'''Sturbridge''' [http://www.sturbridge.org/] is a charming New England town located in southern Central Massachusetts approximately 60 miles (96 km) west of Boston.

Understand

Sturbridge is probably most famous for the Old Sturbridge Village living history museum. Sturbridge offers an exciting shopping, dining, and recreation destination. Located in southern central Massachusetts, Sturbridge is easily accessible via major routes from all directions and is a major stopping point for people traveling between Boston and Hartford, Connecticut, and further on to New York City.

Sturbridge has maintained a unique blend of modern convenience and historical charm. There are many lakes and outdoor activities in Sturbridge and the surrounding area.

Get in

Sturbridge and surrounding areas are easily accessible. There are two major highways that meet in Sturbridge. Interstate Route 90, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, is a toll road running east to west through Massachusetts. Sturbridge is Exit 9 off of the Mass Pike. Connecting Sturbridge to Hartford, CT and beyond is Route 84. Although designated as running east to west, it actually runs more or less a northeast to southwest route.

In addition to the major routes, several secondary highways offer additional routes into town. Running from Boston in the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, Route 20 bisects Sturbridge. Route 131 connects Sturbridge to Southbridge and on further south to Route 395 in Connecticut. Route 49 connects Sturbridge to Spencer and Route 9, another busy east-west route across the state.

Many people find Sturbridge a convenient stopping point on their way either further North or South. There are many restaurants and accommodations within a very short distance of all the main roads.

  • '''From Boston''' Head west on Route I-90, the Mass Pike [http://www.massturnpike.com/], and get off at Exit 9 (the Route 84 West exit).
  • '''From New York City''' From New York City take Route 95 North to Route 91 North to Route 84 East. Exit before reaching the Mass Pike.
  • '''From Worcester''' Take Route 290 West to Route 90 West, get off at Exit 9. Alternate route (generally better on busy travel days): Route 290 West to Route 20 West.
  • '''From Springfield, MA''' From Springfield take Route 90 East (Mass Pike), get off at Exit 9.
  • '''From Providence, RI''' Route 146 North to Route 90 West (Mass Pike), get off at Exit 9.
  • By Plane

    The nearest large airport is in Worcester, but it has limited service. Bradley Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT serves the Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts area.

    Approximately 5 mi. (8 km) from Sturbridge is the Southbridge Municipal Airport. It is a small regional airport.

    Get around

    Most people will find using a car the easiest way to get around town. A lot of the best shopping in town is on Main St (Rt 20), and is very walkable. There is a well maintained bicycle and hiking path accessible from the Westville Recreation area on the border of Sturbridge and Southbridge that has a connecting bridge at the dam area. An easy walk about a 2 mile loop.

    See

  • '''Old Sturbridge Village''', 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, 800-SEE-1830, 508-347-3362, [http://osv.org/]. Sturbridge's biggest draw, this living history museum promotes learning about the early 1800's through fun, hands-on activities. Great interpretive programs. Special and seasonal programs help people experience historical New England.
  • Fall is an excellent time to visit Sturbridge. The New England '''autumn foliage''' is nothing short of legendary.

  • '''Carpenter Rock at Wells State Park''' offers a sweeping panorama for those who are willing to trek up the trail.
  • The Publick House restaurant on Main St. (Rt 131), across from the Sturbridge Town Commons, hosts an '''annual Scarecrow contest in October'''.

    Do

    Golf

  • ''' Cohasse Country Club''', 426 Eastford Rd., Southbridge, [http://www.cohassecc.org/]. 9 holes, private. 508-764-6290
  • ''' Webster-Dudley Golf Club''', 80 Airport Rd., Dudley, [http://www.dudleyhill.homestead.com/]. 9 holes, semi-private. 508-943-4538
  • '''Hemlock Ridge Golf Course''', 220 Holland Rd., Sturbridge. 9 holes, semi-private. 508-347-9935
  • ''' Heritage Country Club''', Sampson Rd. off of Route 20, Charlton, [http://www.heritagecountryclub.com/]. 18 holes, public. 508-248-5111
  • ''' Leicester Country Club''', 1430 Main St., Leicester, [http://www.leicestercc.com/]. 18 holes, public. 508-892-1390
  • ''' Quaboag Country Club''', Palmer Rd. (Route 32), Monson, MA, [http://www.quaboagcountryclub.com/]. 9 holes, semi-private. 413-267-5294
  • Hiking, Bicycling, and Outdoor Activities

    Sturbridge is full of outdoor activity options: fishing, hiking, cycling, boating, and camping. Check with Bill and crew at '''Wild Bird Crossing'''[http://wildbirdxing.com] for their schedule of outdoor birdwatching hikes and activities.

    Sturbridge has many lakes which offer great fishing. East Brimfield Lake and Long Pond, accessible via boat ramps off of Route 20, and also via the East Brimfield Dam, are great fishing spots. Cedar Lake is another fishing option. There are some good fishing spots along the '''Quinebaug River'''[http://ma.water.usgs.gov/basins/quinebaug.htm], ([http://www.telegram.com/static/crosscurrents/quinebaug_river_basin.html map]). The Quinebaug has small and large mouth bass, trout, northern pike, and panfish.

    '''Canoeing and kayaking''' are popular outdoor activities as well. Experienced river rafters will enjoy paddling the Quinebaug, starting at the East Brimfield Dam and ending up at the Westville Dam recreation area. Of particular interest, this riverway runs directly through Old Sturbridge Village. There are small sections that require portage. Also, this is the route used by the annual Sturbridge Lions All American River Race (typically in late April).

    Fall is an awesome time to visit area '''apple orchards''' for apple picking and hayrides.

  • '''Hyland Brewery & Orchard''', 199 Arnold Rd., 508-347-7500, [http://www.hylandbrew.com/]. Frequently has music and various festivals in their outdoor pavilion starting in spring and running through late fall. Kids enjoy the feeding the farm animals and taking a ride on the pickle barrel train.
  • ''' East Brimfield Dam''', off of Route 20, border of Sturbridge and Brimfield, [http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ebl/eblhome.htm].
  • ''' Wells State Park''', off of Route 49 (Podunk Pike),[http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/well.htm]. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, interpretive programs, and more. Make the half an hour climb to the top of Carpenter Rock for a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and lakes.
  • ''' Westville Dam Recreation Area''', border of Southbridge and Sturbridge, [http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/wvl/wvlhome.htm].
  • Music and Nightlife

  • '''Admiral T. J. O'Brien's''', 407 Main St. (Rt 20), ''+1'' 508-347-2838. Music Th-Sa.
  • '''Ugly Duckling''', 502 Main St.(Rt 20), (''upstairs at the Whistling Swan''), ''+1'' 508-347-2321, [http://www.thewhistlingswan.com/theuglyducklingloft/]. Su-Th until 10PM, F,Sa 11PM. Live music in the evening, varies. Typically on the weekend.
  • The '''Artist Development Complex''', [http://www.adcmusic.com/] and '''Mill Street Brews''', 18 Mill St., ''+1'' 508-761-6900, Southbridge, (''about 4 miles from Sturbridge''), [http://www.millstreetbrews.com/]. Three clubs on two floors in one building. Lots of entertainment. Local, regional, and national acts performing on multiple stages. There's stuff going on here practically every night of the week.
  • ''' Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Cafe''', 210 Hamilton St. (''in the Flat Iron Building''), Southbridge (''about 4 miles from Sturbridge''), ''+1'' 508-765-5520,[http://www.sturbridgecoffeeroasters.com/]. Music and poetry on various nights of the week. Best coffee around. Period.
  • '''Vienna Restaurant on the Patio''' (see Eat section). Great night without all that "life" for those prefering to take it easy while enjoying a libation or a good cigar by the outside fire. Dinner 10PM and Dessert served till 11PM. More than likely you'll meet some new friends who share your thoughts on life!
  • Learn

  • '''Old Sturbridge Village''', 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, 800-SEE-1830, 508-347-3362, [http://osv.org/]. Sturbridge's biggest draw, this living history museum promotes learning about the early 1800's through fun, hands-on activities. Great interpretive programs. Special and seasonal programs help people experience historical New England.
  • '''Joshua Hyde Library''', 308 Main St (Rt 131), 508-347-2500, Fax: 508-347-5886. Historical and genealogical collections about Sturbridge.
  • Buy

    Sturbridge has dozens of interesting shops. There are many antique stores, factory outlets, and gift and craft stores in town. Below is a partial list.

  • '''Country Curtain''', Main St. (Rt. 20). Curtains.
  • '''Earth Spirits''', Main St. (Rt. 20). Holistic health products and gifts.
  • '''Millyard Market Place''', Main St. (Rt. 20). Lots of different stores located in a renovated mill building.
  • '''Stone Fish''', Main St. (Rt. 20). Hand made jewelry and gifts.
  • '''Susan's Secret Garden''', Main St. (Rt. 20). Very unique gifts. Highly recommended.
  • '''Village Music''', Arnold Rd (near corner of Main St (Rt. 20) and Arnold Rd). Musical instruments and related items.
  • ''' Wild Bird Crossing''', 4 Cedar St. (at Main St.), 508-347-BIRD, [http://www.wildbirdxing.com/]. Backyard birding products, birdfeeders, birdfeed, outdoor products and gifts. Stop by and see Minnies the dove and Marley the cockatiel.
  • '''Wright's Ribbon''', Main St. (Rt. 20).
  • '''Yankee Candle and Outlet Store''', Main St. (Rt. 20).
  • Eat

    Many, many dining options, ranging from the every day to the extraordinary. There are quite a few excellent restaurants in and around Sturbridge.

    Breakfast

  • Annie's Country Kitchen, 140 Main St. (Rt 131), ''+1'' 508-347-2320. Best breakfast around, can get very busy. Get there early, before 9:00AM. Many specials. This is where the locals go for breakfast. Good lunches too.
  • Sunburst Restaurant, Corner of Main St. (Rt 20) and Arnold Rd., ''+1'' 508-347-3097.
  • Fancy

  • '''Cedar Street Restaurant''', 12 Cedar St., ''+1'' 508-347-5800, [http://www.cedarstreetrestaurant.com]. M-Sa 5PM-9PM.
  • '''Publick House''', Route 131 ''On the Common'', ''+1'' 508-347-3313 or 800-PUBLICK, [http://www.publickhouse.com/]. National Register of Historic places. True colonial feel and great food. $18-30.
  • '''The Vienna Restaurant & Historic Inn''', 11 South St., Southbridge, ''about 4 miles from Sturbridge'', ''+1'' 508-764-0700, [http://thevienna.com/]. Owners Jonathan and Lisa Krach serve sumptuous 'Continental European, Austrian, German and Swiss cuisine' in their beautifully restored Italianate Revival Inn. Tu-Sa, other times by reservation. Stick around after the other guests have left (hint, ask to have dessert fireside in the parlor, or, weather permitting, outside on the patio). Reservations suggested.
  • '''Whistling Swan''', 502 Main St.(Rt 20), ''+1'' 508-347-2321, [http://www.thewhistlingswan.com/]. Old school swank.
  • '''Ugly Duckling''' (upstairs loft at the Whistling Swan). More laid back than its fancier cousin downstairs. Basically the same menu in an upscale pub setting. Can get very busy.
  • Pizza

  • ''' Enrico's Brick Oven Pizzeria''', 500 Main St.(Route 20), ''+1'' 508-347-1740, [http://www.enricosbrickovenpizza.com/]. Great brick oven pizzas, and selection of Italian fare. Great bar, good ambiance. Best seats are either at the bar or sitting right at the kitchen, watching them create your food front and center. A family favorite.
  • Pub

  • '''Admiral T. J. O'Brien's''', 407 Main St. (Rt 20), ''+1'' 508-347-2838. Irish pub serving good food at a great price. Music Th-Sa.
  • '''Picadilly Pub Restaurant''', 362 Main St (Rt 20), [http://www.piccadillypub.com/]. Good food, good prices. Something for everyone in the family, lots of specials.
  • Ethnic Restaurants

  • '''Thai Place Restaurant''', 371 Main St, ''+1'' 508-347-2999, Thai food. Near entrance to Old Sturbridge Village. Great food and good prices.
  • '''Kahula Restaurant''', Route 131, Chinese, Polynesian and Mandarin food.
  • Vegetarian / Vegan

  • ''' Cedar Street Restaurant''', 12 Cedar St., ''+1'' 508-347-5800, [http://www.cedarstreetrestaurant.com/]. While not exclusively vegetarian, Cedar Street has a superb vegetarian selection. This is a great restaurant.
  • Drink

  • '''Admiral T. J. O'Brien's''', Main St (Rt 20). Irish pub & restaurant. Live music most Thu, Fri, & Sat.
  • '''Ebeneezer's Tavern''', Route 131 ''On the Common'', 508-347-3313 or 800-PUBLICK. Upscale in historic Publick House.
  • '''Hyland Orchard and Brewery''', 199 Arnold Rd, ''+1'' 508-347-7500, [http://www.hylandbrew.com/]. Open daily, visit the gift store, stop by for a pint, bring the kids to see the animals, Hyland is a great family destination. Fridays are "Steinmembers" night, but in truth, everyone is welcome to come by and enjoy themselves. Frequent special events.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Econo Lodge''', 400 Haynes Rd., ''+1'' 508-347-1978, [http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/EconoHome?promo=gg280&kw=ggn280].
  • '''Quality Inn & Conference Center''', 400 Haynes Rd. (Old Rt 15), ''+1'' 508-347-1978, [http://sturbridgequalityinn.com/]. Hotel and conference center. Easy access to Rt 84 & I-90 (Mass Pike).
  • '''Rodeway Inn''', 172 Main St. (Rt. 131), ''+1'' 508-347-9673.
  • '''Scottish Inn''', 142 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-9514.
  • '''Sturbridge Heritage Motel''', 499 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-3943.
  • '''Super 8 Motel''', 358 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-9000.
  • Mid-priced

  • '''Best Western American Motor Lodge''', Route 20 (at New Boston Rd), ''+1'' 508-347-9121. Indoor pool, restaurant and bar.
  • '''Comfort Inn & Suites,''', 215 Charlton Rd., ''+1'' 508-347-3306, [http://www.sturbridgecomfortinn.com/welcome.html].
  • '''Hampton Inn''', 328 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-6466, Fax: ''+1'' 508-347-2666, [http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SBDMAHX].
  • '''Holiday Inn Express''', 478 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-5141, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/stbma].
  • Splurge

  • '''Publick House Historic Inn''', Route 131 ''On the Common'', ''+1'' 508-347-3313 or ''+1'' 800-PUBLICK, [http://www.publickhouse.com].
  • Sturbridge Host Hotel. 66 Main St. 1 50 347-7393. ttp://www.sturbridgehosthotel.com. PM. 1AM. 157.40. Hotel and conference center. Indoor courtyard and pool, restaurant and bar. Adjacent to Cedar Lake, with beach activities in the summer.

    Bed and Breakfast

  • ''' The Thomas Henry Hearthstone Inn''', 453 Main St. (Rt 20), ''+1'' 888-781-7775, [http://hearthstonestur.com]. 12 rooms. Accommodation and dining. $100-$229.
  • '''Sturbridge Country Inn''', 530 Main St., ''+1'' 508-347-5503. $80-$190.
  • '''The Vienna Restaurant and Inn''', (see Eat section).
  • Get Out

    Surrounding Towns

  • Brimfield
  • Brookfield
  • Charlton
  • Holland
  • Southbridge
  • Other Nearby Attractions

  • '''Roseland Cottage'''[http://www.historicnewengland.org/visit/homes/roseland.htm], also known as the Bowen House or the Pink House, Woodstock (Connecticut). Seasonal.
  • ''' Brimfield Flea Market''', Brimfield, MA, [http://www.brimfieldshow.com/]. Touted as the oldest open air flea market. Definitely a huge draw. Worth checking out at least once in your lifetime. Three times yearly.
  • Putnam, CT has many antique stores.
  • ''' Six Flags New England''', Springfield, [http://www.sixflags.com/parks/newengland/index.asp]. Less than an hour from Sturbridge, very good amusement park.
  • ''' The Woodstock Fair''', Woodstock (Connecticut), [http://www.woodstockfair.com/]. An annual county fair occurring each '''Labor Day weekend'''.