Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Gardner, MA

Since the early 1800s, this town in Worcester County has evolved into a center for the lumber and furniture sectors. Gardner earned the title of The Chair City, renowned for its exceptional chair manufacturing.

The leading enterprise in this industry was the Heywood-Wakefield Company, which played a crucial role in the town’s economy for 150 years before relocating in the 1970s.

The revitalized factory complex of this company remains visible in the downtown area, and the Gardner Museum, situated in a library generously gifted by the Heywood family in the 1880s, showcases an impressive collection of 19th-century furniture.

For visitors, Gardner provides a diverse culinary experience, featuring multi-generational establishments such as a cherished downtown candy shop, a creamery renowned for its award-winning cheese, and an orchard that cultivates over 30 apple varieties.

1. Dunn State Park

In 1915, one of Gardner’s furniture manufacturers, John Ainsworth Dunn (1831-1915), donated this valuable land, located just east of the town center, to the municipality.

Dunn State Park, encompassing a pristine 20-acre pond, is presently administered by the DCR and serves as an active recreational hub offering hiking, fishing, boating, paddling, swimming during the summer months, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The trails meander through the woodlands on the eastern side of the property, while the beach area situated on the pond’s northern shore features a charming pavilion, picnic tables, grills, and a wooden dock equipped with benches, enabling visitors to appreciate the stunning surroundings.

Dunn Pond is particularly known for its abundant yellow perch and brown trout found in deeper locations.

2. West Gardner Square Historic District

Beginning in the mid-19th century, Gardner’s town center progressively shifted westward down the hill, aligning more closely with the furniture mills situated along the streams.

In the 1920s, municipal operations migrated to solidify this transition. The monumental industrial, civic, and commercial buildings that characterize this “new” center can be appreciated in the expansive, 340-acre West Gardner Square Historic District.

This area includes three surviving mill complexes, such as the notable Heywood-Wakefield Company Complex (1863), and a variety of distinguished commercial blocks, including the Garbose Building at 4-12 Pleasant Street, constructed in 1883.

West Gardner Square remains a vibrant commercial district featuring appealing local shops that offer artisanal candy, fabrics, health food, jewelry, clothing, home design items, and more.

For an enjoyable breakfast experience reminiscent of another era, visit the Blue Moon Diner, established by the Worcester Lunch Car Company in 1949, which boasts a marble counter, 14 stools, and a collection of window booths.

3. Gardner Museum

One of the most significant sights in the Gardner Uptown Historic District is the town’s former library, established in 1886. This building was constructed in memory of Levi Heywood (1800-1882) and reflects a combination of Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne architectural styles.

Initially funded by an endowment from the Heywood family, the library served this location until 1976. Presently, the Levi Heywood Memorial Library Building houses the Gardner Museum, which illuminates the town’s historical narrative.

Notably, chairs and furniture are central themes at the museum, which preserves the legacy of this once-dominant industry. Among its vast collection is a diverse assortment of 19th-century Gardner furniture, including a chair crafted by James Comee in the early 1800s.

The collections also encompass various facets of Gardner’s history, including firefighting, silversmithing, stovemaking, fine arts, and the production of time recorders by the Simplex Recorder Company, established in 1902.

4. Gardner Bicentennial Chair

In recognition of its furniture-making heritage, Gardner has established a series of oversized novelty chairs, with the inaugural chair created in 1905, claiming to be the largest chair globally.

The subsequent chair, constructed by the Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1922, stood over 13 feet tall. Although it lasted significantly longer, it had to be dismantled in the 1970s after enduring half a century of exposure to the elements.

Presently, the 20-foot Bicentennial Chair is displayed on the lawn in front of the Helen Mae Sauter School building (1898) and was erected in 1976, briefly regaining the title of the world’s largest chair. Following restoration in the 1990s due to rot, this chair remains a treasured landmark of the town.

5. Mount Wachusett Community College (Theatre at the Mount)

Located within a lush rural campus adorned with contemporary architecture, Mount Wachusett Community College is situated a short distance from Gardner Center and was established in 1963.

The campus is recognized for its commitment to renewable energy, utilizing photovoltaic panels, a biomass facility, and wind turbines.

Additionally, the recently renovated Fine Arts Center, completed in 1976, features a 554-seat auditorium.

This center serves as the home of Theatre at the Mount, a respected community theater program that has produced over 300 plays since its inception in the 1970s.

Some of the more recent productions include The Play that Goes Wrong, Escape to Margaritaville, The Drowsy Chaperone, Don’t Dress for Dinner, and Winter Wonderettes.

6. Priscilla Candy Shop

Another long-standing establishment in downtown Gardner is this third-generation candy shop located at 4 Main St. Priscilla Candy Shop was founded in 1936 by Charlie “Grampie” Stephano, who is remembered for introducing Gardner to his signature French Roll, which continues to be one of the shop’s top-selling items.

This indulgent treat features a soft chocolate center, akin to ganache, enveloped in milk chocolate and coated with chopped roasted cashews.

The French Roll is just one of the specialties within a broad selection of handcrafted chocolates, which include soft centers, caramels, truffles, creams, chocolate-covered fruit, nut-filled chocolates, and luxurious fudge.

7. Smith’s Country Cheese

Famous for its award-winning Gouda, Cheddar, and Havarti, this dairy farm and creamery is conveniently located within a ten-minute drive from Gardner Center.

Established in 1985 by David Smith, who began farming this land in 1969, Smith’s Country Cheese has gained recognition as a regional expert in farmstead cheesemaking, mentoring numerous aspiring cheesemakers across New England.

Although Smith retired in 2016 and handed over the operations to new proprietors, the recipes remain unchanged, and visitors are welcome to explore the country shop from Tuesday to Sunday.

In addition to the delectable cheese, the shop offers a rich variety of locally sourced gourmet food items, along with home decor, organic cosmetics, and candles.

If you visit at the right time, you may also observe the cheese-making process through viewing windows, and can stroll to the farm to admire the cows and their calves.

8. Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary

Located to the north of Gardner is a serene expanse of grasslands and forests composed of red spruce and balsam fir, managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Covering 377 acres, Lake Wampanoag is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

During the summer months, savanna sparrows and bobolinks nest in the meadows, and while traversing the trails, there is a considerable chance of encountering deer, bears, moose, coyotes, and bobcats.

The sanctuary is easily explored on foot via the main Moosewood Trail, which features several loops that meander through the woods, crossing meadows rich with butterflies and dragonflies during the summer and fall.

9. Brian’s Bowlaway

The sport of candlepin bowling originated in Worcester over 140 years ago and remains predominantly played in New England and Canada’s Maritime provinces.

If one is unfamiliar with this variation, it involves a small, handheld ball and ten tall, slender pins that are notoriously difficult to knock down. Some players may dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their technique without ever achieving a strike.

Brian’s Bowlaway, a delightful vintage candlepin alley located in Gardner Center, boasts 14 lanes and has been in operation since the 1930s. Many original interior features date back to that era, and the proprietor, Brian, is readily available to offer guidance and support in scoring.

10. Gardner Cinemas

Offering a refreshing alternative to corporate movie theaters, Gardner’s multiplex is locally owned and is widely acclaimed for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and affordability, consequently attracting movie enthusiasts from a considerable distance.

With eight screens, it showcases the latest first-run films, often at significantly lower prices compared to other theaters.

As of this writing, ticket prices are $6.50 for screenings before 5 PM daily (except on Tuesdays), while Tuesdays offer all-day screenings at $6.

The concession stand also provides budget-friendly options, featuring freshly made popcorn alongside a variety of other treats such as hot dogs and ice cream.

11. Red Apple Farm

This fourth-generation orchard, located in Phillipston, is just over a ten-minute drive from Gardner.

Red Apple Farm provides a wide array of pick-your-own crops from July to October, beginning with blueberries and expanding to an extended apple season featuring over 30 varieties available from late July to the end of October.

Throughout the harvest season, the farm hosts festivals, including a Blueberry Jamboree in July and a Sunflower Festival in August.

The most significant event is the Appleseed Country Fair held over Labor Day weekend, featuring numerous vendors, live music, a brew and wine barn, a North American-sanctioned fiddle contest, and much more.

In addition to these events, a typical day at the farm offers delights such as fresh apple cider donuts from the country store, or a visit to the Brew Barn & Cidery, which is open year-round and serves delicious BBQ while hosting live music performances almost daily.

12. North Central Pathway

First proposed in the 1990s, the 16-mile bike trail is gradually being developed between the centers of Gardner and Winchendon.

At the current moment, 11 miles of the trail have been completed. In Gardner, visitors can access the North Central Pathway at the Gardner Veterans Arena, situated on the southeastern shore of Crystal Lake, leading northward between the lakeshore and Heywood Hospital, where a scenic wellness loop is located.

Farther north on Green Street, a parking area and trailhead mark the beginning of a lengthy section that traces an old railroad right-of-way through secluded woodlands to Old Gardner Road on the southeastern edge of Winchendon.

Nearby, the trail resumes at N Ashburnham Road, continuing into Winchendon Center.

13. Monument Park

Descending toward Cottage Street, this public park in Gardner Center functions as an ideal natural amphitheater for summer events.

A bandstand located at the bottom of the slope hosts weekly concerts from mid-June through August.

These performances typically occur on Saturday evenings, featuring various artists to appeal to diverse tastes, including classic rock, blues, folk, country, and traditional Polish music.

During selected Friday nights in the summer, families can enjoy outdoor movie screenings that commence at dusk and are organized by the town’s youth commission.

14. Gardner Municipal Golf Course

This public course is regarded as one of the finest in the region. Established in 1936, the 18-hole course is meticulously maintained throughout the season, catering to players of all skill levels.

While the Gardner Municipal Golf Course is relatively straightforward, it provides an excellent opportunity for beginners and high handicappers to develop their confidence.

Featuring four sets of tees, there exists a slight contrast between the flat, open front nine and the tighter, hillier back nine.

A driving range and putting green are available for those interested in warming up or working on their game, and the clubhouse’s restaurant includes a second-story deck with picturesque views of the concluding holes.

15. Gardner Food Truck Festival

One annual event that has gained significant popularity in Gardner is the food truck festival, held on the second Saturday of July.

This culinary spectacle has expanded to the extent that food trucks line up bumper to bumper for several hundred feet in front of City Hall on Pleasant Street and along City Hall Avenue.

Among the many appealing aspects of the festival is the opportunity to support small businesses while sampling an extensive variety of cuisines, ranging from Cuban fusion to hot dogs, Italian street food, Korean delicacies, cheesesteaks, BBQ, subs, grilled cheese, and an array of sweet treats.