Mendon is a historic town in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It has a population of 6,228 as of the 2020 census. Located in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Mendon was an early center of the industrial revolution. In 2017, the town celebrated its 350th anniversary.
Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a charming recreation of a New England town from the 1830s. It features 40 historical buildings, period music, costumed historians, and a quaint mill pond. The village also has a beautiful garden, a nature trail through the woods, and a restaurant called the Bullard Tavern.
If you have a passion for history and are interested in life in the olden days, Old Sturbridge Village is a must-visit place in Mendon. The 1830s village features authentic homes, schools, and a country store. You can also see a working farm with costumed historians, and enjoy the historic ambiance and authentic New England cuisine.
Old Sturbridge Village is a popular destination for families and history lovers. The site is 200 acres and offers visitors a taste of life in New England. You can see costumed historians at work and explore the village’s nature trails. It’s also an excellent place for shopping.
The museum features more than 35,000 works of art. Whether you’re looking for a great souvenir or a unique gift for someone special, Old Sturbridge Village offers a diverse variety of items. Visitors can find everything from art pieces to vintage toys and clothing.
The Sturbridge Tourism Authority has a new program for restaurants that serve local cuisine. The new business of the year award will help support local businesses. In addition to the title of Business of the Year, winners receive a $1,000 marketing grant and a year’s membership in Discover Central Massachusetts.
Mendon Ponds Park
The park is known for its beautiful ponds, rolling meadows, and forests. This area is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and fishing. You can also enjoy cycling along the park roads. The park also hosts numerous outdoor events throughout the year.
This park is home to 2,500 acres of land, which is considered the largest in Monroe County. It contains woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and glacially carved landforms. The park also has athletic fields and ten hiking trails.
For the whole family, the park offers many outdoor activities, such as skiing. It also has two designated sledding hills. One is located near the Playground on Douglas Road, while the other is located near the East and West Lodges on Canfield Road. The sledding hill is a popular spot for children of all ages. Regardless of the season, you can rent snowshoes and skis at the nature center.
For people who prefer to hike, there are several parks within the surrounding area. Cobbs Hill Park offers a stunning view of Rochester’s skyline. However, for those who prefer to stay closer to home, there is the Mendon Ponds County Park. It is the largest park in Monroe County and boasts a number of hiking trails.
Another feature of Mendon Ponds Park is Sharon’s Sensory Garden. This sensory garden provides access to nature for people with disabilities. The garden also features raised beds with braille labels. This is a beautiful addition to the park. If you love nature, you will enjoy Mendon Ponds Park!
Southwick’s Zoo
If you love animals, you can visit Southwick’s Zoo, a 300-acre privately owned zoological park in Mendon, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1963 and is still family-operated today. It features more than 600 species of animals.
Southwick’s Zoo is an excellent place to take the family. It’s home to more than 450 species of wild animals including endangered species. There are also many fun activities for children to enjoy, including camel, elephant, and pony rides. You can also take your children on a train ride, take a carousel ride, or explore the natural wetlands. Southwick’s Zoo also hosts birthday parties and corporate events.
Southwick’s Zoo was founded in 1963, and has since evolved from a small dairy farm to an exotic animal park. Today, the Zoo covers 300 acres and is home to more than 500 animals from 100 different species. The Zoo also has a bird and reptile aviary.
The Southwick’s Zoo is a wonderful place for families to take the kids for a day. It offers petting zoo experiences and a 35-acre walk-through deer forest. Children can also enjoy riding a pony, camel, or zip line. Another exciting adventure is the Skyfari Sky Ride, which lets two people experience the zoo in a triangular shape. During the trip, you can even see an alligator. You can also ride on a chairlift that allows two people to explore the zoo in 15 minutes.
Southwick’s Zoo is also home to the Galliford’s Restaurant and Tavern, a full-service restaurant. Visitors can dine on delicious meals at the zoo’s deli, or grab a bite from a snack bar.
The Zoo has a great restaurant and baby changing stations for parents with young children. You can also purchase snacks at the Jungle Hut or Clarice’s Cupboard. The Zoo has an ATM on-site for those who want to use their credit card. If you are bringing children, you may want to bring some cash, because feeding animals costs money. You can find a wide selection of animal-themed gifts at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop.
There is a 35-acre Deer Forest, where you can get up close and personal with deer. There is even a path through the habitat where you can feed the deer. Although most deer are shy and skittish, they can be tamed by feeding them.
Sharon’s Sensory Garden
Sharon’s Sensory Garden is a sensory garden designed for people with disabilities to experience nature and learn about the different textures and sounds of the plants. The garden features more than 70 different species of plants and five different types of natural stone. It is accessible by wheelchair and features plant labels in braille and raised text. It also has a sensory friendly waterfall and a creek.
This sensory garden is located in the forested portion of the Mendon Botanical Gardens. It is surrounded by a stream and is accessible through brick and stone pathways. It is a peaceful, contemplative place with a lot of colorful, whimsical plants.
There are also free outdoor activities available for all ages. The Mendon Ponds Recreation Area, featuring Sharon’s Sensory Garden, has playgrounds, wetlands, and special features. There’s also a boat launch for non-motorized boats and a youth camping area. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a family vacation, Mendon has plenty of fun to offer.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly park that’s filled with nature, Mendon Ponds Park is the place for you. There are miles of trails through the park, and you’ll find all sorts of outdoor activities here. There’s fishing, sledding, and non-motorized boating. The park is also home to Mendon’s Winterfest, which happens in January.
Mendon Ponds Park is a 2,500-acre nature preserve. It offers 30 miles of self-guided hiking trails, and there’s even a boat launch for non-motorized boats. Its ponds feature drumlins and fossils.
