FOOD & DRINK
Gibbet Hill Grill website linked here!
**One of Michael and Hillary's favorite local restaurant. Get reservations well in advance!
61 Lowell Road
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-2900
With a menu that changes seasonally based on what is grown on the property's farm, this rustic gem has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table trend. Be sure to get a reservation well in advance if interested. Open daily 11:30 - 9:00 PM.
Forge & Vine website linked here!
**One of Michael and Hillary's favorite local restaurants. Get reservations well in advance!
128R Main St, Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-9200
We highly encourage a visit to see the rolling fields behind Groton Inn! This restaurant has a farm to table menu as well and is in a beautiful setting that could be perfect to secure a reservation at sunset (or any time). They are open Monday - Saturday 4:00 -8:00 PM and Sundays 11:00 - 7:00 PM. This is also in the same area as the Welcome Event so you could walk over after eating dinner. Be sure to get a reservation well in advance if interested.
Taka Asian Cuisine website linked here!
602 Lowell Road
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-2900
A hibachi, teppanyaki and sushi restaurant in The Point Plaza. We typically get take out!
Great Road Kitchen website linked here!
61 Lowell Road
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-2900
An oyster bar & grill in The Point Plaza. Hours are 4:30 -9:30 PM (bar opens at 4pm). Fun fact that this chef is also catering our reception! This would be a good and easy place to get a meal during the weekend.
Salt & Light Cafe Bakery website linked here!
159 Main Street
Groton, MA — 01450
(978) 448-9634
A coffee shop with great breakfast and lunch options! Hours are 6:00 - 2:00 pm EST and please note they are closed Sunday. Reccomendation to order ahead online to avoid the line as it is a popular spot in town!
Dolce Amar Sweets to Love Bakery and Cafe website linked here!
497 Main Street Unit A
Groton, Ma 01450
(978) 399-9547
Saturday 8:00 - 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 - 2:00 pm
A coffee shop with little breakfast bites & sweet treat options! The shop owner Raffaella comes from the island of Sicily, Italy. She is a self-taught cake designer and baker who is passionate about baking. A quieter place to go with great sweet treats!
TRAILS & ACTIVITIES
Bancroft’s Castle Parking on MA-40 (Lowell Road) Read the article above for more information on walks and views surrounding Bancroft’s Castle. Please note the trail has quite an incline so come prepared with shoes that have a good grip. This is on the "leaf peeping" list, so you are guaranteed to get a great Autumn view on this trail.
The entrance is on Old Ayer Road, a short distance from Route 119 and an easy walk or bicycle ride from the Town center. There is off-road parking for several cars. After crossing James Brook , the trail proceeds on level land past two fields, the Harvey Whitehill Memorial picnic area in a pine grove, and Cady Pond Brook. After a sharp tum to the right. the trail skirts the edge of a vernal pool before entering a steep climb of 180 feel to the top of Indian Hill. There a spectacular view opens up towards the west across fields and orchards, affording a clear view of Mt. Wachusett on a good day. As the trail progresses, views open to Temple Mountain and Monadnock in the northwest.
At the top. the trail opens to the south as well, affording one of the finest panoramas in eastern Massachusetts with views spanning from Monadnock to the ridges in Harvard and toward Boston in the south east. Please note the trail has quite an incline and is a narrow trail so come prepared with shoes that have a good grip and be prepared to walk in a straight line if you go with a group!
The land slopes down gently from a nice wildflower-decorated park-like area next to the parking and gives you a panoramic view to the south and southwest. You can stay up on the hill to soak in the views of many towns in the area as well as the stand-out Mt. Wachusetts, or you can take a trail that goes about 2 miles around the field and connects with Surrenden Farm field to the west. These two fields provide spectacular sunset views when the weather cooperates. The General Field is on the border between Groton and Ayer. Access is from Farmers Row (Rte. 111). Take a paved road that is about 0.1 miles south of Joy Ln. to the parking area.
John Tinker Accessible Trail & The Groton Place website linked here!
Over 30% of the land in Groton, Massachusetts is protected open space.[42] The majority of this open space is accessible to the public. Groton also has over 100 miles of trails. Many of these trails can be walked and biked, others are available for hunting and/or camping. The trails are made and maintained by the Groton Trail Committee and the land itself is owned and managed by the Groton Conservation Trust, The Groton Conservation Commission, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, The New England Forestry Foundation, The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, and The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. Please note to wear boots/tall socks as it can get muddy and buggy!
Nashua River Rail Trail website linked here!
Groton, MA
Stretch your legs along any point of this 12.5 mile mixed-use paved trail that runs along the Nashua River through Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable.
Good Pickin' Farm website linked here!
5 Gould Road
Westford, MA 01886
(425) 306-7203
Looking to go on a goat hike? Interested in goat yoga? Good Pickin' Farm has options to book your own farm visit and offer a variety of private tour options for their farm. If you are interested, schedule in advance!
Autumn Hills Orchard website linked here!
This picturesque orchard offers stunning views of the central Massachusetts landscape. When the leaf-peeping season begins, Autumn Hills Orchard is primed for your apple-focused fall foliage viewing adventure. On a clear, crisp autumn day you will see swaths of colorful trees on rolling hills with local mountains providing a beautiful backdrop.
SHOPPING
Springbrook Farm website linked here!
**Michael and Hillary's favorite local shop.
591 Great Road
Littleton, MA
(978) 486 – 3249
Come visit the cutest farmstand! For 307 years this farm has been in operation passed down from generation to generation. Same farm, same family. The community has come to depend on Spring Brook Farm for their agricultural commitment, open space, and natural habitat. They offer baked goods, farm fresh goodness and home goods including antiques, candles, table linens and more. Visit them not only for their farm goods but the unique treasures as well.
Theos Market Gardens website linked here!
571 Great Rd
Littleton, MA 01460
Theos Market Gardens is located on land that has been family owned and operated in the historic town of Littleton, Massachusetts since 1710. The farm sits on one of the oldest agricultural landscapes in the area; known to many as 'Scratch Flat.' Come visit for fresh produce. They also mention their Farm is open to explore and to inquire for more details!
EXTENDED STAY / ADDITIONAL TRIPS
Visiting Concord, MA website linked here!
If time permits, enjoy the historical town of Concord where Hillary grew up! Concord, MA is 25 minutes away and has rich American history including the Old North Bridge and the Alcott House.
Visiting The Berkshires website linked here!
Serene mountain vistas, lush forests, and clear blue lakes define the Berkshire landscape, an idyllic setting for your next family vacation, romantic escape, or weekend with friends. Boasting more than 100 world class cultural attractions, superior outdoor recreation, and a famous farm-to-table food scene, the Berkshires promises an unforgettable experience. The Berkshires are around a 2 hour drive from Groton and there are lots of great airbnb options to have the coziest autumn getaway.
Groton Hill Music Center website linked here!
(978) 486-9524
While schedule may not permit seeing a concert at the Groton Hill Music Center, it is an incredible sight to see! We encourage you to drive by and take a look at the music center's grand architecture. If you are staying for longer, it would be a great experience to see a concert in the fall. Michael and Hillary love going to see concerts at Groton Hill! Most recently, they were able to see Leslie Odom Jr, Gregory Porter and Audra McDonald.
Carlson Orchard website linked here!
Carlson Orchards was founded in 1936 by Walter and Eleanor Carlson. In the thirties and forties, they made their living from a diversified farm of chickens, cows, potatoes and apples. In the late sixties, the farm specialized in fruits with apples being the main crop. The Carlsons are dedicated to growing the best tree fruits, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. The orchard is 20 minutes from Groton and has an adorable Cider Barn where they serve hard cider flights, snacks and flatbreat pizzas overlooking the orchard. This Orchard is very busy in October so we encourage visiting on a weekday to avoid lines and large crowds. This would be a great trip to take if you have an extended stay around the area!