As you might imagine, my inbox is filled with requests for trip-planning assistance, and while my own travel schedule makes it impossible for me to answer every one, there are some that capture my attention. In this case, I was wildly impressed with the aggressive pace at which these six intrepid world travelers intended to devour all there was to see of my beloved New England--Boston, Cape Cod, Newport, Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Burlington, North Conway--all in just two weeks' time!
Even more remarkably... they also planned to journey back in time.
Day 5 of Andrew's itinerary placed "the gang" in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. In his descriptive notes, he wrote: "A full day to explore this 'magical' place. We'll journey back in time when we visit the Old Sturbridge Village. A very relaxing day and time to perhaps do a little shopping."
I couldn't resist the invitation to join them. Old Sturbridge Village is, indeed, a 200-acre time machine that transports visitors to the early 1800s. Within moments of setting foot inside the complex of historic buildings populated with authentically costumed "interpreters," you can't help but feel immersed in yesteryear. Old Sturbridge Village is the Northeast's largest living history museum, a place where the routines and rituals of a 19th century New England community play out day after day, season after season.
I'll take you on a photo tour of this remarkable New England attraction. Along the way, we'll try to make a withdrawal at the bank, chat with a blacksmith, watch a shoemaker in action and visit a rural New England farm.
Old Sturbridge Village deserves a full day on any New England itinerary, no matter how ambitious. Here's everything you need to know to plan your own journey back in time.
What You Need to Know About Old Sturbridge Village
Location: Route 20, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Travel Times: One hour from Boston, 45 minutes from Hartford, three hours from New York City.
Directions: From I-84, take Exit 3B for Route 20 West. Continue about one-half mile, staying in the right-hand lane, and turn right into the jughandle entrance, following signs to Old Sturbridge Village. From the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), take Exit 9, then make the first right after the toll plaza onto Route 20 West. Continue about one-half mile, staying in the right-hand lane, and turn right into the jughandle entrance, following signs to Old Sturbridge Village.
Hours: Old Sturbridge Village is open daily year-round except for Mondays in the winter and Mondays and Tuesdays late October through November. Check current operating hours online.
Admission (as of 11/17/09): $20 for adults, $18 for those 65 and over, $7 for children ages 3 to 17 and free for children under age 3. Each admission ticket is good for two days within a 10-day period. Be sure to validate your ticket before leaving in order to receive free admission another day.
For More Information: Call 508-347-3362.
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