Maria Connors

Canal District 

The Canal District is one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Worcester, offering a variety of restaurants and unique storefronts to fill an afternoon with. 

Crompton Place

Crompton Place is a one-stop shop for anyone visiting the Canal District – start off with a healthy meal at BirchTree Bread Company, often accompanied by live music, and then meander around the shops that occupy the rest of the building. Seed to Stem is a plant and lifestyle boutique with an array of unique botanicals, accessories and antiques, creating a whimsical shopping experience that transfixes customers. Crompton Collective is another novelty destination, a consignment store that sells antiques, handmade gifts and other vintage pieces. Stop by The Haberdash to check out their selection of clothing, handmade jewelry and accessories, and round out your trip at Bedlam Book Café to browse their selection of used books and get a snack at their café. 

Restaurants

The restaurant scene in the Canal District is abuzz with a variety of eateries for every occasion. Wings Over Worcester is a great fast food option and offers delivery for all of your late-night, comfort food cravings. The Queen’s Cups is an artisanal cupcake bakery offering a creatively curated selection of cupcakes and other baked goods, all hand-crafted and made from scratch. It’s a cozy spot to eat-in, but also to get desserts on the go. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, El Patrón offers a delightful dine-in experience, decorated with hand-crafted arts that celebrate Mexican culture and compliments their selection of food and drinks. Searching for a sushi fix? Try Mai Tai Sushi & Bar, offering a spread of Japanese cuisine and cocktails. Russo Italian Restaurant is a newer addition to the Canal District, offering homemade pasta and both a wine cellar and a pizza themed dining space. Lock 50 Restaurant and Wine Bar is a comfortable yet upscale restaurant, specializing in American cuisine influenced by ingredients found in New England’s changing seasons. The Canal District is also a hotspot for bars and pubs, such as the Compass Tavern, Rock Bar, and Whiskey on Water. 

Good Chemistry

A more recent addition to the Canal District is a branch of Good Chemistry Nurseries, a chain of cannabis dispensaries that operates in Colorado, Nevada, and now Massachusetts. They claim to have developed and implemented the best practices in medical and retail in the marijuana industry in Colorado and Massachusetts, and offer over sixty products to their customers. It should be noted that marijuana is only for sale to adults 21 years of age or older. 

Step Back into History 

Why not opt for an alternative form of transportation to see the Canal District, and hop in a horse-drawn carriage instead? The neighborhood has embraced it’s rich history as the birthplace of an industrial revolution, the beginning of a 45-mile canal that once reached all the way to Providence, and inspired economic and social growth in Worcester. Each summer, students of South High Community School are responsible for researching, writing and presenting tours of the neighborhood to visitors and locals alike. These students offer guests the opportunity to follow the farm to factory narrative of the Canal District, enriched by their in-character performances as local historical figures. There is no better way to connect with the Canal District of the past and the present than through wagon tours intended to spread and amplify community knowledge. Wagon tours wrapped up for the summer of 2019 on August 31st, but it’s never too late to start planning your next batch of summer activities!

Downtown

Downtown Worcester is the city’s cultural hub, the perfect place for dinner and a show. With activities to keep you occupied at any time of the day, downtown is a hotspot for restaurants, quality entertainment and city events. 

Restaurants

Some of downtown’s best restaurants include Addie Lee’s Soul Food, a small business that provides a mouthwatering menu of southern comfort foods, as well as Armsby Abbey, known for their American cuisine and variety of craft beers. deadhorse hill is a seasonal American restaurant that delivers a ‘rustic-chic’ experience to customers, perfect for an evening of fine dining with friends or family. The Grid District is a collection of buildings that house apartments and restaurants, many of which are new to the downtown scene. Craft Table and Bar is a must-see location, a polished-casual restaurant that serves the finest beers, wines and spirits, in addition to their innovative and mouth-watering dishes. Stix Noodle Bar serves a variety of ramen and other East Asian noodle dishes, and Revolution Pie + Pint celebrates two American classics: pizza and beer. They even have a special selection of pizzas named after colleges in Worcester, so now is the time to confirm any suspicions you have about how your school would taste if you ate it for dinner. Brew on the Grid is an artisan café also serving sandwiches and salads in addition to their signature coffees, and The Beer Garden offers 36 beers on tap and bar food to compliment your drinks. 

Entertainment

The Hanover Theatre regularly schedules touring Broadway shows and famous performers – from September 26th to 29th they are hosting “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”, and on October 3rd you can rock out to sounds of REO Speedwagon’s classic rock anthems. Just down the street is the WooHaha comedy club, a venue that hosts comics who have performed on platforms like Comedy Central and America’s Got Talent. Right next door is Worcester PopUp, a community space for performance and visual art, able to house anything from a photography exhibit to a youth benefit concert. In September, you could visit the PopUp for a jam session with members of the Silkroad Ensemble, a collective of global musicians originally started by Yo-Yo Ma, or attend ‘Through the Pavement’, a night that celebrates art inspired by woman who have survived domestic violence. Also located on The Grid is The Pavilion at the Beer Garden, a brand new performance venue able to hold 300 people and so far boasting a lineup of DJs and musicians. 

City Hall and the Common

The Worcester Common Oval, located behind City Hall and opposite The Grid District, is another spot you can’t miss – whether you’re looking for a sunny walk in the park or a community event to attend, the common is always crawling with activity. City Hall also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the raising of a Pride flag and the annual Woo Challenge, an urban obstacle course that anyone, alone or with a team, can sign up for! 

The energy of Worcester’s downtown is undeniable. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to catch up with the community, grab a bite or see a show, you’ve found the neighborhood for you. 

Shrewsbury Street

If you’re on the hunt for a meal in Worcester, Shrewsbury Street is a no-brainer place to start. Whether you’re on the hunt for fine dining or a diner car, this well-loved street has it all. Shrewsbury Street provides a home for cuisine from all around the world, as well as classics from right here in Worcester. 

Café Reyes 

Café Reyes is dedicated to serving not only delicious food, but also their community – this Cuban café serves as an onsite-training center for residents and graduates of Hector Reyes House, a treatment center for Latino men in recovery. Café Reyes serves a full breakfast and lunch menu as well as catering services. Customers rave about the cubano sandwich, and their strong, aromatic coffee also receives glowing reviews! 

Pomir Grill

Pomir Grill brings authentic Afghan recipes, passed down from generation to generation, right here to Worcester. Owners Omar and Fowzia Sherzai are dedicated to sharing their culture in Worcester through traditional recipes – their website even includes a list of phrases and cultural etiquette so customers can learn more about Afghan culture. Pomir Grill is praised for their friendly service and flavorful, well-portioned dishes that can cater to gluten free and vegetarian diets. 

Dark Rose Saloon 

Proudly women and minority owned and run, Dark Rose Saloon offers a unique bar experience characterized by signature cocktails, elevated small plates and warm, welcoming vibes. Dark Rose Saloon seeks to be a venue where clientele are free to be their authentic selves, creating a space that is accessible to people who may not see themselves reflected in the “cultural default”. 

Basil n’ Spice

Bator Lachmann, owner of Basil n’ Spice, has brought her talents of cooking Thai cuisine from her homeland of Thailand all the way to Worcester’s Restaurant Row. Basil n’ Spice prides itself on “artfully crafted Thai cuisine”, and uses “color, light and arrangement” to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers. It’s no surprise Basil n’ Spice was recently identified as one of the three best rated Thai restaurants in Worcester!

Flying Rhino Café & Watering Hole

A unique menu of eclectic food and drink gives Flying Rhino its cool, casual atmosphere. Representing flavors and foods from around the world, Flying Rhino knows how to put an unexpected spin on a classic dish. This restaurant doesn’t shy from bold, loud dishes and an atmosphere that is curated to match!

Mexicali Cantina Grill

Specializing in authentic Mexican food, Mexicali Cantina Grill seeks to provide a friendly, memorable dining experience that allows customers to enjoy quality time with their friends and family. Their friendly service and freshly prepared dishes create a welcoming atmosphere where customers are treated like a member of the family. They value their place in the community and the services they can provide by bringing a taste of Mexico to central Massachusetts. 

Meze’s Estiatorio

Four generations have been perfecting the recipes of Meze’s Estiatorio, a Greek restaurant that traces its origins back to the Greek village of Hrisohorafa. Recipes passed down by word of mouth now grace the tables of Worcester residents at Meze’s Estiatorio, food made from scratch with ingredients imported from Greece to create a fresh, authentic flavor profile. They also serve a variety of wine, liquor and spirits imported directly from Greece to compliment your choice of food. 

Highland Street

Courtesy of Discover Central Massachusetts 

The Highland Street neighborhood offers great walkability and access to public space. Add homegrown retail and popular dining destinations and you have yourself a bustling community that is both self-sufficient and attractive to outsiders. Whether you live in Worcester or you’re planning a visit, you’ll enjoy our tour de Highland Street.

Elm Park

Elm Park was purchased for municipal use in 1854, making it one of the oldest public green spaces in America. The park includes a parcel on Newton Hill that offers disc golf, tennis courts, and fitness circuits. Lincoln Pond is famous for its two red bridges, often used for engagement photos and senior portraits.

The Sole Proprietor

Robb and Madeline Ahlquist are responsible for three of Worcester’s flagship restaurants, the oldest of which offers ample parking and a distinctive inflatable crab on Highland Street. At The Sole Proprietor, the seafood is fresh, the service is formal, and the wine is distinctive. 

WooBerry

Nothing tops a pint of WooBerry’s small batch ice cream made from locally sourced milk and cream. Inventive flavors include vegan avocado and Goat Cheese Stracciatella. Their FroYo further lends itself to loads of toppings for your highly personalized pick. WooBerry’s coffee program is unlike any other in the city, boasting CBD infused beans from Strava Coffee in Denver. 

WineVine

The WineVine is a family-owned operation and they want to help you find just what you’re hunting for. The owners have personally tasted every wine in their portfolio. Best of all, they love their customers. WineVine takes pride in special ordering and tracking down “hard-to-find” selections including specific vintages to celebrate landmark years. Ask about private wine tasting parties in the Tasting Loft.

Modern Muse

Owner, Maria Pappas combines her love of street style and vintage fashion to curate an eclectic collection of one-of-a-kind pieces at affordable prices. Think of Modern Muse as a hands-on museum of art with Maria as your guide. 

The Boynton

The Boynton is a perfect spot to watch the game, spend a snow day, meet up with friends, or bring the kids. The staff is well equipped to cater to families of all ages, college students, and sports fans. Not to mention, one order of their nachos could feed a small army. 

The Bean Counter

The Bean Counter is a hotbed for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, tarts, pies, and pastries. All desserts are made by professional pastry chefs, bakers, and cake decorators using fresh all-natural ingredients free of preservatives and artificial flavors. Guests will also enjoy The Bean Counter’s state-of-the art Mirage espresso machine.

Elm Park Community School Murals

After a day of eating, drinking, and shopping, you owe yourself a stroll around Elm Park Community School. The building’s exterior is covered in breathtaking murals painted by internationally acclaimed artists brought together by the Pow!Wow! Worcester festival.