WORCESTER – It’s that time of year again: College students are returning to Worcester for the academic year. New England’s second-largest city welcomes more than 35,000 students each year.
The region’s colleges support nearly 20,000 jobs, and according to a 2023 AICU Massachusetts report, the colleges have an economic impact in Central Massachusetts of nearly $4 billion.
Anna Maria College, Assumption University, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (Tufts University), Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nichols College, Quinsigamond Community College, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State University are all based in central Massachusetts.
Where to stay
AC Hotel Worcester is located in downtown Worcester and is within walking distance of public transportation, the DCU Center and Polar Park. 125 Front St., Worcester.
The Beechwood Hotel is within walking distance of UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center. 363 Plantation St., Worcester.
Means of transport
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority serves Worcester and 36 other communities in the region. Fare is free. If you’re new to town and want to learn how to ride the bus, the WRTA offers a travel training program to familiarize riders with the system.
Where to eat
Worcester offers a wide range of delicious food. Whether in a historic dining car or an elegant restaurant, there is something for every taste.
The Canal District is home to some of the best dining, entertainment and shopping Worcester has to offer. The original canal that gives the neighborhood its name was filled in long ago. This district is home to the Worcester Public Market, the Crompton Collective and dozens of other shops, including vintage and antique stores. The district is one of the busiest in the city, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
George’s Coney Island. For more than a century, this iconic Worcester restaurant has been serving up hot dogs and memories. If you want to eat like a local, order an “Up,” a hot dog topped with chili sauce, mustard, and chopped onions. 158 Southbridge St.
Lou Roc’s Diner. Worcester has a few historic dining cars thanks to the former Worcester Lunch Car Company. Lou Roc’s is just one of the many options serving breakfast and lunch. 1074 West Boylston St.
Located near Clark University, Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern is a welcoming student hangout. They have a happy hour with half-price appetizers Tuesday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 455 Park Ave.
The Worcester Public Market is a great option for those who don’t know what to eat, as it offers more than a dozen restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. 160 Green St., Worcester.
Wormtown Brewery. There are more than 20 breweries and distilleries in the area, but Wormtown is perhaps one of the most ‘Worcester’ beers. The brewery, which uses the iconic smiley face on its labels, often hosts quiz nights and live music. 72 Shrewsbury Street.
Things to do
Experience art and explore the POW! WOW! murals on your own. If you’re new to Worcester, you’ll be surprised at how much public art adorns the city’s streets and walls, especially downtown. And the best part: you can walk most of it in an afternoon!
Relax at Lake Quinsigamond. The lake separates Worcester and Shrewsbury and offers more than just swimming. There are numerous recreational boating opportunities along the lakeshore. 10 North Lake Ave.
Take a run through Elm Park, the oldest public property purchased as a city park. Elm Park, 138 Russell St.,
Pack a picnic for Bancroft Tower, Worcester’s very own castle. The 55-foot-tall granite tower stands in Salisbury Park and is over a century old. Bancroft Tower Street
Catch a game at one of Worcester’s many sports venues. Worcester is home to the Railers ice hockey team and of course the Worcester Red Sox, affectionately known as the WooSox. Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester.
Catch a show at the Hanover Theatre for Performing Arts, the historic Mechanics Hall or the legendary Palladium. The theater has hosted comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle, Broadway hits such as “Kinky Boots” and “Jersey Boys,” and musical groups such as Aretha Franklin, John Legend and Tony Bennett. Mechanics Hall is known for its acoustics, and many performances prefer the hall’s sound over Carnegie Hall. The Palladium has hosted a number of legendary musicians, from Blink 182 to Wu-Tang Clan, and is home to the New England Metal & Hardcore and Rock & Shock festivals.
Get some Worcester pride at Worcester Wares. Falling in love with Worcester isn’t hard; just ask Jessica Walsh, the owner of Worcester Wares. She has made it her passion to create Worcester-themed pieces and has started collaborating with other local artists. 105 Trade Street.
Museums
The American Antiquarian Society houses one of the world’s largest collections of written works on American history, rivaling the Library of Congress. Its archives include more than 4.5 million items and attract thousands of researchers, history buffs, and visitors each year. 185 Salisbury St.
Soon celebrating its 20th anniversary, the EcoTarium offers guests of all ages three floors of interactive indoor exhibits focusing on the natural world, as well as live animal habitats and educational trails on the 45-hectare site. 222 Harrington Way.
The Worcester Art Museum has been a staple of Worcester’s art scene since it opened in 1898. With free weekly tours and a seemingly endless calendar of events, there’s something for everyone within its walls. 55 Salisbury Street.
The Worcester Historical Museum is proud of Worcester’s contributions to the world, from the Old West to NASA, all of which are on display in its galleries. 30 Elm St.
