Littleton Travel Guide

Discover the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more in Littleton, Massachusetts.


Introduction to Littleton

Located in Merrimack Valley, in Eastern Massachusetts, Littleton is a charming town with a rich history, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks. Blessed with lush forests, sparkling ponds, and scenic hiking trails, Littleton is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is also home to several captivating museums and historical monuments that provide a glimpse into the region’s past. Whether you’re into art, history, nature, or adventure, Littleton has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Littleton

Here are some must-visit places in Littleton:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Littleton Museum: This historical museum showcases the town’s growth and development over the years. It features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the area’s industrial, agricultural, and architectural heritage.
  • The Indian Hill Music Center: This cultural center offers year-round music education, performances, and events. It is home to the Indian Hill Big Band, a jazz ensemble that performs regularly.
  • The Revolutionary War Monument: This monument honors the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Concord and Lexington. It is situated at the intersection of three major roads and is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.

Natural Attractions of Littleton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Nashoba Valley Ski Area: This ski resort offers a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing. It has several trails suitable for all skill levels and is perfect for a fun-filled family vacation.
  • The Long Lake Park: This park is ideal for picnics, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. It has several walking trails that wind through the woods and along the shore of Long Lake.
  • The Spectacle Pond: This scenic pond is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. It features crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and lush forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Littleton

Littleton boasts several stunning trails and routes that offer picturesque views of the landscape. Here are some of the popular hiking and biking spots in Littleton:

  • The Nashua River Rail Trail: This 11-mile-long trail runs through three towns, including Littleton, and offers a scenic ride or hike alongside the Nashua River.
  • The Beaver Brook Trail: This three-mile-long trail is ideal for hikers of all skill levels and features a picturesque waterfall, lush greenery, and wildflowers.
  • The Prospect Hill Conservation Area Trail: This four-mile-long trail offers breathtaking views of the forest and is ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Best Things to Do in Littleton: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Littleton:

  • Take a tour of the Littleton Brewery: This brewery produces excellent craft beer, and visitors can sample different varieties and learn about the brewing process.
  • Explore the Nashoba Valley Winery: This winery offers wine tasting, vineyard tours, and a restaurant serving delicious food paired with wine.
  • Attend a concert or a performance at the Indian Hill Music Center: This cultural center hosts several concerts and performances throughout the year, featuring classical, jazz, and popular music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Littleton

Here is a week-long itinerary for Littleton:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Littleton Museum and explore the town center
Day 2 Go skiing or snowboarding at Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Day 3 Hike the Beaver Brook Trail and have a picnic at Long Lake Park
Day 4 Take a tour of the Littleton Brewery and taste some beer
Day 5 Attend a concert or a performance at the Indian Hill Music Center
Day 6 Go kayaking or fishing at Spectacle Pond
Day 7 Explore the Nashoba Valley Winery and go on a vineyard tour

Food and Drink Scene of Littleton

Littleton has a vibrant food and drink scene offering a range of cuisines and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Lobster Roll: A classic New England dish, the lobster roll is a sandwich made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and spices, served on a toasted bun.
  • The New England Clam Chowder: Another classic dish, clam chowder is a creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and other ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • New England IPA: This beer style is popular in New England and is characterized by its fruity, hoppy flavor and cloudy appearance.
  • Cider: Cider is a popular alcoholic beverage in New England, made from fermented apple juice and often spiced with cinnamon and other spices.

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

Here are some accommodations options in Littleton:

  • The Courtyard by Marriott Littleton: This hotel is located close to major attractions and features excellent amenities, including an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
  • The Littleton Common Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the heart of the town and offers personalized service, comfortable rooms, and homemade breakfast.
  • The Westford Regency Inn: This hotel is located in the neighboring town of Westford and features spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.

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

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from Littleton:

  • Maple Syrup: Littleton is known for its delicious maple syrup, made from the maple trees that grow abundantly in the region.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: The town has several pottery studios that produce beautiful handcrafted pottery that makes for unique souvenirs.
  • Locally Made Beer and Wine: Littleton has several breweries and wineries that produce high-quality beer and wine, which makes for a great gift for friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Littleton

Littleton has a rich culture and history, and its residents are proud of their heritage. Some customs and traditions that are unique to Littleton include:

  • The Littleton Little League Baseball: Littleton has a strong baseball culture, and the Little League is a popular event in the town.
  • The Annual Strawberry Festival: This festival is held in June and celebrates the region’s bountiful strawberry harvest. It features live music, games, food, and fun for the whole family.
  • The Autumn Leaf Festival: This festival is held in September and celebrates the arrival of autumn with music, food, and activities for all ages.

Best Time to Visit Littleton

The best time to visit Littleton is from late May to early October, when the weather is pleasant, and the town is lively with festivals and events. However, winter is also a great time to visit if you’re into winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Littleton

Here are some do’s and don’ts of Littleton:

Do:

  • Do explore the town center and enjoy the local cafes and shops.
  • Do participate in the town’s festivals and events.
  • Do respect the town’s culture and heritage.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural beauty of Littleton.
  • Don’t disrespect the local traditions and customs.
  • Don’t engage in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Littleton

Littleton is a safe town with low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to take standard precautions, such as locking your car and home and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Littleton

Littleton has several healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, that provide quality medical care. It’s always advisable to carry health insurance when traveling to the town.

Getting to Littleton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Littleton:

Airports Near Littleton

  • Logan International Airport: Located in Boston, Logan International Airport is the closest major airport to Littleton, located about an hour’s drive away.
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, this airport is about 45 minutes’ drive from Littleton.

Bus Stations Near Littleton

  • The Littleton LRTA: This local bus service connects Littleton to nearby towns and cities, including Lowell and Fitchburg.
  • The North Station Bus Terminal: Located in Boston, this bus terminal provides connections to several major cities in the Northeast.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Rental cars are available at Logan International Airport and other major airports.
  • Taxi and Ride-hailing Services: Taxi and ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Littleton.

How to Get Around in Littleton

Littleton is a small town that can be easily explored on foot, bike, or car. Local bus services are also available to travel within the town and nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from Littleton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Littleton is conveniently located near several popular destinations and excursions:

  • Boston: Boston, the state capital of Massachusetts, is located about an hour’s drive from Littleton and is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and delicious food.
  • Concord: This historical town is famous for its scenic beauty and literary legacy, having been home to several famous authors, including Henry David Thoreau.
  • Nashua: Nashua is located just across the border in New Hampshire and has several attractions, including the Mine Falls Park and the Holman Stadium.

Conclusion

Littleton is a beautiful town with a rich history, cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, culture, or food, Littleton has something for everyone. Plan your trip to this charming town and discover its hidden treasures.