Location: Southbridge
Top Things to do in Southbridge
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Top 10 Things to do in Southbridge, United States
The Town of Southbridge has a city form of government with a city council legislative body, but via a statute calls itself a Town. It is located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 16,719 at the 2010 census. Southbridge is one of fourteen Massachusetts municipalities that have applied for, and been granted, city forms of government but wish to retain "The town of" in their official names.
Restaurants in Southbridge
1. Old Sturbridge Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A recreated New England village, with authentic period buildings, provides vistors with an intimate view of life in the early 1800s.
Reviewed By GeorgeH-LI_NY-ExPat - Surf City, North Carolina
We visited during summer several years ago, (sorry for the late review) it was hot & the demos reflected a summer life style of New England in the early 1800s. Some of the demonstrations I enjoyed were; the blacksmith, tin shop, & the pottery. I...MoreThank you for visiting Old Sturbridge Village! We're glad that you enjoyed your visit several years ago and hope that you will come again in the future, perhaps in a different season or for a special event.
2. St. Anne's Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
Fiskdale sounds as though it’s some remote place. It isn’t. Fiskdale is part of Sturbridge.
My interest in visiting St. Anne's Shrine was mainly to see the special exhibit of Russian icons. Many icons in the exhibit dated from the 19th century.
It was a very well done exhibit and worth the trip to see them as works of art for a person of any religious faith.
The exhibit was easy access. It was though the back of the gift shop.
I did go around the grounds. It’s a well-kept site. The grounds are quiet and serene as the shrine is away from the main road. Even a non-Catholic can enjoy a contemplative religious experience here.
The bookstore/gift shop was nice. Most of the merchandise was religious in nature. I got some postcards and a couple of prayer cards that were appropriate for any Christian.
This attraction is a hidden gem.
I rate the site and the exhibit at 4.50.
I highly recommend a visit to this shrine even if it’s just to see the exhibit.
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3. Roseland Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By bcnett - Stoneham, Massachusetts
I reviewed this wonderful house in July, 2013. This is our third visit to Historic New England's Roseland Cottage, but our first visit in the sun. The first two times it was raining so hard, that we never got to enjoy the beautiful gardens in front of the house. We have paid expensive admission fees to see flowers and gardens that were not as impressive as what we saw today in the sun.
We have been members of Historic New England for many years. It is the best deal around. Family membership is only $60.00 a year. You can visit all 37 properties as many times as you want for an entire year.
Roseland Cottage is open Wednesday - Sunday from June 1st to October 15th. You must go on a tour to see the house. Tours are on the hour from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. There is a visitors' center where you arrange for the tours $10.00 ($9.00 for seniors) if you are not Historic New England members. There are rest rooms and a small store in the visitors' center The center was open when we got there at 10:50 A.M.
While in the area, you might also want to visit Roseland Park which Henry Bowen donated to the town of Woodstock in 1876. Henry Bowen, the man who had Roseland Cottage built as a summer home, needed a bigger space to host his huge July 4th celebrations, so he bought land and established a park.
Woodstock Academy is across the street from Roseland Cottage. Founded in 1801, it was Henry Bowen's financial support that kept it from closing in the 1840s. Henry and other family members continued to contribute generously to the Academy for many years.
Every spring the graduating seniors (over 200 of them) come over to Roseland Cottage for a party and to tour the house. You may also want to tour the Woodstock Academy's campus.
4. Quinebaug Woods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Trace the banks of the serene Quinebaug River looking for frogs and spotted salamanders before ascending a wooded ridge.
Reviewed By EagleEyeBoston - Boston, Massachusetts
A neat place if you are in the area. Another Trustees of Reservations properties. Charming. Quiet. Not a destination but a nice diversion.
5. Optical Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Established in 1983, The Optical Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the optical industry from the 19th century to the present. Home to one of the largest collections of ophthalmic products in the world, the museum is a tribute to both the evolution of optics and the effects the innovations have had to improve our everyday lives.
Reviewed By Cynthia N
I have had the opportunity to visit museums all over this world. Optical Heritage Museum is in a word a Treasure sure to inspire history buffs and anyone with eyes! It's packed with local anecdotes and displays scientific instrumentation in the development in Optometry and fiber optics: some currently the gold standard. Dick Whitney conveys his passion-in fact our visit marked his first day of employment at AO 43 years ago. The quality is as robust as The Smithsonian with free admission. I'm especially fascinated by the display of the eyeglass frames worn by Ben Franklin, JFKennedy, movie stars and beyond. If you're visiting Old Sturbridge Village be sure to add this stop just 5 miles away in Southbridge.
6. Tree House Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By C B - Boston, Massachusetts
We visited Treehouse on a beautiful snowy Saturday afternoon. What an amazing location, the facilities were unbelievably nice with a live band was playing. Staff was super friendly and the beer was delicious. I don’t know if I would’ve had such a great experience if we had to wait out side in the snow but I was glad we didn’t have to. Just wish we had more beer to choose from to take home with us. We would return for another visit.
7. Notre Dame Parish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Notre Dame Church is a brilliant example of Rococo Architecture, an impressive place of worship or just to enjoy the beauty. Each stone was purchased from the surplus of the Spanish American War for $1.00 each from the U.S. Government. Secretary of State William Leonard Marcy willed his family's Estate for the site of new parish. Ask for a tour- Margaret Ferrand Office Manager.
Reviewed By k123-foodie - Phoenix, Arizona
Amazing if u like churches. This was built with old immigrant labor back in the day. Cool to vist but not an attraction. Its a church
8. Taylor Brooke Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By jennyrose0853 - Windham, Connecticut
This was my second time visiting this winery and my friend and I had done a tasting each time. What I will say is that we did not find one wine that we put an "unhappy" face on. I can honestly say this is the only winery in which I enjoy all of their whites, and that is not typical for me. My friend agreed as well. They do allow outside food to come in which we appreciate and will bring our "wine backpack" However do not miss buying the cheese from a local farm in Brooklyn it is fabulous. For the tastings they allow two for free, 5 for $5, or 10 for $10 which is great so you can make the call on how much you want to spend. Their indoor wine tasting area is very large, and can be busy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. However the girl that did our tasting was very friendly, and we enjoyed our time there. They have several outdoor seating areas including a covered pavilion. The only thing that I will say that left a sour taste in my mouth (not the wine) was the fact that last year we were able to use a military discount. Being two military spouses we appreciate some of the other wineries offering this. My friend asked our girl and she said she was new so she would have to check with someone else. Whomever she checked with came over to talk to us and was SUPER rude and looked at my friend and I and asked "Is the military person here?" in a very rude tone. Like we were doing something wrong for asking for the discount. We stated no and she said "then you don't get it" and walked away. Not for nothing, but the service needs to remain consistent. I always get a discount at a competitor in the area and honestly they have never even asked to see my ID. Otherwise we will return as we absolutely adore their wines.
9. Wells State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By k123-foodie - Phoenix, Arizona
A small area set aside for nature by the wells family estate. Not a big deal but cool little park to get away Nor really a destination good for a stroll. Nice to have been donated by a nice family.
10. Eye Glasses Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
After visiting the Optical Heritage Museum, I worked my way over to see this related monument. It’s a piece of folk art that pays tribute to Southbridge’s optical industry history.
I would have liked to see a larger monument. But, it’s worth a look.
I rate this attraction at 3.50.
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