Get Lost The - exploring the - Blackstone Heritage Corridor
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
The
Get Lost
Guide
Exploring the
Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
The Get LostGuide
Welcome.................................................................................... 2
What is this Place?...................................................................... 4
The How-to-Get-Lost Centers (Visitor Centers)........................... 8
The Getting Lost Bucket List...................................................... 9
Where to Get Lost.................................................................... 10
• Amusements................................................................ 11
• Animals & Botanicals.................................................... 14
• Art & Entertainment..................................................... 15
• Museums & Historic Sites............................................. 20
• Outdoor Pursuits.......................................................... 26
Immersion Shopping................................................................ 32
Wicked Good Eating................................................................. 42
• Eateries & Scooperies................................................... 43
• Breweries & Wineries.................................................... 67
Where to Crash........................................................................ 68
Lose It at the Farm................................................................... 72
• Farms........................................................................... 73
• Farmers Markets.......................................................... 76
Seasonal Get-Lost Opportunities.............................................. 78
Tours ....................................................................................... 82
Colleges and Universities......................................................... 95
Service Organizations.............................................................. 96
Just in Case.............................................................................. 98
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Map.......................................... 100
a ss p o r t I n
A publication of
Park P
Blackstone Heritage
e sid Corridor, Inc.
Fre e! 670 Linwood Ave.
Whitinsville, MA 01588-2068
508-234-4242
We make every effort to be certain
that all the information in the Get
Lost Guide is accurate and current
but assume no obligation for errors
or omissions. Visitors are advised
to check times and charges to
avoid disappointment since we
cannot be responsible for changes
or cancellations. No portion of this
Get Lost Guide may be reproduced
Blackstone River Valley without written permission from
Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc.
National Historical Park
©2017 Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
Passport Book
Mail@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org
BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org
Graphics by Angell House Design
Printed by Sheahan Printing
Experience Your America™
Tour the Blackstone River Valley
National Historical Park and collect all
six of the Passport stamps!
(see pp. 46-55.)
WELCOME | 3 Welcome to the Blackstone Valley! Bienvenu á la Blackstone Vallée! Bienvenido a la Blackstone Valle! So you’ve picked up our Get Lost Guide and you’re asking yourself, “Can someone really get lost in the Blackstone Valley?” The answer is unequivocally, “Yes!” Get lost in a 70-foot chasm whose boulder caves keep ice well into the summer (p. 26 ◆). Lose your sense of time sketching the incredible architecture of the finest example of Georgian Colonial style in the U.S. (p. 6 ◆). Leave the rest of the world behind as you and your kayak explore a quiet marsh teeming with life (p. 23 ◆). Lose yourself in the neighborhoods of the second and third largest cities in New England, with their culture, arts and eateries. And there’s much more! It’s all here in the amazing Blackstone Valley – the Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution - so significant for its history and natural resources that it was named a National Heritage Corridor. We welcome you to come and get lost in our world for a weekend or a week. You’ll keep coming back for more!
WHAT IS THIS PLACE | 5
Auburn, MA i
Settled in 1714, incorporated in 1778
ϢϢ William Blackstone was the first European to
settle and live in Cumberland.
Area: 16.4 sq. mi. ϢϢ The Nine Men’s Misery is the oldest Veterans
ϢϢ Includes the villages of Pakachoag and Stoneville. Memorial in the country. During King Phillip’s
ϢϢ Home of Robert Goddard, American Father War, nine Colonial soldiers were held prisoner by
of Modern Day Rocketry, who launched first the Narragansett warriors and killed at this site.
liquid-fueled rocket from Pakachoag Hill on
March 16, 1926.
ϢϢ Originally incorporated as the town of Ward, but
Douglas, MA i
Settled in 1721, incorporated in 1746
changed the name to Auburn in 1837 because Area: 37.7 sq. mi.
the Post Office complained the name was too ϢϢ Includes the village of East Douglas.
What is this place? similar to the town of Ware, MA. ϢϢ Due to its vast forests, Douglas had a major
woodcutting industry, as well as the famous
Our National Heritage Corridor Blackstone, MA i
Settled in 1662, incorporated in 1845
Douglas Axe Company.
ϢϢ E. N. Jenckes Store and Museum is a good
Area: 11.2 sq. mi. example of a typical New England country
The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley
ϢϢ Includes the villages of East Blackstone, store from the 19th century.
National Heritage Corridor is: Chestnut Hill, and Waterford.
ϢϢ The Birthplace of the American Industrial
ϢϢ The dramatic two-state park (MA/RI) at
Blackstone Gorge is accessed at the end of
East Providence, RI i
Settled in 1641, Incorporated as a town in 1862
Revolution and the first water powered County St. in Blackstone where hikers can walk and as a city in 1958
cotton mill in the country (p.7)◆. the cliffs 80 feet above the Blackstone River. Area: 13.4 sq. mi.
ϢϢ A remarkably intact landscape of ϢϢ At one point, half of the population of ϢϢ Includes the villages of Phillipsdale and Rumford.
industrial history, immigration and Blackstone was Quaker. ϢϢ Roger Williams originally settled in Rumford
diversity of culture in New England. until the Plymouth Colony claimed it for
ϢϢ The first stronghold of tolerance in New Burrillville, RI i
Settled approximately 1662, incorporated
themselves, forcing Williams to move on to
what is now the city of Providence.
England – a place of religious and ethnic in 1806
diversity (p. 7)◆. ϢϢ The town common, also referred to as “The Ring of
Area: 55.6 sq. mi. The National Heritage
ϢϢ An interconnected system of waterways Corridor’s largest community. the Green,” was founded by Samuel Newman and
his followers in 1643; the Newman Congregational
and wetlands that have been reclaimed ϢϢ Some of the villages include Glendale,
Harrisville, Mapleville, Nasonville, and Church still stands there today and is the oldest
for their natural beauty, wildlife and
Pascoag. Congregationalist church in Rhode Island.
recreational opportunities.
ϢϢ Home to the Blackstone River, an ϢϢ Famous Rhode Island author H.P. Lovecraft
American Heritage River, that runs 46
set a part of his short story “The Horror at Red Glocester, RI i
Settled in 1639, incorporated in 1731
Hook” (1925) in the village of Pascoag.
miles and drops 438 feet on its journey ϢϢ Every day at 5 p.m. the town whistle goes off at
Area: 54.8 sq. mi.
south. ϢϢ Includes the villages of Chepachet, Harmony
the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department.
ϢϢ Twenty-five cities and towns in and West Glocester.
ϢϢ The second elephant to arrive in the United
Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
including the second and third largest
Central Falls, RI i
Incorporated as a town in 1730 and as a city
States, Betty, the Learned Elephant, was
murdered during a parade in Chepachet in 1826.
cities in New England, united by the in 1895
Area: 1.2 sq. mi. The National Heritage ϢϢ Home to the Ancients and Horribles Parade that
Blackstone River Watershed and totaling has occurred every Independence Day since 1926.
Corridor’s smallest community.
556 square miles. ϢϢ Although Central Falls is the smallest city in
Each Corridor community is a great place
to visit. The following is a little teaser
Rhode Island, it is the most densely populated.
ϢϢ For a time, Central Falls was known as
Grafton, MA i
Settled 1718, incorporated 1735
of what a visitor will find. Learn more Chocolateville. Area: 23.3 sq. mi.
interesting facts about each city and town ϢϢ Some of the villages include Farnumsville,
at BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org. Cumberland, RI i
Settled in 1635, incorporated in 1746
Fisherville, Centerville and Saundersville.
ϢϢ Originally inhabited by the Nipmuc Tribe,
Area: 26.8 sq. mi. the Hassanamisco Reservation is a State-
ϢϢ Includes the villages of Ashton, Albion, recognized Reservation still used today.
Lonsdale and Valley Falls. ϢϢ The Bandstand in the Town Common was built
in 1934-1935 for the movie, “Ah, Wilderness!”
WHAT IS THIS PLACE | 7
Hopedale, MA i
Settled in 1660, incorporated in 1886
Millbury, MA i
Settled in 1716, incorporated 1813
Pawtucket, RI i
Settled in 1666, incorporated in 1871
Upton, MA i
Settled in 1728, incorporated in 1735
Area: 5.3 sq. mi. Area: 16.3 sq. mi. Area: 8.7 sq. mi. Area: 21.7 sq. mi.
ϢϢ Includes the villages of Hopedale Village and ϢϢ Some of the villages include Armory, ϢϢ Some of the neighborhoods include Quality Hill, ϢϢ Includes the village of West Upton.
White City. Bramanville and West Millbury. Oak Hill, and the Slater Park Neighborhood. ϢϢ By 1837, Upton’s factories were producing
ϢϢ In 1842 Adin Ballou established the Fraternal ϢϢ The S & D Spinning Mill, established in 1753, is ϢϢ The “Father of the Industrial Revolution,” 21.7% of all boots manufactured in Worcester
Community Number One, a social experiment one of the oldest, continuously operating mills Samuel Slater, built the country’s first water- County.
with people whose beliefs included in the country. powered cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket ϢϢ The Knowlton Hat Factory, established in 1860,
temperance, abolition and women’s rights. ϢϢ The Asa Waters Mansion was part of the which still stands today. was considered the largest hat industry in the
ϢϢ Brothers Ebenezer and George Draper took Underground Railroad and is considered to be ϢϢ On April 18, 1981, the longest baseball game world for 90 years and employed 1,000 workers.
over Ballou’s property and developed 400 the finest example of the Georgian Colonial (33 innings taking 8 hrs. and 25 min.) was
patents for textile machinery. style in the U.S. ◆ played at McCoy Stadium; the Paw Sox won
3-2 against the Red Wings.
Uxbridge, MA i
Settled in 1662, incorporated in 1727
Leicester, MA i Millville, MA i Area: 30.4 sq. mi.
Settled in 1713, incorporated in 1714
Area: 24.7 sq. mi.
Settled in 1662, incorporated in 1916
Area: 5.0 sq. mi.
Providence, RI i
Settled in 1636, incorporated in 1832
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Ironstone,
Chocolog, Rice City and Wheelockville.
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Cherry Valley, ϢϢ The Chestnut Meeting House was built in the Area: 18.5 sq. mi. ϢϢ Deborah Sampson (1760-1827) was the first
Rochdale, Mannville and Lakeside. late 1760s with raise-box pews and an elevated ϢϢ Some of its neighborhoods include: College American female soldier, serving in disguise
ϢϢ The colonial term “minutemen” was coined in pulpit. It is listed on the National Register of Hill, Federal Hill, and Olneyville. as a man named Robert Shirtliffe. She was
1774 during the Revolutionary War by Colonel Historic Places. ϢϢ The city was founded by Roger Williams in wounded in 1782 and honorably discharged in
William Henshaw of Leicester who said, “We ϢϢ The Millville Lock is one of the best preserved 1636; it was a refuge for religious dissenters of 1783.
must have companies of men ready to march locks from the Blackstone Canal, constructed in the 17th century. ϢϢ The first Air Force dress uniform was
upon a minute’s notice.” 1827 from quarried granite blocks. ϢϢ Providence, the third largest city in New manufactured here, known as the “Uxbridge
ϢϢ In the 1780’s, Pliny Earle started producing the England, was known for its jewelry and Blue.”
carding machines that were sold to Samuel North Smithfield, RI i silverware manufacturing.
Slater and which led to the beginning of the Settled in 1666, incorporated in 1871 Woonsocket, RI i
Industrial Revolution in the United States. Area: 24.0 sq. mi.
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Forestdale,
Smithfield, RI i
Settled in 1636, incorporated in 1731
Settled approximately 1661, incorporated as a
town in 1867 and as a city in 1888
Lincoln, RI i
Settled in the 17th century, incorporated in
Branch Village, Union Village, and Slatersville.
ϢϢ In 1666, approximately 2,000 acres were
Area: 26.6 sq. mi.
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Esmond,
Area: 7.7 sq. mi.
ϢϢ Includes villages of Woonsocket Falls, Bernon,
1871 deeded to John Mowry and Edward Inman Georgiaville, Hanton City, Stillwater Jenckesville, Hamlet, Social, and Globe.
Area: 18.2 sq. mi. by Quashawannamut (also known as William and Greenville. ϢϢ The famous WWII Ghost Army was designed
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Manville, Albion, Minnian). ϢϢ Birthplace of Elizabeth Buffman Chace, a by Fred Patten and manufactured here by the
Lime Rock, Lonsdale, and Quinnville. ϢϢ Slatersville was situated on the Branch River Quaker abolitionist and women’s rights activist U.S. Rubber Co. which burned down in 2011.
ϢϢ Saylesville Meeting House is one of the oldest in 1803 by Samuel and John Slater. The village who had ties to the Underground Railroad. ϢϢ Home to Mount St. Charles Academy, the Alma
surviving Quaker Meetinghouses in New was built around the textile mill which was ϢϢ There are many apple orchards throughout Mater of NHL greats such as Bryan Berard,
England. powered by the water from the Slatersville Smithfield, mostly in the village of Greenville Brian Boucher, and Mathieu Schneider.
ϢϢ Great Road is the oldest highway in Rhode reservoir. where street and business names reflect the
Island, having been the major road from
Providence, RI, to Worcester, MA.
Northbridge, MA i strong heritage of apple growing. Worcester, MA i
Settled in 1673, incorporated as a town in 1722
Settled in 1704, incorporated in 1772
Mendon, MA i Area: 18.1 sq. mi.
ϢϢ Some of the villages include Whitinsville,
Sutton, MA i
Settled in 1704, incorporated in 1714
and as a city in 1848
Area: 38.6 sq. mi.
Settled in 1664, incorporated in 1667 Area: 33.9 sq. mi. ϢϢ Some neighborhoods include: Quinsigamond,
Linwood, Rockdale, and Riverdale.
Area: 18.3 sq. mi. ϢϢ Some of the villages include Manchaug, Vernon Hill, and the Canal District.
ϢϢ Northbridge was the home of the Whitin
ϢϢ Scenic Lake Nipmuc, an 85-acre, spring fed, Wilkinsonville, West Sutton and South Sutton. ϢϢ New England’s second largest city.
Machine Works.
glacial kettle hole, became a summer vacation ϢϢ The location of Purgatory Chasm State ϢϢ When it comes to inventions, Worcester
ϢϢ Three major rivers run through Northbridge:
destination in the 1880s. Reservation, a one-quarter mile long, 70-foot claims many firsts: barbed wire (patented by
Blackstone River, West River, and Mumford
ϢϢ Southwick’s Zoo has a notable collection of deep chasm of granite bedrock with boulder Washburn & Moen Wireworks), the Monkey
River.
animals and attracts over one-half million caves where ice remains into the summer. Wrench (Loring Coes, 1840), Candlepin bowling
visitors each year. ϢϢ Eight Lot School is one of the oldest wooden (Justin White, 1879) and U.S. commercial
one-room schoolhouses in the country, built production of Valentine’s Day Cards (Esther
between 1785-1790. Howland, 1847).
BUCKET LIST | 9
The Get Lost Bucket List
20 of the 101 Things You’ve Got to Do in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor!
1 Take a keepsake photo with the
bronze statue of Hachiko (1 Depot
Sq., Woonsocket, RI), the hero of a true
12 Visit the National Heritage Corri-
dor’s only covered bridge at Lincoln
Woods State Park, 2 Manchester Print
Japanese story and star of the 2009 film Works Rd., Lincoln, RI.
with Richard Gere filmed here.
2 Hike the tow path along the Black-
stone Canal at River Bend Farm
13 Enjoy the magic of WaterFire in
Providence, RI, and treat yourself to
a night on the town.
Visitor Center, Blackstone River and
The How-to-Get-Lost Centers Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak St.,
Uxbridge, MA.
14 Revel in the springtime ritual
as salamanders and wood frogs
proliferate in the vernal pools of Cormier
It’s easy to find information about getting lost in the Blackstone
Valley but several Visitor Centers offer additional exhibits or 3 Ride the 1895 Loof Carousel for 25¢
at Slater Memorial Park, Rte. 1A,
Woods, 217 Chapin St., Uxbridge, MA.
short videos that our visitors find useful and entertaining. Pawtucket, RI.
15 Shop at the Brown & Hopkins Store,
1179 Putnam Pike, Chepachet (Glo-
CUMBERLAND, RI
Visitor Centers
WHITINSVILLE
4 Watch the cows being milked daily
from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the fifth
generation, family-owned Wright’s Dairy
cester), RI – one of the oldest, continu-
ally-operating country stores in the U.S.
Penny candy!
Interstate 295 Visitor Center (NORTHBRIDGE), MA Farm, 200 Woonsocket Hill Rd., N.
I-295 North, Cumberland, RI 02864
401-334-6720 • riparks.com
Blackstone Heritage
Corridor, Inc.
Smithfield, RI.
16 Hike the Old Purgatory Trail and
visit Fat Man’s Misery and the Devil’s
Winter location of NPS Passport
Stamp for Capt. Wilbur Kelly
Blackstone River Valley
National Historical Park
5 Dare to drive down Tower Hill Rd.
in Cumberland, RI, at night…the
legends say it is haunted!
Corn Crib at Purgatory Chasm State Reser-
vation, 198 Purgatory Rd., Sutton, MA.
House.
LINCOLN, RI
670 Linwood Ave.
Whitinsville, MA 01588
508-234-4242 6 For a scenic tour, count the barns
along the Blackstone River. Or paint
17 Drive on the picturesque and his-
toric Great Rd., an original colonial
highway, in Lincoln, RI.
BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org watercolors of our water features at any
18
Capt. Wilbur Kelly House See how the EcoMachine is cleans-
Museum (seasonal) nps.gov/blrv of the picturesque views, vistas and
ing the waters of the Fisherville and
Blackstone River State Park Official NPS Passport stamping waterways that abound in the Valley.
Blackstone Canals. Using algae, fungal
site - weekdays.
7
1075 Lower River Rd. Tune up your vocal chords and catch species and creepy-crawlies, the waters
Lincoln, RI 02865 Open Mic Night at the Purple Cat and sediment here are being trans-
riparks.com WOONSOCKET, RI Vineyard and Winery, 11 Money Hill Rd., formed. (Mill Villages Park, 61 Main St.,
Seasonal location of NPS Passport Museum of Work & Culture Chepachet (Glocester), RI. South Grafton, MA.)
Stamp for Capt. Wilbur Kelly House. 42 South Main St.
PAWTUCKET, RI
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401-769-9675 • rihs.org
8 Find a healthy farm-fresh snack at
the Daniels Farmstead’s Farmers
Market, 286 Mendon St., Blackstone,
19 Spend a festive Independence Day
at the Ancients & Horribles Parade
in Chepachet (Glocester), RI, that has
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center MA. Open seasonally. made its way along Main St. in the late
175 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 WORCESTER, MA afternoon since 1926, spoofing local and
401-724-2200
blackstonevalleytourismcouncil.org
Coming summer of 2018:
Blackstone Heritage Corridor 9 Hit the Blackstone River Bikeway
and walk, bike or stroll along the
national politics.
Winter location of NPS Passport
Stamp for Slater Mill.
Visitor Center at Worcester
McKeon Rd. off Rte. 146
11-mile off road path from Valley Falls to
Woonsocket, RI. Along the way, visit the
Lonsdale Marsh, Front St., in Cumber-
20 Give your horse some fresh air
with a ride along the Southern New
England Trunkline Trail from the historic
Worcester, MA
Will be open year-round, daily. land, RI, to view wildlife, especially a Blackstone Depot site in Blackstone to the
UXBRIDGE, MA
large variety of our feathered friends. Connecticut state line in Douglas, MA.
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
508-278-7604 10 Shop at the seasonal outdoor
market and visit the 19th-century
E. N. Jenckes Store Museum, 283 Main Find the remainder of the
St., Douglas, MA. 101 Things You’ve Got to Do
on our website:
11 Indulge in rich coffee milk at
Cooper’s Hilltop Farm, 515 Hen-
shaw St., Rochdale (Leicester), MA.
BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
WHERE TO GET LOST | 11
Amusements GRAFTON, MA
Highfields Golf & Country Club
AUBURN, MA 42 Magill Dr., Grafton, MA 01519
AMF Auburn Lanes 508-839-1945 • highfieldsgolfcc.com
101 Southbridge St., Auburn, MA 01501
508-791-5700 • amf.com Lake Ripple
Worcester St., Grafton, MA 01536
The Battle Standard
440 Washington St., Auburn, MA 01501 Silver Lake Beach
774-321-6012 • thebattlestandard.com Upton St., Grafton, MA 01519
grafton-ma.gov
Crystal Caves Family Entertainment
790 Southbridge St., Auburn, MA 01501 HARRISVILLE (BURRILLVILLE), RI
508-832-0797 • crystalcaves.com
Country View Golf Club
49 Club Ln., Harrisville, RI 02830
Pappas Recreation Complex
401-568-7157 • countryviewgolf.net
Pakachoag Hill Rd., Auburn, MA 01501
774-696-7047 • auburnguide.com
LEICESTER, MA
X Fire Paintball & Airsoft Leicester Country Club
850 Southbridge St., Auburn, MA 01501 1430 Main St., Leicester, MA 01524
Where to Get Lost 508-721-0003 • xfirepaintball.com 508-892-1390 • leicestercc.com
BURRILLVILLE, RI Maple Hill Disc Golf Course
Break with traditional 132 Marshall St., Leicester, MA 01524
A. T. Levy Ice Rink
expectations and explore our 425 East Ave., Burrillville, RI 02830
508-754-3472 • maplehilldiscgolf.org
National Heritage Corridor. 401-568-8615
LINCOLN, RI
Experience WaterFire and stargazing, bsd-ri.com/community/levy-rink
Chase Farm
botanical gardens and canal locks, and 669 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
CHEPACHET
"lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" 401-333-1100 • lincolnri.org
(GLOCESTER), RI
Melody Hill Country Club
Rock Spot Climbing
55 Melody Hill Ln., Chepachet, RI 02814
100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865
401-949-9851 • melodyhillcc.com
401-727-1704 • rockspotclimbing.com
Indoor rock climbing gym open 10 a.m.
CHERRY VALLEY until midnight daily for all ages and
(LEICESTER), MA abilities. Ask about our birthday par-
Double Play Sports & Fitness Center ties, team building, summer camps and
190 Main St., Cherry Valley, MA 01611 instruction. Visit us online for rates and
508-892-8900 schedules. Walk-ins are welcome!
doubleplaysportsfitness.com
Sunset Stables
CUMBERLAND, RI 1 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
Cumberland Beagle Club 401-722-3033 • sunsetstablesri.com
425 Nate Whipple Hwy.
Cumberland, RI 02864 MAPLEVILLE (BURRILLVILLE), RI
401-333-0334 Crystal Lake Golf Club
cumberlandbeagleclub.com 100 Bronco Hwy., Mapleville, RI 02839
401-567-4500 • crystallakegolfclub.com
DOUGLAS, MA
Breezy Picinic Grounds Waterslides MENDON, MA
520 Northwest Main St. Rad Skate Park
Douglas, MA 01516 49 Uxbridge Rd., Mendon, MA 01756
508-476-2664 • breezysummer.com 508-966-5300 • radskatepark.com
WHERE TO GET LOST | 13
NORTH SCITUATE PASCOAG (BURRILLVILLE), RI Slater Memorial Park & Slater Park SMITHFIELD, RI
(SCITUATE), RI Pond View Equestrian Center Carousel Boston Skydive Center
362 Wakefield Rd., Pascoag, RI 02859 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, RI 02904 N. Central State Airport
401-710-7474 401-728-0500 330 Jenckes Hill Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917
pondviewequestriancenter.com 508-759-3483 • bostonskydivecenter.com
PROVIDENCE, RI
PAWTUCKET, RI Providence Bruins Smithfield Municipal Ice Arena
BV Sports Center Dunkin Donuts Center 109 Pleasant View Ave.
25 Andrew Ferland Way 1 La Salle Sq., Providence, RI 02903 Smithfield, RI 02917
Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 273-5000 • providencebruins.com 401-233-1051
401-728-7420 • bvsportscenter.com smithfieldri.com/recreation/ice-rink/
ROCHDALE (LEICESTER), MA
Skyscrapers, Inc. Pawtucket Red Sox Build Me Up Play Center SUTTON, MA
47 Peeptoad Rd., North Scituate, RI 02857 McCoy Stadium 1141 Stafford St., Rochdale, MA 01542 Blackstone National Golf Club
401-527-5558 1 Columbus Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 508-892-1053 • buildmeup-playcenter.com 227 Putnam Hill Rd., Sutton, MA 01590
Seagrave Memorial Observatory is open (401) 724-7300 • pawsox.com 508-865-2111 • bngc.net
on Saturday nights, weather permitting. RUMFORD
Times vary by season. We operate an The Polar Express Train Ride (EAST PROVIDENCE), RI UXBRIDGE, MA
1878 Alvan Clark telescope, as well as in the Blackstone Valley (seasonal) Azrael Acres (equestrian activities)
Agawam Hunt Club Golf Course
modern computer-controlled telescopes. Box Office: Blackstone Valley 144 William St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
15 Roger Williams Ave., Rumford, RI 02916
Monthly meetings with lectures by local Tourism Council 508-234-26778 • azraelacres.com
401-434-0980 • agawamhunt.org
amateurs and professionals, and work- 175 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
shops for beginners every spring and fall. 401-495-1213 Blissful Meadows Golf Club
BlackstoneValleyPolarExpress.com 801 Chockalog Rd., Uxbridge, MA 01569
NORTHBRIDGE, MA Note: all trains depart from 1 Depot Sq. 508-278-6110 • blissfulmeadows.com
Rockdale Rod & Gun Club Woonsocket, RI.
Providence Rd., Northbridge, MA 01534
rockdalerodandgun.com Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
999 Main St. #100, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Shining Rock Golf Club (401) 225-8860
91 Clubhouse Ln., Northbridge, MA 01534 rhodeislandmusichalloffame.com Eben Norton Horsford and His Famous Powder
508-234-0400 • shiningrock.com
Eben Horsford was born in Moscow, NY in 1818. He became
d
a well-respected engineer and Harvard professor. In 1856, he
began experiments to develop a leavening agent that was not
yeast-based. A leavening agent causes a reaction that creates
Perseids Fireworks
gas bubbles. Those gas bubbles lighten and soften doughs and
The Perseids Meteor Shower is one of the most famous, running for a month between mid-July batters, increasing their volumes while lightening their texture.
and mid-August with a magnificent display of 60-120 meteors per hour. The Perseids appear to Horsford’s theory was that a powder leavening agent would
radiate from a portion of the constellation Perseus and is associated with the Comet Swift Turtle release carbon dioxide, raising the doughs faster and without the
which produces a dust cloud that follows its 130-year orbit. The main dust cloud is composed of taste of fermentation left by yeast.
particles that are a thousand years old. However, in 1862, a newer thread of dust was pulled from Horsford set up his chemical works in the Rumford section of East
the Comet Swift Turtle and christened the Tuttles Comet. Most of the Perseid Meteors come from Providence, experimenting with a number of substances before
this new “tail” but others still emanate from the thousand-year-old cloud. Of course, meteors settling on a combination of calcium acid phosphate, sodium
don’t “shoot” to Earth or even “fall” to it. They are chunks of debris – space rocks – that fall off bicarbonate and corn starch. His premise was that one teaspoon
the tail of the comet as it passes our solar system. The meteors get caught up in the gravity field of the leavening agent should raise a dough/batter of one cup of
of the sun. The Earth then rolls through this debris field on its orbit around the sun. The space flour, one cup of liquid and one egg. Horsford’s Yeast Powder was
rocks enter the thicker atmosphere of Earth, are heated up by friction, and begin to glow. And an instant success. In 1869, because he wanted to package the powder
there you have “shooting stars.” Turn off your lights. Find a comfy chair with a good view of the in a tin can, Horsford added corn starch to prevent the powder from attracting and holding
northeast sky shortly before dawn and enjoy nature’s fireworks. Observatories to visit: moisture. Over the years, bakers throughout the world became familiar with the iconic red can of
Ladd Observatory, 210 Doyle Ave., Providence, RI. Rumford Baking Powder, whose formula has remained unchanged since 1869. In 2006, Rumford
Seagrave Observatory at Skyscraper, Inc., 47 Peeptoad Rd., North Scituate, RI. Baking Powder was designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark. Rumford Baking Powder
remains the leading orthophosphate baking powder in the United States.
WHERE TO GET LOST | 15
WORCESTER, MA
Ecotarium Arts & Entertainment
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 CUMBERLAND, RI
508-929-2700 • ecotarium.org Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad St., Cumberland, RI 02864
401-725-9272 • riverfolk.org
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI
Comedy Connection
MA Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook
39 Warren Ave., East Providence, RI 02914
414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester, MA 01604
401-438-8383 • ricomedyconnection.com
508-753-6087 • massaudubon.org
WHITINSVILLE MENDON, MA Broad Meadow Brook is a special place Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra
(NORTHBRIDGE), MA for outdoor exploration in Worcester. 667 Waterman Ave.
Sparetime Recreation & Bowling From dawn to dusk, the sanctuary offers East Providence, RI 02914
117 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 01588 5 miles of well-marked trails on 430 401-248-7000 • ri-philharmonic.org
508-266-0699 • sparetimebowl.net acres of woodlands, grasslands and wet-
lands. Year-round education, recreation, GRAFTON, MA
Whitin Community Center and camp programs provide opportuni-
Apple Tree Arts
60 Main St., Whitinsville, MA 01588 ties for people of all ages and abilities to
One Grafton Common, Grafton, MA 01519
508-234-8184 • ourgym.org connect with nature.
508-839-4286 • appletreearts.org
WOONSOCKET, RI LEICESTER, MA
Rivers Edge Leicester Triple Drive-In
135 Davison St., Woonsocket, RI 02895 1675 Main St., Leicester, MA 01524
508-892-4400 • leicesterdrivein.net
Walnut Hill Bowl Southwick's Zoo
1666 Diamond Hill Rd. 2 Southwick St., Mendon, MA 01756
Woonsocket, RI 02895 800-258-9182 • southwickszoo.com
401-762-9300 • walnuthillbowl.com Southwick's is more than a zoo, it's an
adventure! View giraffes, lions, tigers,
WORCESTER, MA white rhinos and chimpanzees in their
Green Hill Golf Course naturalistic habitats. Home to 850 exotic
1929 Skyline Dr., Worcester, MA 01605 animals from around the world, we offer
508-799-1359 • greenhillgc.com shows, a petting zoo, deer forest, the
Skyfari Skyride, Woodlands Express,
Worcester Bravehearts picnic grounds, EARTH Discovery Center,
1 Fitton Ave., Worcester, MA 01610 and Galliford's Restaurant.
508-438-3773
worcesterbravehearts.com PROVIDENCE, RI
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Worcester Railers 100 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907
DCU Center 401-785-9450 x 7250
105 Commercial St., Worcester, MA 01608 providenceri.com/botanical-center
508-365-1750 • railershc.com
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907
Animals & Botanicals 401-785-3510 • rwpzoo.org
BOYLSTON, MA SMITHFIELD, RI
Tower Hill Botanical Garden
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
11 French Dr., Boylston , MA 01505
Podwer Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
508-869-6111 • towerhillbg.org
12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917
401-949-5454 • asri.org
WHERE TO GET LOST | 17
What’s That Howling in the Night? Paint and Vino ArtProv Gallery
January and February are the howling season - the time when 150 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 150 Chestnut St., Providence, RI 02903
coyotes and their mates let folks in the Blackstone Valley know 401-680-0756 • paintandvino.com 401-641-5182 • artprovidence.com
they are around. Actually, coyotes howl in the winter to find their
life-long mate during their second year of life. By September and Sandra Feinstein - Gamm Theatre Aurora Providence
October, the pair howls to call their offspring. (Some things are 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI 02904 276 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903
common to coyotes and humans.) The critters are seen more and 401-723-4266 • gammtheatre.org 401-272-5723 • auroraprovidence.com
more frequently in our region, too.
Stone Soup Coffeehouse Avon Movie Theatre
The Eastern Coyote is not native to the Blackstone Valley but with
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 260 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02906
the demise of the gray wolf the coyote has moved east to occupy 401-248-4692 401-421-0020 • avoncinema.com
the wolf’s former habitats. stonesoupcoffeehouse.com
Coyotes are interesting animals. First of all, they resemble mangy Bert Gallery
German Shepherds at quick glance, a bit smaller perhaps. But The Met 24 Bridge St., Providence, RI 02903
there is nothing domesticated or dog-friendly about them. They are wild predators. Their fur is 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-751-2628 • bertgallery.com
usually a medium gray with cream-colored or white undersides. The coyote has a distinctive 401-729-1005 • themetri.com
black v-shape emanating from its shoulders like a harness. It also has a bushy tail with a black Cable Car Cinema
tip. Coyotes weigh between 25 and 60 pounds. They are light-boned with longer, narrower jaws PROVIDENCE, RI 204 South Main St., Providence, RI 02903
than a wolf and smaller ears and feet. Annmary Brown Memorial 401-272-3970 • cablecarcinema.com
Coyotes are considered nocturnal creatures. They are an “edge” species, in that they frequent 21 Brown St., Providence, RI 02912
401-863-2942 Cate Charles Gallery
habitats that are transitional such as fields growing into brush, marshy areas, etc. But they are 251 South Main St., Providence, RI 02903
very adaptable and go wherever they are likely to find food. Coyotes are carnivores and eat small library.brown.edu/about/amb/
401-272-0777 • catecharlesgallery.com
mammals, rodents, snakes, frogs, birds – even insects. They will scavenge carrion, garbage
and outdoor pet bowls! Neighborhood cats are not beyond their gastronomic interest. In some
communities they have caused great concern to pet owners as their adaptability brings them into
suburban areas. But that is their strength. They are considered by some to be the most intelligent
of the “wild dogs” because they have been able to survive, in fact thrive, despite human attempts
to eradicate them for hundreds of years.
So on the clear, cold winter nights listen for the love song of the coyote. And keep the cat indoors!
LINCOLN, RI MILLBURY, MA
Cinema World Elm Draught House Cinema
622 George Washington Hwy. 35 Elm Ct., Millbury, MA 01527
Lincoln, RI 02865 508-865-2850
401-333-8019 • cwtheaters.com/lincoln
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI
Twin River Casino & Event Center Rustic Tri-Vue Drive-In
100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 1195 Eddie Dowling Hwy.
401-723-3200 • twinriver.com North Smithfield, RI 02896
401-769-7601
MENDON, MA
Mendon Twin Drive-In PAWTUCKET, RI
35 Milford St., Mendon, MA 01756 Breaktime Bowl & Bar
508-473-4958 • mendondrivein.com 999 Main St., #1330
Pawtucket, RI 02860
MILFORD, MA 401-427-7006 • breaktimebowlandbar.com
Clafin Hill Orchestra
208 Main St., Ste. 112A Mixed Magic Theatre
Milford, MA 01757 560 Mineral Spring Ave.
508-478-5924 • clafinhill.org Pawtucket, RI 02904
401-305-7333 • mmtri.comWHERE TO GET LOST | 19
❄❄
The Winter Harvest: A Great Crop of Ice!
Providence Performing Arts Center WEBSTER, MA
Prior to modern refrigeration, people had to store their food in a cool spring house or down a 220 Weybosset St., Providence, RI 02903 Indian Ranch
well to keep perishables from spoiling. Most meats were salted or smoked to keep over several 401-421-2787 • ppacri.org 200 Gore Rd., Webster, MA 01570
months. Fruits like apples were dried. With the harvesting of ice, people could store their foods in 508-943-3871 • indianranch.com
the ice house on those frozen cakes that would last most of the year. Ice boxes for the home were Providence Place Cinemas 16 and
marketed in the 1830s and by the 1860s all households had some type of ice-cooled storage system. IMAX
WHITINSVILLE
Natural ice was a necessity of life. There was no way to manufacture it – ice had to be cut in the 10 Providence Pl., Providence, RI 02903
800-315-4000 • showcasecinemas.com
(NORTHBRIDGE), MA
winter from lakes and ponds and stored for the rest of the year. The thickness of the ice on the Art…Make it Real
ponds had to be at least a foot to a foot and a half thick when it was cut. First the ice was cleared 105 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 01588
RISD's Woods-Gerry Gallery
of snow and a grid was laid out to keep the blocks square and to maximize the number and 508-450-7120 • artmakeitreal.com
62 Prospect St., Providence, RI 02906
consistency of blocks cut. The ice was shaped into large strips and slid toward the shore where
401-454-6141
it would be cut down further into blocks. A handsaw was used in the early 19th century. Later, a ValleyCAST Theatre
risd.edu/About/Galleries_Exhibitions/
horse-drawn, two-blade cutter, called an ice plow was used in larger operations. Workers used 50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA 01588
Woods_Gerry/
a pike or a long metal rod with a hooked end to move the blocks about, and they were pulled out 508-234-6232
of the water with enormous ice tongs. The cakes of ice were put onto a sled and hauled off to the Sol Koffler Graduate Student Gallery alternativesnet.org/valleycast
ice houses. In later years, the blocks were pushed up ramps onto a truck. 169 Weybosset St., Providence, RI 02906
Ice houses were also a necessity - a building with a large door but no windows or cellar. The ice 401-277-4809 WOONSOCKET, RI
was stacked tightly in layers with saw dust packed between and around and no gaps between risd.edu/About/Galleries_Exhibitions/ Stadium Theatre
the blocks. Properly packed ice would last well into the summer. Sol_Koffler/ 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, RI 02895
❄
If the weather was cooperating and the ice was thick, the harvesters would use 14-hour days to 401-762-4545 • stadiumtheatre.com
Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
extract the frozen blocks from the ponds. The more the ice reformed after thaws, the more ice
(The VETS) WORCESTER, MA
could be harvested. Generally, it was late January through February for the ice cutting season.
83 West Park St., Providence, RI 02903
Ice was not only a necessity for the domestic market, it was also an important export for New Beatnik's
401-222-1467 • thevetsri.com
433 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01610
England. Blocks were transported by train to warmer states and by ships to places like India,
508-926-8877 • livemusicworcester.com
packed tightly in sawdust for the long trip. There were commercial ice boxcars on railroads to Trinity Repertory Company
ship cheese butter and other perishables to markets farther away. 201 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903
Cove Music Hall
In the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, one such harvesting operation was done by the Hopedale 401-351-4242 • trinityrep.com
89 Green St., Worcester, MA 01604
Coal and Ice Co. that cut 300-pound blocks of ice from the Hopedale Pond. Visit the Hopedale 508-363-1888 • thecovemusichall.com
Historical Society to learn more (Hopedale Historical Society, The Little Red Shop Museum, 12
Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA 01747).
Chazan Gallery at Wheeler Gallery Z
228 Angell St., Providence, RI 02906 259 Atwells Ave., Providence, RI 02903
401-421-9230 • chazangallery.org 401-454-8844 • galleryzprov.com
Columbus Theatre Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
270 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903 79 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903
401-621-9660 • columbustheatre.com 401-331-5876 • lupos.com
Dunkin Donuts Center Murder On Us
One LaSalle Sq., Providence, RI 02903 123 Empire St., Providence, RI 02903
401-331-6700 401-465-0820
dunkindonutscenter.com bravobrasserie.com/murder-on-us.html
Festival Ballet Providence Point Street Pianos
825 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906 3 Davol Sq., Providence, RI 02903
401-353-1129 401-270-7828 • pointstreetpianos.com
festivalballetprovidence.org
Providence Art Club
Fete Music Hall 11 Thomas St., Providence, RI 02903
103 Dike St., Providence, RI 02909 401-331-1114 • providenceartclub.org
401-383-1112 • fetemusic.comWHERE TO GET LOST | 21
BLACKSTONE, MA DOUGLAS, MA
Blackstone Historical Museum Douglas Center Cemetery
23 Main St., Blackstone, MA 01504 Main St., Douglas, MA 01516
401-476-2065
GRAFTON, MA
Massachusetts State Police Museum
and Learning Center
44 Worcester St., Grafton, MA 01519
mspmlc.com
HOPEDALE, MA
The Little Red Shop Museum
Daniels Farmstead 12 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA 01747
286 Mendon St., Blackstone, MA 01504 508-478-2926 • littleredshopmuseum.org
508-726-2042
danielsfarmstead.org LEICESTER, MA
The Southwick-Daniels Farm, listed on
Pine Grove Cemetery
the National Register of Historic Places,
208 Pine St., Leicester, MA 01524
is known as Daniels Farmstead. Special
508-892-4052
events May-October. Farmer’s Markets
every Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July
through October. Organic produce, natu- LINCOLN, RI
ral meats, crafts, tours, live music lunch Arnold House
available. Call for specifics. 487 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
401-728-9696 • historicnewengland.org
CENTRAL FALLS, RI
Blackstone Valley Historical Society
Jenks Park & Cogswell Tower
1873 Old Louisquisset Pike
580 Broad. St., Central Falls, RI 02863
Lincoln, RI 02865 • bvhs.org
centralfallsri.us/jenks_park
CHEPACHET
(GLOCESTER), RI
Job Armstrong Store Museum
DCU Center Worcester Center for Crafts 1181 Main St., Chepachet, RI 02814
50 Foster St., Worcester, MA 01608 25 Sagamore Rd., Worcester, MA 01605 401-568-8967
508-755-6800 • dcucenter.com 508-753-8183 • worcestercraftcenter.org
CUMBERLAND, RI
Hanover Theatre for the Worcester Chamber Music Society Cumberland Monestary
Performing Arts 11 Irving St., Worcester, MA 01609 1464 Diamond Hill Rd.
2 Southbridge St., Worcester, MA 01608 508-217-4450 Cumberland, RI 02864
877-571-7469 • thehanovertheatre.org worcesterchambermusic.org 401-728-2400 • cumberlandlibrary.org
Mechanics Hall Haunted Tower Hill Road Drive
321 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608 Museums & Tower Hill Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864
508-752-5608 • mechanicshall.org
Historical Sites William Blackstone Memorial
Ralph's Rock Diner AUBURN, MA Blackstone/Broad St.
148 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605 Cumberland, RI 02864
Auburn Historical Museum
508-753-9543 • ralphsrockdiner.com
41 South St., Auburn, MA 01501
508-832-6856
auburnhistoricalmusuem.orgWHERE TO GET LOST | 23
Valentine Whitman House Lippitt House Museum
1147 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 199 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906
townoflincolnri.org 401-272-5101
preserveri.org/lippitt-house-museum
MILLBURY, MA
Providence Athenaeum
Asa Waters Mansion
251 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903
123 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527
401-421-6970 • providenceathenaeum.org
508-865-0855 • asawaters.org
Providence Children's Museum
MILLVILLE, MA 100 South St., Providence, RI 02903
Chestnut Street Meeting House 401-273-5437 • childrenmuseum.org
Chestnut Hill Rd./Thayer St.
Millville, MA 01529 Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
508-883-6383 110 Benevolent St., Providence, RI 02906
chestnutstreetmeetinghouse.org 401-588-5177 • ribhs.weebly.com
RISD Museum
Udor Tower
224 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903
8 Central St., Millville, MA 01529
401-454-6500 • risdmuseum.org
NORTH GRAFTON Roger Williams National Memorial
(GRAFTON), RI 284 North Main St., Providence, RI 02903
Willard House & Clock Museum 401-521-7266 • nps.gov/rowi
11 Willard St., North Grafton, MA 01536
Swan Point Cemetery
508-839-3500 • willardhouse.org
585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906
401-272-1314 • swanpointcemetery.com
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI
Great Road Historic Distric Slatersville Village Green SMITHFIELD, RI
Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 Greene St., North Smithfield, RI 02896
Smith-Appleby House
220 Stillwater Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917
PASCOAG (BURRILLVILLE), RI 401-231-7363 • smithapplebyhouse.org
Burrillville Historical &
Preservation Society UXBRIDGE, MA
16 Laurel Hill Ave., Pascoag, RI 02859
Friends Meeting House
401-568-8534 • bhps.org
146A/98 Aldrich St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
uxbridgefriends.org
PAWTUCKET, RI
Pawtucket Armory John Farnum House Museum
Hearthside House Museum
172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 Mendon/Capron St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
677 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
401-721-0723
401-726-0597 • hearthsidehouse.org
Hannaway Blacksmith Shop pawtucketarmoryartscenerllc.com Simeon Wheelock House
Enjoy history and make memories at
671 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 33 North Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
"The House That Love Built." This award-
401-726-0597 • hearthsidehouse.org Slater Mill
winning house museum offers interac-
Step inside this historic blacksmith shop 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 Stanley Woolen Mill
tive tours, changing exhibits and unique
at the gateway to Chase Farm Park and 401-725-8638 • slatermill.org East Hartford Ave., Uxbridge, MA 01569
events that bring our local heritage to
experience the sound and smell of hot
life. Costumed docents provide tours
steel being hammered on the anvil as
of the 200-year old house, furnished PROVIDENCE, RI
turn-of-the-century blacksmithing dem- John Brown House Museum
throughout in period style.
onstrations and classes are given around 52 Power St., Providence, RI 02906
the forge. Open Sundays year round. 401-273-7507 • rihs.org
Moffett Mill
585 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865WHERE TO GET LOST | 25
Check Out This Rock!
Massachusetts Vietnam Veteran’s
Formed over 1.5 billion years ago in a period of volcanic Memorial
activity, Cumberlandite is the official state rock of Rhode at Green Hill Park
Island. Curiously, the largest deposits of the mineral are 51 Skyline Dr., Worcester, MA 01605
found on a single four-acre plot of land in the Blackstone massvvm.org
Valley – in the town of Cumberland. Glaciers scattered
it south through what became the Narragansett Bay Salisbury Mansion
watershed. Weathered samples of the rock are brown-to- 40 Highland St., Worcester, MA 01609
black with white crystals. Cumberlandite really stands out 508-753-8278 • worcesterhistory.org
against the other stones, most of which are glacier deposits
of granite and metamorphic rocks. Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609
Cumberlandite is slightly magnetic due to high amounts of iron in its composition. Uninformed rock
508-799-4406 • worcesterart.org
hounds have sold it as small pieces of meteorite. That is not the case. Historically, settlers identified
the high iron composition and tried to use the rock to make cannons and farm tools. The cannons Worcester Historical Museum
cracked when fired because the iron content was too low for such a purpose. Cumberlandite also 30 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609
contains a fairly high level of titanium which made the mineral useful for tools. 508-753-8278 • worcesterhistory.net
World War II Memorial
Lake Ave./Hamilton St.
WHITINSVILLE WORCESTER, MA Worcester, MA 01604
(NORTHBRIDGE), MA American Antiquarian Society worcesterma.gov/dpw/parks-rec/word-
185 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 war-ii-memorial
The Olde Cemetery 1774
Hill St., Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-755-5221 • americanantiquarian.org
Whitin Mill Korean War Memorial
50 Douglas Rd., Whitinsville, MA 01588 Worcester Center Blvd.
508-234-6232 Worcester, MA 01604
worcesterma.gov/dpw/parks-rec/korean-
WOONSOCKET, RI war-memorial
Hachiko Statue
1 Depot Sq., Woonsocket, RI 02895
401-765-2211 • hachikousa.com
Skunk Cabbage
Did you know that even in the winter, while snow is on the
ground, there is a plant growing in the Blackstone Valley?
It’s skunk cabbage! It doesn’t die in the fall like other
plants. Its new leaves are already four or five inch shoots in
Museum of Work & Culture October but because they are colored a mottled (blotchy)
42 South Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895 purple-brown the leaves blend into the landscape of dead
401-769-9675 • rihs.org leaves and twigs. These dark shoots create a little tent
This interactive museum presents the around the bud where the plant creates heat to 70 degrees
compelling story of immigrants who by a process called cellular aspiration. Sometimes the skunk
came to find a better life in mill towns cabbage is warm enough to melt the snow around it. It is
along the Blackstone River. Visitors em- the first flower of the spring with small white flowers that
bark on a journey from farm to factory, attract honeybees and small flies drawn by both the strong
taking an immersive look at how the chemicals it produces and the warmth of the bud. The bugs get stuck inside the bud and rattle
lives of these new settlers changed at around as they pollinate the flower, creating a low buzz that people can hear if they are quiet. Skunk
work, home, and school. cabbage likes wet places and it is often the first green plant seen in the landscape each spring. The
large heart-shaped leaves really stand out. Why is it called skunk cabbage? All parts of the plant
St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center
are stinky! And the leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that create a burning sensation if they
84 Cumberland St., Woonsocket, RI 02895
are eaten – and that keeps predators away! The skunk cabbage roots look like a colony of worms.
401-356-0713
Yet this stinky plant is the cousin of the beautiful, sweet-smelling lily. Go figure!
stannartsandculturalcenter.orgWHERE TO GET LOST | 27
The “Worcester Whirlwind”
Major Taylor was the first African-American athlete to
achieve the level of world champion. Marshall “Major”
Taylor was born in Indiana. He received his first bicycle as
a gift from his father’s employers. By the time Marshall was
13, he was employed by a local bicycle shop to perform
stunts on his bicycle. He received $6 a week and a brand
new, $35 bicycle. Marshall also entered his first race and, to
everyone’s surprise, he won!
Marshall moved to Worcester, MA, in 1896 with his racing
mentor, Birdie Munger. He worked as a mechanic in the
Worcester Cycle Manufacturing Company and becoming a
professional bicycle racer. But it was a difficult time for an
African-American to compete in races. He was frequently prohibited from participating because
of his color. Marshall refused to quit, though. He created his own set of personal rules; “ride
clean and ride fair,” and, when insulted or attacked by other cyclists, he would just ride away,
most often winning the race. In 1899—Marshall won the World Bicycling Championship. He was
now the fastest bicyclist in the world! He kept the title until he retired in 1909 at the age of 30.
Outdoor Pursuits Nipmuc River Trail
562 Round Top Rd., Burrillville, RI 02830
For biking maps, paddling maps,
walking tours and other recreational CENTRAL FALLS, RI
resources, please visit our website:
Chocolate Mill Overlook Park
BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
Charles St./Roosevelt Ave.
Central Falls, RI 02863
BLACKSTONE, MA 401-724-2200 • chocolatemilloverlook.com
Blackstone Gorge
County St., Blackstone, MA 01504 Lonsdale Marsh ◆
508-278-7604 Access from Central Falls Landing
1402 Broad St., Central Falls, RI 02863
Blackstone River Greenway and While visiting our parks and natural resources here in
Bike Path Pierce Park & River Walk the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, we encourage you to
93 Canal St., Blackstone, MA 01504 High St., Central Falls, RI 02863 leave only footprints and to please Trash Responsibly™.
508-278-7604 401-727-7480 We launched this campaign to raise awareness about
the detrimental effects of litter on the health of our
Quissett Hill Wildlife CHEPACHET (GLOCESTER), RI watershed and beauty of our communities. Many parks
Management Area do not offer trash receptacles and we encourage visitors to please take any
(Blackstone Access) Casimir Pulaski Memorial
State Park trash with you to recycle or dispose in an appropriate manner. To make this
Inman Hill Rd., Blackstone, MA 01504 easy, we sell a car litter bag, made from recycled plastic bottles.
508-389-6300 • mendonma.gov 151 Pulaski Rd., Chepachet, RI 02814
401-568-2085 • riparks.com/locations If you plan to fish, we ask you to please Fish Responsibly™ and not leave
any fishing line behind. We have created a program to recycle fishing line
BURRILLVILLE, RI
CUMBERLAND, RI which can be brought to bait and tackle shops within the 25 communities
Black Hut Management Area of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor for recycling. You can also look for
985 Spring Lake Rd., Burrillville, RI 02830 Diamond Hill Park
4097 Diamond Hill Rd. monofilament recycling stations at select fishing areas.
401-568-4300 • visitburriville.org
Cumberland, RI 02864 With our NPS Volunteers-in-Parks Program, we have helped many
Buck Hill Management Area & Trail 401-334-9996 communities in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor with seasonal cleanup
Wallum Lake Rd., Burrillville, RI 02830 events. To get involved, contact volunteer@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.
401-423-1920 • visitburriville.org Manville Landing & Boat Ramp org. To learn more about out Trash Responsibly program, please visit
Manville Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864 BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.WHERE TO GET LOST | 29
Valley Falls Heritage Park GLOCESTER, RI Round Top Management Area Quissett Hill Wildlife
45 Broad St., Cumberland, RI 02864 Durfee Hill Management Area Rte. 96, Harrisville, RI 02830 Management Area
401-728-2400 Durfee Rd., Glocester, RI 02859 (Mendon Access)
Spring Lake Fishing Area Quisett Rd., Mendon, MA 01756
DOUGLAS, MA George Washington Black Hut Rd., Harrisville, RI 02830 mendonma.gov
Douglas State Forest Management Area
107 Wallum Lake Rd., Douglas, MA 01516 2185 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI 02814 Wallum Lake Rod & Gun Club MILLBURY, MA
508-476-7872 • mass.gov 401-568-2085 • riparks.com/locations 200 Brook Rd., Harrisville, RI 02830 Lake Singletary
401-568-7171 • wallumlakerodgun.com W. Main St., Millbury, MA 01527
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI Steere Hill Farm Conservation Area lakesingletary.org
383 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI 02814 HOPEDALE, MA
Ten Mile River Greenway
Ferris Ave., East Providence, RI 02916 glocesterlandtrust.org Hopedale Pond and Parklands MILLVILLE, MA
Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA 01747 Millville Lock
GLENDALE HARRISVILLE (BURRILLVILLE), RI hopedale-ma.gov Hope St., Millville, MA 01529
(BURRILLVILLE), RI Harrisville Fishing Area on
Clear River LINCOLN, RI NASONVILLE (BURRILLVILLE), RI
Spring Lake Beach & Arcade
Rte. 98, Harrisville, RI 02830 Blackstone River Bikeway Tarkiln Pond
50 Old Hillside Dr., Glendale, RI 02826
John Street Parking Area Tarkiln Rd., Nasonville, RI 02830
401-568-9474 • burrillville.org
Lincoln, RI 02865
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI
Blackstone River State Park
1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
401-333-1100 • riparks.com/locations
Lincoln Woods State Park
2 Manchester Print Works Rd.
Lincoln, RI 02865 • 401-723-7892
riparks.com/locations
MANVILLE (LINCOLN), RI
Northern RI Chapter 737
Trout Unlimited
North Smithfield, RI 02896
northernri.tu.org
Trout Unlimited works to: protect na-
tive brook habitats in Northern RI and
Blackstone River Watershed Council/ Blackstone Rivers; reconnect tributares
Friends of the Blackstone to mainstem rivers allowing wild and
100 New River Rd., Manville, RI 02838 native fish to migrate into headwaters
blackstoneriver.org to spawn; restore watersheds degraded
A Rhode Island non-profit volunteer organi- over time by dams and pollutants. Help
zation. Our mission is to restore, enhance, by taking a young person fishing or get a
and preserve the physical, historical, and friend to join Trout Unlimited.
cultural integrity of the Blackstone River,
its watershed and its ecosystem through NORTHBRIDGE, MA
public advocacy, education, recreation,
stewardship and the promotion of our Lookout Rock
unique Blackstone Valley resource. Quaker St., Northbridge, MA 01534
Plummer's Landing
MENDON, MA
Church St., Northbridge, MA 01588
Mendon Town Beach
55 Taft Ave., Mendon, MA 01756
508-473-3259 • mendonma.govWHERE TO GET LOST | 31
PASCOAG (BURRILLVILLE), RI Esmond Park SUTTON, MA
Union Pond Esmond St., Smithfield, RI 02917 Marion's Camp Town Beach
Reservoir Rd., Pascoag, RI 02859 smithfieldri.com/recreation 4 Uxbridge Rd., Sutton, MA 01590
suttonma.org
Georgiaville Pond Beach/
PAWTUCKET, RI
Fishing Area Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Hodgson Rotary Park Stillwater Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917
67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 198 Purgatory Rd., Sutton, MA 01590
401-233-1051 508-234-3733 • mass.gov ◆
smithfieldri.com/recreation
Ten Mile River
Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, RI 02860 UPTON, MA
Ken Weber Conservation Area at
Cascade Brook Upton State Forest
PROVIDENCE, RI Mapleville Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917 205 Westboro Rd., Upton, MA 01568
Gano Park & Dog Park smithfieldri.com/seven-scenic-walks 508-278-6486 • mass.gov
Power St., Providence, RI 02906
Mowry Conservation Area UXBRIDGE, MA
India Point Park Old Forge Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917 Blackstone River & Canal Heritage
Gano St., Providence, RI 02903 smithfieldri.com State Park
401-785-9450 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
Stillwater Scenic Trail 508-278-7604 • mass.gov
Lippitt Park 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
1015 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906 smithfield.com/seven-scenic-walks
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy Stump Pond
675 Plainfield St., Providence, RI 02909 307 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
nhill.org 401-351-5747
SMITHFIELD, RI SPENCER, MA
Connors Farm Conservation Area Moose Hill Wildlife Management Area
22 Connors Farm Dr. 16-18 Overlook Dr., Spencer, MA 01562 Cormier Woods
Smithfield, RI 02917 massaudubon.org/moosehill 217 Chapin St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
smithfieldri.com/recreation 508-785-0339 • thetrustees.org
Experience a timeless landscape as you WOONSOCKET, RI
wind through a narrow stretch of road, Cold Spring Park
lined by stone walls, and pass through Harris Ave., Woonsocket, RI 02895
an 18th-century New England home- woonsocketri.org/parks
stead. Miles of trails through 185 acres
of forest and fields. Cormier Woods is River Island Arts Park
managed by The Trustees. Bernon St., Woonsocket, RI 02895
Goat Hill Lock WWII Veterans Memorial State Park
287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 Social St., Woonsocket, RI 02895
blackstonecc.org/goat_hill_lock.htm 401-723-7892
riparks.com/locations
Pout Pond
West River Rd., Uxbridge, MA 01569 WORCESTER, MA
508-278-5246 • uxbridge-ma.gov
Green Hill Golf Course
Taft Memorial Park 1929 Skyline Dr., Worcester, MA 01605
95 Carney St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-779-1359 • greenhillgc.com
West Hill Dam Reserve Quinsigamond State Park
518 East Hartford Ave. 10 North Lake Ave., Worcester, MA 01512
Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-755-6880 • mass.gov
508-278-2511 • nae.usace.army.milYou can also read
