13 minute read

See & Do

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?

You’re in luck! Whether you love textiles and quilts, are fascinated by American history, or can’t get enough fine arts and culture, we have just the thing for you! With plenty of family friendly attractions, gather the clan and head off for a day of fun.

Visit merrimackvalley.org for exhibit and event information.

ACTON Discovery Museum

MUSEUMS

177 Main Street (Route 27)

978.264.4200 discoverymuseums.org

Discovery Museum is a handson museum for families that blends science, nature, and play. The museum and its Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape and 550-square foot treehouse are accessible and blend the best of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning on a beautiful campus in Acton, MA.

ANDOVER Addison Gallery of American Art GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS

Phillips Academy

180 Main Street

978.749.4015 addisongallery.org

The Addison Gallery is home to a world-class collection of American art, with a vital and adventurous exhibitions program. Free and open to the public.

Andover Country Club

GOLF

60 Canterbury Street

978.475.1263 andovercountryclub.com

The Andover Country Club is an elegant, luxury, family oriented golf and country club with strong ties to tradition and history. As the premier club in Andover, Massachusetts, Andover Country Club provides a meticulously manicured championship golf course for members and guests, a private pool and tennis club, an elegant fine dining restaurant and lounge, and 24 overnight hotel accommodations open to the public.

BURLINGTON Celebrate Burlington

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Burlingtonrecreation.org

Burlington / August

Celebrated the first Saturday in August. This is an opportunity to Celebrate everything great about Burlington. Burlington based non-profits and vendors gather on the Town Common and interact with residents. Music, entertainment, demonstrations and more fill the day.

Simonds Park

PARKS & NATURE

Burlingtonrecreation.org

Simonds Park, located directly across Cambridge St. from the Town Common is a destination park for many in the region. Playing fields, playground, concession stand, skate park, newly renovated basketball courts and a brand new universally accessible treehouse are some of the amenities.

TRW Playground

PARKS & NATURE

Mall Road, Burlington

Burlingtonrecreation.org

Home to the first of its kind in New England, Fit Court. The Fit Court allows participants to get in a high impact workout on the seven element court, in just seven minutes. A great way for local business employees to get a great workout in on their lunch break.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford Center for the Arts

THEATER & GALLERY chelmsfordarts.org

Located in a beautiful historic building, the CCA offers programs in theater, visual arts, music, performance, film, and teen development. From open mic nights to community theater, the CCA is a place for all to express themselves, grow, and play.

CONCORD

Minute Man National Historical Park

NATIONAL PARKS

174 Liberty Street

978.369.6993 nps.gov/mima

The American Revolution began here in 1775. Sites include North Bridge, site of “the shot heard round the world” and the five-mile Battle Road Trail.

North Bridge

NATIONAL PARKS

(Minute Man National Historical Park) Monument Street nps.gov/mima

The Minute Man statue, grave of British soldiers and monuments mark “the shot heard round the world.”

North Bridge Visitor Center

VISITOR CENTERS

(Minute Man National Historical Park)

174 Liberty Street

978.369.6993 nps.gov/mima

Information, ranger programs and museum store. Exhibits include the historic ‘Hancock’ cannon. Open daily. No admission fee.

Town of Concord Visitors Center

VISITOR CENTERS

58 Main Street

978.318.3061 visitconcord.org

One-stop welcome center with information desk, restrooms, gift shop, shuttle stop, bikes and more. Walking tours, including 1 p.m. history tour. Open daily.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

HISTORIC SITES

34 Bedford Street

978.318.3233 nps.gov/places/sleepy-hollow-cemetery. htm

Stroll through the resting place of renowned members of America’s literary community. Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, the Alcott’s, Margaret Sidney and Daniel Chester French are among those interred in Sleepy Hollow.

The Old Manse

HISTORIC SITES

269 Monument Street

978.369.3909 thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/greaterboston/old-manse.html

Visit the Old Manse, one of America’s most important historic houses, to be inspired by the men and women who urged Concord’s residents to stand up to the British, inspired Americans to be themselves, and invented American literature.

The Wayside

HISTORIC SITES

(Minute Man National Historical Park)

455 Lexington Road

978.318.7863 nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/ thewayside.htm

Home of the Alcott’s, Nathaniel Hawthorne (the only house he ever owned), and Margaret Sidney.

Thoreau Farm: Birthplace of Henry David Thoreau

HISTORIC SITES

341 Virginia Road

978.451.0300 thoreaufarm.org

Visit the farmhouse where Thoreau was born. Explore Thoreau’s life and work.

Open Saturday and Sunday, May through October. Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Thoreau’s Path On Brister’s Hill HISTORIC SITES

Rte 2 and Walden Street walden.or

A one-mile, self-guided interpretive trail in historic Walden Woods honoring Henry David Thoreau. Free, open year-round. Dogs must be leashed. Parking at Walden Pond State Reservation.

Concord Museum

MUSEUMS

Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road

978.369.9763 concordmuseum.org

The Concord Museum brings Concord’s remarkable story to life through a distinguished collection of American treasures including the famous “one, if by land” Revere lantern, Revolutionary War artifacts, the desk on which Thoreau wrote “Walden,” and Emerson’s Study. The engaging exhibitions present intriguing ideas relevant today: concepts of liberty, self-reliance, independent thinking, and environmental preservation.

A visit to the Concord Museum provides an inspiring gateway to this famous community. Changing exhibitions; museum shop; open year-round; admission charged; wheelchair accessible; functions and group tours welcome.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House MUSEUMS

399 Lexington Road

978.369.4118 louisamayalcott.org

The circa 1690 home where Louisa May Alcott and her family lived for twenty years is considered a true pilgrimage site as the beloved classic, Little Women, was written and set here in 1868. A visit here reveals much more: the Alcotts were complex, caring individuals desirous of making a real difference in their challenging world. Their messages of hope, love, and courage still resonate in highly personal ways, making for unique and unforgettable visit experiences. Guided tours, educational programs, living history events, teacher workshops, and changing exhibitions available; Museum Store on premises. Admission charged; large groups by reservation only.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

PARKS & NATURE

Monsen Road

978.443.4661 fws.gov/refuge/great_meadows/ Walking trails and wildlife observation trails. Pets are not allowed. No admission fee.

Walden Pond State Reservation

PARKS & NATURE

915 Walden Street

978.369.3254 mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-statereservation

Interpretive programs, hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, snowshoeing and swimming. Daily parking fee MA vehicles $8, non-MA $15. No pets. To conserve Walden Pond, DCR must limit visitation. Once the parking area fills up, the park is required to close to all incoming visitors for several hours. Before you come call 978.369.3254 or check twitter @waldenpondstate.

Verrill Farm, LLC

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

11 Wheeler Road

978.369.4494 verrillfarm.com

Celebrating Farm to Table for 100 Years! Verrill Farm is family owned and operated on fields which are among the oldest agriculturally sustained in the U.S. More than 40 crops grown on over 150 acres are sold in the farm stand. Local specialty foods and cheese are also featured. The onsite kitchen, deli and bakery prepare mouthwatering entrees, soups, sandwiches and baked goods daily. Agricultural tours, hayrides and cooking classes are available. Family friendly Summer Festivals and Field to Fork dinners celebrate local crops. Open 9-7 daily, year-round.

Devens

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area

HISTORIC SITES

94 Jackson Road, Suite 311

978.772.3654 freedomsway.org

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area connects our 45 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire through preservation, conservation and educational initiatives to protect and promote our landscape, history and culture.

Harvard

Fruitlands Museum

MUSEUMS

102 Prospect Hill

978.456.3924 thetrustees.org/place/fruitlands-museum/ Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, stunning views, and miles of walking trails.

HAVERHILL

Museum of Printing

15 Thornton Ave

978.372.0567 museumofprinting.org

The Museum of Printing is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the graphic arts, printing and typesetting technology, and printing craftsmanship. In addition to many special collections and small exhibits, the Museum contains hundreds of antique printing, typesetting, and bindery machines, as well as a library of books and printingrelated documents.

LEXINGTON

Lexington Visitors Center

VISITOR CENTERS

1875 Massachusetts Avenue

781.862.1450 tourlexington.us

The Town of Lexington’s Visitors Center is open daily. Shop for unique gifts, view the famous Battle Green Diorama, and collect information on local restaurants and events. Tickets for the Liberty Ride

Trolley Tour and Battle Green Walking Tourscan be purchased here. Public restrooms are also available.

Minute Man Visitor Center

VISITOR CENTERS

Minute Man National Historical Park, Route 2A 781.674.1920 nps.gov/mima

Begin your visit here. The award-winning theater program, “The Road To Revolution,” tells the story of Paul Revere’s Ride and the Lexington-Concord battles. Free admission.

Lexington Historical Society

Historic Houses

HISTORIC SITES

1 Bedford Street

781.862.1703 lexingtonhistory.org

Learn what life was like for those living in Colonial Lexington. Lexington’s three historic house museums give a unique perspective into those living through the Revolution. These houses witnessed the start of the Revolution on April 19, 1775: Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern.

Lexington Symphony

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 194

Venue: Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 781-523-9009 lexingtonsymphony.org

Lexington Symphony is a world class orchestra of dedicated musicians and a renowned conductor who share a passion for classical music, a commitment to community engagement, and a dedication to exacting standards of performance. Lexington Symphony’s home is the historic and accessible Cary Hall. Affordable tickets. Discounts for groups. Subscriptions available.

Lowell

Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center

VISITOR CENTERS

246 Market Street (Free Parking for park visitors at 304 Dutton Street)

978.970.5000 nps.gov/lowe

The history of America’s industrial revolution is commemorated in Lowell by the National Park Service. Historic mills, weave room, museums, canals and more tell our story.

Cobblestones of Lowell

HISTORIC SITES

91 Dutton Street

978.970.2282 cobblesstonesoflowell.com

Iconic American Tavern. Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch, Late-Night, Craft Beer and Cocktails in the heart of historic Downtown Lowell. Dining Room, Lounge, and Private Dining. Famed regional destination since 1994.

Lowell Cemetery

HISTORIC SITES

77 Knapp Avenue

978.454.5191 lowellcemetery.com

On the National Register of Historic Places, The Lowell Cemetery is a Victorian, garden style cemetery. The burial ground for many of Lowell’s Founding Fathers. Free Spring & Fall tours offered. Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Parade the Sunday before

Memorial Day each year. Lots are still available for sale.

New England Quilt Museum

MUSEUMS

18 Shattuck Street

978.452.4207 nequiltmuseum.org

Experience world-class exhibitions that explore the artistry, history, and contemporary trends in quilt making and textile arts. Changing gallery exhibitions feature the innovative works of prominent artists from around the world. A large Museum Store and exciting calendar of public programs make the New England Quilt Museum a destination for everyone.

Lowell National Historical Park

MUSEUMS

Boott Cotton Mills Museum

115 John Street

978.970.5000 nps.gov/lowe

Experience the sights and sounds of a 1920’s textile weave room. Video presentations, interactive exhibits and displays illustrate the rise, fall and rebirth of Lowell.

Whistler House Museum Of Art

MUSEUMS

243 Worthen Street

978.452.7641 whistlerhouse.org

Birthplace of American artist, James McNeill Whistler; this museum showcases historical and contemporary fine arts, including 19th century and early 20th century paintings and etchings.

The Brush Art Gallery And Studios

GALLERIES & EXHIBITONS

256 Market Street

978.459.7819 thebrush.org

Presenting museum quality exhibitions. Studio artists produce paintings, illustration, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, quilts, and handwoven items. Located next to the National Park Visitors Center.

Western Avenue Studios

GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS

122 & 160 Western Avenue

978.835.3396 westernavenuestudios.com

Western Avenue Studios and Lofts is a thriving arts community with over 300 artists! Artists host Open Studios the First Saturday of every month where visitors enjoy 50,000 works of art, demonstrations, shopping, events, the Loading Dock Gallery and more − all in a historic mill in Lowell, MA!

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

THEATRE, DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS

50 East Merrimack Street

978.654.4678 mrt.org

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) produces vibrant, contemporary plays that explore what it means to be alive today. With a 7-show season playing from September-May, MRT is among the nation’s top regional theatres, with an intimate 279seat performance space, low ticket prices starting at $24, and free parking. Downtown Lowell next to Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

50 East Merrimack Street

1.800.657.8774 lowellauditorium.com

The 2,800-seat venue hosts numerous exciting events every year, including concerts, comedy shows, Broadway musicals, sporting events, conventions, dance recitals and many others.

Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

P.O. Box 1403

617-899-6401 lowellphilharmonic.org

Inspiring the Greater Lowell community with quality musical performances since 1987, the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra continues to provide audiences with lively, classical and pops concerts.

Lowell Summer Music Series

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

Boarding House Park, 40 French Street 978.970.5200 lowellsummermusic.org

A summer-long showcase of national performers at beautiful Boarding House Park in Lowell National Historical Park. Recent performers have included Lyle Lovett, Andy Grammer, Indigo Girls, Graham Nash, Boz Scaggs, The Beach Boys and The Mavericks. The Boston Globe has called Boarding House Park “one of the finest outdoor performance venues in New England.

Free Fun For Kids

Boarding House Park, 40 French St

978-970-5200 lowellsummermusic.org/kids

Free children’s events on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in July and August. Programs include free art activities by National Park Rangers; free children’s books from ProjectLEARN, free lunches from the Lowell Public Schools Nutrition Program, and free Healthy Snacks from a variety of natural foods brands. Activities begin at 10am. Stage show at 11am features music, magic, acrobatics, dance, science and other fun shows geared to ages 2-10.

Tsongas

Center At

Umass Lowell

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

300 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 978.934.3855

TsongasCenter.com

The 7,000 seat Tsongas Center is home to the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks hockey team. The arena is also an ideal setting to host small and mid-size conventionstyle meetings with its 17,000 square foot floor and 10,000 square feet of meeting and party space. Ample parking is available on site and the Arena is within convenient walking distance to downtown. Make the Tsongas Center the home for your next event!

Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Inc.

LAKES & BOATING

660 Suffolk Street, Suite 120 978.934.0030 lowelllandtrust.org

Voted Best Urban Adventure

Best of Boston-Concord River White Water Rafting. All equipment provided. Weekends April/May. Call 1.888.375.1115 for information /reservations. Group tours of historic Spalding House (c.1760), Concord River Greenway available; environmental education programs offered year-round. Volunteer opportunities. Calendar of Events on web site.

Lowell Rowing Regatta Association

LAKES & BOATING

64 Livingston Ave

978-821-2797 facebook.com/LowellInvitationalRegatta

The Lowell Rowing Regatta Association, LLC (LRRA) was created to continue running regattas and help build the competitive sport of Rowing in Lowell, MA.

Lowell City of Lights

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Lowell / November

The parade kicks off late afternoon and winds its way through picturesque Downtown Lowell with floats, costumed characters, and more. The parade ends with the Lighting of City Hall and the community tree at the Ladd-Whitney Memorial. Come early and enjoy shopping and dining at an array of establishments.

Mostly

Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

P.O. Box 1111

978.501.1021 lowellcelebrateskerouac.org

Our annual Jack Kerouac Festival will take place from October 7-11, 2021 as we hold out annual celebration of the life and legacy of Lowell native and acclaimed author, Jack Kerouac. Special presentations, tours, musical events, poetry readings, open mic, and much more. Check our website for updates at: lowellcelebrateskerouac.org.

Lowell Folk Festival

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

67 Kirk Street

978.275.1764 lowellfolkfestival.org

The longest running FREE folk festival in the country celebrates its 32nd year on July 29-31, 2022! Join us for three days of world class music, dance, craft demonstrations, street parades and performers, family fun activity area, and delicious ethnic foods. Presented on five outdoor stages throughout Downtown Lowell, MA.

Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

61 Market Street

617.872.6449 lowellkinetic.com

Human-powered, all-terrain, sculptures made from recycled materials battle through obstacles including cobblestones, mud, water and sand in this city-wide racing spectacle.

Southeast Asian Water Festival Some

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Lowell / August

The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Americans of the Greater Lowell Area. Every third Saturday in August, more than 60,000 people from around the U.S. and the world come to Lowell to celebrate the importance of water as it is celebrated in Southeast Asia. They come for the blessings, food, crafts, performances and the long boat races. The Festival is held at the Sampas Pavilion along the Merrimack River.

The Town And The City Festival Mostly

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Lowell / October

The Town And The City Festival is a 2-day music and arts festival that will take place in various event spaces, bars, cafes, and galleries throughout downtown Lowell, Massachusetts on Friday

October 22 and Saturday

October 23, 2021. The festival celebrates the spirit of Jack Kerouac in direct and indirect ways. It is named after Kerouac’s earliest novel which was primarily set in this historic mill city. The Town and The City Festival is inspired by the creativity and exploration for which the author was so famously known and will present a diverse mix of musical genres and artistic disciplines to inspire discovery and to celebrate a love of life.

Lowell Winterfest Mostly

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Lowell / February

During the City’s Winterfest celebration, enjoy live entertainment and many children’s activities. There is something for everyone— from local cuisine, to the famous Soup Bowl Competition, an outdoor carnival, and microbrew competition. Come on out and celebrate the season.

LYNN

Lynn Memorial Auditorium

MUSIC & CONCERT HALLS

Three City Hall Square

781.599.7469 lynnauditorium.com

Lynn Memorial Auditorium is Massachusetts’ oldest premier entertainment venue. Since 1949, the 2,000+ seat Lynn Auditorium has hosted various types of events. With massive renovations finished in 2005, the Lynn Auditorium is one of the most accommodating, venues in Massachusetts today!

SALEM

Destination Salem, Massachusetts

VISITOR CENTERS

PO BOX 630

978.741.3252 salem.org

Visit Salem, Massachusetts for the Witch Trials of 1962, The Scarlet Letter, and the great age of sail. Stay for artful exhibits, unique shopping, and local pale ale. Just 15 miles north of Boston. Make your own magic at Salem.org.

TEWKSBURY

Wamesit Lanes Family Entertainment Center

BOWLING/ARCADES

434 Main Street

978.349.0000 wamesitlanes.com

Featuring Luxury Candlepin & Ten Pin Bowling, Indoor Golf Simulation Rooms, Giant Arcade, Outdoor Patio with Dining & Bocce/Cornhole courts. FireWater Tavern & Live Entertainment.

WESTFORD

Kimball Farm

GOLF/ARCADES

400 Littleton Road

978.486.3891 kimballfarm.com

Fifty flavors of homemade ice cream! Seafood Shack, Country

Store, and Private Events. Driving Range, 9-hole Pitch & Putt golf course, Two 18 hole miniature golf courses, Zip Line, Spin Zone, bumper boats, batting cages and an arcade!

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

SKIING

79 Powers Road 978.692.3033 skinashoba.com

Ski Area, Tubing Park, Sunset Tiki Bar and Grill, Swimming, Functions, Outlook Restaurant, Summer Camp, Countryfest, Summerfest and Witch’s Woods. Just off of Rt. 495.

Westford Apple Blossom Festival

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Westford / May

This Annual Blossom Festival takes place in various locations throughout the town of Westford and features many exciting activities, including fireworks, the Apple Blossom parade, and carnival style rides. Mostly .