What are some local things to do in Framingham? (Boston: lofts, neighborhood)

[Bostonmania]

I'm somewhat familiar with Framingham, have more experience with surrounding communities, and wonder what are some things people can do there based on a local's point of view. Any suggestions or opinions of Framingham would be appreciated.
Can somebody also tell me what the high school is like there?
thank you

[kmann-sherborn]

What kinds of activities are you interested in? You can hike at Callahan State Park or the Garden in the Woods, boat at Lake Cochituate, shop at Natick Collection, check out the little theatre in Sudbury, listen to music, check out the open lofts, or visit the farmer's market downtown Natick. Those are just a few ideas.

[Bostonmania]

I'm not talking about things to do around that area, I've done all that, I want to know what are some good local stores and restaraunts and gyms from someone who lives there.

[Braunwyn]

Originally Posted by Bostonmania

I'm not talking about things to do around that area, I've done all that, I want to know what are some good local stores and restaraunts and gyms from someone who lives there.

For restaurants, I like the BBC. Although, maybe that's in Natick. They have great Beer and quality food. There's this little Mexican restaurant up Cochichutte, not to be confused with Margaritas. I can't remember the name of it, but good food and reasonably priced. I'm not sure what you're looking for as far as stores go. There are so many stores on route 9. Between that and the mall it's overwhelming. It's a mess over there during the holidays. I live closer to Sudbury, thank goodness.

[hammite]

People will tell you to stay away from South Framingham, but there are a couple of really great ethnic non-chain restaurants there. Just don't wander around the streets aimlessly at night, and you are honestly and truly fine. A couple of my favorites:

1. Limey's on Concord Street across from the Memorial Building. A traditional English pub run by a traditional English gent and his wife. The staff is young and super-friendly, the interior is clean and warm, and the food is fresh. There are big screen televisions and a pool table in the back. Everything is cooked to order, so I'd suggest settling in for an ale while waiting. Try the bangers and mash or the traditional shephard's pie (sp?). Parking in front is limited, but there's a not very great parking lot around back.

2. The Aztec Restaurant at 2 Waverly Street. Looks like a brightly painted hole-in-the-wall when you drive up, but the authentic Mexican food is amazing. Tamales actually wrapped and cooked in corn husks, and the best homemade fresh salsa you've ever had.

3. The Bone (formerly the Chicken Bone Saloon) on Waverly Street. I haven't been there in a long time, but they still have the best wings money can buy. It used to be a good, old-fashioned rough and tumble neighborhood bar, but they've changed their image (and interior and music!) so that now families go their regularly. Great wings, great music, good parking (and the parking lot is ALWAYS packed).

4. The Aegean on Route 30 - not downtown, but . . . the lounge is always packed. The staff is friendly and attentive, the food is spectacular if you like Greek, and believe it or not, they make the BEST margaritas!

5. Zaftigs on route 9 - again, not downtown, but the brisket between latkes with vegetable gravy is spectacular, as are the banana-stuffed pancakes. The corned beef seems like it's made from scratch - if you like corned beef, that's a MUST try. This is the location of the old Joan and Ed's, but totally renovated with great lighting and comfy seating. There's a counter with a full bar in the front.

6. For breakfast, Anthony's Cafe and Grill on Waverly is another hidden gem IF you like the old-fashioned diner concept. The staff is not particularly friendly, but the service is great, and the food plentiful and good. It's a little cramped in there, but exactly what you'd expect in a diner. This is a place where older regulars and hung-over but polite twenty-somethings go to either start their weekend days or end their weekend debauchery.

7. Another great breakfast joint is Lloyd's diner on Fountain Street. Again, super-cramped (it is a renovated Worcester dining car), but when I've been there, the waitresses are sweet, service is good, and food is hot and fresh with borderline ridiculously huge portions. I'd definitely recommend the pancakes. I am NOT a pancake person, but they were light and fluffy and delicious. Cash only though, and get there early. They open at 6:00am and close at noon.

8. For Italian, there's La Cantina on Waverly. I have honestly had a couple of bad experiences there, but they must have been flukes or just bad menu choices, as everyone I know raves about the place. Just a recommendation based on the recommendations of other folks.

9. Pepperoncini's on Concord Street - this used to be the Red Star years ago. Fun atmosphere, friendly bartenders who don't let you die of thirst, pool table, tvs. Honestly just a good, old-fashioned neighborhood bar. One thing to note that truly shocked me - the pizza is incredible. A pizza and a pitcher and a football game - this is the place to go.

This concludes my non-chain culinary tour of Framingham. Good luck!