Recently I had a close friend visit our family from out of town. Though her time here was going to be very laidback, I still wanted to have a fun list of things to do handy. Once I was done, I looked back at my list and thought, “Well, ok then! Central Mass does have a lot to offer.”
Here are my recommendations for what to do with a friend visiting you from out of town in Central Mass:
Boston
Since this area is a good hour or more from my house, we hit up Beantown on the first night right after my friend landed at Logan. I knew that way, no matter what the rest of the week brought, we had already checked Boston off our list. You can’t go wrong with dinner in the North End, a duck boat tour, a walk by Fenway Park, or checking out the Public Garden or Freedom Trail. For us, we landed on a bite to eat on Hanover Street, which is flooded with excellent restaurants. Don’t forget the cannolis if you hit up the North End!
Worcester
Another city, that’s of course much closer for us all… Worcester! Check out Shrewsbury Street for great food, Polar Park for a baseball game, the Worcester Public Market for cuisine from all around the world, or Hanover Theater or the DCU Center for a show!
Scenic Hike
There are endless trails to explore here, so why not make a morning of it and go on a brisk walk or hike? Wachusett Mountain is a great option. The Mountainside Bakery & Cafe for lunch is the cherry on top. Picnicking more your thing? Bring a bagged lunch to Wachusett’s summit.
Bakery Run
Skip breakfast at home one morning and check out one of many bakeries in the area for a warm scone, muffin, or chocolate croissant. Darby’s Bakery, The Queen’s Cup, Sweets & Java, Crust, or Bean Counter Bakery all offer tasty treats your friend will surely enjoy. Then, hit up a local coffee spot they can only find here in MA!
Brewery or Vineyard
Some of my favorite breweries to visit with out-of-town guests are Seven Saws Brewing, Tree House Brewing Company, Sterling Street Brewery, Medusa Brewing Company, and Redemption Rock Brewing Company. Have they ever tried a New England-style IPA? Maybe now’s the time!
If wine is more your (or their) thing, try Nashoba Valley Winery, Broken Creek Vineyard, or one of our favorites, Agronomy Farm Vineyard. Gorgeous open areas to sip and snack. Plenty of varieties to try. All these scenic spots also offer non-alcoholic options.
Shopping
Central Mass is full of cute little shops to peruse with friends. Usually, non-locals love to leave with a gift or two for their family members, so try stopping by Crompton Collective, HodgePodge, or Seed to Stem. Another favorite is Purple Rose Home.
At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun. One of my friends once told me, “When someone comes to visit you, show them your favorite things in town,” and that always stuck with me.
Sometimes we tend to make things into a bigger deal. Keep it simple. Pick 1-2 things to do a day, and ENJOY it by being fully present with your dear friend. It really is all about being together and less about what’s on the itinerary.
Where would you take a friend visiting from out of town in Central Mass? Comment with your top picks!
