Wheaton College has been the home of The International Herb Symposium since 1992. The warm and friendly staff and lovely campus has been a perfect fit for the event. Founded in 1834, Wheaton College is set on a picturesque New England campus that includes an adjoining 200 acre woodland (perfect for herb forays!). The Campus itself is endowed with a variety of beautiful old specimen trees. Wheaton is located in the small rural town of Norton, Mass ideally situated between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island allowing easy access from airports, train station, and highways.
Travel Information
The International Herb Symposium is held at Wheaton College, 26 East Main St., Norton, Massachusetts, 02766
Wheaton College is approximately 40 minutes from both Logan International Airport, Boston, Ma and T.F. Green Airport, Providence R.I. We suggest flying into T.F. Green as it is a smaller airport and less hectic. But you will have a much better choice of flights and ground transportation if flying into Logan (Try to avoid Rush Hour Traffic from 4-7). Wheaton College is approximately 30 minutes from Amtrak stations in both Providence, RI and Boston, MA. The MBTA operates rapid transit service from the airport to South Station, connecting to commuter rail service with stops near the Wheaton Campus.
Transportation Options
Airports
Wheaton College is approximately 40 minutes from both Logan International Airport, Boston, Ma and T.F. Green Airport, Providence R.I.
Shuttle Services
The Shuttle: this is the least expensive service we found for participants. $50 one way/$80 round trip for the first person and $10 each additional person. Recommended to reserve at least five days in advance. 888-515-5512; 508-543-2657; info@aipTheShuttle.com; www.aiptheshuttle.com
Taxi Services
Foxfield Taxi: 800.585.8294; 508.339.2828
Norton Taxi: 508.285.6751
Really Robins Transport: 508.884.8282; 401.861.5466; reallyrobins@yahoo.com; www.reallyrobins.com
Limo Services
East Coast Limousine Service: 1-888-799-2994/508.543.3773; information@eastcoastLimousineinc.com and At Your Service Limo: ayslimo@aol.com; 508.238.5466; www.AtYourServiceLimo.com. Reasonable rates if more than three people per trip
Carpool—PLEASE RIDE SHARE!
Save Money. Make Friends. Conserve Energy. If you can give a ride or share a ride, visit our group carpool sign up sheet—thank you!
Photo courtesy of Wheaton College Massachusetts
Lodging & Meal Options
The College provides inexpensive on-campus dormitory-style lodging. These basic rooms provide an affordable lodging option. For an additional fee, there are also nicer rooms in newer dorms that have air conditioning.
I’d like to stay on campus, what are my lodging options?
Basic Dorm Lodging & Meal Package: Friday and Saturday night lodging in classic older dorms & 6 meals, Friday dinner thru Sunday lunch. $190 pp for double/triple occupancy or $210 per person single occupancy
New Dorm Lodging: Friday and Saturday night lodging in newer air-conditioned dorms & 6 meals, Friday dinner thru Sunday lunch. $250 pp for double occupancy or $280 pp for single occupancy
More detailed information on meals and lodging can be found on the Registration Page.
Photo courtesy of Wheaton College Massachusetts
Dining Information
The meals at Wheaton are excellent. As you can imagine at an event such as this, there are many food concerns, issues and expectations; i.e. vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, carnivores, and localvores! The Wheaton crew does an excellent job and serves a nice variety of healthy main courses, hearty soups, salad and sandwich bars that features local greens and veggies, and low sugar desserts. The response on the food has been excellent. If you have any questions, you can email us at office@internationalherbsymposium.com.
“Whether it’s served on fine china or a paper plate, food brings us together and stimulates conversation. We feast to wed, mourn, celebrate, strengthen friendships, assert mana, and simply to be hospitable. Good eating is one of life’s great pleasures.”
— Unknown
Did you enjoy your meals while at the International Herb Symposium?
“Even with my food allergies, I was able to find plenty to eat. Great tasting and very satisfying”
— Jenny
“Actually, this was the best food I’ve ever had at a conference. Great choices and always quite delicious.”
— John
“The cooks did a great job providing a variety of satisfying meals. As a die hard vegetarian, I’m always a little skeptical about food at these events, but there were plenty of choices for me and they were all good. Thanks!”
— Marianne
Commuting to the IHS?"
People are welcome to commute to the IHS. Commuters will need to be fully registered for the entire event. If parking on campus, commuters can purchase an optional commuter parking pass for $15. There is free public parking around the campus that is “first-come-first-served”. Purchasing this pass allows commuters to park in a designated lot close to the main venue. There is also an optional meal plan for $100 for 6 meals, includes Friday dinner thru Sunday lunch.
Area Attractions
If coming from a distance, you might wish to stay and explore the area. There is so much to see and do in Southeastern Massachusetts and neighboring states. For plant related adventures, be sure to visit the Garden in the Woods in Framingham (about 1 1/2 hours north). It was one of the first wild flower gardens in the U.S. and is very worth visiting. There is also an organic cranberry bog close to Wheaton College Campus. In the next town over is Seven Arrows Herb Gardens and Farm, a lovely herb garden/farm. Plymouth Plantation and Sturbridge Village offer the visitors a trip back in time; both feature period herb gardens. Of course, many visitors enjoy visiting Cape Cod and downtown Boston. There’s too much to do to mention here so please contact the Chamber of Commerce and/or go online for an endless list of pleasurable things to do and enjoy.
