Nature and noshing and guitar in Natick
The calendar says it's spring despite the fuzzy, thick, and oh-so-very unsexy socks your sweetie pie insists on wearing to bed. Get those tootsies into some walking shoes and venture into the heart of the 'burbs for some great guitar, hearty noshing, and possible owl spotting.
Your Saturday begins with an afternoon jaunt to Natick and a trip to the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, which has 9 miles of walking trails through woodlands and wetlands. If it's cold, bundle up; if sunny, wear your Red Sox cap (time to get it out anyway). Either way, bring binoculars for bird watching. Sanctuary sources say a nesting owl may be hatching some babies so keep an eye out. The trails are open daily dawn to dusk. $5. Nature Center, Tues-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, Sun, and Mon holidays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 280 Eliot St., Natick. 508-655-2296. massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Broadmoor/index.php
Now that you've worked up an appetite, you and your carissimo can head to Natick center for traditional Italian fare at Agostino's Restaurant, a popular local hangout. Start with garlic bread ($2.95) or a large antipasto ($9.95) or a cup of minestrone soup ($2.95.) Then on to the chicken parmigiana ($13.50) or the shrimp cacciatore ($15.95) or the broiled haddock ($14.95). And, Agostino's sources say, "everyone loves" the Grape Nut pudding ($3.95) for dessert. Sat 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 23 Washington St., Natick. 508-655-6643. agostinosrestaurant.net
For the real treat of the evening, you (well-fed) love birds may stroll to The Center for Arts in Natick for an evening of flat-picking guitar precision from one of Europe's acoustic guitar stars, Beppe Gambetta. The Italian musician not only performs songs of his native land, but he loves the country and bluegrass stylings of American folk guitar. A sample of his sound is posted on the center's web site. $23. 8 p.m. 14 Summer St., Natick. 508-647-0097. natickarts.org
It's enough to knock your socks right off when you get home.
