I will be in Lowell later this month for a skating competition. There appear to be some interesting historic mill sites in town. Has anyone visited them? Are they worth a few hours of my off time? Also understand there is a quilt exhibit in the area. Anyone have info on this?

Go to the Historical Park Center, The Boarding house Museum, The visiter center at Historical National park and will give you directions to the independent quilt museum.

WOW, thanks for the prompt info. Are any of the sites near the Tsongas Arena?

you can walk to those sights from the arena.

Are those sites also walkable from the MBTA commuter rail station?? Thank you.

About walking to the sites from the train station...I would say the walk is 3/4 to a mile long with sidewalks. The road itself is busy but you'll be fine.

I work downtown and there are a number of places to eat lunch in all price ranges. Many can be found up and down Merrimack Street. Cobblestones $-$$$ is closest to the arena, then I would say La Boniche $$$ some awesome delis with Quick Pickens being my daily favorite. On Middle Street, one block behind Merrimack, is Fortunato's $$-$$$ and Cafe Paradiso $-$$$. Obviously both are Italian and right across the street from each other. There is also an Italian market I forget the name of too. Cafe Paradiso has the BEST martinis anywhere downtown! One block behind Middle Street is Market Street and has the Athenian Corner $$-$$$ for greek, followed by the Dubliner $-$$ which has tasty yet typical pub fare and an awesome atmosphere. Olive That and More is an upscale deli and market on the same street that has very good soup.

All the museums are definitely worth the trip. I also suggest checking out the Welles Emporium for unique items. You could also check out the local daily newspaper for ideas. Enjoy your stay.

www.lowellsun.com

The American Textile History Museum (www.athm.org) and the Boott Cotton Mills Museum are both worthy of your time. The website for the National Park Service is www.nps.gov/lowe. The quilt museum is in the center of the city. There are also several art galleries and the Whistler art museum if you have an interest. You'll find everything is within walking distance. There is shuttle service between the train station and downtown Lowell, which leaves every half-hour.

FYI... The Winterfest is this weekend (Feb 11th and 12th) if you're in the area.

that is the hometown of jack kerouac! i've always wanted to go to check out his old haunts. i wonder if anyone can tell me about that?

jasper - The Old Worthen is a bar on Worthen St. where Jack Kerouac hung out. Worthen St. is across from the Library/City Hall. Kerouac Park is off Bridge St. Both are downtown. Also Barnes and Noble on Merrimack St. has lots of Jack stuff for sale. Suzie - I prefer the Textile Museum to the Quilt Museum unless you are a die hard quilter. Enjoy your visit and good luck at the competition.

Jasper, Please refer to this website for all things Kerouac...http://lckorg.tripod.com. There's a "Birthday Bash" in March and a festival every October.

It's pretty cool to read his work and know the places he is referring to and in some cases, the people, though long gone.

Love this site! I didn't think I'd get much info since Lowell is not a MAIN destination. Thanks for all the help. The competition is at the end of the month so will miss this week-ends events.

jasper!

http://www.nps.gov/lowe/kerouac.htm

so great!!!! i must go to the birthday events! especially since it is 4 days after mine!

Thanks everyone for your help. Just returned from MA. Some of the recommended sites were not open when I was available but was still able to seee the Textile Musuem and the NPS visitor center.

My group ate at Fortunato's as well as Scupper Jack's in Acton area. Cafe Paridisio was a favorite for dessert.

I must commend the town of Lowell for turning themselves into a wonderful tourist destination.

Thank you for posting a follow up message; I was hoping you would do so. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Lowell. It is trying very hard to attract visitors. From what I read in the paper, the competition was very successful.