Discover Here and Now in Sturbridge, MA

Focus on All Things New England Having trouble viewing this email? [View this email on the web](. JUNE 23, 2022 Discover Here and Now in Sturbridge, MA Full of exciting dining and diversions, this destination town is about so much more than “days of yore.” Sponsored by: [Town of Sturbridge]( Blending American history and contemporary appeal, Sturbridge, Massachusetts, is a one-of-a-kind destination that invites explorers of all kinds. This picturesque town has been dubbed the “Crossroads of New England” since the 1600s, and the name rings truer than ever today: Sturbridge lies just an hour southwest of Boston, a short drive from Rhode Island, and minutes from the Connecticut border (the town’s central location is made clear at the nearby Tri-State Marker, a landmark since 1883). Sturbridge’s location in the heart of southern Central Massachusetts makes it an ideal rendezvous point for visitors meeting up from across New England as well as New York State. Boasting a major cultural attraction in the form of Old Sturbridge Village — set on more than 200 scenic acres and dotted with 40 historic buildings — the town of Sturbridge has plenty more to help visitors fill their day trip or weekend getaway. Courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village In the early days, Sturbridge was an important junction on an advanced trail system forged by indigenous peoples that was later traveled by west- and northbound English settlers. Thus, an impressive collection of restored buildings in the town date back to the 1730s — the greatest concentration of which can be found at [Old Sturbridge Village]( the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. It’s easy to feel like a time traveler here, peering in as long-ago rural New England life unfolds before your eyes. But being far more than just a “ye olde” attraction, Sturbridge is hardly stuck in the past. Here you will find a flourishing culinary scene, local craft breweries, and skilled artisans creating modern-day heirlooms. Factor in the wealth of natural attractions — scenic rivers and ponds, endless miles of trails, thousands of protected acres — and visitors to Sturbridge can truly choose their own adventure. For in-the-know foodies, top-notch dining is as synonymous with Sturbridge as history and antiques-hunting. Chef Brian Treitman, a Culinary Institute of America alum, is the mastermind behind [B.T.’s Smokehouse]( a lauded barbecue joint that takes a cue from Southern traditions by dry-rubbing meats before slow-smoking them (in this case, over local cherry and hickory wood). Since 2007, chef Brian Treitman’s B.T.’s Smokehouse has been dishing up award-winning barbecue, from ribs to brisket to pulled pork. Courtesy of B.T.’s Smokehouse Experience it All! Enjoy hiking, biking, breweries, antiquing, arts, culture and everyday adventures when you Experience Sturbridge like a local. There’s SO much to see and do so be sure to stay overnight to experience it all. [PLAN NOW]( SPONSORED Another culinary standout is chef Enrico Giovanello, who’s had his hand in a number of successful dining ventures, from [Enrico’s Brick Oven Pizzeria]( to [Cedar Street Grille]( a reimagined classic bistro, and [Avellino]( a love letter to traditional Italian cooking. He also helped to hatch the seasonally driven menu at [The Duck]( a memorable dining spot housed in a rustic 19th-century barn loft. Meanwhile, chef Ken Yukimura has surf and turf covered: He and his team run the popular steak joint [Sturbridge Porterhouse]( as well as [Sturbridge Seafood]( which draws diners seeking dock-to-plate fare such as pan-seared scallops, fish tacos, and mussels fra diavolo. Though farm-to-table restaurants abound here, the town also delights food lovers with its weekly [Sturbridge Farmers Market]( on the town common. From early June through mid-October, local growers and artisan producers unite to offer the fruits (and veggies) of their labor, including beekeepers selling their syrupy nectar and bakers offering an array of sweet treats. All summer long and into autumn, the Sturbridge Farmers Market is the place to meet local growers and artisans and load up on fresh produce and handmade gifts. Courtesy of the Town of Sturbridge The market’s charm is undeniable as visitors and townsfolk gather, chat, and shop, many with a cold brew or latte from [Sturbridge Coffee Roasters]( or [The Rose Room]( in hand. In addition to picking up snacks, spices, crafts, and more, visitors can also collect no shortage of advice from locals eager to recommend a lunch spot or a favorite watering hole. For the freshest suds, however, beer aficionados will want to make tracks to the area’s breweries. The standout here is [Tree House Brewing Company]( One of the most acclaimed in New England — and considered to be among the best in the nation — Tree House was founded more than a decade ago in a barn in neighboring Brimfield, and today the Charlton location, surrounded by age-old oak and hickory trees, is the flagship, which also boasts a distillery, a coffee roaster, and plenty of room to roam. Chairs and picnic tables scattered across Tree House Brewing Company’s Charlton campus invite visitors to kick back with a brew, accompanied by tasty bites from visiting food trucks. Courtesy of Tree House Brewing Company SPONSORED Right in downtown Sturbridge, you’ll find [Altruist Brewing Company]( which crafts small-batch ales and IPAs to serve up in its lively taproom, sited in a 150-year-old-mill. Another popular spot is [Rapscallion Pub]( pouring craft beers from the acclaimed microbrewery located just up the road, in Spencer. A different kind of spirits adventure can be had just a short drive from Sturbridge, at either [Brimfield Winery & Cidery]( in Brimfield or [Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery]( in Monson. Family-owned and equally enchanting, these two destinations offer various award-winning vintages and events calendars filled with live music and fun food happenings. Come late summer, Echo Hill opens its orchards for folks to pick their own apples, peaches, sunflowers, pears, pumpkins, and wildflowers. From its signature fruit wines to creative spirits such as blackberry moonshine and smoked maple bacon bourbon whiskey, there’s plenty to tempt the taste buds at Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery in Monson. Plus: Check out the sunset tractor rides! Courtesy of Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery Though searching out antique treasures is a favorite pastime in any historic New England town, Sturbridge ups the ante with crafts and gifts to suit the modern palate. Its community of contemporary makers includes artisans Gary and Ann Malone, owners of the clay studio and gallery [Sturbridge Pottery]( which attracts collectors and intrigued passers-by alike. Main Street’s [The Painted Stone Emporium]( is less of a shop and more of an eclectic treasure chest, with nooks full of crystals, jewelry-making supplies, plants, and locally made art and gifts. Also worth browsing is [Lake Road Living]( a clothing boutique that highlights locally made goods by women artisans, including jewelry and wellness products. No two pieces are exactly alike among the handcrafted stoneware, porcelain, and raku created by husband-and-wife artisans Gary and Ann Malone at Sturbridge Pottery. Photo by Ann Malone/Sturbridge Pottery Nature lovers, meanwhile, will find themselves in the heart of more than 6,000 acres of preserved land, as almost 20 percent of the town’s entire footprint is dedicated open space. [Leadmine Mountain Conservation Area]( is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and bird and wildlife viewing. Locals agree a trek on [Raven Rookery Trail]( is well worth the effort, as the path leads to a hidden, emerald-hued lagoon you won’t soon forget. But for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming, you can’t beat Walker Pond at Wells State Park, where the best scenic view is arguably the cliffs of Carpenter Rocks. Whether exploring by foot or bike, visitors to Sturbridge can take advantage of miles of trails laced though the town’s beautiful green spaces. Courtesy of the Town of Sturbridge Though history will always be part of Sturbridge’s allure, and timeless scenes such as white church steeples and old stone walls will undoubtedly inspire an Instagram snap or two, you don’t have to look very far past its classic façade to find a vibrant destination for today’s travelers. Truly, Sturbridge remains a crossroads — of past, present, and future. For more information on planning your visit to Sturbridge, MA, go to [ExperienceSturbridge.com](. SPONSORED [Unsubscribe]( [Forward to a Friend]( [Send Feedback]( [Facebook](   [Instagram](    [Pinterest](    [Twitter](   Help us be sure that this email newsletter gets to your inbox. Adding our return address [Today@NewEngland.com]( to your address book may "whitelist" us with your filter, helping future email newsletters get to your inbox. Did a friend send this to you? [Sign up to receive your own copy and a free guide](. 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