Tucked Away In New England's Mountains Is A Serene Town With Timeless History And Family-Friendly Fun

For those looking for a quiet getaway with classic New England charm, Princeton is a central Massachusetts stop that should not be missed. You won't find a chain restaurant, big box store, or even a gas station in sight, but don't let that fool you into thinking this little hamlet has nothing to offer — with a rich historic district, museums, and a quaint common, there will be plenty to see and do while enjoying the immediate peace and quiet the lack of crowds is sure to deliver. 

Princeton happens to be home to both the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area and State Reservation, which it shares with neighboring Westminster, making it a perfect destination for every season. Hit the slopes at New England's "most accessible ski resort" for endless winter fun, and enjoy hiking and exploring in spring, summer, and fall. The serenity of nature is also close by in the Massachusetts Audubon Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, where over 1,130 acres of meadows and wetlands are preserved as conservation land. In fact, as a largely undeveloped haven, almost half of Princeton's land area falls under protected status. 

If this is all starting to sound a little too quiet, not to worry. The larger cities of Leominster and Worcester are only a 15 minute drive away, providing easy access to any amenities that can't be found in town, and the Wachusett Station Commuter Rail to Boston is just a 10 minute drive via Route 2. At just 62 miles and a little over an hour by car from Boston's Logan Airport, this serene town with timeless history and family-friendly fun is the perfect place to relax if you want a convenient way to experience the best of both the modern and natural world.

I can personally attest to the charm of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area and the surrounding State Reservation because I grew up skiing on this small but robust mountain. My mother would show up at home with red cheeks and cold hands after a day working there as a ski instructor, and my elementary school ski club had me hitting the slopes myself, where I would meet up with her once a week after her classes during the winter months. With trails for all levels of experience from beginner to expert, the high powered chair lifts make it a breeze to enjoy all the mountain has to offer, including impressive summit views with visibility all the way to Boston on a clear day. It should be noted that Wachusett's apres-ski scene is just as impressive as its outdoor offerings, with restaurants and shops to warm up at once you quit the slopes for the day.

While winter is a great time to visit for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, it's clear Wachusett Mountain has a lot to offer once the weather warms up. Hike or bike those summit trails for your view of Boston through the clouds, and make sure to hit the many events drawing visitors to the mountain in August like the Annual Summer Food Truck Fest with live music, and the Summer Mountain Games, featuring timber competitions and lumberjack games like axe throwing and block chops. September boasts the Labor Day Sale and Craft Beer Party, where you can purchase last season's ski equipment and winter apparel at a discounted rate, as well as the exciting BBQFest, KidsFest, and Oktoberfest. Finally, October brings the promise of an impressive double weekend AppleFest. 

History buffs will love what Princeton's historic sector has to offer, and if taking a stroll to admire well-preserved architecture that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries sounds like a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, you won't be disappointed. The crown jewel of the district is the town's historic common, a green space where people would come to celebrate and gather throughout the years. Abutted by beautiful buildings like the old Town Hall, it's still a perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of this special part of town.

Artifacts dating back to the town's colonial period can be viewed at a museum maintained by the Princeton Historical Society, which is now housed in the former public library, and for those looking to experience a tangible angle of another piece of history, a visit to Redemption Rock provides just that. The perfect place for a moment of silence and solitude, this boulder stands as a memorial to where Mary Rowlandson was ransomed after being held by Native Americans during King Philip's War in 1676, reminding visitors of the gravity of her experience as well as the town's colonial history.

For even more cultural enrichment, the changing exhibitions and events at the Mount Wachusett Community College Art Gallery are sure to please fans of both traditional and contemporary art. Paintings, sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and modern installations round out this impressive collection of artwork from local, national, and international artists. 

Looking for local destinations with a similar feel to Princeton? This Massachusetts town is a "portrait of old New England charm" with cute shops and nature trails, and this riverside New England escape has scenic trails and a thriving main street.