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Posted by Lysa Miller, guest blogger of Ladybugz Interactive Agency

Central Massachusetts is home to more adventures and culture then you could possibly imagine. Beautiful museums, historical sites, famous painters, and hands on culture are what make this small piece of the country so unique. If you’re planning on flying in to beautiful Central Mass or maybe just taking a day trip, here are five places you just can’t miss on your travels:

Worcester Art Museum

5 Places to Get Cultured in Central Massachusetts | MassVacation.com5,000 years of art. 35,000 pieces. The paintings, sculpture, and innumerable media of the Worcester Art Museum are enough to keep anyone intrigued for hours. Admire the beautiful mosaics of an ancient city, and bask in paintings by famous painters like Monet and Cassatt. Take a walk through the museum gift shop or treat yourself to a bite at The Museum Café. You can even take part in some museum activities or sign up for classes and workshop offerings. The opportunities are limitless!

Old Sturbridge Village

5 Places to Get Cultured in Central Massachusetts | MassVacation.comPhoto credit: Old Sturbridge Village

Enter into a New England Living History Museum at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. Walk through streets of historic buildings and immerse yourself in the 1830s with preserved rooms and over 50,000 artifacts made or used by early 19th century villagers. With costumed villagers, water powered mills, and a real working farm it will truly feel like you’ve jumped back in time. Visit their website to see all the cool events to come from reenactments to family fun days.

EcoTarium

5 Places to Get Cultured in Central Massachusetts | MassVacation.comPhoto credit: Blackbird Architects

A Museum of Art and Science – The perfect unique indoor-outdoor museum, the EcoTarium provides a fun and exciting experience for everyone. Take a 1.5 mile train ride around the scenic museum grounds or experience the features from the treetops on the Tree Canopy Walkway. Dive into space with the exhilarating digital planetarium or enjoy the Animal Corner and make some new furry friends.

Southwick’s Zoo

5 Places to Get Cultured in Central Massachusetts | MassVacation.comPhoto credit: Southwick’s Zoo

I’ll just start with this: animals. That should be enough to make this fun interactive zoo appeal to you. Visit the regal lions and beautiful cheetahs at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon and, on warmer days, you can buy a ticket and get up close and personal with one of the most amazing creatures: giraffes! You can enjoy the rides scattered across the grounds, visit a bird show, and even feed the goats! It’s a zoo, what’s not fun?

Grafton Country Store

5 Places to Get Cultured in Central Massachusetts | MassVacation.comPhoto credit: Grafton Country Store

The Grafton Country Store is not just any store. Located in the beautiful and cultured Grafton Common district, it is made up of multiple historic buildings and classic stores. It has good old fashioned penny candy (a fan favorite) and a beautiful early New England structure. Purchase some savory jams, beautiful pottery, intricate jewelry or indulge in some freshly brewed coffee or tea. Beautiful, vintage, with a rich history and scenic location…what’s not to love?
Lysa Miller is a Massachusetts-based writer whose work covers notable local businesses around the state. Follow her on Twitter @LadyBugzInc.
Feature photo, Old Sturbridge Village, photo credit: MOTT | Old Sturbridge Village

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