We Do!

46 We Do! • Winter 2025 • www.wedoweddingsma.com F ROM QUIET STROLLS TO LIVELY NIGHTS OUT, here's how to savor your first days as newly- weds in the heart of New England. Central Massa- chusetts offers cozy inns, charming trails, and big- city excitement for the perfect post-wedding escape. You've just had your magical wedding weekend. Your heart is bursting with love and excitement, and your feet are probably still sore from dancing! Now comes an opportunity for a sweet retreat: a few quiet, lovely days with your new spouse to unwind from all the excitement. Central Massachusetts is the perfect place to do just that. Nestled between the bustle of Boston and the serenity of the Berkshire hills, this region gives you everything from his- toric inns and waterfall hikes to world-class breweries and Broad- way-caliber shows. Here's how to have a mini-moon that blends re- laxation, romance, and a touch of adventure… SUNDAY: UNWIND AND SETTLE IN After checking out of your wed- ding accommodations, ease into relaxation with a couple's massage at Mac Med Spa in Milford to set a blissful tone for your first day as newlyweds. While you're in the area, pick up a treat at Basic Batch (pictured), a small-batch bakery in Milford known for creative and curated doughnuts. Once you've had a nice spa morning to relieve the leftover wedding planning stress, spend a bit treasure hunting at Off the Common Antiques in Grafton (pictured), a liv- ing-room style shop full of vintage finds and quirky collectibles where you can find a perfect new decor piece for your home together as newlyweds. After an afternoon of strolling hand-in- hand and swapping stories of wedding day memories, it's time to check in to your mini- moon stay. In Central Massachusetts, you'll find no shortage of romantic places to lay your head at night. The Publick House in Sturbridge envelopes you in charm with its colonial-era architecture and cozy fireplaces. The Beechwood Hotel in Worcester (pictured) offers boutique luxury and striking architecture - for a beautiful, contemporary hotel that is surprisingly accessible to Downtown Worcester. Dinner on your first night can be as refined or as relaxed as you like. Deadhorse Hill in Worcester delivers a chef-driven, season- al menu in a stylish but welcoming setting. The Sole Proprietor is beloved for its seafood and cozy booths and remains a Worcester classic after 42 years in business. If you're craving casual comfort, head to BT's Smokehouse in Sturbridge (pictured), where the wood-smoked barbecue is leg- endary. End the night with a glass of wine or cocktail by the fire in your inn's tavern. MONDAY: A DAY SOAKING IN NATURE AND CULTURE Start your Monday morning with fresh air and a dose of adven- ture. Lace up for the Cascade Falls Loop Trail in Worcester, a short but beautiful hike with waterfalls and creekside scenery. If strolling through gardens sounds more your speed, the New En- gland Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston provides acres of manicured grounds as well as peaceful wooded walking trails, not to mention lush greenhouses and a not-to-miss gift shop! After you enjoy a morning at the Botanical gardens, be sure to stop at Davidian's Farm Market for some snacks of fresh pro- duce, baked goods, and seasonal specials that make for the perfect afternoon spread. For the rest of your relaxing day, you have so many options de- pending on what you love most: art lovers can immerse themselves in the galleries of the Worcester Art Museum, and history buffs can marvel at tanks, planes, and military relics at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. Antique hunters will love brows- ing Southbridge's shops or strolling the green in Sturbridge Com- mon, where small-town New England charm is on full display. Evening brings you back to Worcester for dinner and entertainment. Stick with your favorite from the night before or try Armsby Abbey (pictured), a farm-to-table restaurant with an impressive craft beer list. After- ward, see a Broadway show or con- cert at the grand Hanover Theatre, or, for something livelier, head to Po- lar Park for a WooSox baseball game. Pair the game with a stop at Wormtown Brewery or Greater Good Brewing Co. for a local craft beer experience. For couples who prefer a more low-key evening, smaller music venues like Vincent's or Ralph's Diner of- fer live performances in cozy, off beat settings. BY KATIE LOGAN, We Do! Weddings contributor M ini-Moon Magic in Central Massachusetts

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