Location: Worcester
Top Things to do in Worcester
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Top 10 Things to do in Worcester, United States
Worcester (/ˈwʊstər/ WUUS-tər, locally [ˈwʊstə] ( listen)) is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population was 181,045, making it the second most populous city in New England after Boston. Worcester is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) west of Boston, 50 miles (80 km) east of Springfield and 40 miles (64 km) north of Providence. Due to its location in Central Massachusetts, Worcester is known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth", thus, a heart is the official symbol of the city. However, the heart symbol may also have its provenance in lore that the mass-produced Valentine's Day card was invented in the city.
Restaurants in Worcester
1. Worcester Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
This central Massachusetts museum houses a collection that includes works by European and American artists as well as Asian, Greek and Roman art.
Reviewed By CharleneSokal - Worcester, Massachusetts
A unique collection of late 19th/early 20th century photographs is on view until the 25 of Feb. The photos are of an African/American and Native American community living in Worcester. Aside from the photos as images, many of them have been identified with families still residing in Worcester. These add to the texture of the city and connects the families with their ancestors, a unique experience.
2. The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
The Hanover Theatre continues to draw over 170,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including touring Broadway hits ("Les Miserables," "Mary Poppins," "Jersey Boys"); comedians (Steve Martin, George Carlin, Dave Chappelle); musical acts (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues, Diana Ross); and everything in between ("A Christmas Carol," Maya Angelou, Rudy Giuliani, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre).Consistantly ranked by POLLSTAR as one of the Top Theatres in the World, the theatre opened in March of 2008 following a $32 million historic renovation. Since opening, the theatre has established its place as a world-class performing arts venue, acting as a catalyst for the economic development of downtown Worcester. Worcester Center for Performing Arts, is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Reviewed By Travis P - Boston, Massachusetts
We came in from out of town to see a touring Broadway musical. What a beautiful place ad the volunteer staff are really nice and knowledgeable. Great acoustics. Only complaint is that I have long legs ad some of the seats don't have enough leg room, but that's a problem I have a lot of places. Would come back again.
3. EcoTarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 232 reviews
Experience hands-on exhibits and make new discoveries, indoors and outdoors, at the EcoTarium in Worcester. As New England's leading museum for science and nature, the EcoTarium offers three floors of interactive exhibits, exciting shows in the Alden Digital Planetarium: A National Geographic Theater, daily Science Discovery programs, live animal habitats, nature trails through forest and meadow environments, and unlimited play in the expansive Nature Explore(R) Outdoor Exhibit. Rain or shine, summer or winter, there's always something fun for the whole family to discover at the EcoTarium.
Reviewed By friantfoodsnob - friant, california
Took my seven year old grandson to the EcoTarium on a Friday and spent the day there. He loved all the interactive displays and hands on activities. The Tornado chamber was one of his favorites. The outside play area is good too with musical activities and instruments to explore. The planetarium shows were well suited to young children and he enjoyed them.
All and all a good place to take kids for the day and not run out of things for them to do there. We will be back!
4. Crompton Collective
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By LeisaS - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Loved the variety of crafts, repurposed items, and antiques. Pretty impossible to get out of there without opening your wallet lol I think Seed to Stem upstairs may be part of the Collective and that shop is AMAZING! Plants, fossils, geodes, taxidermy, ...the displays are just visually riveting! Metered parking on the street is a pain, so park in the rear and use that entrance to access the building.
5. Elm Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Frakle - Boston
...a feast for the eye and for the heart. Plenty of seating along the paths, two interesting bridges, a nice playground for the young'uns, well maintained restrooms, plenty of shade. Very clean and cared for. Looking forward to returning again and again.
6. Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
VietnamReviewed By Barbara H - Worcester, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Green Hill Park is a lovely oasis where people can find solace and comfort. It is beautifully designed and built and it is surrounded by woods, a lake and the Arboretum. With benches, walkways and water, it is a peaceful spot to relax and think. In addition there are nice trails through the woods. There is a large parking lot also.
7. Wormtown Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Keystone_Traveler - Malvern, Pennsylvania
Many craft brewers have large, "warehouse" style taprooms. Not so at Wormtown. I like the small size; it's much more relaxing and conducive to meeting people. There is also a small outdoor sitting area. The interior area has a few tables. Games and reading material are available. There is a section devoted to displaying their merchandise for sale. Nice view of the brewery tanks inside the building. Very personable staff. Great way to enjoy your favorite Wormtown brew right at the source. A fun Worcester destination if you appreciate craft brewing.
8. Green Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara H - Worcester, Massachusetts
Green Hill Park is a huge public park in Worcester. It is located between Belmont Street (Route 9) and Interstate 290E, a few blocks east of Lincoln Street. I think the best part of the park is the area closest to Belmont Street. There is a working farm, the Vietnam War Memorial, an arboretum and woods with paths. If you enter the park via Green Hill Parkway, off Lincoln Street, you will eventually get to the eastern part of the park. However, unless you turn around and retrace your route before entering the eastern part you will not be able to leave the park by Green Hill Parkway and will only be able to leave via Belmont Street; the road from Belmont Street only goes as far as the Vietnam War Memorial. The entrance from Belmont Street goes past a high school, the entrance to Grill on the Hill (open to the public), the farm, an arboretum and lake, and the Vietnam War Memorial. There is ample parking at the war memorial and lovely paths on which to walk and relax.
9. Worcester Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Worcester Historical Museum (WHM) is the only institution solely devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and collection of Worcester History. WHM includes a research library of over 7,000 titles, an archive that houses thousands of documents, and a collection of artifacts, all vital to the study of Worcester History. A few examples of WHM's holdings include correspondence of abolitionist Abby Kelley Foster, Blackstone Canal Company records, Civil War era diaries and letters, artifacts related to Worcester's industrial, weaponry from the colonial era through World War II, paintings and sculptures, and a significant costume and textile collection.WHM also owns and operates Salisbury Mansion, Worcester's only historic house museum. Built in 1772, it has been restored to its 1830s appearance and one of the best documented historic houses in New England.Worcester History is interpreted through a calendar of exhibitions, educational programming, tours and publications. WHM features both permanent installations and changing exhibitions.
Reviewed By Caldutti
Very informative museum, with friendly and helpful staff. Great exhibits on history of Worcester and research material and staff are top notch!
10. Central Rock Gym
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Central Rock Gym has options for experienced, new, or young climbers! You can reserve a slot with rental gear and staff to help you try it out, take a class to learn the ropes for the high walls, jump on the lower bouldering walls with no prior experience necessary, or bring your own gear and just get a day pass. This facility has day passes and memberships for bouldering, top-rope climbing, and lead-climbing.
Reviewed By Leah W
I've been a member at both the Hadley gym and the Worcester gym. CRG is a great place for beginners and advanced climber for a really excellent price. Along with bouldering, top rope, and sport climbing, there are yoga and fitness classes every day. They set new climbs frequently so you've always got new challenges. Plus you can use your membership to visit any of the other Central Rock Gyms throughout Massachusetts. The only negative is one that every single climbing gym faces - during peak evening hours, it's mad busy because everyone wants to climb!
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