Charlton
Charlton is a small town in Central Massachusetts located outside of Worcester. Charlton is within of five major New England cities: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Hartford and Providence.
Charlton is surrounded by towns filled with history and things to do. One would not often choose Charlton as a place to visit but throughout the year there are great events that an out-of-towner might want to see or partake in including the Old Home Day and Memorial Day parades or Dudley's Strawberry Festival. For someone from a big city this small town of about 13,000 people (2010) is a real culture shock yet could be enlightening to the relaxed atmosphere of its residents.
Get in
There is easy access to major highways such as I-90, I-84, I-290 and I-395.
By train or bus
Take MBTA to Union Station Farms on Framingham/Worcester Line.
Union Station Farms: 20 Temple Street Worcester, +1 508 792-0212
Train schedules can be found on MBTA.com.
By plane
Fly in to Worcester Regional Airport‎ through Direct Air operated by Xtra Airways, only from Orlando, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, or Direct Air operated by Falcon Air Express Myrtle Beach. It is about a 25-minute drive on Route 20 to Charlton by cab.
You can also fly in to Logan International Airport in Boston and either take the MBTA Framingham/Worcester line into Union Station, or take I-90 W to Exit 10 for MA-12 towards I-395/290 toward Auburn/Worcester.
Get around
The only way to get around Charlton is by car. Charlton however is mainly a car-driven town, even a bike would get you to most places. Parking in Charlton is not a problem. There are several community places to park your vehicle.
See
- Grave of John "Grizzly" Adams in Bay Path Cemetery
Charlton Center Historic DistrictThe historic center of the town includes the first architect-designed building in the center, the Shingle-style Overlook Hotel designed by Worcester architect George H. Clemence, and the 1905 Colonial Revival Town Hall designed by Frost, Briggs & Chamberlain. The town hall site is also home to a number of memorials to the town's military. The district features various Federal and Gothic Revival houses, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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John Spurr House
address: Main StreetThe house was built in 1798 and added to the National Historic Register in 1976.
Northside Village Historic DistrictOne of its more important structures is the Rider Tavern, a large c. 1797 building that was a major stop on the stagecoach route.
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Rider Tavern
address: Northside Village Historic DistrictA large three-story wood-frame building, the tavern was built c. 1797, and was for many years an important stop on the stagecoach road. It is open for guided tours in the summer and special events. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Do
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Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary
address: 56 Capen RoadGreat place to take children. -
Buffumville Lake Park
phone: +1 508-248-5697The park offers picnic tables and grills, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a swim beach, (no lifeguards, swim at your own risk), a nature trail and hiking trail, a boat ramp, and two picnic shelters. Unreserved shelters are available for use on a first come, first served basis. Interpretive programs are provided by Park Rangers. The recreation area is open from third weekend of May through the second weekend of September from 8AM to 8PM. During the rest of the year, you are invited to walk into the park during daylight hours. -
Heritage Golf Course
phone: +1 508-248-5111address: 1 Sampson RoadGolf course and driving range.
Buy
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Charlton Antique & Flea Mkt
address: 90 Worcester Rd -
Charlton Orchards Farm and Winery
phone: +1 508-248-7820address: 44 Old Worcester RoadPick your own fruit and a small winery.
Eat
Breakfast
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Dad's
address: 417 Worcester RdOffers a cheap but great breakfast. Dad's is a quaint diner with great service, amazing food and great service. Breakfast lunch and dinner served. Hours vary. -
Yankee Diner
address: 23 Worcester Rd
Lunch and dinner
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Ronnie's Seafood
address: 208 City Depot RdOpen seasonally for great fried seafood and ice cream. -
Dresser Hills Clam Box
address: 290 Dresser Hill RdOpen seasonally. Serves variety of food including seafood, sandwiches, salads and ice cream! -
Zorba's Pizzeria Tavern
address: 132 Sturbridge RdBest Greek restaurant around. Fun atmosphere and great service. -
Champion Pizza
address: 9 City Depot RdGood pizza, compare to Dominos. -
Family House of Pizza & Seafood
address: 104 Masonic Home RdLocated in the center of Charlton. Great homemade pizza. -
Mondo's
address: 6 Gillespie Rd
Drink
There are not many bars in Charlton, but Worcester and other neighboring towns have several options.
Sleep
Connect
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phone: +1 508 248-2200address: 37 Main Street
Go next
A great place to go to next would be Boston. It is about 45 minutes to an hour away and is an exciting and bright city with a lot of things to do. On your way you can stop in Worcester if you have not already and then from Boston consider heading either south to the beaches of Rhode Island in South County or north to the mountains in New Hampshire.