10 Things to Do in Barre That You Shouldn't Miss

September 30, 2017 Russell Mellin

Barre in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Sacred & Religious Sites. Discover best things to do in Barre with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Barre

1. Saint Joseph's Abbey

167 N Spencer Rd, Spencer, MA 01562-1233 +1 508-885-8700
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Saint Joseph's Abbey

Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire

In Spencer, I went to Saint Joseph's Abbey to buy some Trappist fruit spreads direct from the source. The gift shop was right at the entrance to the abbey grounds.

I bought one jar each of Trappist Blackberry Seedless Jam, Trappist Damson Plum Jam, and Trappist Quince Jelly..

The shop also had a selection of religious books and other items.

I also toured the property. I drove up to the abbey church which was quite large.

On the way up the hill to see the shopping operation, I spotted and photographed two wild turkeys strutting around on the lawns

Their warehouse and shipping operation was a little smaller than I thought it would be.

Overall, it was quick 45 minute visit.

I rate the abbey, grounds, and products at 4.75.

I highly recommend a visit regardless of one’s religious faith. Their jams, jellies, and preserves are topnotch quality and delicious.

If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.

2. Gilbertville Covered Bridge

Old Gilbertville Rd. and Bridge St., Gilbertville, MA 01031
Excellent
25%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 12 reviews

Gilbertville Covered Bridge

Reviewed By Ron L - Nashua, New Hampshire

There aren't that many covered bridges left in New England so it is nice to have one near home. These are historical treasures to be enjoyed by all. Unfortunately from a structural standpoint this one seems to have it's problems.

Regardless, if you are out and about headed up Route 32 to Hardwick or the Quabbin, take five minutes out of your busy life and pay a visit. It crosses the Ware River which when I grew up was so polluted it could be smelled from a huge distance. Today the river is very clean, fishing is pretty good and the bridge makes a nice companion!

3. Hardwick Vineyard and Winery

3305 Greenwich Rd, Ware, MA 01082-9322 +1 413-967-7763
Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
11%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 44 reviews

Hardwick Vineyard and Winery

Reviewed By OrphanAnnie88 - Worcester, Massachusetts

We went to the winery with friends on the perfect day. It was smaller than I expected but we enjoyed an afternoon of relaxing in the shade sipping wine, snacking and having good conversation. The tasting bar is upstairs. A bit inconvenient for us older folks but there is a sign saying to let them know if your party
needs a tasting on the lower level. We chose 4 wines to try and all 4 of us favored the Yankee Girl Blush. We enjoyed a bottle there while listening to the music and then brought some home. A great way to unwind away from the hustle and bustle. We will be back. Families can enjoy the day there as well. They have a sandbox outside and a nice little play area. Bring a picnic along.

4. Hang Glide New England

298 McEvoy Rd, Tanner-Hiller Airport, New Braintree, MA 01531-1706
Excellent
93%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Hang Glide New England

Fly like a bird in a hang glider! Almost anyone can fly! We can introduce you to a bird's-eye view of scenic Massachusetts that's sure to be fun. Enjoy an awesome view as you experience free flight and discover how easy flying a hang glider can be. So reserve your tandem flight and get off of that perch! Tandem flights from 2500 ft. Last around 20 minutes.You and the instructor are harnessed in a special hang glider with wheels so that no running or lifting is required and harnesses are already secure. A light tow plane tows you up into the sky. When your pilot releases from the "tow" you'll be off on your gliding adventure! You can enjoy the scenery and sensation of flight as you take the controls and feel the freedom of hang gliding and see why it's so much fun! We are the shortest drive with the best prices for exceptional flights!

Reviewed By hatter529 - New York City, New York

Rhett is one of the great legends of hang gliding aerotowing - and a super nice guy to boot. You can't go wrong with Rhett's operation - he and Nick will make sure you have the time of your life.

5. Stone Cow Brewery

500 West St, Barre, MA 01005-9103 +1 978-257-8600
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Stone Cow Brewery

Reviewed By jwbfromMA - Berlin, Massachusetts

I happened to stumble across this place and am SO excited I did. The beer is fantastic, the panini sandwiches are even better and the view off the back proch seals the deal. There is no way this place (which has been open ~1 year) will not be a HUGE success, I recommend going there now before the crowds arrive. Kudos to the owners ! !

6. Swift River Reservation

Nichewaug Road, Petersham, MA 01366
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Swift River Reservation

A landscape that supported Colonial-era farming has returned to a natural environment of forest and swamp, fields and uplands, laced by seven miles of trails and old roads.

Reviewed By NekoCat - Franklin, Massachusetts

Gorgeous day at Swift River. We walked a combination of trails; red to blue to River Trail, yellow loop and Carruth Trail. It took about 3 hours, including stopping for photos and a few breaks. This is a beautiful property with lots of rock walls, old foundations, cart roads and the river is its centerpiece. For fun we saw a family of pigs on Nichewaug Road, and on the way back saw a small porcupine by the Cellar Holes. There are some elevation changes but not too bad. I would imagine some of these trails get muddy in the spring, but in October was fine and bug-free.

7. Elliott Laurel

392 Queen Lake Road / Route 101, Phillipston, MA 01331-9474 +1 413-532-1631
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

In late spring, enjoy the colorful blooms of mountain laurel that give this reservation its name.

Reviewed By dave d - Bradford, Massachusetts

This is a mix of open field (mowed) and woods. There is a bit of a hill but nothing too strenuous. The hemlock stand is nice with beautiful open woods. This is a nice spot for a short hike. There is a little less than a mile of trails.

8. Cornerstone Ranch

29 Dowds Ln, Princeton, MA 01541-2008 +1 978-464-4570
Excellent
53%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
8%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 112 reviews

Cornerstone Ranch

Reviewed By Sherry M - Barre, Massachusetts, United States

It is with disappointment that I write this review. We bought a groupon to ride at Cornerstone Ranch as we miss having our own horses, and due to retirement now had a little free time to get back in the saddle again. We went on website and tried to book the ride but the system wouldn't accept the Groupon code and wouldn't finish the reservation without giving a credit card number. We tried to call the ranch. They REFUSE to speak with you by phone and will only email. We alerted the owner of our difficulty with the reservation via email several times. She finally told us she had two openings left for the day we wanted at 8pm the day before the ride. She told us to send her a copy of the groupon certificate which we immediately did as well as signing the ride waver. We didn't hear a word for two hours so we assumed everything was set for our ride the following day and it was 10 pm. The next morning, day of the ride, there was another email from the ranch. "We are booked for today's ride, make another reservation." REALLY? Someone else booked before us at ten pm?? I think they just didn't want to fill the limited space with the groupon discount. NEVER would agree to speak to us by phone. We wasted SOO much time, I agree with another comment made in a review, Save your money and go somewhere else. Shame on Cornerstone Ranch, not only did they ruin our day but they lost future business for a family gathering and company outing.

9. The Cross in Barre

33 Harty Rd, Barre, MA 01005-8843
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

The Cross in Barre

Reviewed By Harvey K - Athol, Massachusetts

This place had its beginning in 1992 after a man had a vision and was inspired to answer God's call to create a shrine on his farmland. Since then, the shrine has grown many times over and continues to offer peace, tranquility, and even miracles to those who visit. The building of this place is a testament to one man's determination and perseverance to fulfill God's request of him.
Although we had known about this place for quite some time, were were only drawn to pay a visit when we read about the recent death of the man who built it (google John P. Harty, Sr.). at age 92. Located in the rural town of Barre, MA on Harty's family homestead, we found this place to be fascinating, interesting, and truly a place of tranquility. It is free and totally open to the public every day. If you visit, be sure to visit the red building on the farmhouse where you can view photos of the construction, get some written materials, etc. I highly recommend purchasing the recently published paperback book written by John Harty's granddaughter, which details his life as well as the numerous "miracles" and/or amazing coincidences that have come to pass during the years.

10. Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Pat Connor Road, Petersham, MA 01366 +1 978-464-2712
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3 reviews

Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Reviewed By NekoCat - Franklin, Massachusetts

First time visit and loved this beautiful woodland reserve. There are several different trails, but not super extensive, all of which inter-link allowing for short or long hikes. We walked all of the trails which took about an hour and 20 minutes with some stops along the way. Some of the trails I would consider “intermediate” moderate hiking with elevations present. The trails are well marked and are very scenic with bubbling streams, mossy rocks, old rock walls and many different tree varieties. We hiked to the porcupine den but did not see anything, but we did see a large Turkey vulture, beaver dams and the interesting shagbark hickory tree. Well worth seeking out if you enjoy isolated hiking.

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