Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast City Between Boston And Hartford With Outdoor Fun And A Unique Museum

Florida has long been a favorite for retirees throughout America, but its sunny shores and senior living communities aren't for everybody. Not all retirees want to spend their golden years out on the beach or in a swimming pool. If you're looking for an alternative — one that's full of outdoor activities and interesting museums, there are many options outside Florida. One choice is the charming town of Southbridge, Massachusetts. It's a place that bridges the gap between past and present, recreation and relaxation, small-town living and the hustle and bustle of the city — all of which should put it on the map for retirees who don't hear the siren song of the Sunshine State.

This quaint village of just over 18,000 is conveniently located, sitting within easy driving distance to bigger cities in three different states. At roughly an hour from Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Springfield, city life is just a day-trip away. Its bountiful trails and park land offers miles of hiking, cycling, and skiing through gorgeous New England scenery, along with hunting, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. And, it has two unique and fascinating museums for all the history lovers out there. 

Whether it's the lush greenery of spring or the vibrant amber tones of autumn, Southbridge will make even the biggest homebody want to get outdoorsy — and the area offers retirees a wealth of outdoor recreation, from golf to skiing. Hiking trails of all levels can be found here, and the Cole Forest Trail is an easily walkable mile-and-a-half hike along well-kept forest walkways. The scenic and moderately challenging Charlton Street Trail is over five miles and open to cycling. The Quinebaug River winds through Southbridge, with the Southbridge Heritage Trail running right alongside it, offering walks with waterfront views and charming places to picnic. Leadmine Mountain, in nearby Sturbridge, offers fifteen miles of multiuse trails through forests and wetlands where retirees can hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, and even cross-country ski in winter. Hunting and fishing are also permitted at Leadmine Mountain. 

For retirees who don't want to just admire the water, but get out there onto it, Southbridge has you covered. Cedar Lake is a public beach that offers swimming and kayaking, along with earthbound pursuits like tennis and pickleball. Just outside Southbridge lies Westville Lake, whose reserves of panfish and bass make it a popular spot for fishing. In colder months it's a hotbed for winter recreation, including skating and cross-country skiing. 

Like so much of New England, the Southbridge and adjacent Sturbridge areas offer retirees winter recreation, including sledding, skating, and skiing. Since New England isn't really New England without leaf-peeping in the autumn, retirees can take a scenic drive to family-owned Hyland Orchard. It's open to the public on weekends throughout autumn for apple-picking, hayrides, and all the fall fun you can handle. Retirees can also enjoy fall foliage over a round of golf at the Cohasse Golf Club, one of the top 9-hole courses in the county.

Southbridge was once a company town for the American Optical Company — once the world's largest producer of glasses and ophthalmic supplies, and for decades the official manufacturer of aviator sunglasses for the Air Force. AO's roots date back to 1833, and it dominated Southbridge well into the 20th century. Its massive former complex is now the home of an elegant boutique hotel called the Wellsworth. Previously, it was the home of the Optical Heritage Museum. 

Today, the Optical Heritage Museum is located on Crane Street, and it tells the story of Southbridge's role in the history of eyewear manufacturing. With a collection that tracks the history of eyewear through a large assortment of glasses, lenses, and other tools, it's proof that anything can be fascinating when presented with the right combination of passion and commitment. You can see first-hand how our attempts to aid and improve vision have changed over the centuries, from scientific and manufacturing advancements, to the evolution and refinement of fashion. With an all-volunteer staff, it's also a place for retirees to get involved with the community and its history.

Just 15 minutes from Southbridge, step back in time at the living museum of Old Sturbridge Village in the town of Sturbridge, itself a portrait of 'Old New England Charm.' The village is a recreation of 1830s New England life featuring over 200 acres of restored buildings, authentic artisans and craftspeople, and real artifacts from the early 19th century. It has set the standard for living history museums for over 80 years, and remains truly special. For retirees, Old Sturbridge Village isn't just a place to be immersed in history and charm, they can step into the action by becoming one of the 100+ volunteers here.