Patch is your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see. Here is your seven-day itinerary: MONDAY: For the Monday Passport, Patch sets out to discover a Hidden Gem in your community. Whether you've never heard of this place or simply haven't stopped by in years, we want to help you find the best of your town! Hidden Gem: Meadowlands Homemade Ice Cream TUESDAY: The Tuesday Patch Passport gives you options for great local spots for Kid-Friendly Fun. Take advantage of time…

Lowell National Historic Park isn't like other national parks, where you expect to come across nature, creeks and wildlife.  It's an urban park emblazoned in the middle of a city. Its nature is found within old buildings that were once used as factories and boarding rooms for mill workers.  With a network of waterways, boats make their way across the canal waters and tour guides give participants a look into Lowell's past.  Joann Marcos, a park ranger, said the canal tours are one of the most informative experiences the city has to offer.  "We have many different sites throughout our city …

Do you want to get out of the kitchen, but are bored of the same old places you always go to? Want some fresh ideas for tasty meals? Then the Patch Passport can help. We have assembled a list of local places with international flavors. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! Italian Papa Gino's Giovanni's Pizza, Roast Beef & More Cafe Sicilia Capellini's Luna Rossa River Road Cafe Restaurant Piezano's Pizza Pizza MIA Sal's Just Pizza Main Street Pizza Tewksbury House of Pizza Wicked Cheesy Pizza Mexican Oscar's Pinata Tex-Mex LongHorn Steakhouse Asian Hunan Wok Top Garden Tuk…

The dictionary defines karma as a distinctive quality, atmosphere, feeling or energy. An appointment at Salon Karma and you will quickly find out that this salon more than lives up to its name. Owned and Operated by Tanya Graham, Salon Karma opened in 2008. Graham’s philosophy is a simple one. “Put out good and good comes back to you,” she explained. “Whether that good is giving back to the community or making a client look and feel great.” With four master stylists and three additional professionals, the salon offers a variety of creative as well as classic hair designs for women, men and …

Tewksbury Hospital was established in 1852 as one of three state almhouses needed to help care for the influx of immigrants into Massachusetts. These houses were the first venture into caring for the poor by the state of Massachusetts, previously, this duty had been carried out by the cities and towns in the commonwealth. According to Tewksbury Historical Society records, on May 1, 1854, the Tewksbury Almhouse opened with a capacity for 500 people and the population grew to 668 patients by the end of the first week, and more than 800 by May 20. The population continued to grow and by Dec. 2, …

There was alot of summer fun to be had in Tewksbury this past week thanks to the great weather. The Saunders Recreation Complex on Livingston Street is the epicenter of many summer activities in the town.  There are ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and a children's playground.  Also, when the temperature soared, the town library was bubbling with activity. The Saunders Recreation Complex is a great, safe place for the children to play pick-up or instructional sports activities.  Today, there were pre-school instructional tennis.  Mary MacDonald spent the day teaching very …

It may be a bit tricky to find, but Meadowlands Homemade Ice Cream is worth the effort to visit. Since 1964, Meadowlands has been tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood at 328 North Billerica Road, near the Billerica and Lowell borders of Tewksbury. The business was founded by Percy Roberts, who owned it for many years before selling it to the Geary brothers. In 1996, the Gearys sold it to Priscilla Partykas, their next door neighbor in Lowell. Partykas and her crew, which includes several family members, make 12,000 gallons of homemade ice cream a year, which includes 25 standard flavors…