Old Sturbridge Village

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Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum in Sturbridge, Mass. The village depicts a New England town in the 1830’s. The village consists of more than 40 buildings-many originals painstakingly deconstructed, saved and reconstructed on site.

Upon arrival you will find a detailed map just outside outlining the entire 200 acre living museum.

Checking out the map.

Once you enter you’ll find a children’s play area and mini museum in the registration building. Many local libraries offer discounted passes so make sure you check to see if your local library offers any.

Having fun with Grandpa and Lisa
Playing in the pretend general store.

Just outside the main building you’ll start your journey down the dirt road to a water well followed by small homes, gardens and then meeting buildings. Along the way you’ll run into authentic experts in time period clothes and visitors are encouraged to interact, touch and explore.

The town square is full of horse drawn carriages, shops, and a small tavern where you can grab a home cooked lunch-and you should because everything we ate that day was made from scratch!

Looking out onto town square

You can visit the farm and check out how the rich people lived complete with a well indoors and a heated out house.

Sturbridge Village also has seasonal offerings and special events such as Sleepy Hollow for Halloween, a Christmas themed village and crafting weekends. Sturbridge village is a gem and not to be missed if you’re in the area!

An Unlikely Story

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Plainville,Ma

An Unlikely Story is a bookstore and Cafe located in Plainville,Mass. It’s just the cutest little old timey/hip bookstore that gives a straight nod right to the heritage of the location. Originally built to be a Market in the mid 1800’s this building has been several things-a general store, a tea room and a restaurant. The store is owned by the Kinney’s author of the Wimpy Kid Book Series. One look inside and it’s like you’ve stepped back inside.

The store has books galore, fun toys-you know the really cool stuff you can’t find at a big box store, a cafe and an event space upstairs. The bookstore hosts a ton of special events including crafts for all ages, author visits-so so many of these, and yoga, story time and even an open mic night-check out their insane upcoming events calendar for all the details. You can also get a free tour.

Make sure you add this on your list of places to stop and bring your money because you will want to buy everything! There is parking behind the store and also across the street!

Unlikely Story is a cute and quirky little place that’s a great stop for old and young alike. Add it to your list the next time you’re in Eastern Massachusetts!

Apple Picking

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Wrentham,Ma

There are so many New Englandy things to do in the Fall. We have been so lucky to have the chance to move our family to Massachusetts and settle into a calmer way of life. I have dreamed of Fall and having a chance to share all of those crisp sweater weather activities with our daughter and this was the year! Our first Fall activity back in Massachusetts was apple picking.

The Big Apple Farm in Wrentham,Ma has an amazing collection of apple trees where you can drive up or take a hayride and pick a bushel for yourself. The apple varieties are plentiful and the type of variety available for picking changes from week to week so make sure you check their website to find out which varieties are available during your visit.

You are able to drive straight up to the orchard and purchase bags for picking before entering into the fields. I cannot begin to tell you how breathtaking it is to be in an apple orchard looking out onto a mountain.

 

You can mix and match which apple varieties you pick as you fill your bushel.

 

Once done make sure you drive back down the hill to their farm stand store.

 

Everything available in the store is grown locally on the farm. This includes cider, baked goods and fruits and veggies. I highly recommend the apple cider donuts.

 

You can also sneak a peek at the apple sorter!

 

Apple picking is a not to be missed bucket list item on your New England Fall Family Trip! Need help planning a New England trip? Visit me at Callie at Wanderkeep Travel  or you can email me at callie@wanderkeep.com so I can help you make all your New England adventures come true.