Old Sturbiedge Village - NEU

Morning

8:00 AM – Getting to Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village

@oldsturbridgevillage

Travel Options:

• Car Rental or Rideshare: Take I-90 W from Huntington Ave and Massachusetts Ave to reach Old Sturbridge Village. Estimated time takes up to 1 hour from Boston. Get directions here!
• Public Transit: Take the MBTA and connect to a regional bus, but the village is best accessed by car for convenience. Learn more about directions here!
• Bus: You can check out Peter Pan bus services for a smoother journey by booking advance tickets here!

Admission: $30 for adults. Check for student discounts and offers.

9:00 AM – Arrival at Old Sturbridge Village Visitor Center

Location: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Why Start Here?

The Visitor Center is your gateway to all things Old Sturbridge. Grab a map, check the schedule of events, and get a brief overview of what to expect throughout your one-day Old Sturbridge village trip.

*Pro-Tips: Look out for the daily schedule of live demonstrations and storytelling, which vary by season and can include everything from blacksmithing to gardening.

9:30 AM – Morning Stroll Through the Common

About the Common:

This central area is the heart of Old Sturbridge Village, surrounded by key historic buildings, including the Meetinghouse, General Store, and Freeman Farm.

Highlights:

Visit the Meetinghouse to see where 19th-century town meetings and church services took place, then stop by the General Store for period-accurate goods and learn about trade and commerce of the time. Learn more about activities in the village here!

Photography Tip: For the best shots of these historic facades, capture the buildings in soft morning light.

Mid-Morning

10:30 AM – Hands-On at the Freeman Farm

Freeman Farm House

Why Visit?

A working farm that provides a realistic look into 19th-century agricultural life, complete with animals, crops, and authentic cooking demonstrations.

What You’ll See:

Chat with interpreters who will show you how to churn butter, make cheese, and tend to the animals. Children especially love meeting the sheep, cows, and chickens.

Seasonal Tour Tip: Depending on the season, you might see planting, harvesting, or even cider pressing.

11:30 AM – Crafts & Trades Demonstrations

Old Sturbridge Village is home to numerous craft and trade workshops, where interpreters demonstrate essential skills from the 1830s, including blacksmithing, shoemaking, and pottery.

Must-Visit Sites:

• Blacksmith Shop: See tools and hardware forging by the blacksmiths.
• Pottery Shop: Watch artisans craft ceramics using 19th-century techniques.

Practical Tip: Ask questions! The interpreters are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share historical insights.

Afternoon

12:30 PM – Lunch at Bullard Tavern

Bullard Tavern within Old Sturbridge Village Museum

Why Here?

A charming tavern-style eatery, Bullard Tavern offers hearty New England fare, perfect for refueling.

• Cost: $10 - $20/person. Check the menu here!
• Recommendation: Try traditional dishes like pot roast, corn chowder, or freshly baked bread.

Budget Tip: Lunch costs here are moderate, around $15-20 per person.

1:30 PM - Visit Cattle Barn & Heritage Breed Animals

Head to Freeman Farm to see historic breeds of sheep, such as Horned Wiltshire/Dorset crosses, representing New England’s 19th-century farming heritage.

Highlights:

• Visit the Fenno Barn to view cattle breeds like the American Milking Devon and Shorthorn.
• Gulf Coast Native and Marino cross sheep
• Large Blacks and English Black pigs
• Dunghill Fowl chickens
• The fancy Blue Slate turkeys

Check out more to learn about them here!

2:00 PM – Schoolhouse Lesson

Old Sturbridge Academy

Experience an authentic 19th-century classroom session with a costumed teacher leading an old-fashioned lesson.

What to Expect?

Learn about the rigorous schooling system, where children of all ages studied side by side, learning reading, writing, and arithmetic.

• Interactive Tip: Join in—guests are encouraged to sit at the wooden desks and take part in the lesson!

Late Afternoon

3:00 PM – Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

A leisurely carriage ride is a fantastic way to wind down the day and take in more of the village scenery. We all love horses and this is your best chance to enjoy a ride in Sturbridge.

• Cost: $5-10 per person

Why It’s Worth It?

Relax as you’re guided around by an interpreter who shares fascinating tidbits about the village and life in 19th-century New England.

3:45 PM – Coffee Break at Village Scoop Shop

Location: Old Sturbridge Village

End your visit with a treat from the Village Scoop Shop, known for its ice cream and baked goods. Enjoy a coffee or dessert as you reflect on the day’s experiences. They are made with love and expertise by the locals.

• Cost: $5-10 per person.
• Duration: 20 minutes.

Note: The Scoop Shop seasonally opens and you need to take admission to Old Sturbridge Village.

4:30 PM – End the Day with Souvenir Shopping

Stop by the Old Sturbridge Village Gift Shop for unique souvenirs, books, and handmade goods inspired by the 1830s. Crafts, redware pots, home decor, children's accessories, and a lot more are hand-crafted by the villagers.

• Price range: $5 - $160 (Vary on different products)
• Recommended Buys: Pick up a handmade candle, traditional crafts, or a local history book to remember your trip.

5:30 PM – Back to Boston, Northeastern University

Northeastern University

Travel Options:

• Driving: About a 1-hour drive back to Boston. If you parked at a nearby garage in Harvard Square, head to I-90 E for a straightforward route back.
• Public Transit: Take the MBTA Red Line from Harvard Square back to Boston.
• Peter Pan Buses: For budget-friendly travel options, you can try Peter Pan Bus services. Learn more about schedules and ticket discounts here!

Extra Travel Tips: After your immersive day at Old Sturbridge, you can enjoy your evening near Northeastern University, dining in a range of restaurants or taking the chance to stroll around the scenic campus.