Old Sturbridge Village
1 old sturbridge village road, 800-see-1830, 508-347-3362, (http://osv.org/). sturbridge's biggest draw, this living history museum promotes learning about the early 1800's through fun, hands-on activities. great interpretive programs. special and seasonal programs help people experience historical new england.
Joshua Hyde Library
308 main st rt 131, 508-347-2500, fax: 508-347-5886. historical and genealogical collections about sturbridge.
Hiking, bicycling, and outdoor activities
East Brimfield Dam
East Brimfield Dam, off of Route 20, border of Sturbridge and Brimfield, (http://www.nae.usace.army...).
Wells State Park
Wells State Park, off of Route 49 Podunk Pike, (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/p...). Camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, interpretive programs, and more. Make the half an hour climb to the top of Carpenter Rock for a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and lakes.
Sturbridge is full of outdoor activity options: fishing, hiking, cycling, boating, and camping. Check with Bill and crew at Wild Bird Crossing (http://wildbirdxing.com) for their schedule of outdoor birdwatching hikes and activities.
Sturbridge has many lakes which offer great fishing. East Brimfield Lake and Long Pond, accessible via boat ramps off of Route 20, and also via the East Brimfield Dam, are great fishing spots. Cedar Lake is another fishing option. There are some good fishing spots along the Quinebaug River (http://ma.water.usgs.gov/...), see the online map (http://www.telegram.com/static/crosscurrents/quinebaug_river_basin.html). The Quinebaug has small and large mouth bass, trout, northern pike, and panfish.
Canoeing and kayaking are popular outdoor activities as well. Experienced river rafters will enjoy paddling the Quinebaug, starting at the East Brimfield Dam and ending up at the Westville Dam recreation area. Of particular interest, this riverway runs directly through Old Sturbridge Village. There are small sections that require portage. Also, this is the route used by the annual Sturbridge Lions All American River Race typically in late April.
Fall is an awesome time to visit area apple orchards for apple picking and hayrides.
Hyland Brewery & Orchard
199 arnold rd., 508-347-7500, (http://www.hylandbrew.com/). frequently has music and various festivals in their outdoor pavilion starting in spring and running through late fall. kids enjoy the feeding the farm animals and taking a ride on the pickle barrel train.
Music and nightlife
Ugly Duckling
502 main st.rt 20, upstairs at the whistling swan, +1 508-347-2321, (http://www.thewhistlingsw...). su-th until 10pm, f,sa 11pm. live music in the evening, varies. typically on the weekend.
Vienna Restaurant on the Patio
see eat section. great night without all that "life" for those prefering to take it easy while enjoying a libation or a good cigar by the outside fire. dinner 10pm and dessert served till 11pm. more than likely you'll meet some new friends who share your thoughts on life!
Artist Development Complex
The Artist Development Complex, (http://www.adcmusic.com/) and Mill Street Brews, 18 Mill St., +1 508-761-6900, Southbridge, about 4 miles from Sturbridge, (http://www.millstreetbrew...). Three clubs on two floors in one building. Lots of entertainment. Local, regional, and national acts performing on multiple stages. There's stuff going on here practically every night of the week.
Admiral T. J. O'Brien's
407 main st. rt 20, +1 508-347-2838. music th-sa.
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Cafe
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Cafe, 210 Hamilton St. in the Flat Iron Building, Southbridge about 4 miles from Sturbridge, +1 508-765-5520, (http://www.sturbridgecoff...). Music and poetry on various nights of the week. Best coffee around. Period.
Golf
Cohasse Country Club
Cohasse Country Club, 426 Eastford Rd., Southbridge, (http://www.cohassecc.org/). 9 holes, private. 508-764-6290
Leicester Country Club
Leicester Country Club, 1430 Main St., Leicester, (http://www.leicestercc.com/). 18 holes, public. 508-892-1390
Hemlock Ridge Golf Course
220 holland rd., sturbridge. 9 holes, semi-private. 508-347-9935
Quaboag Country Club
Quaboag Country Club, Palmer Rd. Route 32, Monson, MA, (http://www.quaboagcountry...). 9 holes, semi-private. 413-267-5294
Heritage Country Club
Heritage Country Club, Sampson Rd. off of Route 20, Charlton, (http://www.heritagecountr...). 18 holes, public. 508-248-5111
Webster-Dudley Golf Club
Webster-Dudley Golf Club, 80 Airport Rd., Dudley, (http://www.dudleyhill.hom...). 9 holes, semi-private. 508-943-4538