Central Massachusetts visit
Oct 18th, 2011, 06:52 PM
#1
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Central Massachusetts visit
Have a chance in Novemer to visit my son for who attends college in Worcester, MA before heading to a convention. We've visited Boston a few times before and we've been to Newport. With only about a day and a half together, where else might we explore for a day trip or overnight? A lodge or B&B with hiking, shopping, and a chance to relax might be what we're looking for.
Oct 19th, 2011, 03:25 AM
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Have you been to Sturbridge Village?
For hiking look at Mt. Monadnock.
Down to CT for Mystic Seaport or the casinos for an overnight with Bluff Point state park for hiking at the shore.
Many of the state parks in the area.
For CT try ctvisit.com
For hiking look at Mt. Monadnock.
Down to CT for Mystic Seaport or the casinos for an overnight with Bluff Point state park for hiking at the shore.
Many of the state parks in the area.
For CT try ctvisit.com
Oct 19th, 2011, 03:55 AM
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We've not been to Sturbridge, but we've been to similar places. Not sure it's what we're looking for. I like the idea of Mystic and seeing the ocean. I'll investigate. Also considering Lexington and Concord, but not sure how much I will find that the teen will like.
Oct 19th, 2011, 05:02 AM
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The Pioneer Valley area (Northampton, Amherst, Deerfield) is a very good option. If memory serves, Historic Deerfield will still be open in November, as will be the Emily Dickinson House in Amherst. Plus several area colleges have enjoyable art museums, with the best being at Smith College and those at Mt. Holyoke College and Amherst College also worth a visit. The Yiddish Book Center at Hampshire College is good as well. Lots of worthwhile places to eat as well, especially in Northampton and Amherst.
Mystic is also a good choice, but check to make sure the Mystic Seaport museum complex and Aquarium are still open before you go.
Mystic is also a good choice, but check to make sure the Mystic Seaport museum complex and Aquarium are still open before you go.
Oct 19th, 2011, 05:13 AM
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You will be fine in Nov. if you choose Mystic. They are closing for 6 weeks starting January. The Aquarium is open year round.
http://articles.courant.com/2011-10-...um-plans-mails.
If you choose the Pioneer Valley, I agree with all of bachlunch's recommendations. Add in the Yankee Candle Factory store / car museum in it as well as a short hike up Mt Sugarloaf in Sunderland and that could be a good few days.
http://articles.courant.com/2011-10-...um-plans-mails.
If you choose the Pioneer Valley, I agree with all of bachlunch's recommendations. Add in the Yankee Candle Factory store / car museum in it as well as a short hike up Mt Sugarloaf in Sunderland and that could be a good few days.
Oct 19th, 2011, 07:18 AM
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I think bachlunch's suggestion is good. If you're worried about your teen's interest, I think he/she will still enjoy the revolutionary history offered at Lexington & Concord. There are ranger-guided tours and activities. http://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm
Although there aren't mountains to climb in that area, there are a number of scenic spots to hike, such as Walden Pond, or the grounds of DeCordova Sculpture Park, or Broadmoor out in Natick.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/
http://www.decordova.org/
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Co...moor/index.php
Mt Monadnock is for real hiking - it's quite strenuous and it'll be very cold on the top for November.
Although there aren't mountains to climb in that area, there are a number of scenic spots to hike, such as Walden Pond, or the grounds of DeCordova Sculpture Park, or Broadmoor out in Natick.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/
http://www.decordova.org/
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Co...moor/index.php
Mt Monadnock is for real hiking - it's quite strenuous and it'll be very cold on the top for November.
Oct 19th, 2011, 08:15 AM
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You mentioned shopping. The Wrentham Outlets aren't too far away but if the weather is icky, you might want to consider Providence Place, indoor mall. It's attached via sky bridge to the Westin Hotel and parking garage. You might count walking up to Federal Hill (Italian neighborhood) for dinner as hiking. Walking around the Thayer Street area might be fun for your college student.
Oct 23rd, 2011, 04:55 PM
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Does your son like museums? If so, you could visit the Russian Icon Musuem in Clinton, then have dinner there. Hartford is also very interesting; you could visit Mark Twains' house, Harriet Beecher Stowe's house (which is next door) & the Wadsworth Atheneum Art Museum. The Bushnell might have the symphony or a play going on. And I like the idea of Concord & Lexington.
Oct 24th, 2011, 05:38 AM
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Or how about going a little further west to the Berkshires (about 2hours west of Worcester). Head to Lenox for an overnight at Cranwell Resort if you want luxury lodge and relaxation or there are many b&b that will have lower rates at that time of year. Hiking nearby is good. Take a trip to the Bish Bash falls which are very pretty with a dusting of snow or Wahconah falls.
http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/bash_bish.html http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wahf.htm
Shopping at Lee Outlets or there are boutique stores in the towns nearby.
http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/bash_bish.html http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wahf.htm
Shopping at Lee Outlets or there are boutique stores in the towns nearby.
