Summary
Just west of Worcester, Leicester is a town located at the northern end of the Blackstone Valley, distinguished by a rich industrial heritage. During the early periods of the American Industrial Revolution, Leicester emerged as a pivotal location for the manufacture of cards, utilized for untangling cotton fibers prior to spinning them into thread. By the early 19th century, Leicester was accountable for one-third of all hand and machine cards fabricated in North America.
Currently, Leicester functions as a serene suburb of Worcester, featuring several family-operated farms and a charming historic center, which is home to a portion of Becker College. In the realm of disc golf, Leicester is recognized for offering two exceptional 18-hole courses along Maple Street.
1. Washburn Square–Leicester Common Historic District
Originating in the early 18th century, Leicester’s historic center epitomizes a quintessential New England town center, organized around a rectangular common known as Washburn Square.
This area is adorned with mature trees, and features a bandstand which has facilitated a weekly summer concert series for over thirty years.
On the north side, one can find a series of public buildings, including the Colonial Revival Town Hall (1939), the Leicester Unitarian Church (1834), and the First Congregational Church (1901), notable for its rare Gothic Revival architecture.
On the southernmost side are distinguished mansions dating back to the 18th century, many of which are affiliated with Becker College, including the home of Emory Washburn (1800-1877), the former Governor of Massachusetts, abolitionist, and Leicester native, after whom the district is named.
Moreover, on the western side stands the historic Swan Tavern (1768), which is the oldest structure on the common. This local landmark opens its doors during special events, and there are long-term intentions to convert it into a history museum dedicated to Leicester.
2. Breezy Gardens
This charming family farm, operational for approximately 50 years, features a welcoming store and greenhouse.
Breezy Gardens employs sustainable farming techniques, including Integrated Crop Management and non-GMO practices, to cultivate a diverse range of plants, fruits, and vegetables.
In keeping with this approach, the farmstand offers a selection that is entirely seasonal, ensuring that there is always something new to experience from spring through fall.
Pumpkin season serves as a highlight for families, featuring a pumpkin patch along with hayrides, friendly goats to feed, rustic playground rides, a pumpkin bounce house, a corn pit, and more.
3. Southwick Pond
Adjacent to the Cascades along the Leicester-Paxton boundary is a scenic property governed by the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT).
Southwick Pond encompasses a total area of 118 acres, with trails meandering through various landscapes along its northern and western shores.
This area features mixed woodlands, an enchanting meadow burgeoning with wildflowers during spring and summer, and a significant wetland area supporting flora such as jack-in-the-pulpits and a variety of ferns.
While traversing the log bridges in the more humid sections, keep an eye out for amphibians including red efts and salamanders. June is especially delightful, as the mountain laurel comes into bloom, and the fall foliage offers a stunning display as well.
4. Worcester
Within Leicester, you are merely moments away from New England’s second most populous city, recognized for its greenery, youthful demographic, and social progress.
Worcester spans a vast area, comprising numerous natural spaces and parks interspersed with nine college campuses and diverse population centers.
Over recent decades, downtown Worcester has experienced a significant resurgence, showcasing cultural and entertainment institutions such as the renowned Worcester Art Museum and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The liveliest area in the city is undoubtedly Shrewsbury Street on the Eastside, which ranks among the premier dining districts in New England, enhanced by live entertainment and a lively events calendar.
Additionally, the Canal District offers ample nightlife, located at the head of the Blackstone Canal, which was instrumental to Worcester’s growth during the 19th century.
5. The Cascades
Leicester is situated at the edge of a vast green corridor encompassing a series of reservations managed by the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT).
The Cascades consist of five interconnected parcels, spreading across Paxton, Holden, and Worcester. Visitors can begin at Boynton Park and traverse miles through wooded areas, almost erasing the suburban ambiance.
Within the environment, streams and vernal pools abound with life, alongside a picturesque meadow. The highlight is Cascading Waters at the eastern end, where Cascades Brook cascades down a steep, rocky incline spanning 60 feet. This waterfall is particularly captivating following rainfall, although it is worthwhile to visit at any season.
6. Hot Dog Annie’s
As of this writing, this hot dog establishment at 244 Paxton Street is approaching its 70th anniversary.
The hallmark of an exceptional fast food venue lies in the simplicity of its menu, a characteristic evident at Hot Dog Annie’s, where options are limited to hot dogs, burgers, vintage cream soda, root beer, and chocolate milk.
All hot dogs must be accompanied by BBQ sauce, which is made in-house following a secret recipe. The establishment features an inviting outdoor dining area bordered by flowers in barrel planters and providing abundant shade from trees.
7. Disc Golf
Situated along Marshall Street in Leicester, one can find two highly-rated disc golf courses located in close proximity to one another.
Open throughout the year, except during snowy conditions, Maple Hill (132 Marshall St) features a challenging championship layout set in a variety of settings, including open fields, wooded areas, and ponds.
This course, inaugurated in 2002, includes four baskets. Meanwhile, a short distance away is Pyramid (103 Marshall St), which offers 18 holes predominantly in wooded settings, but with relatively open fairways.
Known for its excellent shop, also referred to as the Marshall Street Disc Golf Pro Shop, Pyramid dates back to 1988 and features two sets of baskets.
8. Cooper’s Hilltop Farm
Established in 1918, this fourth-generation dairy farm is positioned atop a lush hill within Leicester’s Rochdale section. In its formative years, Cooper’s Hilltop Farm focused on wholesale and delivery before opening its retail store to the public in the 1950s.
This retail space resides within a gambrel-roofed barn built in the 1930s specifically for the pasteurization of the farm’s milk. Milk continues to be the primary product here, still subjected to pasteurization and homogenization right behind the store.
Customers can purchase whole, low-fat, and skim milk, as well as flavored options and light or heavy cream. The farm also sells its own bread, eggs, and pasture-raised meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, in addition to an array of local artisanal products, from pastries to gourmet cheeses.
9. Leicester Country Club
Recognized as one of the premier public golf courses in the Worcester area, Leicester Country Club has implemented significant enhancements in recent years, including improved drainage to provide superior playing conditions.
This course presents a variety of challenges, requiring the use of every club in the golfer’s bag. One notable hole is the eighth, a short par 4 featuring a dogleg right, a creek, and an uphill approach shot.
The par 3 seventeenth hole, notable for its uphill layout along a narrow, tree-lined fairway leading to a green protected by bunkers, is a signature feature of this course. After completing a round, visitors can replenish their energy at Grille 19, offering sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, and shareable appetizers like wings and chicken tenders.
10. Sargent Pond
Located immediately east of Leicester Country Club, Sargent Pond presents a picturesque setting accessible on foot from the town center.
What makes Sargent Pond particularly unique is the minimal development of its shoreline. The southern bank features lakeside residences, while the northern expanse remains largely untouched woodland.
Two access points exist for boat launching on the pond: the northern tip of Lake Avenue and behind the Castle Cantina on Main Street.
Nearby, on the southern shore, the Rawson Broom Burial Ground serves as the final resting place for Colonel William Henshaw (1735-1820). During a meeting of the Committee of Safety in 1774, he advocated for “…companies of men ready to march on a minute’s notice,” coining the term “Minutemen.”
11. Rochdale Park
This delightful public park can be found in the southern section of Rochdale in Leicester. What sets Rochdale Park apart is its scenic location along a pond, offering pleasing views and opportunities to witness wildlife such as waterfowl, herons, turtles, and muskrats.
The park also caters to active recreation with facilities including a fenced skate park, basketball court, volleyball court, and a baseball diamond utilized by competitive leagues. Please note that swimming and fishing activities are prohibited in this pond.
12. Cotyledon Farm
Cotyledon Farm is a small-scale, organic vegetable and herb farm encompassing diverse landscapes of forest, meadows, wetlands, pasture, and cultivated land.
This forward-thinking, community-focused establishment offers a range of work shares, work trades, internships, regular volunteer days, and various special project days.
In addition to supporting a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, Cotyledon Farm operates a roadside farm fridge.
Contact them in advance to inquire about seasonal fruits and vegetables, local ice cream, locally-sourced meats, eggs from the farm’s chickens, or other delectable local products available.
13. Tatnuck Driving Range
In proximity to the aforementioned disc golf courses on Marshall Street, the Tatnuck Driving Range combines a variety of practice facilities.
The main feature is a driving range exceeding 250 yards, offering a combination of grass and artificial hitting stations, along with sand traps surrounding the greens. A shorter range is also available, with targets set at distances of 30 to 60 yards, ideal for honing approach shots.
Families will enjoy the 18-hole mini golf course designed to challenge putting skills with holes extended up to 50 feet in length.
Additionally, an ice cream stand serves over 30 flavors of Gifford’s Ice Cream, alongside jumbo Kayem hot dogs.
14. Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
Bordering Spencer is Burncoat Pond, formerly home to Leicester’s town beach. Presently, the western portion of the pond is designated as a Massachusetts Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary.
This area spans nearly 250 acres and is part of a network of conservation areas, allowing for multiple hours of exploration within the varied landscape, or the option to extend your walk via the Midstate Trail leading into Spencer.
As you traverse around Burncoat Pond, you will encounter pine-oak woodlands, stream crossings, and the edge of wildlife-rich wetlands. The scenery is particularly stunning in late spring when the mountain laurel blooms vibrantly.
Additonally, Richard’s Overlook, a considerable boulder located on the Flat Rock Trail, offers a panoramic view of the pond.
15. Leicester Harvest Fair
Typically occurring on the third Saturday of September, this endearing annual celebration is held at the Town Common.
Signifying the onset of Autumn, the Leicester Harvest Fair is a complimentary event that showcases a diverse array of exhibitors and demonstrators, incorporating live music and family-oriented games, as well as guided tours of the town common.
Booths display a wide variety of products, including baked goods, textiles, fresh eggs, home brews, photography, floral arrangements, and homegrown vegetables. Previous iterations have featured an open house at the Swan Tavern, accompanied by an art exhibition.
