“Exploring the world, one city at a time.”

I’ve taken to exploring my current home state ( and other nearby states) while I wait to continue travelling the world and let me tell you…there is a lot to see and do in Massachusetts. Each town has its history and each town has its traditions. As a whole, MA is a very New England’ish state. So where did my adventures take me this time? To dear old Fitchburg, or “The Burg” as some hats and t-shirts said during my visit last weekend. My parents, being residents there have actually never seen half the things I decided to explore with my mom. From the historical society to food, I have covered it all here and hope you will all do some exploring on your own.

So a little history first : Fitchburg is a small town in central Massachusetts in Worcestor County. When it was first settled in 1730 it was part of Lunenburg but ultimately separated into their own town. It was named after John Fitch who was one of the members of the committee who put together the incorporation.

• Do visit Barbs Riverside Cafe

Breakfast joints are some of my favorite food places, and Barb’s was no exception. From their incredible service to this killer cinnamon swirl french toasts I was hooked. Cozy, homey with some incredibly nice regulars too, who talked to us a bit and told us how they had been going to Barb’s for a long time. The vibe here is one you wont soon forget, Go visit! *Also, if you want to split your plate with someone else, they will split it for you!!

Short Stack | Cinnamon Swirl French Toast

Omelette  | Spinach, cheese, tomatoes + house made Multigrain

Exterior of Barbs

• Do visit Coggshall Park

This is a large park in Fitchburg, with walking trails, a gazebo, large areas to have get togethers and plenty of parking. I loved standing by the pond and watching the ducks feed and swim along. Definitely a must visit if you like to be close to nature.

Entrance!

View of the pond with the gazebo

Duckies swimming along

Gorgeous day to visit the park!

• Do visit Downtown Fitchburg

This was the starting point of several adventures we had that day. It is slowly but surely rebuilding itself and becoming a beautiful downtown area. One of my favorite things was the mural they had painted behind all the holiday wishes. The holiday decorations had also come out and they were absolutely beautiful. Take a walk downtown, it’ll do you some good. 🙂

Hello from Fitchburg!

Some history!

Replica

Mom, mural & signs (two of many that were on this yard)

• Do visit the Fitchburg Historical Society

We managed to visit on a day they were having a very cool event–a Holiday Stroll through historical houses and buildings. We visited several places that were on the list and saw some amazing architecture, decor, and learned a bit of history as well. Also the Historical society there houses some cool artifacts from several wars and it was cool just roaming about a bit to check it out.

Outdoor signs!

Decor inside the Historical Society

Off we go!

First stop the Fay Club

Lovely bar area

Loved all the decor throughout the club.

James Poole House | Over 200 years old

Some decor

Winding staircase…

Loved this collection of keys at the house

Old License plates

The Bos House

Gorgeous table settings, the architecture of this house was incredible

• Do visit the Boulder Art Gallery

This was actually one of the stops on the Holiday Stroll, they have some gorgeous art plus some fun antiques like bikes used for the Fitchburg Sentinel ( the newspaper in town) and old voter ballot box that I thought was so cool. They are super nice there and let us roam around on our own. Definitely check it out.

*Side note: they are right across from the Rollstone Boulder which was a huge boulder that rolled down from New Hampshire- look it up.

Outside the gallery!

Styling at the Art Gallery

Rollstone Boulder

• Do visit the Fitchburg Art Museum or FAM

One of my favorite stops in Fitchburg,no lie. The art exhibits were colorful, many were interactive. Something that stood out to me the most was the bilingual versatility this museum had. All the exhibits have Spanish translations and there is quite a bit to see. I think we only missed one exhibit because we were running out of time, but all the other ones I fell in love with! I really enjoyed the African art section, the Evoking Eleanor exhibit and more. It was such a cool atmosphere and you should go!

Entrance to the Museum

Our maps

Mom looking at three different exhibits at the same time

Some miniatures

Taking in the African art

Viewing the Evoking Eleanor Exhibit

Loved this wall!

Cool interactive places like this throughout the museum

Such a cool exhibit of the past, present and future.

Proving how short I am in this photo 🙂

• Mill No 3 Farmstand

Want pie? Want lunch? Want to shop local? You can do this and more at Mill No 3 Farmstand. I loved this place. They had a ton of local brands and products that were familiar to me and some that weren’t. Their sandwiches were amazing, I had the Hurricane. Mom had clam chowder and then we bough a whole peach pie. ( We really wanted a slice, but ended up buying the whole thing). It was delicious! We also perused the aisles a bit, they have a ton of goods to buy, so check them out, especially if you love supporting local like I do!

Love the outside!

So cheery and bright, with tons of local made products

Clam Chowder, The Hurricane and a pickle

This sandwich was sooo good!

• Do visit Dutch Kitchen Bakery

I actually knew about this place before and they have never disappointed me. Their baked goods give me life. This time I went with a Fluffernutter Cupcake (yes that is as good as it sounds) and mom bought a mini cream puff plus a profiterole. The people there are so nice, and helped us out quite a bit. They also have a deli that looked like it serves up some mean sandwiches.

Made it just in time before closing!

Holiday cookies!

Interior of Dutch Kitchen Bakery

Fluffernutter Cupcake | This was filled with fluff by the way…

Mini desserts! Profiterole + Cream Puff

• Do visit Strong Style Coffee

Run, don’t walk to Strong Style Coffee. I am obsessed with the vibe there and so glad I went. I was sad to hear the old place had shut down but when I walked into this dope Coffee shop I fell in love. The quirky decor, the murals, that “street” feel was so up my alley. They also made me a beautiful Oat Milk Latte ( which is not the easiest thing) and a delicious chai for my mom. They chit chatted with us for a while and showed us around the place. Definitely a must visit if you are in Fitchburg!

Our welcome to Strong Style Coffee

This decor!

Oat Milk Latte + Lemon Scone

Beer & Wine Menu

What a fantastic day in Fitchburg, now I have more favorites to check out when I visit my parents! Can’t wait to share another adventure with you all!

 

Onwards,

Life as a Maven