Upton Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Upton with our comprehensive travel guide, including places to visit, things to do, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Upton

Welcome to Upton, a charming town located in Blackstone Valley, Central Massachusetts. Upton showcases a rich history and is home to a number of natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.

List of Places to Visit in Upton

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Upton:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Upton has many historical and cultural attractions that give visitors insight into the region’s unique history and tradition.

  • The Upton Heritage Park - This park is home to a museum that showcases the town’s heritage and culture. Visitors can learn about the region’s industrial past, including the role of mills in the area’s development.
  • Burrillville Historical and Preservation Society - This society aims to preserve the historical heritage of Burrillville and presents the history and lifestyle of the people of this area through artifacts and exhibits, including a collection of instruments from local musicians.

Natural Attractions of Upton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Upton is known for its gorgeous countryside and natural beauty. Here are some of its most popular natural attractions:

  • Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park - This park is a great destination for those looking to get out into nature. It offers recreational activities like fishing, hiking, biking, and canoeing.
  • Worcester Land Trust - The Worcester Land Trust includes several preserved natural areas that feature walking trails and natural areas with fantastic views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upton

Upton has a variety of hiking and biking routes to explore. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • The Blackstone River Bikeway - This 48-mile bike trail is a great way to explore the area’s stunning landscapes. The trail offers beautiful views of the Blackstone River and its surroundings.
  • The Mass Central Rail Trail - This 104-mile trail follows the historic railroad route from Boston to Northampton and is an excellent option for those seeking a long-distance ride.

Best Things to Do in Upton: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other fun things to do in Upton.

  • Go apple picking at Lanni Orchards Inc. - This family-owned farm has been operating since 1952 and offers visitors the chance to pick their apples and other seasonal fruits while breathing in the fresh air.
  • Visit a winery - The town has several wineries, including Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery which offers wine tasting tours and stunning views of the picturesque vineyards.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upton

Here’s our recommended week-long itinerary for Upton:

Day Destination Activity
1 Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park Hiking and Canoeing
2 Upton Heritage Park Visit the Museum
3 Worcester Land Trust Hiking and bird Watching
4 Burrillville Historical and Preservation Society Cultural Tour
5 Mass Central Rail Trail Biking
6 Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery Wine Tasting & Tour
7 Upton Farmers Market Local Food, Crafts & Entertainment

Food and Drink Scene of Upton

Upton offers some fantastic local food and drink options that you won’t want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood chowder - A hearty bowl of chowder with fresh seafood is a staple in most restaurants here.
  • Apple pie - The town is known for its delicious pie flavors, and apple is the most popular.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer - Upton has several excellent breweries, such as John Harvard’s Brewery & Ale House and Wachusett Brewing Company, which specialize in hand-crafted beer.
  • Wine - Upton’s wineries, such as the Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, produce award-winning wines.

Where to Stay in Upton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Upton has a variety of accommodation options to cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • The Colonial Hotel - A luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a restaurant with contemporary American cuisine.
  • Solon Place Bed and Breakfast - A charming, locally owned bed and breakfast with a homey atmosphere and delightful breakfast meals.
  • Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center - This pet-friendly establishment provides plenty of amenities such as a pool, a fitness center, a complimentary shuttle service, and several dining options.

What to Buy in Upton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Upton has several delightful local products and souvenirs that visitors can buy as mementos. Here are a few:

  • Maple Syrup – With large maple trees on the outskirts of Upton, many maple sap houses sell freshly made maple syrup and candies.
  • Local Art - Many local artists sell their creations in the nearby shops or galleries, offering unique products.
  • Candles - The Candles of Upton selection is famous for its one-of-a-kind scents, hand-poured candles, and home diffusers.

Local Culture and Customs of Upton

Upton is known for its strong sense of community, and welcoming locals. Some traditional customs and culture of Upton are:

  • Support for Local Sports Team: Upton loves and supports its local sports team, Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School Beavers, especially football and other competitive sports.
  • Learning the Old Ways: Many of the traditional crafters and artisans continue to pass down their skills to younger generations, so taking classes, seminars, or workshops is a valuable chance to learn more about these crafts and traditional cultures.

Best Time to Visit Upton

The best time to visit Upton depends on what you want to do. If you enjoy skiing and other winter activities, then this the winter months, December through March, are ideal. For those looking to hike and bike, spring and fall are perfect, allowing for less humid days and stunning fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upton

Here’s a list of the do’s and don’ts of Upton:

Do:

  • Respect the local traditions and customs.
  • Explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Upton.
  • Try the locally made foods and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Ignore local traffic regulations
  • Be impolite or disrespectful to local people

Safety and Health

Safety in Upton

Upton is a safe and friendly town, but tourists should still take precautions to ensure their safety. Common sense steps that travelers should take include locking their cars and doors, avoid dark and isolated areas at night, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Upton

Visitors to Upton should ensure that they remain in good health while traveling. Staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and being mindful of the risk of tick-borne diseases are all important steps to take.

Getting to Upton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upton

The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, which is located just 15 miles from Upton. Other nearby airports include Boston Logan International Airport (53 miles) and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (66 miles).

Bus Stations Near Upton

The closest bus stations to Upton are located in Worcester, approximately 15 miles from the town.

Other Options

Taxis and car rentals are available throughout the region.

How to Get Around in Upton

Biking and walking are two great options for exploring Upton. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Upton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations that are worth a visit:

  • Providence - Located just 40 minutes from Upton, Providence is known for its vibrant art scene and impressive colonial architecture.
  • Boston - Boston is just an hour’s drive away and offers visitors the opportunity to see iconic sights such as the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park.

Conclusion

That concludes our comprehensive guide for Upton. Whether you are interested in exploring the town’s historic sites, participating in outdoor activities, or simply relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery, Upton has something to offer everyone. Start planning your trip today!