Savor the Fall Season in Sturbridge

Keep the adventurous spirit of summer alive when the crisp weather and dazzling fall foliage beckons you to cozy Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Saturday

Start With Brunch

Begin your festive fall weekend with a hearty brunch 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, savory chowders, salads, sandwiches and famous baked quiches. Located in Sturbridge Marketplace, a charming renovated historic mill that overlooks the Quinebaug River.

559 Main St, Fiskdale, MA 01518

Eat Your Apple a Day

Nothing says “fall” quite like apple picking – pick your bunch at Hyland Orchard, a third-generation, family-owned farm situated on 150 acres of pristine land. Starting September 17th, the Orchard will open on weekends to the public for their annual fall festivities. Whether you prefer Granny Smiths, Cortlands, or good ‘ol Macintosh, you can pick your perfect mix from over 1,500 apple trees. Be sure to bring a picnic to enjoy on the scenic lawn while you listen to live music, and jump on a hayride before petting the friendly barnyard animals.

199 Arnold Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01518

Get a Hobby

Shorter days and colder temperatures mean spending more time indoors – so give yourself something fun to do this season with a craft from Hog Heaven Hobbies. A full-line hobby shop, Hog Heaven offers a variety of model trains and toys, as well as RC airplanes, cars, helicopters, and drones. Come pick up a souvenir you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

494 Main St, Fiskdale, MA 01518

Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix

After a morning spent exploring the town, grab a pick-me-up on fabled Main Street – Sturbridge’s thoroughfare of food and indulgence.

Saw Dust Coffee House

Stop by the newest addition to the Sturbridge coffee scene to fuel up on paninis, quiche, fresh baked goods and more! Be sure to also visit during the evening to sample their sizzling cocktail menu, and on Sunday mornings for their famous acoustic brunch.

371 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Sturbridge Coffee House

Beloved by locals, this coffee shop pours anything with caffeine, from double espresso shots to spicy chai teas and lattes topped with pure maple syrup.

407B Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Cedar Street Café

Another popular coffee and breakfast joint, this eatery boasts handcrafted coffees, pastries made from scratch, and a wild selection of lunch and breakfast items. Take your beverage to go or dine inside their renovated, historic farmhouse, or on their outdoor patio.

420 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Browse the Local Antiques Scene

Every September, kids dig out their backpacks, the leaves begin to change, and 130,000 people flock to Central Mass for the world-famous Brimfield Antique Flea Market Show. Even if you attended the spring or summer Brimfield Show, the savviest shoppers know that the fall show is the best chance to score a deal, as it’s the last show of the year.

But if you can’t make it, don’t despair! Garage sale novices and seasoned pickers alike can still get their fix at the year-round Sturbridge Flea Market. With over 150 dealers spread across three floors, Sturbridge Flea Market offers thousands of unique items at a bargain price. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating this “flea market” – they boast a surprising selection of quality goods and rare finds that you won’t find anywhere else. Browse everything from antiques and collectibles, to artisanal goods, jewelry, country décor, and more! Even the most reluctant of shoppers will be intrigued by the overwhelming array of goodies and knick-knacks available to peruse. Check their Facebook page for the latest finds and deals available.

** Insider Tip: Need a quick bite? Stop by Manny’s Taqueria for savory tacos, spicy burritos, sizzling bowls and more! Located only a few doors down from Sturbridge Flea Market.

Brimfield Flea Market

Sturbridge Flea Market

Explore The Great Jack O'Lantern Journey

Get into the Halloween spirit with The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey at Southwick’s Zoo. Step into a world of spooky fun at this extraordinary Halloween festival. You’ll see incredible hand-carved pumpkin displays that bring favorite animals and storybook characters to life.

2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA 01756

Eat Dinner at Baba Sushi

For dinner, head back into town to Baba Sushi. Though known for their flavorful raw fish dishes and poke bowls, they also offer a wide spread of Asian cuisine, including a tantalizing array of customizable Chinese Hot Pots. You’ll find fans of Baba Sushi all over MA – its flagship restaurant in Worcester has been voted Best Sushi Restaurant in town nine years in a row! See what all the fuss is about and book a table today at Baba Sushi.

453 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01518

Sunday

Savor the Fall Harvest

Pick up some snacks for your journey and celebrate the fall harvest at the Sturbridge Farmers Market! Support local farmers by browsing their bounty of colorful veggies, plump berries, and dazzling flowers. Peruse goodies from 18 different vendors, who sell everything from honey and skincare, to baked goods and locally roasted coffee. Kids especially will love picking out their own unique snack, and will have a greater appreciation for the farms and orchards they see around town. The Farmers Market is held on the Town Common every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, now through the middle of October.

Town Common, 308 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Enjoy the Fall Foliage at Wells State Park

Everyone in New England knows that the best part of autumn are the splashes of amber, crimson, and sienna that decorate every treetop. To truly appreciate this stunning regional phenomenon, head to Wells State Park, where the summit of Carpenter Rocks offers a stunning view of the surrounding multicolored forest.

159 Walker Pond Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566

“Fall” Back in Time at Old Sturbridge Village

There’s something about the first chill of autumn that makes us harken back to the days of yore when cozy cottages were heated by roaring fires and evenings were spent telling stories by candlelight. This fall, go back to those simpler times at Old Sturbridge Village, New England’s largest outdoor living history museum. Experience what life was like in the early 1800s as you walk through this slice of early American life. Even if you’ve visited OSV in the past, their exciting fall lineup of events and hands-on programs means that there’s always something new to learn from the past.

Dine Like a True New Englander

Your local clam shack may be closed for the season, but you can still get your fish fix at Sturbridge Seafood. This critically acclaimed restaurant is living proof that you don’t need to live on the coast in order to score a great bowl of clam chowder. Conveniently located in the center of town, just 5 minutes from Old Sturbridge Village.

376 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566

There are a number of great places to dine in Sturbridge. For more information on where to dine, click here.

Where To Stay

Sturbridge offers several lodgings to fit a variety of budgets, tastes, and travel groups. Book a room at the Super 8 by Wyndham if you want a central location at a bargain price. If you’re disappointed that the colonial-themed lodgings of Old Sturbridge Village are closed for the season, consider checking in to Publick House Historic Inn instead, where travelers have been staying for over 200 years! And parents with young children should look no further than Comfort Inn & Suites, which offers free breakfast, WiFi, and an indoor and outdoor pool.

Comfort Inn and Suites

Publick House

Super 8 by Wyndham Sturbridge