Hull - A Shore Thing

Exploring the scenic town of Hull on Massachusetts' South Shore

The art scene, shopping, dining, Nantasket Beach, Lifesaving, the alphabet streets and windmills have all at one time or another defined this beautiful peninsula. A small town with an illustrious history, Hull is a great town to live in and to visit.

A peninsula made up of a series of islands connected by sandbars, the land area in Hull is unique in that it has seven distinct hills that make up the town’s topography. Back in the 1600s, fishing and the salvaging of shipwrecks supported the town’s economy. During the Revolutionary War, Hull’s strategic location made it the place for General Benjamin Lincoln to oversee the evacuation of Boston in 1778.

Over the years, Hull became known as one of the most popular vacation spots in the Northeast. The long sandy shoreline of Nantasket Beach is still a favorite place for South Shore and Boston residents to visit for the day and provides a variety of options for beachgoers. Situated across the street from various restaurants and shops, the public beach area offers a bustling beach experience, while a walk further down the sand toward “private” beach areas offers a quieter day by the sea.

Hull is often fondly remembered for its beach and historic Paragon Carousel, but there are many other points of interest and activities that make this town truly unique. Hull has enjoyed the notoriety of being one of the first towns to employ a modern windmill to power some of its municipal buildings, specifically Hull High School. Conceived and built in the 1980s the wind turbine produced power until it was damaged in a windstorm in 1997. Since that time the town has supported the building and continued use of wind turbines in their town. Hull has been recognized as a leader in advancing the use of wind power by the Department of Energy.

Art galleries have also become a notable attraction in Hull. The Hull Artists Studio Connection was developed nearly 15 years ago and brings together over 50 artists who pursue their artistic endeavors in the Nantasket Beach area. The artists represent a variety of artistic mediums and styles. While some of the artists have been working in the area for many years, new artists have come to town bringing new ideas and perspectives on the beauty of the area. During the summer the Hull Artists Studio Connection offers “Open Studio Tours” where art lovers can visit the art studios in town, purchase paintings, sculptures, and other crafts, and talk to the artists about their work.

Many other aspects of Hull cannot be overlooked including the vital role lifesaving has played off the shores of the peninsula. After the American Revolution the Massachusetts Humane Society placed one of their first Huts of Refuge on Nantasket Beach. Over the years, many lives (estimated at well over 1000) have been saved by the lifesaving efforts in the area and the Hull Lifesaving Museum is a great place to learn more about this history.

Shopping and dining in Hull is a treat as well. Dining experiences range from traditional clam shacks to elegant restaurants, so there’s sure to be something to please all palates. The shops in the area provide a lovely and welcoming experience for those who love to poke around fun gift and clothing stores. For those looking to relax, the area is also home to several spas, offering a true respite from a hectic day. To truly get to know a town like Hull, one must look past its scenic shoreline. For it is only when we explore all aspects of a town that it is possible to realize its depth, and unique and exciting qualities.

GUIDE to HULL

Charisma Realty Inc
533 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-0910
www.charismarealty.com
With over 40 years of experience, our team of licensed realtors are qualified to meet all of your real estate needs in Hull and the South Shore.
 

Carousels & Ships Gift Shop
532 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-4975
187 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-0030
www.nantasketbeachstuff.com
Carousels & Ships offers nautical gifts, jewelry, and apparel at prices you’ll love! We have a fantastic selection of sportswear, beachwear, beach toys, jewelry, souvenirs and accessories for the entire family.  Come shop our two locations!
 
Simply Irresistible
305 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-5858
www.simplyirresistiblehull.com
Simply Irresistible is a quaint
seaside shop filled with coastal themed items, home décor, tabletop, apparel, handbags, jewelry, and so much more. Shop or browse 7 days a week. Free parking & entrance in back of shop.
 

Java Jungle
175 George Washington Boulevard, Hull
781-925-2080
www.javajunglecoffee.com
At Java Jungle, we pride ourselves on the freshest ingredients. Our pastries are baked fresh in house and are often served hot out of the oven! Over 13 freshly brewed gourmet coffees and espressos daily. Soups, wraps, salads,
all of which can be ordered ahead 781-925-2080 and picked up at our drive thru!
 
Saporito’s Florence Club Cafe
11 Rockland Circle, Hull
781-925-3023
www.saporitoscafe.com
Treat your senses to the taste of Italy—come to our restaurant for the finest in Italian cuisine! We only use the freshest seasonal ingredients to create that authentic Italian flavor. Fresh seafood, succulent tomatoes, and home made pasta make every item on our seasonally changing menu an unforgettable adventure.
 
Toast
121 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-5221
www.toasthull.com
Great homemade breakfast served every day, all day...Lunch from 11–2, with lunch specials daily. Enjoy your delicious breakfast or lunch as you overlooking beautiful Nantasket Beach.
 

Steamboat Warf Marina
48 George Washington Boulevard, Hull
781-925-0044
www.steamboatwharfmarina.com
Steamboat Wharf Marina is a full service marina offering seasonal slip rental, guest dockage, winter storage, boat maintenance, and mechanical service. The marina’s access to Boston Harbor, the Weir River Estuary, World’s End, and Nantasket Beach allows for
convenient day trips.

Locke & White Dental Associates, LLC
529 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-5100
www.lockeandwhitedmd.com
Locke & White Dental Associates offers a wide variety of procedures to uniquely fit your dental needs. If you are searching for a dental practice that practices cutting edge dentistry and orthodontics – look no further. Call us today!

Hilary W. Williams, O.D.
Nantasket Eye Care Associates
531 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-5996
At Nantasket Eye Care we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate eye care to area residents. We offer eye care services for individuals of all ages. Extensive collection of frames, sunglasses and contact lenses.

Bodywork Day Spa
522 Nantasket Avenue, Hull
781-925-0379
www.bodyworkdayspa.com
Bodywork Day Spa an award winning full service day spa, offering the highest quality spa treatments available anywhere on the South Shore. Our advanced skin care and massage therapy is customized for each client.