From camping and antiquing to historical reenactments and craft breweries, Sturbridge offers something for every kind of traveler. If you’re looking to see more of The Bay State, Sturbridge makes the perfect home base – its central location conveniently puts you just an hour outside of Boston, Lexington and Concord, and within a 45-minute drive of some of the region’s most popular attractions, including Six Flags New England, Southwick Zoo, The Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Emily Dickinson House. Start planning your trip today, and make this summer one to remember.
Make A Splash This Summer in Sturbridge
Cheers to The Weekend
Celebrate your arrival in Sturbridge and the end of the work week by touring the local craft brew scene! With three different breweries residing in the Sturbridge area, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, though we suggest sampling all three.
Altruist Brewing Company
You’ll find Altruist Brewing in Sturbridge Marketplace, a beautifully renovated historic mill on Main Street that overlooks the Quinebaug River. Using quality ingredients and hand-crafted recipes, Altruist brews their IPA’s and ales patiently in small batches, ensuring that every drop is better than the last. Drawing inspiration from the 150-year-old mill, their tap room is a unique, industrial environment where friends can share a drink and enjoy live music. Alternatively, if your friends are of the four-legged variety, you can also bring them along and relax on the outdoor Beer Garden Patio.
559 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01518
Rapscallion Pub
Come check out the newly-opened Rapscallion Pub, the latest offering from regional icon Rapscallion Brewery. Sample their extensive wine menu, signature cocktails, and classic brews while enjoying the rustic tap room atmosphere, complete with wooden barn beams and antique, repurposed lighting. Or lounge outside on the pet-friendly patio, where four-legged friends always have a seat at the table. And if you get hungry? Simply stroll over to the rotation of food trucks parked right outside the pub. So come on down, grab a seat at the bar, and see for yourself why Rapscallion has been a regional fan favorite since 2007.
3 Arnold Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01518
Tree House Brewery
For truly dedicated IPA fans, no trip to the Sturbridge area is complete without visiting the famous Tree House Brewery. Since its founding in 2011, Tree House has garnered a nationwide cult following, and its brewery now welcomes half-a-million visitors every year. Stop by during their weekday hours to pick up a few cans of their double IPA, Haze, or their national bestseller, Green. Or schedule a trip for Saturday, when the tap room is open to the public for draft pours, live entertainment, and food truck delicacies.
129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, MA 01507
Brush Up on Your Archery Skills
If you’re looking for a TGIF activity that’s outside the box, head to Bay Path Archers, an indoor archery range located just over the border in Southbridge. Every Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the range is open to the general public, so you can test your skills with anything from a Crossbow to a Compound Bow. And if you need some pointers, Bay Path has a wealth of instructors and friendly members who can help you nail that perfect bull’s eye.
243 Guelphwood Rd, Southbridge, MA 01550
Dine Like A True New Englander
Everyone knows that summertime in New England means only one thing: Seafood, and lots of it. Head to critically acclaimed Sturbridge Seafood in the center of town for living proof that you don’t need to live on the coast to score a great bowl of clam chowder.
376 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Camp Out Under The Stars
Make your trip one to remember with an overnight stay at Wells State Park. With 55 camping spots for tents and RVs, as well as several ramp-accessible yurts, this campsite can accommodate many types of travelers. Whether it’s your first time pitching a tent or your fiftieth, you’ll love all the amenities Wells Park has to offer, including 12 miles of hiking trails and a picturesque lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Each yurt is equipped with bunk beds, tables and chairs, in addition to water and electricity access. Regular campsites are outfitted with a fire ring and picnic table, so you can feast on your catch of the day before roasting marshmallows at night. For those looking to truly reconnect with the outdoors, this is the ultimate experience. Campsite is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.
159 Walker Pond Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Or Check In At…
If camping isn’t your forte, don’t worry! There are plenty of unique retreats waiting for you in this cozy colonial town, including:
Sturbridge Host Hotel + Conference Center
Tucked away on the picturesque shores of Cedar Lake, this hotel is perfect for anyone who wants a “summer on the lake,” without sacrificing all the comforts of a 3-star hotel. Here, you can spend your mornings paddle boating and reclining on the guests-only private beach, and wind away your nights telling stories around the crackling fire pit. While Host Hotel offers you privacy and reprieve, it’s still just a couple of minutes from the center of town, giving you the best of both worlds.
On-site Dining: The Oxhead Tavern – Originally built as a meetinghouse in 1820, the Oxhead Tavern is now a casual family restaurant and bar, serving classic New England dishes and American cuisine. Enjoy outdoor dining that overlooks sparkling Cedar Lake, as you savor a piping hot bowl of clam chowder or a caramelized New York Strip steak.
366 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Publick House
If you’re a fan of history, consider staying at the iconic Publick House, which has stood on the Sturbridge Town Common, serving guests and travelers, for the past 230 years. After a long day of adventure, you’ll find there’s nothing better than unwinding among the warm, quaint and charming atmosphere of the 18th century, with all the convenience of the 21st. A truly one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll only find in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
On-site Dining: Historic Tap Room – Step back in time at the inn’s Historic Tap Room, where guests have been dining and socializing for centuries. This charming room still boasts its original hardwood floors and “post n’ beam ceiling.” But the real selling point is the gigantic, six-foot-long fireplace, whose open hearth will warm even the chilliest of travelers. Enjoy generous portions of traditional comfort food, like their roasted turkey dinner or Yankee Pot Roast.
277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
La Quinta Inn offers visitors a prime location at a bargain price. With a 4-star Google Review rating, this affordable hotel is a great option for those who want to be in the center of town without breaking the bank.
478 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01518
Grab Breakfast at Saw Dust Coffee House
Stop by the newest addition to the Sturbridge coffee scene to fuel up on Panini’s, savory quiche, fresh baked goods and more! And if you find yourself falling in love with their food–which you very likely will–come back in the evening to sample their sizzling cocktail menu, or on Sunday morning for their famous acoustic brunch.
371 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Take A Hike
Abandoned mines, stunning vistas, unique creatures, and more all await you on Sturbridge’s many trails and preserves. For a full guide to all of Sturbridge’s public lands, click here.
Wells State Park
If you chose to camp at Wells State Park, then you’ll find adventure right at your doorstep! With over 1,400 acres of oak-hickory forest and freshwater, this famous park has something for every nature explorer! Explore its 12 miles of trail on foot, mountain bike, horseback, or cross-country ski. Dip your toes in Walker Pond, which also offers kayaking, canoeing, an assortment of fishing, and a campers-only swimming beach. Be sure to visit Carpenter Rocks, whose summit boasts a scenic lookout over the surrounding forest.
159 Walker Pond Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Leadmine Mountain Conservation Area
A robust multi-purpose area, Leadmine Mountain boasts over 11 miles of trail, spanning everything from oak and pine forest to submerged wetland. Visitors are invited to use the trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. For a truly unique hike, be sure to walk along Arbutus Park Trail, which loops around a dazzling, serene emerald lagoon. Fishing and hunting are permitted on the property, so be sure to wear bright orange during the hunting season. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
197 Leadmine Road, Sturbridge, MA 01518
The Trustees’ Tantiusques Reservation
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Tantiusques Reservation is an outdoor excursion and history lesson rolled into one. The reservation was once a great source of graphite and was mined for centuries by the native Nipmuc tribe and local English colonists until it was abandoned in the late 1800s. Today, hikers can still see an open mine shaft and partially-filled mine cut, the only remnants of New England’s first-ever mining operation.
493 Leadmine Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Accessible Trails for All Explorers
Sturbridge boasts several ADA trails so that even those with limited mobility can still enjoy a sunny day exploring the great outdoors:
Grand Trunk Trail
Also referred to as “Titanic Railroad,” this unique trail follows the path of an old railroad bed. You won’t see any tracks, however, as the project was shortly abandoned after its founder perished on the ill-fated Titanic (hence the trail’s nickname). Instead, you’ll be treated to a pleasant nature walk on a well-constructed, fine gravel trail, whose wide width and ADA appropriate grades can easily accommodate mobility aids, strollers, and mountain bikes.
Burgess Discovery Trail
Located on the grounds of Burgess Elementary School, this federal ABA-compliant trail is fully handicapped accessible and offers many opportunities to “interact with nature,” including a wetland bog bridge, glacial boulders, and local wildlife.
Heins Farm Conservation Lands
This 84-acre property boasts several trails, including the Pond View Loop (0.7 miles). This handicapped-accessible trail features a picturesque rest area that overlooks the pond and nearby Heins Farm. Keep an eye out for the pond’s many residents, including ducks, herons, and spotted turtles. The parking lot boasts a designated handicapped spot.
Grab Some Lunch
Stop to rehydrate and refuel at Soup To Nuts Café, a cozy, local favorite with nearly 30 years in the business. Using quality, local ingredients, Soup to Nuts specializes in a variety of freshly prepared soups, chowders, salads, sandwiches and famous baked quiches. Even better: this eatery is located in Sturbridge Marketplace, which is also home to the colossal Sturbridge Flea Market, where you can easily spend a whole afternoon.
559 Main St, Fiskdale, MA 01518
Sturbridge Flea Market
Yankee Pedlar
Sturbridge Pottery
Hog Heaven Hobbies
Solve a Mystery
In Sturbridge, Saturday nights are for sleuthing! Test your detective skills at Escape the Pike, an award-winning escape room that is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your blood pumping! Find clues and solve puzzles in this immersive mystery experience, in which you and a group of friends race against the clock to “escape” your mystifying surroundings. Perfect for families and friend groups of all ages.
179 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Treat Yourself (and your tastebuds!)
You might have to dip into your wallet to dine at Sturbridge Porterhouse, but the food at this historic stable-turned-steakhouse is well worth the investment. With steaks cooked perfectly to order and a host of tantalizing entrees and appetizers, you’ll find a trip here is worth every penny. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can head to the second floor after your meal to unwind in the exclusive piano bar and lounge area.
407 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Start Your Day Sunny Side Up
There’s no better place for a classic, homestyle American breakfast than Annie’s Country Kitchen, where they serve comfort food, cooked to perfection, at an unbeatable price.
140 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Eat Local
Pick up some snacks for the day at the Sturbridge Farmers Market! Support local farmers and browse a wide selection of fresh veggies, plump berries, and baked goodies, alongside artisanal crafts like hand-made soap, honey, and locally-roasted coffee. Kids will especially love picking out their own unique snack, and will have a greater appreciation for the farms and orchards that color the town. The Farmer’s Market is held on the Town Common every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, from June 6 through October 10.
Town Common, 308 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Cedar Lake Recreation Area
White's Boat Landing and Bake Shoppe
Wells State Park
Westville Lake
Leadmine Mountain Conservation Area
Turn Back the Clock at Old Sturbridge Village
This summer, escape to a simpler time at Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor living history museum in New England. See firsthand how early Americans lived as you walk through this slice of 19th-century life, where horse-drawn carriages roam the streets and blacksmiths hammer away in coal forges.
Summer is the best time to enjoy OSV’s outdoor programming because kids get in for FREE! During the summer season, up to three kids (17 and younger) can be admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult paying full admission. This promotion ends after Labor Day, so be sure to take advantage of it before summer’s over!
Another reason to stop by in the summer? The return of OSV’s Discovery Adventures! These popular programs allow kids to jump into various aspects of village life in an immersive, multi-day experience. From working with animals as an 1830s farm hand to donning a minute men’s uniform and learning real 18th-century practice drills, your kids will have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning! So come and visit Old Sturbridge Village today and see why this iconic landmark has been a beloved tourist attraction for over 75 years.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Grab Some Sushi
A self-described “East meets West” Japanese-fusion experience, Kaizen Sushi Bar & Grill is a place where you can enjoy high-quality sashimi, sushi, and sake, alongside premium cuts of steak and a cold pint of Guinness. A casual, friendly atmosphere where you can strike up a conversation with the professional sushi chefs or sit back and mingle with friends.
479 Main St, Fiskdale, MA 01518
Hit A Hole-In-One
For some people, the best way to spend a gorgeous Sunday is on an 18-hole fairway. If you’re one of those people, head to Hemlock Ridge Golf Course. This luxurious course is set on acres of rolling hills and sparkling waterways, surrounded by statuesque oak, elm, and hemlock trees. Enjoy the peaceful, gorgeous scenery of The Last Green Valley as you work on your backswing and play your best game of golf yet. Non-members can call ahead for available tee times and openings.
220 Holland Rd, Fiskdale, MA 01518
