Location: Sturbridge
Top Things to do in Sturbridge
Top Restaurants in Sturbridge
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What to do and see in Sturbridge, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
History comes to vivid life in Sturbridge. The town is a portrait of old New England charm, with grassy commons, distinctive antique shops and boutiques, country orchards and creameries, wooded trails and delightful bed & breakfasts. Nearby Wells State Park boasts miles of trails and a picture perfect pond for swimming or canoeing. Learn firsthand about 18th and 19th century New England life at Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum with landmark buildings, stagecoaches and interactive crafts.
Restaurants in Sturbridge
1. Old Sturbridge Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,404 reviews
A recreated New England village, with authentic period buildings, provides vistors with an intimate view of life in the early 1800s.
Reviewed By GaryW18 - Wakefield, United States
I visited OSV today and full disclosure I am a member. Honestly, it was amazing to see what they have done to try and make the experience authentic for the guests considering the constraints which have been placed on them by the state. Some of the things I noticed were first they provided just as much if not more in the way of interpreters in each of the buildings. Ingeniously, they opened the windows and doors and had the interpreter stand inside in order to maintain the necessary distance. All were as usual dressed in costume and were more then happy to impart information. When the building would not work for this method of presentation they erected a variety of canopies all looking as if they had been made out of a muslin or canvas which fitted in beautifully with the time period. They all seemed unique which made it look like each household had created their own. These were roped off to maintain the appropriate distance but this was hardly noticeable. As for masks they made sure that each person who was presenting had a mask that coordinated with the outfit so it was actually not even noticeable as if it were natural for the wearer to have a face covering. The blacksmith had on a simple muslin type mask while some had calico and others colonial prints that fit in perfectly. It is this attention to detail that helped make the experience enjoyable. This is something I cannot say for any of the places I have visited this summer and certainly so much better than the embarrassing presentation at Mystic Seaport. I would also like to mention the people who work and volunteer there. This stands out more than anything. Having a love of history and being a teacher, I have visited many living history museums and by far and away the people who work at Sturbridge are the most approachable and frankly nice! They do not project the elitist attitude which I have encountered in Williamsburg, Plimoth and Mystic Seaport. They are always willing to answer the questions my grandson asks and he asks many! Now more than ever these living history museums need to look at the way they portray themselves if they wish to survive. I love the way OSV has presented many types of entertainment which use the village as a backdrop such as Christmas by Candle Light, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and even Charlotte's Web for my grand children. I went today with very low expectations due to the mandates issued by the state and was more than pleasantly surprised. I only wish that we could have gotten the chocolate chip cookies, but one cannot have everything. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE VISIT! This place is a true gem and you will not be disappointed. I have written several reviews of OSV over the years and I really feel like they listen to their patrons.
2. St. Anne's Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By oldenewengland
Our bus tour group visited the Russian Icon collection at St Anne/St Patrick. The parish pastor greeted us and explained the history and significance of the Icon collection. The gift shop offers a wide variety of high quality, reasonably priced religious items. We visited in December when the surrounding grounds had been closed for the season. We limited our time to the gift shop and Icon chapel.. I highly recommend a stop here.
3. Westville Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By hanklav
Great spot for a picnic lunch with the family, letting the kids run wild, or simply enjoying the hike around the lake!
4. Sadie Green's Curiosity Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Our store and website have a lot to offer! Whether looking for the perfect jewelry or accessories to wear with any outfit or searching for a unique gift for someone special, we have something for everyone.
5. Hyland Orchard & Brewery
6. Rapscallion Taproom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Rapscallion is a unique destination. 13 of its beers are poured in its tap room at any given time, along with a local hard cider, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. It offers free brewery tours every weekend, regular live music and a number of seasonal events, along with an outdoor beer garden, an 18 hole disc golf course, and the backdrop of an apple orchard. Dogs welcome!
Reviewed By jm242488 - Wrentham, United States
Awesome brewery. Fell in love with the apple pie wine (not made here, but worth ordering nonetheless). Their brews and atmosphere are great as well.
7. Stageloft Repertory Theater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Stageloft Repertory Theater has been delighting audiences and critics alike with our high quality, live theatrical productions since 1994. Now in our 25th season, we specialize in comedies, musicals and youth productions. Our cozy, intimate theater seats 120 and is air conditioned and fully handicapped accessible. Our performance season runs year-round: we produce a new show every month. Main stage performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Youth theater workshops are available in July and August and we also run student productions during the school year. Please visit our website to check the performance schedule for each production to confirm the performance dates and times.
8. Wells State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By chzwill - Brooksville, United States
Well kept, paved roads, private campsites (both RV's and tents). Easy pull thru campsites for RV's and trailers. Note: because of the threat of invasive bugs, you must buy your campfire wood from the park. And, bring flip flops for the showers. It's not that they're dirty (they are not - cleaned everyday). Because they need to be handicapped accessible, there is no threshold between the shower stalls and the dressing area. As such, water flows out of the showers and onto the floor of the drying/dressing area. Not fun to stand in 1/2" of water while trying to dry your feet, slip on socks and shoes. Better to flip flop out to your car or back to your campsite. The only other "bother" was hearing the traffic from The Mass Pike...but this became white noise after a couple days.
9. Sturbridge Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
3 LEVELS INDOORS & YEAR ROUND In a Grist Mill that was built in 1827! We call it the Fun Place! Unlike any other Flea Market/Co-op you have ever been to! We have Antiques, Primitives, Vintage, Collectables, currency, gold, silver, and so many other items that our vendors bring in every week! If you are in the area stop in and have some fun while you shop! We are open Year round. During the weeks when Brimfield Flea Market is in town we have extended hours.
Reviewed By USMCRip - Merrimack, United States
This place is located inside an old mill building and is three levels. Bad weather outside -this is a fun place to look and buy. Everything is well ordered and priced. They had a LOT of stuff, some junk and some treasures. We really enjoyed ourselves and bought a few treasures.
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