Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Candia, NH to Shrewsbury, MA

Have you ever taken a drive just for the sake of it? Maybe you needed a break from the daily grind, or maybe you wanted to explore the world outside of your normal routine. Whatever the reason may be, there are few things more therapeutic than hitting the road and exploring new places. And while highways and interstates can be convenient for getting from point A to point B, they seldom show us the hidden gems along the way.

That's why today we're taking an alternate route from Candia, New Hampshire to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Instead of taking the interstate, we're going to take a scenic drive that will take us through charming towns, rolling hills, and unexpected places that will make your heart and stomach happy.

The drive is approximately 92 miles and takes about two and a half hours without stopping. Of course, we're not going to do that because where's the fun in that? Instead, we'll be making several pit stops along the way to soak up everything this part of the country has to offer.

Our Halfway Point: Tewksbury, MA

First up, the halfway point of our trip: Tewksbury, Massachusetts. This small town has a lot to offer for visitors. Founded in 1734, Tewksbury has a rich history that you can explore on your own or take a guided tour. The Tewksbury Historical Society offers tours of the 1688 John Trull House, reconstructed in the 1970s and showcasing life in the early 18th century. If you're looking for something a bit more modern, Tewksbury also has an escape room called Wicked Escapes, perfect for flexing your brain muscles while having fun.

And, of course, we can't forget about the food. The perfect way to refuel for the rest of our journey is with a classic meal from The 99 Restaurant. This New England chain has been around since 1952 and offers a wide menu of American favorites, like burgers, wings, and steak. If you're feeling more adventurous, try the New England Fried Shrimp or the Bang Bang Chicken Tacos.

1. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Norfolk County, Massachusetts)

Next up, we're heading south to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. If you're looking for a chance to be one with nature and decompress from the stresses of everyday life, this 120-acre sanctuary is the perfect place. You can take one of their self-guided trails, which wind through streams, meadows, and forests. Keep an eye out for the various bird species, snakes, turtles, and frogs along the way. If you're fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of a red fox or a white-tailed deer.

After a hike, snack on a granola bar or protein drink you've brought along, or grab some lunch and a drink at nearby Enzo’s Pizzeria. This local favorite offers pizza by the slice or pie, as well as pasta, subs, and salads.

2. Wayside Inn (Sudbury, Massachusetts)

Our third stop brings us to the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Established in 1716, the inn has a storied history as the oldest continuously operating inn in the United States. It has welcomed many famous guests throughout the years, including Henry David Thoreau and Longfellow. It's still standing strong today, offering accommodations, dining, and a chance to learn about the history of the area.

Be sure to stop in to the Wayside Inn Bake Shoppe on the property for a delightful dessert. They offer pies, cookies, brownies, and an old fashioned cake donut that is a favorite of regulars.

3. Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, Massachusetts)

Our fourth stop is for the plant lovers out there. Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts offers 132 acres of breathtaking gardens, including a conservatory that's home to exotic plants from around the world. Wander through the Indian Head Garden, the Old Park, and the Systematic Garden. Catch a glimpse of a butterfly or two in the Butterfly House. You can even take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the flora and fauna.

After admiring the beauty and taking a ton of photos, head over to long-time local favorite Town House. This restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood, including lobster, fried clams, and oysters. If you're not in the mood, try the Chicken Parmesan or a salad topped with grilled chicken.

4. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation (Princeton, Massachusetts)

Our fifth and final stop on this journey takes us to Wachusett Mountain, located in Princeton, Massachusetts. If you're looking for stunning views and a chance to stretch your legs, this park is for you. The 3,000-acre reservation offers several hiking trails for all skill levels, with views of Boston's skyline and Mount Monadnock from the top of the summit. Catch a spectacular sunset from the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River.

After working up an appetite, head over to a local landmark, The Red Onion. This unique eatery serves classic New England sandwiches with a playful twist, such as a lobster BLT or a not-so-classic Reuben with roast beef and Thousand Island dressing.

Conclusion

Taking a drive from Candia, NH to Shrewsbury, MA can be a fun and rewarding way to spend an afternoon. Along the way, we visited Tewksbury, Massachusetts for some history and classic American food at The 99 Restaurant. We continued on to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to connect with nature, stopping for a bite at Enzo’s Pizzeria. We then saw the famous Wayside Inn, stopping at the Bake Shoppe for some dessert. Tower Hill Botanic Garden offered a stunning display of flora and fauna, finished with a seafood dinner at Town House. Finally, we headed to Wachusett Mountain for stunning views and The Red Onion featured New England sandwiches as a reward.

Next time you're looking for something different than your usual routine, why not take a scenic drive and explore these unexpected stops for yourself? You never know what hidden gems you might find along the way.