Today we drove to neighboring state Massachusetts and visited Old Sturbridge Village. It is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast and depicts a rural New England town during the period of the 1790s through the 1830s. There are many original buildings on more than 200 acres. Incidentally, they are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. Being from Virginia, I would compare it to Colonial Williamsburg, but it didn't seem to have quite as many buildings or programs. It was a great trip anyway, and David said he liked it a little better than Williamsburg. Incidentally, Massachusetts became the 45th state I have visited.
I was disappointed that the Oliver Wight Tavern and Museum Store & Bookshop were closed. I always love seeing what books are available in places like this. Later we discovered that the Miner Grant Store was open and had some books and merchandise for sale.
Ready to explore!
The Center Meetinghouse
We had a lovely conversation with the lawyer after he got to his law office.
We walked all the way back to the blacksmith's shop, and while there were too many people inside to get pictures, I noticed this sign outside describing the blacksmith's year and part of the poem "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. If you don't know it, you should look it up and read it.
We also admired the view across the Mill Pond and looked at the Carding Mill and Gristmill. Then we checked out the Sawmill.
After this we walked around the Mill Pond and through the Vermont Covered Bridge. Since I was thirsty we stopped at the Bullard Tavern so that I could buy a bottle of water. It looked like they had a pretty decent menu if you chose to purchase lunch there. At this point we circled back around to check out the kiln.
David enjoyed talking to this gentleman who was firing pottery in the kiln. The Pottery Shop was just across the road from the kiln, and they sell the pottery on site. We purchased a large vase, and I am sure that it will appear in photos this fall.
At this point we headed back to the main part of the village. This is the bank, and below is the Salem Towne House. We didn't go inside either one, but I thought they looked interesting.
Next we found the Scoop Shop and ate ice cream for lunch.
David had cherry blossom and chocolate and I had a double scoop of chocolate.
After this we looked at the glass exhibit and then left the village. From here we drove to New Hampshire and ate dinner at 110 Grill in Nashua.
Following dinner we drove to nearby Horace Greeley Park. For a picture from the park, see today's 365 Picture Today Post.
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