Perched above a strip of stores in downtown Medfield sits an artistic treasure worthy of a night out. The Zullo Gallery is a small art center that has exhibits open to the public, art classes for children and live music on its outdoor roof deck during the summer. Every Thursday night in July and August for a small fee, people can sip beer and wine at small tables while listening to music under the stars. Many of the acts are local or have local ties, including Keith Curbow, a jazz musician who grew up in Medfield. Curbow will be playing tenor sax on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. He is currently…

If you’re looking for a half-day outing with your toddler and don’t want to commit to a lengthy day at the beach or a trek into the Children’s Museum in Boston, the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro is the perfect destination. Located less than 35 minutes from Medfield, this local zoo has a lot to offer, including an array of animals, a small splash park, a snack bar, a pond to feed the ducks and a museum gift shop. The animal exhibits are surprisingly exotic for the suburbs, including African lions, red kangaroos, snow leopards, lamas, sloths and bears. The setup isn’t overwhelming for little …

When looking to entertain your family this summer, the key word when searching for activities is "free." Bass Pro Shops in Foxboro loads up on free family fun until July 17. Head over any day of the week and find a multitude of workshops, games and sporting activities that will appeal to both parents and kids. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays you’ll find a shooting gallery for target practice and a shooting range equipped with BB Guns, as well as a soft bow and arrows. If you need to polish up your fishing skills before your seaside vacation there’s also a casting target area …

Are you looking for a quiet Fourth of July weekend opting out of hectic family BBQs and local fireworks celebrations? Head over to Rocky Woods in Medfield, a 419-acre nature’s paradise right on Hartford Street. The land is owned by the Trustees of Preservation and includes trails and paths that wind around five man-made ponds, a 435-foot hill, hay fields and wetlands. The varied terrain makes it possible to spend hours meandering with your family on a weekend afternoon and not get bored. There are 6.5 miles of trails, but there are delineated loops allowing families to take a leisurely stroll…

Mark your calendars, because a very special guest will be giving a gardening lecture for the Powisset Garden Club of Dover. Laurel Landers, an accomplished gardener and graduate of the Horticultural Training Center at the Arnold Arboretum, will talk about perennial gardening.  Entitled "The Succession of Bloom” this lecture will give you all you need to know about how to design stunning perennial gardens. With her advice, you can dig in to your own backyard with the confidence of a well-designed plan. Which will surely leave you with a few hours of “me time” to enjoy this beautiful weather …

This week, it may be dificult to justify a long break away from the kids. With Passover and Easter holidays adding extra excitement and preperations to the already busy April Vacation week, we here at Medfield Patch wanted to suggest a timeless activity that can be added into your schedule without deadlines, hours of operation and added expenses to this week's activities. Consider taking some "me time" by hiking the beautiful trails of the Noanet Woodlands in nearby Dover. These trails are perfect for that sunny window of opportunity this weekend, while your kids may be off at a play-date or …

You spend all week taking care of your family, why not spend a little time taking care of yourself? Now that the warm sunny weather is just around the corner (we hope), learning an outdoor hobby to help you escape your stress might be just what you need. In this week's Great Escape, we are featuring the Natick Golf Learning Center, which reopened for the season on March 19. Located at 218 Speen St., the center does not require that you belong in order to improve your swing, buy clubs and improve your overall game. The facility also offers free rentals, personal instruction, kids classes and a…

Each week, Medfield Patch searches for things to do close to home that are great excuses to score some “me time.” After all, it is important to take time each week to plan an activity that YOU are excited about. This week, we have found a great event in Norwood that will be double the fun…all of the proceeds from Saturday night’s  Ellie Fund Dinner at the Norwood Sheraton go directly to help programs that support women with breast cancer and their children. Assistance to these women includes help with transportation to cancer treatments, childcare expenses, housekeeping and nutritious meals. …

Medfield Patch knows how strenuous life can be for a mom. So we look for excuses for you, a busy mom, to steal the car keys and find a great escape nearby…kid-free, husband-free. After a long week, every mom deserves some “Me Time!” Right?This week, we wanted to highlight a unique, funky clothing boutique in Norwood. It is called “Habitat: Clothes to Live In” and their clothing is indeed both stylish and comfortable.  Located at 349 Lenox St., it offers a great selection of spring clothing. Despite the snow that has fallen this week, there is definitely a new season upon us. Therefore, it is …

Make plans for dinner and a movie, without the kids. AMC's Premium Cinema and Grille Restaurant in Framingham, according to its Web site offers a "full service restaurant and bar offer a variety of sumptuous entrees, sandwiches, and salads including a fully stocked bar complete with a generous wine list." After dinner, you can move to a "screening room where you will enjoy a first run movie in the luxurious comfort of our high back ultra-leather seats. Open only to guests 21 years of age and older, the Premium Cinema and Grille Restaurantoffers a unique experience for those who love good food…

You've spent the week taking your children to music lessons, doctor's appointments, laundering their sports jerseys, and baking for their school activities. Instead of sitting down to catch up on your DVR, leave the house for a little "you" time. Make your way to Patriot Place in Foxborough and enjoy a "tasting" of Tasting's Wine Bar & Bistro's new white wine list from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Here is a sample list of the exciting new wines: Trevor Jones 'Virgin' Chardonnay by the glass. 2009 Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio. 2009 Sigalas Assyrtiko (Mediterranean). 2009 Las Renas Rose. 

Your teens are babysitting for the neighbors on Saturday. Your parents have volunteered to watch the kids while you run errands on Sunday afternoon. Your tweens are glued to Glee on Tuesday evenings.  It’s your time. Take it. Looking for ways to spend it?Each week, Patch throws out one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier!With spring around the corner and the temperature peaking above 40 degrees this week, ice cream, milkshakes and everything cold and sweet is on the mind! And what better way to make an excuse to "escape" …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your teens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it.Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. Today comes an offer from Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro and Showcase Cinema De Lux. Looking for an affordable night on the town? Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal at Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro and follow it up with a movie at Showcase Cinema …

Now that the Valentine's chocolates have been, errrr, put away ... it is time to think about getting into fabulous shape for springtime! Soon this dreary snow will be a thing of the past, and we will all want to look and feel our best. Get started on your personal fitness, with the help and zeal of  Medfield native Michael Schiemer.  He is a certified personal trainer with a ton of fitness, nutritional and motivational experience to offer. This weekend, map out your "me time" for working out with a personal trainer.  Figure out the details, who will watch the kids, what time commitment you …