Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Charlton, MA

Initially established by Europeans in the 1730s, Charlton is a quaint town situated at the juncture of Central and Western Massachusetts.

This area was originally part of the adjacent town of Oxford and features several impeccably preserved historic districts at the town’s civic center on Main Street, as well as the Northside Village Center.

Since 2017, Charlton has gained recognition as the home of the Tree House Brewing Company, which is regarded as one of the premier craft breweries globally, offering IPAs that rank among the finest available.

The town is also conveniently located just a few miles from the renowned living history museum, Old Sturbridge Village, and it boasts its own delightful town-owned Fay Mountain Farm, where visitors can explore trails and purchase seasonal fresh produce.

1. Tree House Brewing Company

Recognized as one of the top breweries in the United States and celebrated for its IPAs, Tree House Brewing Company was established nearby in Brimfield in 2011 and now operates five facilities.

This is a non-distributing establishment, indicating that visitors must go directly to the brewery for cans or drafts.

The main brewery, distillery, and coffee roastery is located in the scenic countryside of Charlton, making it a popular destination for craft beer fans, particularly on busy days.

This expansive 53,000-square foot facility opened in 2017 at a cost of $18.5 million, sparking local discussions on how to best accommodate the surge of visitors to the area.

Guests can visit the Main Bar for draft beer, featuring over 40 varieties on tap at any given time, although cans must be pre-ordered.

2. Old Sturbridge Village

New England’s largest museum is mere minutes from Charlton in Sturbridge. Spanning over 200 acres, this living history venue replicates life in rural New England during the early 19th century.

Old Sturbridge Village features nearly 60 historic buildings relocated from around the region, with costumed interpreters who revive historical customs, skills, and trades.

Visitors can explore beautifully preserved residences and various businesses, such as a law office, tin shop, tavern, bank, and cider mill.

There are also operational gristmills, carding mills, and sawmills, alongside a picturesque area with a traditional farm and agricultural scenes.

Guests can look forward to numerous seasonal events at Old Sturbridge Village, ranging from Independence Day celebrations to Christmas by Candlelight.

3. Fay Mountain Farm

Located in Charlton’s historic Northside Village, the 65-acre Fay Mountain Farm was acquired by the town in 2002.

Nearly half of this scenic site consists of apple orchards, complemented by a pond, a 19th-century barn, and tranquil woodlands, including raspberry and blueberry plantings.

Visit the farmstand for a variety of seasonal fresh produce, particularly apples during late summer and autumn. Additionally, farm-sourced meats, cheeses, and delicious baked goods such as pies, turnovers, apple dumplings, and cider donuts are available.

Part of the allure of Fay Mountain Farm lies in enjoying the picturesque rural landscapes along the trails, featuring a segment of the Midstate Trail.

4. Buffumville Lake

On Charlton’s eastern side, there exists a flood control system developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-20th century.

The USACE currently manages the 200-acre Buffumville Lake and the nearby Hodges Village Dam, providing a substantial area of Charlton and Oxford for recreational purposes.

Visitors can traverse the paved blue-blazed trail that encircles the lakeshore, which spans 7.2 miles and offers stunning views.

The day-use area features a 300-foot beach alongside a picnic area equipped with shelters and grills. Boating is accessible from both sides of the lake, and anglers can find abundant largemouth bass and chain pickerel.

5. Midstate Trail

A significant section of eastern and northern Charlton is enveloped by a 92-mile hiking trail that traverses Worcester County from the Rhode Island state line in the south to the New Hampshire border in the north.

The Midstate Trail is particularly accessible, as it utilizes existing public lands and sidewalks along backcountry roads, presenting an excellent opportunity to explore the signature rolling hills of the area.

The trail enters Charlton just north of Buffumville Lake, meandering past several ponds and through Fay Mountain Farm en route to Spencer.

6. Northside Village Historic District

Consider taking some time to explore this historic village center in Charlton, which emerged at the intersection of Stafford, Northside, and Cemetery Roads in the 1730s.

Designated as a historic district comprising just over a dozen buildings, Northside Village showcases a wealth of 18th and early 19th-century residential architecture.

A notable highlight is the Rider Tavern (circa 1797), a historic stop along the stagecoach route between Worcester and Hartford, CT, known to have hosted the Marquis de Lafayette among others.

This building is maintained by the Charlton Historical Society and is open for guided tours on select summer days.

The district’s oldest building is the Wheelock House (1735), and the Waters-Morton House (mid-18th century) was the childhood residence of William T. G. Morton, renowned for his introduction of ether as an anesthetic.

7. Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary

Adjacent to Tree House Brewing Company, this 86-acre nature sanctuary is managed by a non-profit organization and is accessible to the public at no charge.

Capen Hill features a network of well-marked trails traversing woods, meadows, ponds, and boardwalks over wetland areas. The sanctuary places a strong emphasis on community engagement, providing numerous educational programs year-round.

The visitor center is a noteworthy feature, housing nature exhibits, mineral displays, a library, a gift shop, and live animal displays. The annual Fall Festival held in September is a highlight, offering food, arts, crafts, and activities amidst this beautiful environment.

8. Ronnie’s Seafood

Typically open from Good Friday to Columbus Day, Ronnie’s Seafood is a summer staple in Charlton, with a history spanning over fifty years.

This family-operated establishment specializes in New England-style seafood, featuring grilled and fried options. The menu includes clam strips, fried clams, scallops, clam cakes, clam chowder, haddock, lobster rolls, and popcorn shrimp, among many others.

Moreover, Ronnie’s Seafood excels as an ice cream stand, offering over 30 flavors of hard ice cream and a diverse array of toppings that allow for personalized sundaes.

9. Charlton Center Historic District

Charlton’s other historic district is located in the municipal center along Main Street.

This area serves not as a commercial hub, but rather as a typically tranquil New England town center featuring municipal buildings such as the Town Hall and Public Library alongside a collection of historic residences.

A key highlight is the John Spurr House (1798), constructed for Maj. Gen. John Spurr (1759–1816), who served in the Continental Army during the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The Overlook Hotel, designed in the Shingle style in the late 19th century, was the first building in the center created by an architect and has functioned as a retirement community for over a century.

The Town Hall (1905) exhibits Colonial Revival architecture and is situated in front of a narrow common that features an inviting bandstand.

10. Buffumville Lake Disc Golf Course

The disc golf course located on the eastern shore of Buffumville Lake attracts enthusiasts from afar, being recognized as one of the finest courses in the region.

Commencing right at the dam, the main 18-hole course tests players’ precision through numerous water hazards, varying elevations, and dense woodlands.

All course elements are meticulously maintained, from the concrete tee pads to the baskets and informative signage detailing distances and hazards. Additionally, a nine-hole loop is available for those who may be less experienced.

11. Wells State Park

Located slightly beyond Charlton’s western boundary in Sturbridge is a 1,400-acre state park preserving the rugged beauty along the shoreline of Walker Pond.

One of the highlights of Wells State Park is the trail leading up to the cliff tops at Carpenter Rocks, named after John Carpenter, who operated a nearby sawmill. From this vantage point, visitors can admire views over the pond and valley.

In the summer months, Walker Pond becomes a hub for paddle sports, while a variety of fish species, including chain pickerel, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and bluegill, are frequently caught in the lake.

The campground at Wells State Park offers 60 sites, complete with access to a lakeside beach.

12. Charlton Arts & Activities Center (CAAC)

Situated in Charlton Center, the Charlton Arts & Activities Center serves as a versatile community hub within a charming renovated farmhouse and barn. The CAAC offers programs and classes catering to all ages, including drama, art, crafts, dance, and music.

The center is also known for its annual events, with the Blueberry Festival in late July being the most anticipated. This lively event features over 50 craft vendors, nonprofit booths, children’s activities, and tasty blueberry-themed treats such as shortcake, ice cream, and muffins.

13. Bay Path Cemetery

While visiting Charlton Center, it is worthwhile to allocate some time to explore Bay Path Cemetery, which dates back to 1764.

Expanded in 1812, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for many prominent families of Charlton, where you will notice recurring surnames such as McIntire, Weld, Towne, Ward, and Harwood.

Notable burials include John Spurr, a participant in the Boston Tea Party, and John “Grizzly” Adams, renowned as a legendary California mountain man known for training grizzly bears.

On the north side, you will find the stone walls of the old Town Pound, established in 1837, which functioned as a holding area for sheep.

14. Prindle Pond

Regarded as one of the most picturesque small lakes in Massachusetts, Prindle Pond is an artificial lake encompassing 76 acres in the southwestern part of Charlton.

The eastern shore of the lakefront is open to the public, featuring a park on a gentle slope, with parking facilities and a boat launch available.

This area remains relatively undeveloped, adorned with beautiful mature trees that provide ample shade, while the vistas over the water are enchanting, particularly at sunset.

On the western shore, within over 600 wooded acres, lies the Prindle Pond Conference Center, designed to accommodate a wide range of team-building and nature-focused events.

15. Heritage Country Club

Nestled within Charlton’s gently rolling countryside, Heritage Country Club is recognized as one of the leading public golf courses in Central Massachusetts.

Established in 1963, Heritage Country Club prides itself on providing the amenities and conditions typically associated with private clubs, but at an affordable daily fee.

The course’s holes navigate through hardwood forests, skillfully aligned with the natural topography, offering sweeping views and engaging elevation changes.

This complexity necessitates the use of every club in the player’s bag, and the greens are often praised for their speed and precision, even during the spring season.