Charlton - town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States of America

Charlton is a small town in Central Massachusetts located outside of Worcester. Charlton is within of five major New England cities: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Hartford and Providence. Charlton was settled by European immigrants in 1735. It was established as a district separated from Oxford on January 10, 1755, and became a town in 1775 by a law that made all districts into towns. It was named after Sir Francis Charlton. During the 1800s, farming continued to be the major occupation, but woolen mills were being built along some of the town's brooks by the turn of the twentieth century.

Charlton is surrounded by towns filled with history and things to do. One would not often choose Charlton as a place to visit but throughout the year there are great events that an out-of-towner might want to see or partake in including the Old Home Day and Memorial Day parades or Dudley's Strawberry Festival. For someone from a big city this small town of about 13,000 people (2010) is a real culture shock yet could be enlightening to the relaxed atmosphere of its residents.

Get in

By car

There is easy access to major highways such as I-90, I-84, I-290 and I-395.

By train or bus

Take MBTA to Union Station Farms on Framingham/Worcester Line. Union Station: 20 Temple Street Worcester, +1 508 792-0212 Train schedules can be found on MBTA.com.

By plane

The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 minutes away. There is not much in terms of service, but jetBlue operates twice daily to New York-JFK, and once daily to Fort Lauderdale. In addition to this, Delta runs a daily service to New York-LGA, and American has a daily flight to JFK.

You can also fly in to Logan International Airport in Boston. Logan has more airlines, and more destinations. One can either take the MBTA Framingham/Worcester line into Union Station, and then take a cab or rideshare to town, but getting a rental car is recommended. Take I-90 W to Exit 10 for MA-12 towards I-395/290 toward Auburn/Worcester. Follow MA-12 to Route 20 west, which will lead you right into Charlton.

Get around

The only way to get around Charlton is by car. Charlton however is mainly a car-driven town, but even a bike would get you to most places. Parking in Charlton is not a problem. There are several places to park your vehicle.

See

• Grave of John "Grizzly" Adams in Bay Path Cemetery
• Charlton Center Historic District. The historic center of the town includes the first architect-designed building in the center, the Shingle-style Overlook Hotel designed by Worcester architect George H. Clemence, and the 1905 Colonial Revival Town Hall designed by Frost, Briggs & Chamberlain. The town hall site is also home to a number of memorials to the town's military. The district features various Federal and Gothic Revival houses, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. 2017-06-27
  • John Spurr House, Main Street. The house was built in 1798 and added to the National Historic Register in 1976. 2017-06-27
• Northside Village Historic District. One of its more important structures is the Rider Tavern, a large c. 1797 building that was a major stop on the stagecoach route. 2017-06-27
  • Rider Tavern, Northside Village Historic District. A large three-story wood-frame building, the tavern was built c. 1797, and was for many years an important stop on the stagecoach road. It is open for guided tours in the summer and special events. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. 2017-06-27
• No. 2 Schoolhouse
• Charlton Woolen Mill, an historic landmark
• Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, 66 Clara Barton Rd, North Oxford, +15089872056. Small museum dedicated to the founder of the American Red Cross. 2022-08-10

Do

• Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary, 56 Capen Road. Visitor Center hours: M-F 9AM-2PM. Trails are always open!. Great place to take children.
• Buffumville Lake Park, +1 508-248-5697. The park offers picnic tables and grills, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a swim beach, (no lifeguards, swim at your own risk), a nature trail and hiking trail, a boat ramp, and two picnic shelters. Unreserved shelters are available for use on a first come, first served basis. Interpretive programs are provided by Park Rangers. The recreation area is open from third weekend of May through the second weekend of September from 8AM to 8PM. During the rest of the year, you are invited to walk into the park during daylight hours.
• Heritage Golf Course, 1 Sampson Road, +1 508-248-5111. Golf course and driving range. M-F 6:30AM-11AM $38 for 18 holes, cart and lunch ($32 for seniors 55+). M-F 11AM-4PM $34, $47 with cart. M-F after 4PM: $21, $34 with cart. Weekends & Holiday until 3PM: $42, $55 with cart, Weekends & Holiday 3PM-6PM: $25, $38 with cart, Weekends & Holiday after 6PM: $10, $15 with cart. Children 15 and under play for free with paying parent.

Buy

• Charlton Antique & Flea Mkt, 90 Worcester Rd, +1 508-248-6338.
• Charlton Orchards Farm and Winery, 44 Old Worcester Road, +1 508-248-7820, info@charltonorchard.com. June-Jan: Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM Su M 10AM-5PM; Jan-May: Sa Su noon-4:30PM. Pick your own fruit and a small winery.

Eat

Breakfast

• Dad's, 417 Worcester Rd, +1 508 248-9774. Offers a cheap but great breakfast. Dad's is a quaint diner with great service, amazing food and great service. Breakfast lunch and dinner served. Hours vary.
• Yankee Diner, 23 Worcester Rd, +1 508-248-7370.

Lunch and dinner

• Ronnie's Seafood, 208 City Depot Rd, +1 508 248-5024. Open seasonally for great fried seafood and ice cream.
• Dresser Hills Clam Box, 290 Dresser Hill Rd, +1 508 248-7870. Open seasonally. Serves variety of food including seafood, sandwiches, salads and ice cream!
• Family House of Pizza & Seafood, 104 Masonic Home Rd, +1 508 248-0666. Located in the center of Charlton. Great homemade pizza.

Drink

There are not many bars in Charlton, but Worcester and other neighboring towns have several options.

• Tree House Brewing Company, 129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, +14135232367. Tree House is widely considered one of the best craft breweries in the world. They specialize in New England IPAs and have an expansive taproom and large outdoor beer garden and picnic area. 2022-08-11

Sleep

There are no hotels in Charlton, but Sturbridge and Auburn have several options.

Connect

• Charlton Government, 37 Main Street, +1 508 248-2200.

Go next

A great place to go to next would be Boston. It is about 45 minutes to an hour away and is an exciting and bright city with a lot of things to do. On your way you can stop in Worcester if you have not already and then from Boston consider heading either south to the beaches of Rhode Island in South County or north to the mountains in New Hampshire.