Three major attractions are a short drive from Milford. 1. Southwick's Zoo, in Mendon, is privately-run and home to more than 500 wild animals. Many of the species it features are endangered. On a recent weekend, zoo babies were the featured attractions. Parking is free. Admission varies by age. The zoo dates to 1963. It has primates, including several species of monkeys, as well as birds and giraffes. One section includes rides for toddlers and children. It is located off Route 16 in Mendon, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Milford. For more information, visit the zoo website. 2. Fox 4 …

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! Mexican: The Alamo, 55 Medway Rd. Acapulcos, 231 E. Main St. Italian: Maria's Italian Villa, 67 Medway Rd. Oliva's, 83 E. Main St. Caffe Sorrento, 143 Central St. Chinese: Royal Buddha, 121 Depot St. Golden House Chinese Restaurant, 93 Water St. Lin's Garden, 206 E. Main St. Thai: Mango Thai Cuisine, 9 …

The Blessing House Boutique opened this year in downtown Milford, and is unusual in that all of its proceeds go to programs for needy families. So, shopping there benefits a good cause. But the shop also has some cool, funky finds. Women's shoes, baby clothes, jewelry, dishes, and some vintage collectibles are all available. The shop includes children's and adult clothing and household items. Many of the items were donated by members of Bethany Community Church in Mendon. The church is affiliated with Compassion New England, a nonprofit organization that also operates a similar store, called …

In a pinch, women may choose to do their own nails. But in 45 minutes, a professional can work a little magic. At Mac Med Spa and Salon, the technicians who work on nails for a living are able to create unique finishes, well worth an investment of time. The newest advance in nail technology is shellac. It is hard enough to protect manicured nails for weeks. And it doesn't lose its shine, said Mac Med owner Debbie MacDonald, who chooses it for her own nails. (see photo gallery) MacDonald, who opened her business in 1975, in Framingham, has had to keep up with changing technology and fashion. …

Milford Town Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in town. Home to local government, as well as annual Town Meeting and many community events, it's a landmark in the town Many people are unaware of its history, however, so we'll provide some highlights. The structure now known as Town Hall was built in 1854, and the architect was Thomas Silloway. It replaced the original brick structure that dated to 1819.  An addition was added in 1900 by architect Robert Allen Cook. Beginning in 1880, Town Hall was home to the Milford police department, until it moved in to its current location, …

It might seem strange recommending a cemetery as a place to visit, to find a hidden gem, but that's exactly what we're going to do. Because we'll bet that few people know some of the oldest gravestones in Milford are tucked into the middle of Vernon Grove Cemetery. They're not hard to find. They are made of slate, and stand out from the marble markers. The slate headstones mark the graves of Milford's first settlers, who died in the mid-1700s. To put that in perspective, that's when Massachusetts was still a colony of England. The town is trying to have several of them repositioned, as they …

Patch will help be 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. Check back to Milford Patch daily to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Milford. And you can tell us what you love about Milford, and we'll include it as part of our project. We hope this project encourages you to shop local, eat local and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own town has to offer. And although everything will …