Old Sturbridge Village

From Concord, Route 126 leads south to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), which is the fastest way to reach Sturbridge, less than an hour away. The town itself is worth a stop. Beautiful, old houses line the common or central lawn, the old tavern still serves fine food in an ambiance of the past, and the cemetery with tombstones that date back hundreds of years identify and lend tribute to many of the original settlers. On the outskirts of town is the Old Sturbridge Village, a living-history museum; you should allow a full day to explore the re-creation of life as it was lived in the first half of the 19^th century. Costumed actors inhabit the village by day, wandering the streets, manning the stores, and tending to the tasks of yesteryear. They bring history to life.There are more than 40 staffed exhibits, homes, craft shops, mills, and farm buildings on more than 200 acres of fields and farmland. Among my favorite buildings is the clock gallery where many different types of timepieces are on display. In addition to the one-room schoolhouse, the mills, and the demonstrations of shoemaking and cooking over a wood fire, there are seasonal exhibits of sheep shearing, apple pressing, and maple sugaring. For children, there is a special educational program providing hands-on activities. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.