The Bolton Fair is a four day traditional New England agricultural fair that has been around for over 125 years. In 1874 when the Fair first began, the animal shows and agricultural exhibits were the heart of the Fair and still are to this day. Today, there is also great food, entertainment, crafts, commercial exhibits, farmers’ market, carnival rides, demonstrations and an area just for kids! The Fair is held on the 53 acres of the Lancaster Fairgrounds along the Nashua River on the Lancaster/Bolton line.
Unique Sights
Forget about the same old, same old, and see something exciting. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and of course what one constitutes as “unique” also falls under this umbrella. Nevertheless, the majority would agree that there are both natural and man-made sights here in Central Massachusetts that lean towards the unique end of the spectrum. We hope you will investigate these sights, and leave with a memory not soon forgotten.
145 Redstone Hill Rd, Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-6666
Davis' Farmland is a seven generation family farm and is "Home" to the largest sanctuary of endangered livestock in North America. Davis' Farmland features developmentally appropriate play and learning for children ages 1-8. Children can enjoy pony rides, Safari Hayrides, or take part in daily and weekend events. This summer cool off in Adventure Play and Spray, New England's largest Water Spray-Ground. In the fall, visit the orchard and pick apples fresh from the trees! When visiting, adults must be accompanied by a child 12 years or younger. Hours and admission change with each season, please call ahead weather permitting. Davis MEGA MAZE is the world's most complex cornfield adventure maze. This 3-D twister will turn you inside out, stir your senses and blow your mind. Three miles of winding pathways will put your navigational skills to the test. Once inside, you and your friends can explore the interactive fun areas. This maze features a new design and theme each year. It's the most fun you'll ever have getting lost. Please call ahead for opening date, hours, and admission rates, open weather permitting.
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 508-929-2700
Set in an urban oasis of woodlands and wetlands, EcoTarium is a unique indoor-outdoor museum that allows adults and children to discover firsthand the wonders of the natural world. Three floors of interactive environmental science exhibits, wildlife habitats, extensive grounds, and digital planetarium explore the earth, sea, and sky. Meet live animals, stroll interpretive trails, ride the train, or walk among the treetops 40 feet above ground in the Tree Canopy Walkway. Seasonal outdoor café and Museum Store located on-site. Three levels of exhibit floors are also available for meetings and special events after 5pm for up to 250 guests. EcoTarium offers a year-round calendar of events and exhibits. Jazz at Sunset summer outdoor concert series, June-July. Parking is free. Expansion plans will add a new floor and a weather station!
102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451 978-456-3924
Immerse yourself in the tradition, history, and art of a New England treasure. Scenic Fruitlands offers four intimate galleries, a charming restaurant, and Museum Store. Set on 200 pastoral acres, our singular collections, trails, and colorful vistas stir the imagination. Welcome to a place of surprising stories about the Alcotts, native peoples, Shakers, utopians, Hudson River artists, and more. Linger over lunch, browse our store, and meet New England people as extraordinary as our views!
208 Charlton Road - (Rte 20) P.O. Box 223, Sturbridge, MA 01566 774-241-0520
Mole Hollow Candles has been producing high quality hand dipped candles in Massachusetts since 1969. Visit our Factory Store which offers all products, including those with slight irregularities, along with fine candle accessories.
Craftspeople at Mole Hollow Candles® have been making fine candles by hand for over 33 years. At every step of manufacturing, packing and shipping, any employee is free to reject any candle that he or she feels doesn't meet our standards. The end result is that you will receive only the finest candles from Mole Hollow. Mole Hollow would not have it any other way.
Summer Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Sun
Winter/ Spring Hours: 10am-4pm Thurs-Sun
203 Union St, Clinton, MA 01510 978-598-5000
The Museum of Russian Icons was founded in 2006 as a non-profit educational institution by Massachusetts industrialist, Gordon B. Lankton. The collection includes more than 400 Russian icons, the largest collection of its kind in North America, and one of the largest private collections outside Russia. The collection spans six centuries, and includes important historical paintings dating from the earliest periods of icon “writing” to the present.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566 800-733-1830
Old Sturbridge Village is a "must-see" destination to experience early New England life from 1790-1840. One of the country's largest living history museums, OSV has a large staff of costumed interpreters, 59 historic buildings on 200 acres.
Weddings:
At Old Sturbridge Village, they’ve been planning your wedding for 175 years. Hold your ceremony in their 1830s Center Meetinghouse, with your wedding music played on the antique organ and the soft glow of candles in the chandelier. There is no shortage of picturesque backdrops for your photos, including the Salem Towne House Garden and the horse-drawn carriage. Continue with an on-site reception at Bullard Tavern or Oliver Wight Tavern featuring outstanding menus and service.
Learning Center:
Step out of the classroom and into the 19th century. Old Sturbridge Village has many programs to engage students and make history meaningful. Tour their working 1830s community and participate in hands-on activities. Online teacher resources help connect your OSV experience to the curriculum. If you can’t visit them, they’ll come to you with History on the Road. Programs are also available for home school students and scouts.
Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756 800-258-9182
Situated in the tranquil countryside of the extraordinary Blackstone River Valley, nestled under the shade of tall oak trees on 200 acres, Southwick's Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, like chimpanzees, lions, tigers, giraffes, camels, mandrill monkeys and many endangered species including white rhinos. Popular venues at Southwick's Zoo include: The Earth Discovery Center, animal rides, petting zoo, Woodland Express, Skyfari Sky Ride, deer forest, and the Purple Peacock Gift Shop.
40 Smithville Rd, Spencer, MA 01562
Massachusetts' Largest Agricultural Fair. Join us for the 121st Annual Spencer Fair - Labor Day Weekend - Sept. 4th-Sept. 7th, 2009 at Spencer Fair Grounds. Agricultural Exhibits and shows. Dairy & Beef Cattle Show; Bee & Honey Exhibit; Poultry Show; Cock Crowing Competition; Draft Horse, Oxen and Tractor Pulls Vegetable, Flower, Baking, and Craft Competitions
499 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA 01541 978-464-2300
Wachusett Mountain offers an expanded base lodge featuring Mountain Suites, new easy-to-ride carpet lifts, a total of 22 trails, and nearly 110 acres of terrain for all abilities. Night skiing daily till 10 pm; 100% snowmaking; Mountainside Ski Shop; demo center; full-service restaurant; cafeteria; plus rental shop and ski/snowboard school. Off-season, Wachusett hosts fun fall festivals and is ideal for corporate and private outings. Ski and stay packages available at the Wachusett Village Inn. Conveniently located in Princeton, just 20 minutes from Worcester. Take I-190 North to Exit 5, follow Route 140 North to ski area.
30 Elm St, Worcester, MA 01609 508-753-8278
Learn about the history of Worcester through exhibitions, education programs and special events presented throughout the year. Visit Worcester Historical Museum to see hundreds of objects made in Worcester. Listen to the stories of industrial leaders, inventors, and workers. Discover Worcester's common heritage through hands-on activities. Explore the contributions of ethnic groups and individuals through changing exhibitions and special programs. Find out what Worcester was like in centuries past in the library's reading room. The library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10am-4pm; Thursday, 10am-8:30pm.
