I was going through some pictures of The Girl {yes, nostalgia has set in} and came across some from our trip to Sturbridge, Massachusetts last winter. I shared some pictures of the Sturbridge Village Living History Museum last year, but as I scrolled through all of the pictures, I realized I never told you how cool the whole town was.
Sturbridge is a tiny little town. It was first settled in 1729, but still only has about 7,800 residents. The size totally adds to it’s charm, though. It’s a totally picturesque village, it kind of reminded me of the movie, Funny Farm with Chevy Chase. It’s so perfect.
I took pictures and we bought mugs at Sturbridge Pottery. All of the pieces were unique, hand thrown, one of a kinders {Shakespeare made up words all of the time, so I’m pretty sure I can make up “kinders”}. How often does that happen anymore?
We had lunch at the Publick House Historic Inn. The Publick House is one of those quiet little Inn’s that would make an awesome weekend getaway if you lived in the area. It was opened in 1771, and hosted notable guests like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin all the way to present day actors like John Travolta and Bill Murray. The dining room serves classic “yankee” dishes. We had probably the best pot roast and fish and chips on the planet.
If you don’t have time to stop for a full meal, do yourself a favor and at least stop at the Bake Shoppe. Coffee, tea, and pastries. Life does not get better, I promise.
I’m so glad I got to share this perfect town with The Girl. Ah, life is bitter-sweet.
~Mavis
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Claire Bacon says
My old stomping grounds back in the 70’s. Love it there, but it as been 38 yrs since I was there!
Wendy says
I grew up in a town close to Sturbridge. Every single year our school field trip was to Old Sturbridge Village. It is a great town with a special New England feel. The Publick House has a scarecrow festival that should be starting in a couple of weeks, usually with a festival, I highly recommend it! Their Mother’s Day brunch is also one of the best I’ve ever been to.
Susan says
Went on the same field trips! Growing up in Oxford, we also went to Clara Barton’s birthplace . I LOVE all the historical things to see.
Susan says
I grew up in Oxford, Massachusetts. LOVE Sturbridge and still have most of my family in Massachusetts. I enjoy your photos 🙂
Tracy L. says
I grew up in Chicopee, MA, making me home sick! : (
Beth says
My daughter goes to college just 10 minutes from Sturbridge…we actually stayed at the Publick House during her orientation – I highly recommend it. You are right, that whole area is so quaint, so New England…love it!!
S says
How cool is that, seeing Sturbridge! Both my dad and my aunt (“awnt” if you’re from New England) worked at the Publick House when they were teens. I used to go with my grandmother to the bakery every week. I stopped by a few years ago…glad to see it’s still in operation. Best hermits in the world…hope you had one while you were there! (I’m looking up their website as I write this to see if they ship; they’re THAT good!)
debbie says
I grew up in New England and now live in Alaska. I have not missed New England much, and don’t think I will ever move back. However, that last photo of the beautiful house ensconced in snow and the smoke plume from the chimney made my heart skip a beat. I guess I do miss it a little 🙂
AlysonRR says
We lived in CT/MA (then MD) for 13 years before moving back to WA (I grew up here), and what I miss most is the candles in the window during the winter holiday season. So pretty, and since we always had snow, the light just reflected on the snow and the windows and the neighborhoods were just lit with beauty!
We brought our candles here and I regret that we live so far from the road because I’d love to share the beauty of candles in every window with everyone who passes 🙂