Location: Gardner
Top Things to do in Gardner
Top 10 Things to do in Gardner, United States
Gardner is a city in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 20,228 at the 2010 census. Gardner is home to Dunn State Park, Gardner Heritage State Park, Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mount Wachusett Community College.
Restaurants in Gardner
1. Priscilla Candy Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Meghan H - Gardner, Massachusetts, United States
Great fudge chocolates and other snacks. Very clean and well put together. Staff is very friendly. Prices are a little high but you get what you pay for.
2. Wachusett Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Wachusett Brewing Company was founded in 1994 by 3 Massachusetts college buddies who developed a significant appreciation for craft beer during their adventures of biking, canoeing and hiking around New England. Armed with a “we can do this” attitude, the three cast off from their careers in engineering and biology to pursue their passion to make great beer. Today, Wachusett has grown to become one of the largest breweries in Northeast with a diverse and award-winning portfolio of ales and lagers that are still made with the same “we can do this” attitude that started the brewery over 20 years ago. Come visit us at The Brew Yard located at our brewery in Westminster MA to learn more about our story and sample our wide variety of beers. We hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By Kendra S - Leominster, Massachusetts
We love the new brew yard and can’t wait to see it in the summer. They have also really stepped up the beers. Loving the Wally, Wally Juice and Goat. We also tried the pretzel and it’s one of the best I’ve had and supersized....MoreThanks for the great review Kendra! We are so happy you were able to stop by. See you soon...
3. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 190 reviews
The most accessible ski resort in the East as voted by SKI Magazine readers! 26 trails, 8 lifts and over 100 acres of terrain sure to put a smile on any skier or rider's face. Award-winning learning center, full service ski shop, restaurant and mountain suites on-site.
Reviewed By kclqn - Albany, New York
For my first time snowboarding, I was very disappointed in the teaching instructors.. On several occasions on the bunny trail when going down the hill, the instructors would cut me off. What seemed like an accident the first time, happened several times to my sister and I. When I specifically asked if we weren’t allowed to be on this hill (because why else would someone intentionally cut me, a beginner, off?!) I was told if I couldn’t control my board going around them that I should hire someone to train me. After purchasing my ticket I did not feel that I needed to pay additional when I could practice by myself. After this disappointing experience, Aaron at Customer Service went above and beyond to make sure my family was satisfied before we left. I wish the instructors didn’t make the experience so bad but we can’t thank Aaron enough for trying to make up for this experience! Thanks AARON!
4. Great Wolf Lodge - Water Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By rizzo0904 - NH
Just got back from a 2 night stay. I used a 48 hour discount sale code near Black Friday and reserved a standard room for $600 for the two night stay. Our room was in the main section, overlooking the lobby. It's LOUD. We had to turn on the fan portion of the heat in order to drown out the lobby noise. They have events planned as late as 10pm, right outside your window.
Check in was fairly quick and easy. No complaints there.
Elevators are very slow...we used the stairs instead.
We had our 7 and 9 year old boys with us. Their favorite part, hands down, was MagiQuest. We had them share one wand and the game cost a total of $30. They achieved Master Magi status and then stuck around to help other kids slay the dragon. They never asked to use the arcade, miniature golf, ropes course, etc. They just wanted to play Magi Quest and swim, which was good for us since they charge for EVERYTHING.
The pool areas were clean with many lifeguards on duty. Get there early to secure a table. The water park area was smaller than I expected, but the kids had fun.
We brought our own food for breakfast and lunch. We went out to dinner. So we never tried any of the dining on site. A Taste of Vietnam was incredible. Il Forno was not.
Overall, the kids had a blast, but I have no desire to ever return. One night would have been enough.
5. Lake Dennison State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Dickruns - Mashpee, Massachusetts
great place to hike for those not into climbing mountains, trails are wide and clear, plenty of different routes so that you can vary distances and routes, quit and never see motor bikes or 4 wheelers driving around so walking is safe
6. Red Apple Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By shel. - Phillipston, Massachusetts
Great place to spend time in the summer and fall. Not as busy as some other apple picking places I've been to which is nice. The apple cider donuts are a must. Kids enjoyed the hayride and feeding the animals. So many great photo opportunities as well.
7. Gardner Bicentennial Chair
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By nativeplantster - Acton, MA
Yes, it is a very big chair. Since it is unlikely you'll have a chance to see anything like this in Mass, definitely stop by when you are in the area--and bring the camera. Try early or late in the day for the best light and enjoy. And if you like oversized things--there is also a very large metal rooster in front of a nearby diner. Make it a destination--and then stop and have a brew at the Gardner Alehouse. Gardner can be a great "off the beaten track" destination
8. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Phoebe F - North Chelmsford, Massachusetts
This was our first time hiking here and we really enjoyed it. There were several trails and a beautiful view at the summit.
We chose the Pine Hill Trail up and it was pretty steep with rock steps but not very long so it was done in about 20 minutes. We took the Mountain House Trail down and it was also rocky but not as steep and a longer hike down.
We can't wait to go back and explore some more trails on our next visit.
Beautiful in the fall for foliage!
9. Elliott Laurel
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.
10. Dunn State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By David P - Leominster, Massachusetts
This park is used mostly in the summer months. There is a nice swimming area for families. Small picnic area. Trails to walk or run on. Would recommend getting an annual pass if frequently in the area rather than purchasing a day pass. Our daughter and her family live nearby and we got them started with an annual pass a few years ago. Now they get one and take the grandkids there to cool off and burn off some energy.
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