5 minute read
Enjoy a Weekend Stay in Worcester
“And just like that, we are on our way to everywhere.” ~ Emery Lord
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
One of the country’s most vibrant and livable cities, Worcester, Massachusetts, has a population of a little more than 182,000 residents. The city is the second largest in New England and centrally located – just under an hour from Boston, Providence, and Hartford - and only 2.5 hours from Saratoga Springs. An easy-peasy ride down I-87 south and I-90 east – and let me tell you – it’s worth the drive! Travel is beginning to open again, and people are hitting the road, taking day trips and weekend get-aways. I visited Worcester, Mass, in early February before the world changed due to COVID-19. I was delighted with what I found; a very walkable city, with lots to see and do. If I couldn’t walk to one of the attractions, it was only a short drive away. I’ve included links below and strongly advise you to check with each to see what the new guidelines are during all reopening phases in the city. I decided to stay at the Marriott AC Hotel in the downtown area. I love everything about Marriott, and this was a new, upscale place – six-stories, 170 luxurious rooms, with a convenient parking garage on Front Street. The staff was super friendly, asking what I was in town for, and if I needed any help while there. I hadn’t been to Worcester since I was a kid, so they spent some time talking with me, letting me know that the city was revitalizing, that residents were happy to celebrate the city’s rich history and culture with visitors from all over the world. I love street art and look for it wherever I travel. Because Worcester is so walkable, I was able to stop, admire, and photograph many artist’s works throughout the area. I even got a map from Pow! Wow! Worcester. The route led me up and down city blocks to find some of the 130-plus pieces of public art – the most extensive collection of murals in all New England. I need to plan another trip so I can see more fantastic talent in and around the city streets. If you enjoy food from different cultures, the Worcester food scene is perfect. I chose a few cool places to try out, and you might enjoy them as well. Altea’s Eatery, named after the oldest daughter of owners Oriola Koci and Chef Enton Mehillaj, is their second restaurant in the city. “We spent a good deal of time, trying to figure out what Worcester was missing, and an eatery that served brunch seven days a week seemed to be the answer,” Oriola tells me while we sit together and share a cup of coffee. “We opened Livia’s Dish – named after our youngest child, in 2013. It was such a success – we decided to open a second restaurant in 2016.”
Here inside Altea’s Eatery, the couple’s menu mingles French cuisine with their brunch choices – and the result is fabulous. It was hard to decide what I wanted to try; everything looked terrific! My two favorites were the Frittata – an open-faced omelet with bacon, leeks, and gruyere cheese, topped with greens and a side of French Baguette for $12.99, followed by the best Crepes – made with fresh strawberries and bananas, topped with Nutella for $11.99. Miss Worcester Diner, named ‘The #1 diner to try before you die,’ by Buzzfeed and others, is a small dining car in a remote section of Worcester. It was built in 1948 by Worcester Lunch Car Company – a charming old-fashioned diner serving comfort food at comfy booths and a bustling lunch counter. The menu is extensive, and the portions are enormous. Serving everything from the daily specials to omelets, eggs benedict, and several lunch choices - make sure you arrive with an appetite! For dinner, I would suggest Lock 50 – it’s walkable from the hotel, and the food proved delicious. I went in late winter, so dining outside under the stars in their heated igloos was a special treat. Besides the fact it is an award-winning, upscale venue, the restaurant and wine bar’s location in Worcester’s historic district oozes the city’s cultural vibe. The creative menu serves up contemporary American cuisine inspired by flavors from all over the world. I loved that Chef Tim Russo incorporates unique ingredients from New England’s four seasons. I tried their blue cheese stuffed dates, then savored panseared salmon with Jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, and Green Curry. I let my waiter choose the best wine to complement the dish – my dinner was perfect. Two places I enjoyed – both a short drive away from downtown Worcester, were Tower Hill Botanic Garden and Old Sturbridge Village. I spent one day between the two of them but could have easily stayed longer. Tower Hill is a beautiful 171-acre botanic garden and arboretum located in Boylston – around eight miles north of central Worcester. The day I visited, there was an exotic orchid show – but, I’ve been there other times and enjoyed rose and lily exhibits as well. Tower Hill showcases 17 distinctive gardens, preserved woodlands, and miles of walking trails – perfect for social distancing. Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Mass. The 200-acre complex is about a halfhour from the hotel. The whole idea – which I love – is to bring American history to life for visitors. The reenactors recreate what life was like in rural New England during the 1790s through the 1830s. I love to wander through Old Sturbridge by myself, so I can take my photographs and work on story ideas, but this is a beautiful experience for couples and families as well. There were so many other places I enjoyed during my weekend stay in Worcester – from museums to music venues, shops to farmers’ markets, and even more restaurants. These are just a few of the highlights I recommend. If I tell you I’m anxious and excited to visit again, it wouldn’t be a lie. I can’t wait! www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boswn-ac-hotel-worcester www.powwowworcester.com www.alteaseatery.com www.missworcesterdiner.com lock50.com www.osv.org www.towerhillbg.org
