampton Inn or at an Airbnb.

Where to Eat

Vico Ristorante Italiano (Viconorwood.com)

Conrad’s: Steak tips done right, plus 9oz wine pours that turn dinner into a whole evening.
Vico Ristorante Italiano: Our go-to for a nicer night out, family owned and operated, with comfortable, generous cooking. It’s small, so reservations are a must.
Olivadi: The next-best Italian in town, and a solid backup when Vico’s is booked.
Guarino Pastry Shop: Norwood’s go-to for Italian pastries, worth the trip on its own.
Gemma Kitchen & Bar: New, right on the Common, and already a local favorite.
The Sixties Diner (1210B Providence Hwy): Retro diner counter service, the chicken n’ waffles come highly recommended.
SideDoor Cafe: Our pick for a raspberry iced matcha, a pumpkin latte, or a breakfast sandwich before a day of exploring.

Where to Drink

Castle Island Brewing Co: Regular trivia and Music Bingo nights, a great excuse for a night out.
Limey’s Pub: A proper British-style pub with good food to match.
Lewis’ Restaurant & Grille (92 Central St): A Norwood institution, part sports bar, part local history.
Boston Tavern (1210 Providence Hwy): Casual American fare and a solid spot to catch a game.

Sweet Stops

Daddy’s Dairy (95 Central St): Local ice cream, every bit as good as the name promises.
SPoT! (56 Cottage St E): Our go-to neighborhood bagel shop, now doubling as a retro candy and soda pop counter too. For another classic bagel and sandwich shop, the Muffin House in Westwood is great for making your own sandwich.
Furlong’s Candies & Ice Cream: A candy shop and ice cream counter in one, worth the stop for either.

Things to Do

Monster Mini Golf: An indoor, glow-in-the-dark course, a fun one if you’ve got kids in tow.
The Norwood Theatre: A historic local theatre, worth checking for a show while you’re in town.
The Bodhi Spa: The local favorite for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Where to Shop

The Cove Boutique: Right in front of our studio, this beach-themed boutique from Holly is where local makers, home decor, accessories, souvenirs, and Dune Jewelry all live together, curated with an eye for what’s sustainably sourced and good for mind, body, and spirit.
Salvage Angel (83 Morse St, Bldg 12): An eclectic vintage market, perfect for an afternoon of digging for something one of a kind.
Winsmith Mill Market (61 Endicott St): A cluster of independent vintage shops under one roof, each with its own finds.
Legacy Place, Dedham: Just ten minutes away, with more shopping and dining if you want to make a full day of it.

Getting Here

However you’re making your way to us, we want you to get here easily.

By car: Norwood sits just off Route 1 and I-95, about 20 minutes from downtown Boston and 30-40 minutes from Logan Airport, traffic depending.
By train: The MBTA Franklin/Foxboro Line runs direct from Boston’s South Station, about a 30-40 minute ride. Norwood Central (164 Broadway) is the closer of Norwood’s two stations to our studio at 935 Washington St, with Norwood Depot (14 Hill St) also nearby. Or make your way to Route 128 in Westwood. A short Uber, Lyft, or taxi gets you the rest of the way.
By bus: The MBTA 34/34E runs right along Washington St, connecting to Forest Hills Station on the Orange Line.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout town, about a $15 ride from major hotel chains.