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Explore Knightly Adventures, a Historical Village, & Artistic Treasures In The Heart Of Massachusetts

By Melody Schubert

Begin your journey through time at a rural New England town of the 1830’s set on over 200 acres in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. More than 40 original buildings from the time period make Old Sturbridge Village the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. Among the authentic structures that bring the village to life are homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, mills and shops of numerous craftsmen. Guests at the village can meet and speak to history interpreters dressed in authentic costumes with opportunities for role-playing, talks, walks, and performances. A new kid story learning gallery in the visitors center is a delight for children ages 3-10 and their families.

Select From Menu’s Of Traditional New England Fare

No admission is required to dine at Oliver Wright Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village located at the entrance to the museum. Daily dining and Sunday brunch are available. Another dining option located on the Common within the Village is Bullard Tavern that serves a delicious menu of traditional New England fare. The Lodges at OSV and the Museum Gift Shop and New England Bookstore are area favorites. The Old Sturbridge Village is located about an hour west of Boston at the intersection of I-90 (Mass. Pike) and I-84. Visit www.osv.org or call 1-800-SEE-1830 for admission and detailed information. Daily bus service to the Old Sturbridge Village is available from Boston, Worcester, New York, and Hartford on the Peter Pan Bus Lines. For details on transportation and admission packages, please call 1-800-343-9999.

Thirty-eight miles from Boston, in the heart of Massachusetts is the city of Worcester, meaning "war-castle". Worcester has a wondrous collection of historic and arts museums, historic architecture, and host major musical and cultural events at the Centrum Centre. The fall is especially a beautiful time to drive through the countryside and admire mother natures painted the hillsides.

Children Love A Knights Tale

You’ll have plenty of Knightly Tales to tell after a visiting to the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts. Find yourself thinking of Ladies-In-Waiting and Knights prepared for a joust as you wander beneath gothic arches. The Higgins Armory Museum features over 70 suits of armor, rare swords, and artifacts. It is also the site of the Annual Medieval Higgins Faire. The Higgins Armory Museum is wonderful for those who enjoy and want to share the learning of history with their family and friends. Youth and Scout groups can spend the night in Castle Higgins during special “OverKnights.” The unique setting is a popular setting for families and special occasions. Higgins Armory Museum is located at 100 Barber Avenue in Worchester, MA. Call 508-853-6015 during the hours of 10am - 4pm on Tuesday - Saturday, or on Sundays from noon - 4pm for additional information.

While in Worcester explore one of the few remaining examples of eighteenth-century architecture. The Salisbury Mansion, once home to one of Worcester County's wealthiest families was built in 1772 by Stephen Salisbury I. Today the mansion, located at 40 Highland Street in Worcester, MA, is a historical resource and example of the Salisbury family life in the 1830s. The generous contributions made to the community by three generations of the Salisbury Family helped save the mansion from demolition in the early 1900’s. The mansion has served the community in many ways since then, and not until 1984 did it open as the city's first historic house museum. The Salisbury Mansion is open Thursday from 1 - 8:30pm, Friday and Saturday 1 - 4pm. Call 508-753-8278 for additional information.

Artistic Treasures

Another example of late eighteenth -century architecture is the Worcester Art Museum. The museum, dedicated to the promotion of art and art education since opening in 1898. You will find artistic treasures spanning 5,000 years that include works from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary art.

One of the highlights at the Worcester Art Museum is the Jim Hodges “Don't be afraid,” a 67-foot-long collaborative mural. The phrase “Don't be afraid” is showcased in the native languages, represent the member countries of the United Nations. The Worcester Art Museum highlights a diverse blend of artists in its rotating exhibits. Among the exhibits scheduled to appear is Rococo: French 18th-Century Prints. The exhibit will feature works of combining etching, engraving, aquatint, and mezzotint in lavish color prints that represent the art of intaglio printmaking.

Stop for a bite to eat in the Museum Café, and learn about the latest Art classes available for youth and adults at the Museum Shop that is filled with unique gifts and mementos.

The Worcester Art Museum is open on Wednesday through Sunday, 11am - 5pm, Thursday, 11am - 8pm, Friday 11am - 5pm. Admission to the museum, located at 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, Mass. is FREE for everyone on Saturday mornings from 10 AM-noon. Regular Admission for Adults is $8.00, seniors and full-time Students with Current Ids, $6.00. The Museum is close to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), Route 290 and Route 9. Free parking is available. For more information, call 508.799.4406 or visit the Museum web site at http://www.worcesterart.org

For driving directions to Old Sturbridge Village, located about an hour west of Boston at the intersection of I-90 (Mass. Pike) and I-84, visit http://www.osv.org/pages/PlanYourVisit.html. For details on transportation and admission packages, please call 1-800-343-9999 or visit the Peter Pan Bus Lines website at: http://www.peterpanbus.com

Along with the beauty of the landscape, it is the warmth of the people you meet Worcester that will bring you back. To plan your trip, contact the Central Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-231-7557 or visit www.worcester.org.

Take a trip into the past and explore other heritage sites throughout the country at http://www.travellady.com/Special/heritagetravel.htm. Planning your trip is easy. Check out other exciting destinations to visit throughout the US at http://www.travellady.com/Destinations/us.htm.

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