Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charlton, Massachusetts and Norton, Massachusetts

Charlton and Norton, both located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, offer a variety of attractions for visitors to explore on a road trip. The route from Charlton to Norton takes approximately 40 minutes and passes through the halfway point in Southborough, where visitors can stretch their legs and enjoy the quaint New England architecture. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Charlton to Norton:

1. Visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in nearby Hartford, Connecticut, is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum offers tours of Stowe's former home as well as exhibits on the author's life and work. Stowe famously wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which helped galvanize the abolitionist movement in the United States.

Fun fact: Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of 13 children, many of whom also pursued careers in writing or activism.

2. Explore the Ecotarium

Located in Worcester, the Ecotarium is a science and nature museum that features interactive exhibits and live animal habitats. Visitors can learn about the ecology of the New England region and observe animals such as otters, eagles, and owls. The museum also offers a planetarium and a tree canopy walk.

Fun fact: The Ecotarium was founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, making it one of the oldest science museums in the United States.

3. Take a Hike in Borderland State Park

Borderland State Park in North Easton features over 20 miles of hiking trails and offers stunning views of the nearby lakes and ponds. The park also has a historic mansion, built in the early 20th century by the Ames family, who made their fortune in the shovel-making industry.

Fun fact: The park is named for the fact that it straddles the border between Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

4. Indulge in Chocolate at Taza Chocolate

Located in nearby Somerville, Taza Chocolate offers tours and tastings of their small-batch, stone ground chocolate-making process. Visitors can watch as the chocolate is made from organic, sustainably sourced cacao beans and sample a variety of flavors.

Fun fact: Taza Chocolate is known for their "Mexican-style" chocolate, made with rustic, hand-carved stone mills called molinos.

5. Visit the Lizzie Borden House

The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River is a chilling destination for fans of true crime and horror. The house was the site of the infamous 1892 murders of Lizzie's father and stepmother, which Lizzie was famously acquitted of. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and learn about the history and mystery surrounding the case.

Fun fact: The house is said to be haunted by the spirits of the murder victims, with many visitors reporting strange occurrences and sightings.

Overall, the road trip from Charlton to Norton offers a diverse array of attractions and activities for visitors of all interests. Visitors can learn about history, science, and culture, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the New England region. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes without stops and is the perfect way to spend a day exploring the area.