Characterized by cities founded in the seventeenth and eighteen centuries, Norfolk
County is a historical haven popular for its serene landscapes and thriving New
England culture. Known as the "County of Presidents," Norfolk is shaped by its
distinction of being the birthplace of four presidents, including John Adams, John
Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush. Located in Quincy, the thirteen
-acre John Adams National Historical Park preserves "Peacefield," home to four generations
of Adams. The main park features the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams
and the Stone Library, which houses the immense book collection of John Quincy Adams.
Nearby attractions include the United First Parish Church (burial site of both Adams
presidents), the Abigail Adams birthplace, and the USS Salem /United States Naval
Shipbuilding Museum, which features the only preserved United States Naval Heavy
Cruiser.
Norfolk County’s Quincy offers miles of coastline, proximity to Boston, and other
admired historical sites, such as the Thomas Crane Public Library (a national
architectural landmark), the birthplace of John Hancock, and the Josiah Quincy House
(the location for many Sons of Liberty meetings). Quincys Marina Bay, the largest in the Northeast, is ideal for enjoying the Boston skyline, sunsets, waterfront dining,
exciting nightlife, and walks on the boardwalk. Norfolk County
also caters to nature enthusiasts, by way of the Boston Harbor Islands National
Recreation Area. These Boston Harbor islands boast colorful wildlife and plant-life,
several hiking trails, and idyllic beaches. The islands also feature the Civil-War
era Fort Warren, the Boston Light Lighthouse (one of the nation’s oldest
lighthouses), Boha National Park , and seasonal ferries that travel to-and-from Boston.
Located ten miles north of Quincy, Boston can be reached by train, bus, or car. As
one of the oldest cities in America, Boston is brimming with history on every street
corner. To truly experience Colonial American history, try the Freedom Trail walking tour that begins
at Boston Common and ends at the USS Constitution. While in Boston some other must-see places
to visit include: Copley Square, Boston National Park , Trinity Church, Quincy Market (also known as Faneuil
Hall Marketplace), Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox), the Boston Museum of the
Fine Arts, the Boston Pops Orchestra
, the New England Aquarium, and the Prudential
Tower.
