Just a 20 to 40-minute drive from Boston, Massachusetts, MetroWest is full of charming New England towns, engaging activities, interesting arts and culture, and outdoor recreation. And at a fraction of big-city prices, the central region makes a great hub for groups to explore all of Massachusetts. Here’s a taste of MetroWest in three days:
DAY 1
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Explore the American Heritage Museum, where your visit begins in the depths of a WWI trench listening to a nurse’s account from the front while bombs explode above you and the floor begins to shake. The Heritage’s astounding collection of historic aircraft, tanks, armored vehicles, classic cars, and relics from the Revolutionary War to today includes immersive exhibits, living history events, and over a dozen one-of-a-kind artifacts.
Afterwards, wander the adorable shops of downtown Hudson, with a stop at one of two craft breweries in town for a flight and lunch. Then, head up the road to Duck Soup in Sudbury for a group cooking class. Check out their many local products, from handcrafted cutting boards to Sudbury’s Goodnow Farms Chocolate—winner of more international awards than any other maker in North America.
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Have dinner at the Wayside Inn, the oldest inn in America, and take photos in front of the historic grist mill, chapel, gardens, or pond. The innkeeper can even entertain your group with a history of the property.
DAY 2
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Visit the Danforth Art Museum to see contemporary and historic works, including Harlem Renaissance artist Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller’s groundbreaking depictions of the African and Black American experience. Then head across the street to the Framingham History Center, where their archivist will pull from their collection specific for your group—everything from John Hancock’s signature, to indigenous artifacts, to an American Revolution tune book, to suffragette pins, and more!
In the afternoon, take a historic walking tour of the Natick Cultural District, then explore their restaurants, boutiques, and working artists’ studios. Stay for one of their many festivals or a play, concert, or movie at TCAN, a theater in a historic firehouse.
DAY 3
Photo by Lisa Mattei, courtesy of New England Wild Flower Society
Start the day at Garden in the Woods, the New England Wild Flower Society’s spectacular garden, or rent boats and kayak across Lake Cochituate. After lunch at Framingham Station Brazilian Steakhouse—an event unto itself—head to the Natick Mall. The largest mall in New England showcases both luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch as well as amazing activities—from brand-new Bosse’s 21 indoor pickleball courts to Level99’s 50-plus mental and physical escape rooms and challenges to Puttshack’s high-tech mini golf, there is something for everyone.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau happily helps coordinate custom group itineraries for any age and interest—just ask!
Learn More
MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
metrowestvisitors.org
Lead image:
Wayside Inn
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
