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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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