Hingham, Massachusetts: home to a community of roughly 22,000 "Hinghamites", many of which are very proud of their town.
Hingham, Massachusetts is a small, suburban coastal town located on Boston Harbor in the South Shore. Hingham is most commonly known for being the home of the Harbormen, having the oldest church in America within our town lines, and Wahlburgers (their food is simply delicious). While Hingham shares qualities many other towns in Massachusetts possess (boat shoes, Vineyard Vines, and pastels, oh my!), there are a few qualities that “Hinghamites” know defines our town as distinctly Hingham. Here are 9 signs you live (or have lived) in Hingham.
1. The difficult decision between ordering Crow Point, Hingham House, or Sub Galley.
Oh, and don't forget Peel Pizza!
There's no shortage of options for pizza in Hingham; the problem is making a decision. Does tonight have a more "Hingham House"-pizza vibe, or is Crow Point (more about that later) the obvious choice? I sometimes struggle with hard decisions like these, though some locals might believe there is an obvious answer to the question, "Where should we order from tonight?"
2. Christmas in the Square is the staple to a Hinghamite's December.
Christmas in the Square is a Hingham tradition which transpires towards the beginning of December each Christmas season, and takes place in downtown. The traditions surrounding Christmas in the Square does not stop with the time and location; there are events locals come to expect when attending, such as the extra large candy canes available for purchase (they make for great stocking stuffers, honestly) and Santa’s arrival in a Hingham firetruck (unusual but always eagerly anticipated all the same)
The Christmas in the Square festivities have come to feature horse drawn carriage rides, a collection of food trucks, interactive games for children (and adults, too, if they’re particularly invested in animated reindeer), cookie decorating complete with a hot chocolate bar, and Christmas movies being screened at the Loring, another classic staple of Hingham - one that everybody knows, and nobody consistently uses.
3. You understand local's serious commitment to and absolute adoration for Nona's ice cream (I understand, believe me).
Nestled in the heart of downtown Hingham resides Nona’s, an ice cream parlor that occupies two storefronts and offers customers a wide selection of flavors (I recommend Hingham Harbor Sludge) of Nona’s handmade ice creams, sherbets, ice cream cakes, and sorbets.
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Hinghamites (it might just be me, though I doubt it, because there’s never a shortage of customers at Nona’s) acknowledge Nona’s as one of the best things about the town center. Nona’s was (and still is) the place to go for both victories and disappointments alike; it is a frequent place for celebrations (a team who has just won a game, actors after a production, good report cards, a recent promotion) as well as difficult times. Nothing hits the spot like a Nona’s cone when the going gets rough.
4. You are privy to seeing the many antics that transpire on Hingham Pinboard.
For a town of people who seem somewhat normal, this Facebook page reveals the residents of Hingham to be more unusual than expected, depending on their requests. Other times, pinboard postings remind me that I live in a suburb (though how could I ever forget?). From moms looking for sitters to reviews of house painters to inquiries and posts seeking advice to political debates, there is never a dull moment on the board.
5. You understand this town’s (understandable) obsession with Crow Point’s “buff chic cal.”
Also know as buffalo chicken calzone, it's no secret that Crow Point makes the best in town. The calzone itself is huge, which is much appreciated, and it is delicious. Hinghamites go-to food when hosting is a buffalo chicken calzone. If an event lacks a buff chick cal, riots are sure to ensue.
6. You have a soft spot in your heart for The Cracker Barrel, regardless of how often you actually go there.
It's just so quaint and cute!
The Cracker Barrel has been around for decades, and until this summer, it has largely remained the same. Even after this year's recent repairs and change in management, The Cracker Barrel remains to be a shop you smile at as you pass by on your drive down Main Street Hingham. It is equally as beloved as The Red Store, which is down the street near Jackass Park (another location that is absolutely classically Hingham).
The Cracker Barrel offers a selection of slushies, baked goods, ice creams, soups, snack foods, candies, and basic groceries as well as an outdoor seating area to enjoy your purchases in. There's never a shortage of Hingham kids there who have left their bikes propped against the fence while they are inside buying penny candies and red Slush Puppies.
7. You appreciate a good Jeruz Cruise.
There is nothing better than a drive down the winding roads of Hull past the seaside cottages, transitioning into the coastal mansions in Cohasset. Rain or shine, winter or summer, morning or night - there's no time that doesn't accommodate a good "Jeruz Cruise."
There's just something magical and irresistible about driving past unattainable houses I can and will never be able to afford while watching the waves crash against the shores of these millionaire's private beaches - if this doesn't sound appealing, I can write it off as a South Shore thing.
This number on the list might also reach residents of Cohasset and Hull, which is great; the powers of a Jeruz Cruise are universal (to select towns on the South Shore).
8. The Fourth of July is a greatly anticipated holiday.
Drive down Main Street and peep those red, white, and blue traffic lines. It's no wonder Hinghamites are reminded time and time again that Eleanor Roosevelt dubbed Hingham's Main Street as "the most beautiful Main Street in America" - this town loves it's historical, patriotic routes (we are mega proud of being home to the oldest church in America, Old Ship).
Between the Road Race (which I have never run but have worked and do NOT understand what causes people to subject themselves to such torture before NOON on a HOLIDAY), and the parade and the pancake breakfast, the Fourth is much beloved throughout Hingham. The Fourth is serious business.
Oh, and don't forget the Harbor Fireworks! Who could?
9. Nothing hits the spot like Atlantic Bagel.
I found this town's obsession with Atlantic Bagel is somewhat unusual, until I tried it. I now have a personal soft spot for their cinnamon sugar bagels with cream cheese, but that's just me. All in all, Atlantic Bagel is a place Hinghamites flock to for all occasions: before school, after school, after work, in the morning, for an afternoon snack (as locals know, it closes at 3 PM)!
I moved to Hingham as a sophomore, and I fell in love with this strange little town, quirks and all. Although we might grumble about the lack of fast food or limited options of activities (you can only go candlepin bowling at the Country Club so many times), Hingham is truly a lovable place.
Cowritten by Evan Ayer.
