13 minute read
See & Do
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?
You’re in luck! Whether you love textiles and quilts, are fascinated by American history, or can’t get enough fine arts and culture, we have just the thing for you! With plenty of family friendly attractions, gather the clan and head off for a day of fun.
Visit merrimackvalley.org for exhibit and event information.
ACTON Discovery Museum
MUSEUMS
177 Main Street (Route 27)
978.264.4200 discoverymuseums.org
Discovery Museum is a handson museum for families that blends science, nature, and play. The museum and its Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape and 550-square foot treehouse are accessible and blend the best of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning on a beautiful campus in Acton, MA.
ANDOVER Addison Gallery of American Art GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS
Phillips Academy
180 Main Street
978.749.4015 addisongallery.org
The Addison Gallery is home to a world-class collection of American art, with a vital and adventurous exhibitions program. Free and open to the public.
Andover Country Club
GOLF
60 Canterbury Street
978.475.1263 andovercountryclub.com
The Andover Country Club is an elegant, luxury, family oriented golf and country club with strong ties to tradition and history. As the premier club in Andover, Massachusetts, Andover Country Club provides a meticulously manicured championship golf course for members and guests, a private pool and tennis club, an elegant fine dining restaurant and lounge, and 24 overnight hotel accommodations open to the public.
BURLINGTON Celebrate Burlington
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Burlingtonrecreation.org
Burlington / August
Celebrated the first Saturday in August. This is an opportunity to Celebrate everything great about Burlington. Burlington based non-profits and vendors gather on the Town Common and interact with residents. Music, entertainment, demonstrations and more fill the day.
Simonds Park
PARKS & NATURE
Burlingtonrecreation.org
Simonds Park, located directly across Cambridge St. from the Town Common is a destination park for many in the region. Playing fields, playground, concession stand, skate park, newly renovated basketball courts and a brand new universally accessible treehouse are some of the amenities.
TRW Playground
PARKS & NATURE
Mall Road, Burlington
Burlingtonrecreation.org
Home to the first of its kind in New England, Fit Court. The Fit Court allows participants to get in a high impact workout on the seven element court, in just seven minutes. A great way for local business employees to get a great workout in on their lunch break.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford Center for the Arts
THEATER & GALLERY chelmsfordarts.org
Located in a beautiful historic building, the CCA offers programs in theater, visual arts, music, performance, film, and teen development. From open mic nights to community theater, the CCA is a place for all to express themselves, grow, and play.
CONCORD
Minute Man National Historical Park
NATIONAL PARKS
174 Liberty Street
978.369.6993 nps.gov/mima
The American Revolution began here in 1775. Sites include North Bridge, site of “the shot heard round the world” and the five-mile Battle Road Trail.
North Bridge
NATIONAL PARKS
(Minute Man National Historical Park) Monument Street nps.gov/mima
The Minute Man statue, grave of British soldiers and monuments mark “the shot heard round the world.”
North Bridge Visitor Center
VISITOR CENTERS
(Minute Man National Historical Park)
174 Liberty Street
978.369.6993 nps.gov/mima
Information, ranger programs and museum store. Exhibits include the historic ‘Hancock’ cannon. Open daily. No admission fee.
Town of Concord Visitors Center
VISITOR CENTERS
58 Main Street
978.318.3061 visitconcord.org
One-stop welcome center with information desk, restrooms, gift shop, shuttle stop, bikes and more. Walking tours, including 1 p.m. history tour. Open daily.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
HISTORIC SITES
34 Bedford Street
978.318.3233 nps.gov/places/sleepy-hollow-cemetery. htm
Stroll through the resting place of renowned members of America’s literary community. Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, the Alcott’s, Margaret Sidney and Daniel Chester French are among those interred in Sleepy Hollow.
The Old Manse
HISTORIC SITES
269 Monument Street
978.369.3909 thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/greaterboston/old-manse.html
Visit the Old Manse, one of America’s most important historic houses, to be inspired by the men and women who urged Concord’s residents to stand up to the British, inspired Americans to be themselves, and invented American literature.
The Wayside
HISTORIC SITES
(Minute Man National Historical Park)
455 Lexington Road
978.318.7863 nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/ thewayside.htm
Home of the Alcott’s, Nathaniel Hawthorne (the only house he ever owned), and Margaret Sidney.
Thoreau Farm: Birthplace of Henry David Thoreau
HISTORIC SITES
341 Virginia Road
978.451.0300 thoreaufarm.org
Visit the farmhouse where Thoreau was born. Explore Thoreau’s life and work.
Open Saturday and Sunday, May through October. Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Thoreau’s Path On Brister’s Hill HISTORIC SITES
Rte 2 and Walden Street walden.or
A one-mile, self-guided interpretive trail in historic Walden Woods honoring Henry David Thoreau. Free, open year-round. Dogs must be leashed. Parking at Walden Pond State Reservation.
Concord Museum
MUSEUMS
Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road
978.369.9763 concordmuseum.org
The Concord Museum brings Concord’s remarkable story to life through a distinguished collection of American treasures including the famous “one, if by land” Revere lantern, Revolutionary War artifacts, the desk on which Thoreau wrote “Walden,” and Emerson’s Study. The engaging exhibitions present intriguing ideas relevant today: concepts of liberty, self-reliance, independent thinking, and environmental preservation.
A visit to the Concord Museum provides an inspiring gateway to this famous community. Changing exhibitions; museum shop; open year-round; admission charged; wheelchair accessible; functions and group tours welcome.
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House MUSEUMS
399 Lexington Road
978.369.4118 louisamayalcott.org
The circa 1690 home where Louisa May Alcott and her family lived for twenty years is considered a true pilgrimage site as the beloved classic, Little Women, was written and set here in 1868. A visit here reveals much more: the Alcotts were complex, caring individuals desirous of making a real difference in their challenging world. Their messages of hope, love, and courage still resonate in highly personal ways, making for unique and unforgettable visit experiences. Guided tours, educational programs, living history events, teacher workshops, and changing exhibitions available; Museum Store on premises. Admission charged; large groups by reservation only.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
PARKS & NATURE
Monsen Road
978.443.4661 fws.gov/refuge/great_meadows/ Walking trails and wildlife observation trails. Pets are not allowed. No admission fee.
Walden Pond State Reservation
PARKS & NATURE
915 Walden Street
978.369.3254 mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-statereservation
Interpretive programs, hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, snowshoeing and swimming. Daily parking fee MA vehicles $8, non-MA $15. No pets. To conserve Walden Pond, DCR must limit visitation. Once the parking area fills up, the park is required to close to all incoming visitors for several hours. Before you come call 978.369.3254 or check twitter @waldenpondstate.
Verrill Farm, LLC
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
11 Wheeler Road
978.369.4494 verrillfarm.com
Celebrating Farm to Table for 100 Years! Verrill Farm is family owned and operated on fields which are among the oldest agriculturally sustained in the U.S. More than 40 crops grown on over 150 acres are sold in the farm stand. Local specialty foods and cheese are also featured. The onsite kitchen, deli and bakery prepare mouthwatering entrees, soups, sandwiches and baked goods daily. Agricultural tours, hayrides and cooking classes are available. Family friendly Summer Festivals and Field to Fork dinners celebrate local crops. Open 9-7 daily, year-round.
Devens
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area
HISTORIC SITES
94 Jackson Road, Suite 311
978.772.3654 freedomsway.org
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area connects our 45 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire through preservation, conservation and educational initiatives to protect and promote our landscape, history and culture.
Harvard
Fruitlands Museum
MUSEUMS
102 Prospect Hill
978.456.3924 thetrustees.org/place/fruitlands-museum/ Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, stunning views, and miles of walking trails.
HAVERHILL
Museum of Printing
15 Thornton Ave
978.372.0567 museumofprinting.org
The Museum of Printing is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the graphic arts, printing and typesetting technology, and printing craftsmanship. In addition to many special collections and small exhibits, the Museum contains hundreds of antique printing, typesetting, and bindery machines, as well as a library of books and printingrelated documents.
LEXINGTON
Lexington Visitors Center
VISITOR CENTERS
1875 Massachusetts Avenue
781.862.1450 tourlexington.us
The Town of Lexington’s Visitors Center is open daily. Shop for unique gifts, view the famous Battle Green Diorama, and collect information on local restaurants and events. Tickets for the Liberty Ride
Trolley Tour and Battle Green Walking Tourscan be purchased here. Public restrooms are also available.
Minute Man Visitor Center
VISITOR CENTERS
Minute Man National Historical Park, Route 2A 781.674.1920 nps.gov/mima
Begin your visit here. The award-winning theater program, “The Road To Revolution,” tells the story of Paul Revere’s Ride and the Lexington-Concord battles. Free admission.
Lexington Historical Society
Historic Houses
HISTORIC SITES
1 Bedford Street
781.862.1703 lexingtonhistory.org
Learn what life was like for those living in Colonial Lexington. Lexington’s three historic house museums give a unique perspective into those living through the Revolution. These houses witnessed the start of the Revolution on April 19, 1775: Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern.
Lexington Symphony
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 194
Venue: Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 781-523-9009 lexingtonsymphony.org
Lexington Symphony is a world class orchestra of dedicated musicians and a renowned conductor who share a passion for classical music, a commitment to community engagement, and a dedication to exacting standards of performance. Lexington Symphony’s home is the historic and accessible Cary Hall. Affordable tickets. Discounts for groups. Subscriptions available.
Lowell
Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center
VISITOR CENTERS
246 Market Street (Free Parking for park visitors at 304 Dutton Street)
978.970.5000 nps.gov/lowe
The history of America’s industrial revolution is commemorated in Lowell by the National Park Service. Historic mills, weave room, museums, canals and more tell our story.
Cobblestones of Lowell
HISTORIC SITES
91 Dutton Street
978.970.2282 cobblesstonesoflowell.com
Iconic American Tavern. Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch, Late-Night, Craft Beer and Cocktails in the heart of historic Downtown Lowell. Dining Room, Lounge, and Private Dining. Famed regional destination since 1994.
Lowell Cemetery
HISTORIC SITES
77 Knapp Avenue
978.454.5191 lowellcemetery.com
On the National Register of Historic Places, The Lowell Cemetery is a Victorian, garden style cemetery. The burial ground for many of Lowell’s Founding Fathers. Free Spring & Fall tours offered. Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Parade the Sunday before
Memorial Day each year. Lots are still available for sale.
New England Quilt Museum
MUSEUMS
18 Shattuck Street
978.452.4207 nequiltmuseum.org
Experience world-class exhibitions that explore the artistry, history, and contemporary trends in quilt making and textile arts. Changing gallery exhibitions feature the innovative works of prominent artists from around the world. A large Museum Store and exciting calendar of public programs make the New England Quilt Museum a destination for everyone.
Lowell National Historical Park
MUSEUMS
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
115 John Street
978.970.5000 nps.gov/lowe
Experience the sights and sounds of a 1920’s textile weave room. Video presentations, interactive exhibits and displays illustrate the rise, fall and rebirth of Lowell.
Whistler House Museum Of Art
MUSEUMS
243 Worthen Street
978.452.7641 whistlerhouse.org
Birthplace of American artist, James McNeill Whistler; this museum showcases historical and contemporary fine arts, including 19th century and early 20th century paintings and etchings.
The Brush Art Gallery And Studios
GALLERIES & EXHIBITONS
256 Market Street
978.459.7819 thebrush.org
Presenting museum quality exhibitions. Studio artists produce paintings, illustration, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, quilts, and handwoven items. Located next to the National Park Visitors Center.
Western Avenue Studios
GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS
122 & 160 Western Avenue
978.835.3396 westernavenuestudios.com
Western Avenue Studios and Lofts is a thriving arts community with over 300 artists! Artists host Open Studios the First Saturday of every month where visitors enjoy 50,000 works of art, demonstrations, shopping, events, the Loading Dock Gallery and more − all in a historic mill in Lowell, MA!
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
THEATRE, DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS
50 East Merrimack Street
978.654.4678 mrt.org
Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) produces vibrant, contemporary plays that explore what it means to be alive today. With a 7-show season playing from September-May, MRT is among the nation’s top regional theatres, with an intimate 279seat performance space, low ticket prices starting at $24, and free parking. Downtown Lowell next to Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
50 East Merrimack Street
1.800.657.8774 lowellauditorium.com
The 2,800-seat venue hosts numerous exciting events every year, including concerts, comedy shows, Broadway musicals, sporting events, conventions, dance recitals and many others.
Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
P.O. Box 1403
617-899-6401 lowellphilharmonic.org
Inspiring the Greater Lowell community with quality musical performances since 1987, the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra continues to provide audiences with lively, classical and pops concerts.
Lowell Summer Music Series
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
Boarding House Park, 40 French Street 978.970.5200 lowellsummermusic.org
A summer-long showcase of national performers at beautiful Boarding House Park in Lowell National Historical Park. Recent performers have included Lyle Lovett, Andy Grammer, Indigo Girls, Graham Nash, Boz Scaggs, The Beach Boys and The Mavericks. The Boston Globe has called Boarding House Park “one of the finest outdoor performance venues in New England.
Free Fun For Kids
Boarding House Park, 40 French St
978-970-5200 lowellsummermusic.org/kids
Free children’s events on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in July and August. Programs include free art activities by National Park Rangers; free children’s books from ProjectLEARN, free lunches from the Lowell Public Schools Nutrition Program, and free Healthy Snacks from a variety of natural foods brands. Activities begin at 10am. Stage show at 11am features music, magic, acrobatics, dance, science and other fun shows geared to ages 2-10.
Tsongas
Center At
Umass Lowell
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
300 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 978.934.3855
TsongasCenter.com
The 7,000 seat Tsongas Center is home to the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks hockey team. The arena is also an ideal setting to host small and mid-size conventionstyle meetings with its 17,000 square foot floor and 10,000 square feet of meeting and party space. Ample parking is available on site and the Arena is within convenient walking distance to downtown. Make the Tsongas Center the home for your next event!
Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Inc.
LAKES & BOATING
660 Suffolk Street, Suite 120 978.934.0030 lowelllandtrust.org
Voted Best Urban Adventure
Best of Boston-Concord River White Water Rafting. All equipment provided. Weekends April/May. Call 1.888.375.1115 for information /reservations. Group tours of historic Spalding House (c.1760), Concord River Greenway available; environmental education programs offered year-round. Volunteer opportunities. Calendar of Events on web site.
Lowell Rowing Regatta Association
LAKES & BOATING
64 Livingston Ave
978-821-2797 facebook.com/LowellInvitationalRegatta
The Lowell Rowing Regatta Association, LLC (LRRA) was created to continue running regattas and help build the competitive sport of Rowing in Lowell, MA.
Lowell City of Lights
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Lowell / November
The parade kicks off late afternoon and winds its way through picturesque Downtown Lowell with floats, costumed characters, and more. The parade ends with the Lighting of City Hall and the community tree at the Ladd-Whitney Memorial. Come early and enjoy shopping and dining at an array of establishments.
Mostly
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
P.O. Box 1111
978.501.1021 lowellcelebrateskerouac.org
Our annual Jack Kerouac Festival will take place from October 7-11, 2021 as we hold out annual celebration of the life and legacy of Lowell native and acclaimed author, Jack Kerouac. Special presentations, tours, musical events, poetry readings, open mic, and much more. Check our website for updates at: lowellcelebrateskerouac.org.
Lowell Folk Festival
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
67 Kirk Street
978.275.1764 lowellfolkfestival.org
The longest running FREE folk festival in the country celebrates its 32nd year on July 29-31, 2022! Join us for three days of world class music, dance, craft demonstrations, street parades and performers, family fun activity area, and delicious ethnic foods. Presented on five outdoor stages throughout Downtown Lowell, MA.
Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
61 Market Street
617.872.6449 lowellkinetic.com
Human-powered, all-terrain, sculptures made from recycled materials battle through obstacles including cobblestones, mud, water and sand in this city-wide racing spectacle.
Southeast Asian Water Festival Some
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Lowell / August
The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Americans of the Greater Lowell Area. Every third Saturday in August, more than 60,000 people from around the U.S. and the world come to Lowell to celebrate the importance of water as it is celebrated in Southeast Asia. They come for the blessings, food, crafts, performances and the long boat races. The Festival is held at the Sampas Pavilion along the Merrimack River.
The Town And The City Festival Mostly
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Lowell / October
The Town And The City Festival is a 2-day music and arts festival that will take place in various event spaces, bars, cafes, and galleries throughout downtown Lowell, Massachusetts on Friday
October 22 and Saturday
October 23, 2021. The festival celebrates the spirit of Jack Kerouac in direct and indirect ways. It is named after Kerouac’s earliest novel which was primarily set in this historic mill city. The Town and The City Festival is inspired by the creativity and exploration for which the author was so famously known and will present a diverse mix of musical genres and artistic disciplines to inspire discovery and to celebrate a love of life.
Lowell Winterfest Mostly
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Lowell / February
During the City’s Winterfest celebration, enjoy live entertainment and many children’s activities. There is something for everyone— from local cuisine, to the famous Soup Bowl Competition, an outdoor carnival, and microbrew competition. Come on out and celebrate the season.
LYNN
Lynn Memorial Auditorium
MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS
Three City Hall Square
781.599.7469 lynnauditorium.com
Lynn Memorial Auditorium is Massachusetts’ oldest premier entertainment venue. Since 1949, the 2,000+ seat Lynn Auditorium has hosted various types of events. With massive renovations finished in 2005, the Lynn Auditorium is one of the most accommodating, venues in Massachusetts today!
SALEM
Destination Salem, Massachusetts
VISITOR CENTERS
PO BOX 630
978.741.3252 salem.org
Visit Salem, Massachusetts for the Witch Trials of 1962, The Scarlet Letter, and the great age of sail. Stay for artful exhibits, unique shopping, and local pale ale. Just 15 miles north of Boston. Make your own magic at Salem.org.
TEWKSBURY
Wamesit Lanes Family Entertainment Center
BOWLING/ARCADES
434 Main Street
978.349.0000 wamesitlanes.com
Featuring Luxury Candlepin & Ten Pin Bowling, Indoor Golf Simulation Rooms, Giant Arcade, Outdoor Patio with Dining & Bocce/Cornhole courts. FireWater Tavern & Live Entertainment.
WESTFORD
Kimball Farm
GOLF/ARCADES
400 Littleton Road
978.486.3891 kimballfarm.com
Fifty flavors of homemade ice cream! Seafood Shack, Country
Store, and Private Events. Driving Range, 9-hole Pitch & Putt golf course, Two 18 hole miniature golf courses, Zip Line, Spin Zone, bumper boats, batting cages and an arcade!
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
SKIING
79 Powers Road 978.692.3033 skinashoba.com
Ski Area, Tubing Park, Sunset Tiki Bar and Grill, Swimming, Functions, Outlook Restaurant, Summer Camp, Countryfest, Summerfest and Witch’s Woods. Just off of Rt. 495.
Westford Apple Blossom Festival
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Westford / May
This Annual Blossom Festival takes place in various locations throughout the town of Westford and features many exciting activities, including fireworks, the Apple Blossom parade, and carnival style rides. Mostly .