New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

The New England winter can be so brutal but the scenes that come out of it can be so soothing and scenic.  Case in point: the Norwood, Mass., town common surrounded by the United Church of Norwood (left) and Saint Catherine of Siena Parish (right). Norwood center -- about 15 miles southwest of Boston -- looks nice any time of the year, but seems to look best in the winter. The blanket of snow surely adds that extra scenic depth to most New England scenes! Related articles:  A beautiful traditional New England winter scene Meredith NH in the winter How to save money on ski lift tickets in New England

Article and photos by Eric H. We've heard it again and again: so many people that were born and raised in Norwood, Mass., never leave. The same affinity for Norwood also holds true for numerous transplants, compelled to lay down their roots in this mid-sized, southwest suburban Boston, Mass., town. Why? Well, Norwood has a strong sense of community, a fantastic downtown with shops, restaurants, historic buildings and a fabulous town common -- plus, established tree-lined neighborhoods, good schools, plenty of activities for people of all ages, and proximity to Boston and Providence, R.I. Want proof that this is a close-knit, involved community? Take a look at the photos taken at yesterday's Norwood Town Day," which brought out thousands of people. Now that's what we call a real New England community! Editor's note: the author does not live in Norwood and has no vested interest in the town. He just likes the place!