Photo: Southwick's Zoo / Source: Bebeh Blog
Morning
Driving up from Connecticut puts you at an advantage, because there are so many worthy stops to provide varying amusement as you journey to the heart of it all. If the kiddos are in the back seat, they’ll want to meet the animals at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Mass.—a lively stop for spotting creatures of all kinds. Old Sturbridge Village is another great option for diversion, one of our nation’s largest outdoor history museums, fit for a totally immersive experience. On your way up, be sure to also check out the happenings at Indian Ranch, a resort and entertainment venue situated alongside the lake in Webster, Mass.
Photo: Lock50
Noon
By lunchtime, you can set up a picnic at beautiful Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, Mass., or make your way into the heart of Worcester for seemingly limitless dining options both indoor and out. Worcester has a spot for every kind of consumer—from casual vibes at City Line Diner and classic American fare at George’s Coney Island to seafood favorites at The Sole Proprietor and international tastes at Bocado Tapas Bar and Baba Sushi.
Photo: Wormtown Brewery
After lunch, roll on over to one of the several breweries in the area to sip on local creations. Flying Dreams, Greater Good Imperial and Redemption Rock are just three craft masters in this space, but if you’re feeling thirsty, you can definitely make a day-long tour out of it. For the wine avid in the crowd, visit Sail to Trail WineWorks, a “safe space” for imbibers, where nobody questions your opinion of good wine!
Photo: OG Slick Mural from Pow Wow! Worcester Festival
Burn off some energy with a walking tour of art, culture and shopping, perusing all the vintage shops in the area, as well as funky public art installations around town (the photo opps are calling your name!). Worcester also boasts museums and galleries galore, from the classic Worcester Art Museum to Worcester Historical Museum for the history buffs.
Photo: Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park
If sports are more your speed, book a ticket to Polar Park, where the Worcester Red Sox grace their talents in the Canal District, a place you’ll find there’s a lot more to do than just play ball.
Evening
Post-afternoon adventuring, your hardest decision will be where to indulge in dinner. Perhaps the perfect place is Shrewsbury Street’s “Restaurant Row”—one of Worcester’s most booming streets for eats. Here, you’ll find everything from classic Italian at Nuovo to the hip and eclectic Flying Rhino Cafe. For an end-of-night sugar kick, Central Mass. has a growing list of the sweet stuff, from which you’re sure to find a favorite.
Photo: Nuovo
Stay the Night
Either right in the midst of things or a short drive from downtown, you can extend your stay at an assortment of hotels. Book an overnight or weekend stay at the world-renowned Beechwood Hotel, ranked the #1 hotel in Worcester by TripAdvisor and the only AAA Four Diamond luxury boutique property in Central Mass. If you’re looking to be front and center, the AC Marriott as well as Homewood Suites by Hilton are just a short walk to great entertainment. The Residence Inn by Marriott is another great option, ensuring a short drive to the stadium, and an even quicker trip to Lake Quinsigamond.
Left: AC Marriot / Right: Homewood Suites by Hilton
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