Tewksbury Travel Guide

Explore the best of Tewksbury with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, must-try dishes, best places to stay, and more.


Introduction to Tewksbury

Tewksbury is a charming town located in Merrimack Valley, in Eastern Massachusetts, United States of America. Surrounded by scenic beauty and rich in history, Tewksbury is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a relaxing and peaceful vacation experience. With easy access to Boston, Salem, and Lowell, Tewksbury is an ideal base to explore the surrounding areas.

List of Places to Visit in Tewksbury

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tewksbury Historical Society Museum: Learn about the history of Tewksbury at this museum, which is situated in a historic house built in 1804.
  • Lowell National Historical Park: This park is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Lowell, a nearby city that played a crucial role in the American Industrial Revolution.
  • New England Quilt Museum: Located in Lowell, this museum features a collection of contemporary and traditional quilts.

Natural Attractions of Tewksbury: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tewksbury State Hospital: Explore the massive and defunct mental hospital, which has been abandoned and left to nature. A popular spot for nature and urban exploration enthusiasts.
  • Silver Lake: Situated in Wilmington, this beautiful lake is a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. It also has a nearby beach and picnic area.
  • Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest: This state park is perfect for hiking, cycling, and camping. It has over 1,000 acres of woodlands, streams, and ponds, making for a great outdoor adventure.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tewksbury

  • Shawsheen River Trail: A scenic 7-mile trail that follows the Shawsheen River through Andover and North Andover, passing through many beautiful parks and neighborhoods.
  • Bay Circuit Trail: A 200-mile trail that snakes through Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including a section that passes through Tewksbury. Perfect for hiking, biking or cross-country skiing.
  • Bruce Freeman Rail Trail: A newer rail-trail of approximately 6.8 miles, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail connects Lowell and Chelmsford with Acton, passing through parks, farmland, and forests.

Best Things to Do in Tewksbury: Activities and Tours

  • Tewksbury Farmers Market: A weekly farmer’s market where you can purchase fresh produce and local products. This market is held every Saturday in the summer, from June to October.
  • Tewksbury Country Club: A beautiful 9-hole golf course that also has a driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
  • Greek Festival: A lively festival that takes place every year in September, celebrating Greek culture, food, music, and dance.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tewksbury

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Tewksbury Historical Society Museum
Day 2 Silver Lake Swimming and Picnic
Day 3 Explore Shawsheen River Trail
Day 4 Head to Lowell for a City Tour
Day 5 Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
Day 6 Golfing at Tewksbury Country Club
Day 7 Tewksbury Farmers Market

Food and Drink Scene of Tewksbury

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roast Beef Sandwich: A local favorite, this sandwich features slow-cooked roast beef piled high on a soft roll, topped with onions, cheese, and horseradish sauce.
  • Clam Chowder: A classic dish, this hearty soup is made with clams, potatoes, onions, and cream. Perfect on a chilly day.
  • Apple Cider Donuts: A popular treat during the fall season, these donuts are made with fresh apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Ipswich Ale Brewery: A local brewery located in nearby Ipswich, which offers tours and tastings of their many craft beers.
  • Nashoba Valley Winery: A beautiful vineyard located in nearby Bolton that offers tastings of their many award-winning wines and ciders.

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

  • Courtyard by Marriott Boston Tewksbury: A stylish and comfortable hotel located near many top attractions.
  • Motel 6 Tewksbury: A budget-friendly option that offers basic amenities and clean rooms.
  • The Inn at Tewksbury: A cozy and inviting bed and breakfast that offers comfortable rooms and friendly service.

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

  • Tewksbury Honey: A local honey produced from the town’s beehives.
  • Tewksbury T-Shirts: Fun and quirky t-shirts featuring Tewksbury’s landmarks and attractions.
  • Cranberry Bog Soaps: Locally made, natural soaps made with cranberries grown in Massachusetts.

Local Culture and Customs of Tewksbury

  • The people of Tewksbury are friendly and welcoming, and take pride in their town’s rich history and natural beauty.
  • Tewksbury is home to many festivals and events, celebrating the town’s cultural heritage, such as the Greek Festival and Harvest Festival.

Best Time to Visit Tewksbury

The best time to visit Tewksbury is during the summer and fall months, from June to October. The warm weather and beautiful fall foliage make for perfect outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tewksbury

Do:

  • Explore Tewksbury’s beautiful parks and nature trails.
  • Attend one of Tewksbury’s many festivals and events.
  • Visit local farmers markets and taste local fresh produce.

Don’t:

  • Overlook the charm of Tewksbury’s small downtown area.
  • Forget to try a roast beef sandwich from one of the local restaurants.
  • Ignore the town’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tewksbury

Tewksbury is a safe town with low crime rates. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and use common sense while exploring the town.

Health in Tewksbury

Tewksbury has several medical facilities, including a local hospital and medical centers, that offer quality healthcare services.

Getting to Tewksbury: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tewksbury

  • Boston Logan International Airport: Located approximately 25 miles southeast of Tewksbury, this airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights.
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Located approximately 30 miles north of Tewksbury, this airport offers domestic flights to many Midwest and east coast destinations.

Bus Stations Near Tewksbury

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in Boston, approximately 25 miles south of Tewksbury, this bus station offers bus services to many destinations across the US and Canada.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Visitors can rent a car from several car rental agencies at Boston Logan International Airport or nearby cities.
  • Train: The closest train station is in Lowell, which is approximately 8 miles from Tewksbury. The Amtrak Downeaster operates daily services to/from Boston and Maine.

How to Get Around in Tewksbury

The best way to get around Tewksbury is by car or bike. Tewksbury has many bike and walking trails, which makes it perfect for a leisurely bike ride or stroll.

Where to Go Next from Tewksbury: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lowell: A historic town that played a crucial role in the American Industrial Revolution, and is now home to many cultural and historical attractions.
  • Boston: A bustling city that is rich in history, culture, and entertainment, and offers many iconic attractions such as the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park.
  • Salem: A picturesque city known for its witch trial history and Halloween festivities, as well as its maritime history and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Tewksbury is a hidden gem in Massachusetts, waiting to be explored by visitors seeking a relaxing and peaceful vacation experience. With its charming downtown area, beautiful parks, and rich history, Tewksbury offers a unique and enjoyable destination for travelers.