When Gillette Stadium opened in Foxboro in 2002, all that surrounded the home of the Patriots were thousands of parking lots that were only filled before Pats and Revolution games, concerts and other events. With the addition of Patriots Place adjacent to the stadium, the area has become a booming place for gameday and non-gamedays all season long.

With Winter Classic festivities taking over Patriot Place this week, there are plenty of things to desire for hockey fans staying in the Foxboro area. For those looking for dining, shopping and other entertainment in the area over these next few days, here are a few suggestions courtesy of your’s truly.

Food and drink

Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill is one of several restaurant choices at Patriots Place. (Photo by Tim Rosenthal, Bruins Daily)

If you’re looking to spend a lot of money and enjoy fine dining, Davio’s is a good bang for your buck. From their variety of steaks to their selection of hors d’oeuvres and their fine wine selection, the quality selections are endless. On the same side of Davio’s — at the west end of the North Marketplace right across the lighthouse — Skipjack’s provides plenty of seafood choices.

If you’re looking for cheaper sit-down options, Bar Louie, CBS Scene and Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill provide plenty of daily specials on select pub foods and have a wide variety of selections of draught beer and other adult beverages. If you’re going to any of these places on New Year’s Eve, reserve a spot in advance if you can. Otherwise, you’ll be standing outside for lengthy waits.

For a hidden gem, Tavolino’s has outstanding pizzas and other great Italian food. Along the same area on the east side of the North Marketplace is Twenty-8 food and spirits, which specializes in comfort food and their weekly rotating draught beer list.

If you’re looking for specific food to try, I suggest the pulled pork nachos as an appetizer at Toby Keith’s (wash it off with your choice of beer in a mason jar), the crab cakes at Skipjack’s and any slider selection from Bar Louie.

Shopping

The Reebok store at Patriots Place includes authentic Winter Classic jerseys available for purchase. (Photo by Tim Rosenthal, Bruins Daily)

From Alex and Ani to Life is Good, Patriots Place has a good variety of specialty selections in jewelry and clothing. If you’re looking for Winter Classic gear, look no further to the Reebok store located right across from Toby Keith’s for official jersey’s from the Bruins and Habs and other paraphrenia. And of course, the Patriots Pro Shop has a variety of Pats and Winter Classic merchandise.

Leisure

A panoramic view of Bass Pro Shops at Patriots Place. (Photo by Tim Rosenthal, Bruins Daily)

Right above the Patriot Pro Shop, The Hall at Patriot Place highlights the illustrious history of the four-time Super Bowl champion Patriots. From the Lombardi trophies to the early days of the team’s history in the American Football League, the in-depth interactive experience is a can’t miss for any sporting fan. In addition to their Pats display, The Hall will feature a unique Hockey in Space display just in time for the annual New Year’s Day hockey game.

Upstairs from the Pro Shop and The Hall, the west side of the North Marketplace includes entertainment for the entire family. Whether it’s bowling for strikes at Splitsville, living a real life adventure game at 5-wits or simply catching a Star Wars showing or other movies at Showcase Cinemas.

On the lot with big chains like Bed Bath and Beyond and Trader Joe’s (on the same side of the Patriots practice field), the Patriots Place version of Bass Pro Shops is unlike any other. Whether you’re looking for additional layers of clothing for New Year’s Day or simply want to look at the display of fishing gear, the aquarium of fish or giant moose heads, there’s plenty to peruse here.

Finally, what would a Winter Classic be without a chance for fans to lace up their skates? Even if you can’t skate on the field where the Bruins and Canadiens will face off, the Winter Skate at Patriots Place outside the Pro Shop provides a great opportunity to take an entire family or a casual glide on the ice. The rink is closed on game day, but will be open from now until New Year’s Eve.

Simply put, there are plenty of fine options to choose from at Patriot’s Place. It may not have more than Boston has to offer, but if you’re looking to kill time and are staying south of the city for the Winter Classic, hockey fans won’t be disappointed.