Spring Weekend in Worcester, Massachusetts

Did you know that the monkey wrench was born in Worcester, Massachusetts? The first Valentine’s Day card, too. The birth control pill, the space suit, the liquid-fuel rocket—yup, all invented in the Woo. Even modern-day emojis can be traced back to this city, with the creation of the smiley face in 1963 for an insurance company’s marketing campaign.

Worcester rose to fame as a 19th-century manufacturing epicenter, which when paired with its diverse, modern identity may spark a “Wait, Worcester has that?” moment—especially if you’ve only driven through on your way somewhere else or parachuted in for a concert at the DCU Center. But Worcester’s legacy of invention brought with it a surprisingly contemporary joie de vivre that has endured as the city’s character evolved over the decades.

Sitting almost smack-dab between Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts, the second largest city in New England boasts a population of more than 205,000, including academics and students coming from around the world to the eight colleges and universities here. Its Union Station, a stunning transportation hub built in 1911, affords easy access, too, with Amtrak, MBTA commuter rail, and city and regional bus service.

As with many New England manufacturing towns, Worcester saw its share of hard times when the industrial revolution met the Great Depression. But what drew folks to the city in the first place created a melting pot of diverse food, art, culture, and music that still percolates today. So much so that stories of laborers and craftspeople seem to ooze as much from historic stone structures in the city’s central business district as they do from its more modern Canal District or verdant green spaces that dot the City of Seven Hills’ outskirts.

Even the “Wormtown” nickname reflects this cocktail of identities. Flash back to 1978, amid the neon haze of the pseudo-underground punk music scene at Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner, still a local haunt. Its DJ, Leonard B. Saarinen (nicknamed L.B. Worm), thought the scene needed a little love, so he published a handwritten one-sheet fanzine whose title, “Wormtown Punk Punk Press,” derived from his own moniker. After other businesses and events adopted the name, too, “Wormtown” stuck.

Perhaps only in Worcester would the origins of such an irreverent-turned-affectionate nickname be remembered in a museum. The Museum of Worcester, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, has a library archive of written material that tells the tale (research buffs should call ahead, though, to ensure it’s available for viewing). Meanwhile, at the Worcester Art Museum just down the street, visitors can walk through part of a 12th-century Benedictine priory as well as 2,000 years of global history in one afternoon.

It seems like everything here is “just down the street,” because Worcester is such a blissfully walkable and approachable city. At the restaurant Deadhorse Hill, solo diners bump elbows with their neighbors while relishing a glass of natural wine and perhaps some local pork chops with spring ramps that chef Jared Forman harvested just the day before. A transplant to Worcester, Forman describes his adopted city as having a large-town feeling in a small space, where strangers can become friends in a New York minute.

Nowhere is this amalgamation of cultures, centuries, and attitudes more evident than in Worcester’s vibrant architecture and public art. Walk in almost any direction from historic City Hall on Main Street and you’ll find soaring edifices of 19th- and 20th-century design, many of which remain open for public appreciation. Take in a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the famed Hanover Theatre, which first opened in 1904, or listen to the Worcester Symphony Orchestra perform a springtime concert of music from American wartime films amid the dreamy acoustics of the 1857 Mechanics Hall.     

Outside, multistory murals decorate buildings around the city, offering messages of love and nature and spotlighting the region’s indigenous roots and its Black sports stars, including the 1899 world cycling champion Major Taylor. Over the past several year, the Pow! Wow! Worcester mural festival has led to the decoration of the library and the YWCA, public housing, a parking garage, multiple elementary schools, and even centuries-old buildings with large-scale paintings to show that art can be—and should be—representative of the community and for everyone to enjoy.

The spirit of inclusivity here can feel almost like a citywide family-friendliness policy, too. On sunny, warm spring days, Worcesterites flock to the city’s abundant green spaces for a hike up to the Cascades waterfall or to picnic, fly kites, and fish in the wide-openness of Green Hill Park. And from spring through summer, future MLB stars show off their talent at Polar Park as members of the Boston Red Sox’s top farm team, the Worcester Red Sox.

What might seem like a collection of cold, gray stone, steel, and brick buildings when you first arrive downtown quickly transforms into a warm and welcoming civic hub, thanks to the people inside those buildings sharing their cultural energy. So next time, rather than driving through it, maybe drive to it—and you’ll be wooed by Worcester, too. 

Guide to Worcester, Massachusetts | Eat, Stay, Play

Whether you’re exploring the rich tapestry of its diverse food, arts, and music scenes, or taking in the impressive architecture and public murals, Worcester offers a surprising blend of old and new.

Best Places to Eat in Worcester, Massachusetts

Armsby Abbey: The place to go for a pint, weekend brunch, and the city’s best sharing and grazing menu. armsbyabbey.com

Bocado Tapas Wine Bar: Spanish flamenco style rules here, with favorites like paella, grilled octopus, and sugar-dusted churros with chocolate sauce. bocadotapasbar.com

Crust Bakeshop: Look no further for fresh breads, croissants, sandwiches, and the perfect latte to start your day. crustbakeshop.com

Deadhorse Hill: Expect a delicious but ever-changing seasonal menu at chef Jared Forman’s hot spot. deadhorsehill.com

Havana Nights: Treat yourself to some mouthwatering chicken mofongo and churrasco skirt steak at this Cuban home-cooking specialist (and look for its spin-off, Little Havana, in Worcester Public Market). havananightsrestaurantandlounge.com

Worcester Public Market: The food and market stalls here take you from Tokyo to New Delhi, while shared tables create a jovial atmosphere. worcesterpublicmarket.org

Wormtown Brewery: Come for a seasonal Irish Red Ale, stay for the tacos. wormtownbrewery.com

Best Places to Stay in Worcester, Massachusetts

AC Hotel Worcester: Rest and rejuvenate at this contemporary spot that’s conveniently located behind City Hall. marriott.com

Beechwood Hotel: Lovely stained glass windows and vintage posters lend extra personality to this welcoming, family-owned establishment. beechwoodhotel.com

Best Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts

The Canal District: This charming neighborhood features Worcester Public Market and shops such as Seed to Stem, a gallery of botanicals and home decor; the Crompton Collective, for secondhand goodies; and Bedlam Book Café. thecanaldistrict.com

EcoTarium: Kids can touch everything at this science museum as they explore wind patterns on Mount Washington, discover secrets of the forest, and more. ecotarium.org

Hanover Theatre: Live performances in this stunning historic venue include Broadway shows, the Boston Pops, and Led Zeppelin tribute concerts. hanovertheatre.org

Mechanics Hall: Come experience the finest acoustics in any pre–Civil War building in the country—and don’t miss the iconic portrait gallery in the Great Hall. mechanicshall.org

Museum of Worcester: Featuring rotating exhibits on Worcester inventions and landmarks, with a permanent gallery devoted to the city’s industrial past. worcesterhistory.org

Worcester Art Museum: Discover art and artifacts from across the centuries, including the second-largest collection of arms and armor in the U.S. worcesterart.org

Worcester Red Sox: Bring the whole family to a game at Polar Park, where seating on the grassy outfield berm is a popular option for youngsters. milb.com/worcester