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Town in Massachusetts, United States
Photo: Marcbela (Marc N. Belanger), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Charlton is a small town in Central Massachusetts located outside of Worcester. Charlton is primarily a bedroom community, though there are a number of businesses in the center of town and especially along the Route 20 corridor.
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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.
includes the grave of famed entertainer John "Grizzly" Adams
The house was built in 1798 and added to the National Historic Register in 1976.
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.
Park with historical markers on the lot where Charlton's militia trained.
Northside School
Preserved one-room schoolhouse used from 1849 through 1949.
Motorsports track and adventure sports venue
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. There is also a 30-hole disc golf course.
Family-friendly place with variety of walking trails and nice place for a picnic. Visitor Center allows you to see them taking care of several animals. Walking trails interconnect with the neighboring Tree House Brewing Company trails.
Variety of programs throughout the year in art, drama, and dance, plus special and annual events.
Golf course and driving range. Open to non-members.
Rich-Turner Mill Ruins
Short hiking trail along Little River that lets you visit the ruins of a historic fulling mill. The trail interconnects with the Buffumville Lake trail system and Midstate Trail.
Includes slides, swings, and other play equipment designed for ages 2–12, with benches and a covered picnic table nearby.
This former agricultural area is now a natural wildlife area for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
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.
Shop for freshly-roasted coffee with light breakfast and lunches available
A classic local diner
Located in the center of Charlton, offering pizza, calzones, seafood, and subs.
Located in the center of Charlton, offering seafood, pasta, subs, salads, and homemade pizza.
Open seasonally for great fried seafood and ice cream.
Cakes, pastries, cookies, bread, lunches, and other goodies.
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.
Gift shop.
Local farm offering apple picking, blueberry picking, meat, cheese, and other produce.
Primarily a package (liquor) store, but also offers fresh produce, a full-service deli, and a butcher shop.
Charlton is primarily built around car access, with most destinations having plentiful free parking.
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Worcester · Regional · ORH
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