North Central Massachusetts: Fun in Johnny Appleseed Country with everything you love about New England a lot closer to home!

North Central Massachusetts offers everything you love about winter in New England, a lot closer to home! Travel to North Central Massachusetts is convenient too – just an hour away from major hubs like Boston, Hartford and Providence (and even closer to Worcester). Perfect for a day-trip or weekend getaway, it is made up of 27 vibrant and cozy communities along MA Route 2. North Central MA is the historical home of Johnny Appleseed and boasts gorgeous orchards, museums, four-season recreation, breweries and much more. Rich in history and fun activities, this scenic and underrated part of Massachusetts makes for an excellent New England destination all year-round.

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Farms & Orchards

North Central Massachusetts is home to some of the best agritourism in New England. Explore the orchards that inspired American legend and horticulturist Johnny Appleseed and, if you visit in the autumn, pick fresh apples. Or, meet cute animals such as bunnies and alpacas at destinations such as In The Meadow Farm. If you’re more interested in the tasty side of agritourism, treats range from homemade ice cream or hot cider donuts to all the homegrown fresh ingredients you’ll need for a complete farm-to-table feast.

Culinary Delights

North Central Massachusetts has some incredible restaurants and foodstuffs. If farms are your thing, come see how cheese is made, and meet the cows, at Smith’s Country Cheese. If you are looking for a meal – enjoy everything from comfort food and a locally-brewed beer to fine dining in a cozy atmosphere gourmet setting. You can find lots of excellent food from diverse culinary traditions throughout North Central Massachusetts.

Family Recreation

If you’re traveling with the whole family, North Central Massachusetts is full of a variety of exciting and age-appropriate activities for everyone to enjoy. In the wintertime, the entire family can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh. In the summertime, enjoy summer sports, local lakes and ponds, festivals, and the warmth and beauty of North Central Massachusetts’ natural wildlife. The year-round destination, Great Wolf Lodge New England, highlights the numerous choices of hotels, inns, and resorts that accommodate large families and even pets.

Fun Activities Year-Round

North Central Massachusetts offers plenty of shopping, entertainment, and indoor or outdoor fun. Whether you prefer to spend your trips experiencing history and the arts – at theaters, galleries, museums and historical sites – or exploring the outdoors in parks, on the water or on the snow – you’ll be able to find your favorite fun in the North Central Region of Massachusetts. From skiing or snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain to the cultural finds at the Fitchburg Art Museum or Museum of Russian Icons, the options are endless.