Worcester, Massachusetts, 48 miles (77 km) west of Boston (map), has spacious parks and gardens, several academic institutions of note—Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute—and many attractive buildings, the evidence of Worcester's industrial prosperity during the mid-1800s.

Worcester was the birthplace of ingenious machines that were the first to weave carpets, fold envelopes, and turn irregular shapes on a lathe.

In the 20th century, the ubiquitous smiley face was created by a Worcester artist.

Born in Worcester, now world famous...

You can still see many of the old 19th-century mill buildings in the city. Some have been converted to office or retail centers, others lie abandoned, and many are still turning out products: men's and boys' clothing, raincoats, sportswear, winter coats, shoes, and dozens of other items, all of which are for sale in factory outlets at good prices.

Worcester kept its spirit of Yankee ingenuity right into the 20th century. Dr Robert Goddard, the "father of modern rocketry," was a Worcester native.

If you're searching for documents dating from America's early years, Edward Hicks's famous painting The Peaceable Kingdom, one of the four finest concert halls in North America, or rare suits of medieval armor, you'll find them in Worcester.

Here's What to See & Do in Worcester.

Here's Where to Stay:

Worcester is reachable from Boston by MBTA Commuter Rail trains on the Framingham/Worcester line in as little as 70 minutes. More...

—by Tom Brosnahan

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