Winter in North Central Massachusetts: Wholesome Hospitality

If there is one location that will welcome you with open arms and either a hot coffee or chocolate, it’s North Central Massachusetts. This area, consisting of twenty-seven communities of North Central Massachusetts, provides many different opportunities to spend your time enjoying the winter season. While the winter may not be for everyone, North Central Massachusetts’ goal is to give visitors a taste of what it’s like to spend the winter with an extended family, so-to-speak. A community that has a large degree of character and hospitality, waiting to be shared with those who visit. 

North Central Massachusetts has an array of locations to sit down and eat, or be outside and enjoy skiing down Wachusett Mountain. With a 1,000-foot vertical drop, elevation of up to 2,000-feet, and 22 different trails to ride down there is something to do for everyone, no matter what part of the winter season is happening. For those who are more curious about the history of these parts of Massachusetts, the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center will provide a cozy and comforting feeling, while you read up on the history of the region. And even enjoy some of the seasonal, home grown local products, such as fudge, and chocolate.

North Central Massachusetts also has a variety of different seasonal events that take place during the winter months. From tree festivals, to Christmas tree shopping, and even winter strolls before the moon is in the sky. There are events and activities for all who look for them, one in particular is for those who want to gaze at gardens across the lush landscape. The Tower Hill Botanic Garden, while open for both summer and winter, is something almost magical during the winter. The 171 acres of beauty, allows visitors to appreciate the natural landscape, while potentially seeing it covered in a layer of snow; only adding to its tranquility. It’s one of those landmarks that words alone do not do it justice. Seeing it in front of you and experiencing it with others who are just as captivated by its beauty, will help cement that locations presence in your mind.

On top of there being plenty of sightseeing to experience casually, you can kick it up a notch by participating in one of the different outdoor activities. Whether you decide to do some running/hiking through the some of North Central Massachusetts trails, such as Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham, where you can really become in tune with nature and the beauty that the winter season can provide. Or, snowshoeing under the full moon at the Cook Conservation Area. The event even occurs with or without snow, and provides snowshoes for kids and adults who don’t own them. And for fishing enthusiasts, come partake in the annual ice fishing derby, sponsored by the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club, at Wallace Pond, which has sixty-three acres of pond that can be used for the fishing experience.

There are many different locations to visit, sites to see, and people to meet when you come to North Central Massachusetts. This hospitality is only magnified when it’s during the winter months; everyone wants to stay warm and have a good time. And that’s only possible because of the wholesome hospitality that comes with the territory of visiting North Central Massachusetts.

Written By: Christopher Gerardi