Worcester and Vicinity

West of Concord [1], the area between I-495 and the Pioneer Valley [2] is a transitional area of suburbs and farms, as the urban core of Boston [3] gives way to the more rural western part of the state. Because of that, it’s an area that is often passed over by travelers, on their way from one end of the state or the other.

Those who stop, however, will find several attractions to catch their interest, including Worcester’s [4] underrated art museum and the historical village at Sturbridge [5].

Getting to the Worcester Area

To drive to Worcester from Boston, take the Mass Pike (I-90) West (45 mi.,55 min.) Continue along the Pike another 15 mi. (20 min.) for Sturbridge.

The Worcester Train Station (2 Washington Sq.) is serviced by both AMTRAK (800/872-7245, www.amtrak.com [6]) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (617/222-3200, www.mbta.com [7]) commuter trains from Boston [3]. Peter Pan Bus Lines (800/343-9999, www.peterpanbus.com [8]) runs buses to Worcester Bus Terminal (2 Washington Sq.).

Buses throughout Worcester [4] are run by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (508/791-9782, www.therta.com [9]).