The Worcester 300 List: Best Things To See, Drink, Eat, Watch, Hear

WORCESTER, MA — To celebrate Worcester's 300th birthday on June 14 — and during tercentennial celebrations this weekend — we've compiled a massive list of things visitors (or residents) should see and do here.

This is a long list with many great items, but it's by no means complete. It's impossible to put a limit on what's interesting in Worcester, and this list is only based on input from readers, acquaintances, and personal experiences. We apologize in advance for missing something you love about the city — but we'll add it if you email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.

And so we submit, in no particular order, 300 excellent things to see, eat, do, drink and experience in Worcester:

1. Lake Quinsigamond. It's what most people see entering Worcester from the east. It has two state parks, an ice cream shop and is a great spot to take a stroll.
2. Great view No. 1. The corner of Shelby Street and Eastern Avenue overlooks downtown.
3. Asian Supermarket. This Mill Street grocer has great prices, an enormous selection of specialty products, and a vast meat/fish counter.
4. Joe's Albums. The only vinyl record shop featuring a big selection across all musical genres.
5. Black History Trail. This trail curated by local history pros made its debut just a week before the tercentennial.
6. Mechanic's Hall. Built in the 1850s and home to a large organ, the hall regularly hosts classical and jazz shows.
7. Bancroft Tower. Stephen Salisbury III built it to honor George Bancroft, although the two never knew each other.
8. Michael's Cigar Bar. A smoky hideaway with drinks.
9. Cannabis! Worcester is the mecca in Massachusetts. There are 10 retail stores and counting, plus the headquarters of the Cannabis Control Commission.
10. Armsby Abbey. A great restaurant and bar, also the only place outside northern Vermont you can get coveted Hill Farmstead Brewery beer.
11. Great view No. 2. Worcester Regional Airport offers a sweeping view east from atop one of the city's highest hills.
12. Clark University. Probably the best campus for a stroll out of Worcester's five major universities.
13. University Park. After you tour Clark, head across Main Street to University Park, but watch out for the geese.
14. Redemption Rock. This brewer offers a unique selection of beer, is the only certified B Corporation in Worcester.
15. EcoTarium. A natural history and science museum geared toward kids. It's the only place around you'll be able to see cougars in real life.
16. Espress Yourself Coffee. The patio at this Richmond Avenue coffee shop is the place to be on any nice morning.
17. Crown Fried Chicken. There are a couple, and they don't seem to be related. But all three locations are better than the chain guys.
18. Massachusetts Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. The statewide memorial is located at Green Hill Park.
19. Union Music. New and used musical instruments and repairs, especially good for guitar and bass players.
20. E.L. Music. Also a good instrument shop, especially if you have youngsters who need lessons.
21. George's Coney Island. The renowned hot dog spot right next door to Union Music.
22. Blackstone River Bikeway. An approximately 2-1/2 mile paved path from McKeon Road to Millbury. It's part of a planned 48-mile path from Worcester to Providence.
23. Golemo's Market. An old-school Polish/European market and deli, even has sausages hanging in the window.
24. New Tradition Co. Worcester's coolest coffee shop, and the only one with homemade pop tarts (and a barber shop).
25. Tornado memorial. A tribute to the 94 people killed when an F4 tornado swept across the city on June 9, 1953. Located at the front entrance to Quinsigamond Community College.
26. Rural Cemetery. Go in October when this Grove Street cemetery's large, ornate gothic monuments look eeriest.
27. Polar Beverages. The company's seltzer and soda beverages are available widely across the city. The Hope Avenue HQ features a water refill station and a big inflated Orson polar bear mascot.
28. Eggroll Lady. Probably the best egg rolls available anywhere at this tiny West Boylston Street spot.
29. Vincent's. It’s everything a bar should be, plus meatball sandwiches.
30. Union Station. Check out this recently restored 19th Century train station. They truly do not make them like this anymore.
31. East-West Trail. A 15-mile trail that takes you from Lake Quinsigamond (east) through neighborhoods and parks all the way to the Cascades Conservation Area (west).
32. Crêpe cake. If you hike all 15 miles, you'll have room to try the crêpe cake at Via Italian Table, "15 house made crêpes layered with a cream cheese and mascarpone filling."
33. Worcester Palladium. A historic venue downtown that's carved out a niche as THE place to see pop-punk in New England.
34. Loving Hut. Worcester has the only two Loving Huts in New England. The international vegan chain offers some of the best pan-Asian food around.
35. Bell Pond. A good place for a swim because it's spring-fed.
36. Great view No. 3. Top of Green Hill Park. Start at the parking lot at Channing and Forbes Street and walk uphill.
37. Free Play Bar Arcade. A relatively new addition, offering booze with all the free arcade games you can handle (after you pay the $10 cover).
38. Ralph's Rock Diner. The most fun place in Worcester? Cheap drinks and hot dogs alongside great local and regional bands housed in a diner connected to an old fire station.
39. Elm Park. Worcester's version of Central Park. The park is dotted with sculptures and has two cool bridges. You can cross-country ski here in winter.
40. Ed Hyder's. A gourmet market with homemade treats like grape leaves and hummus. It anchors a strip of Middle Eastern grocers along Pleasant Street that are all pretty great.
41. Westerman Outlet/Prop warehouse. The first floor is a kitchen supply outlet featuring used items. Upstairs is an enormous movie prop warehouse.
42. Miss Worcester Diner. Worcester used to be home to a company that made diner cars, and this is perhaps the best example.
43. Great view No. 4. On a sunny day, take a stroll along Franklin Street south of Villanova Street.
44. Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A thrift store always worth a visit for building materials and other treasures.
45. Hien Vuong Restaurant. They only do pho, and they do it so well.
46. Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center. This is the hub for the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, which stretches all the way to Providence.
47. Acoustic Java Roastery. Another great coffee spot and roaster located inside a restored warehouse near Rotmans.
48. Jean McDonough Arts Center. Whether it's classes or an exhibit, there is always art at the JMAC.
49. Bean Counter Bakery. They had to open a second location along Grove Street to house all the incredible baked goods.
50. Greater Good Brewing. Voted the best brewery in Massachusetts, second only to Tree House.
51. I Love Frankie’s/Worcester's Best Pizza. Enormous New York-style pies that are unique in a city with lots of Greek-style pizza.
52. Community Teaching Garden Literacy Project. Residents on the east side of Indian Lake took an empty lot and turned it into this community garden.
53. Crow Hill Conservation Restriction. A short hike that ascends a lesser known peak in the middle of the city.
54. Beaver Brook Dog Park. The biggest of Worcester's three dog parks. It has separate spaces for big and small dogs.
55. Seed To Stem. A plant store that's worth a visit if only to be scared by the taxidermied black bear.
56. Wholly Cannoli. Head to Grafton Street for an excellent selection of cannolis and cannoli-adjacent creations.
57. Greenleaf/Richardson terraces. These two streets are actually just sidewalks lined with beautiful Craftsman homes.
58. Woodland Street Superette. Worcester has a lot of tiny stores tucked away in residential neighborhoods, and this one along Woodland Street near Clark is perhaps the best example.
59. Worcester Center for Crafts. A great place to take classes or see a show, but they also have a store that's better than the chain stores.
60. Triple-deckers. There are a few historic districts in Worcester featuring great examples of the triple-decker style building. Some of the best are on Vernon Hill along Woodford, Wabash, and Providence streets.
61. WOOtenanny. They host comedy nights across the city, and their Twitch stream features the live city council viewing, Worcestery Council Theatre 3000, and a crossover with the Seltzer Time podcast.
62. Perkins Farm. A wooded oasis on a former farm. Easy to miss because the entrance is behind the Grafton Street Stop & Shop.
63. Worcester Memorial Auditorium. It's closed pending repairs, but it's worth walking around the exterior to experience its grandiosity.
64. BT's Fried Chicken and BBQ. The popular Sturbridge BBQ spot opened a Worcester outpost along Park Avenue several years ago.
65. Coes Reservoir. Worcester recently completed work on a new shoreline walkway that spans Columbus Park to Coes Park.
66. Hurricane Betty's. It's a strip club locals call "sweaty Betty's," also an institution
67. Gold Star Cup Bop. If you want Korean bibimbap, this is the place.
68. Worcester. Worcester is the 69th best city among the largest municipalities in the U.S.
69. Choose And Mix Korean. Cup Bop isn't the only bibimbap in town. Choose And Mix also sells dangerously good beef bulgogi.
70. Pro wrestling. Every Thursday at the White Eagle, Beyond Wrestling hosts local brawlers for Hulk Hogan-style entertainment.
71. Free fridges. Worcester has a selection of four refrigerators that supply free food to anyone who needs it. You can also visit the fridges to donate certain types of food.
72. Doughnut Homies. Worcester's most far-out doughnut maker.
73. Curtis Ponds. These old industrial ponds are hidden in Webster Square. You can't get too close, but it's worth a walk to see the abandoned railway over the water.
74. Palma's Bakery. Sandwiches so good they make your mouth water months or years after you've had one.
75. Cinema-Worcester. There's no formal movie theater in Worcester, but Cinema-Worcester offers a rotating selection of independent films at the Park View Room and other locations.
76. Sazon Latino Restaurant. This Chandler Street standby offers a great selection of Puerto Rican dishes.
77. Fleet Street Barbering Company. It's OK, you can trust this Grafton Street barber with a razor.
78. Old School Worcester. The members of this Facebook group provide fascinating historical photos of the city's past.
79. Mustard Seed Catholic Worker. A volunteer group that provides daily meals and a food pantry in the Piedmont neighborhood. A good place to donate to.
80. Massachusetts Avenue. This short street features some of the grandest homes in Worcester — although just a gateway to many larger homes along Salisbury Street.
81. Lincoln House of Pizza. This pizza place along Lincoln Street offers a dictionary definition example of no-fuss Worcester Greek-style pizza. Other examples include Jim’s, Tech, New Wine.
82. Maker To Main. This downtown grocer only sells local products, including produce, cheese, meat, and alcohol.
83. Notre Dame/Hope cemeteries. These giant cemeteries along Webster Street offer endless monuments, tombs, and headstones to see.
84. Root & Press. Great coffee on the west side, plus books.
85. Broad Meadow Brook. The Massachusetts Audubon Society's 400-acre preserve with five miles of trails (no dogs allowed).
86. Peregrine falcons. A couple of these stealthy predators call downtown Worcester home. There's even a mural dedicated to them.
87. Cold Storage Warehouse. It's worth a visit to the memorial to the six firefighters who died in 1999 at the Franklin Street fire station.
88. Worcester Bravehearts. This summer collegiate pro baseball team is more relaxed than the WooSox.
89. Artifakt Supply. You may have noticed some murals around Worcester. This is where muralists shop and show their work.
90. Murals. Speaking of Worcester's murals, here's a guide to where they are all located.
91. Mrs. Moriconi's. A popular local ice cream maker with a new store in Tatnuck Square.
92. Cathedral of St. Paul. This is the church where Liam Neeson fought bad guys in the movie "Honest Thief."
93. Ramshorn Island. The only city park you need a boat to get to. Located in Lake Quinsigamond.
94. Talk of the Commonwealth. Hank Stolz and Ben White's four-hour morning show covers local news, including regular can't-miss interviews with city leaders.
95. Goddard Rocket Launching Site. It’s in Auburn, but physicist Robert Goddard was a Worcester guy, and first to ever successfully launch a liquid fuel rocket.
96. Burncoat Park. It's changed over the years, but the famed Olmsted Associates designed it more than 100 years ago.
97. Cascading Waters. A legitimate waterfall, great to visit after a big storm or when it freezes in winter. Plenty of other trails surround it.
98. Oldest home. It’s located near Plantation and Lapierre streets (circa 1717).
99. Off The Rails. This downtown Nashville-themed restaurant and bar recently opened its own partially outdoor venue.
100. Price Chopper. Worcester may have the most Price Choppers per capita of any city in the U.S.
101. C.C. Lowell Art Supply Co. Another great place to shop for art supplies away from the big boxes.
102. Neon People. While you're at C.C. Lowell, check out the public art installation outside "Neon People."
103. Worcester Public Library. The main branch downtown recently underwent a renovation, and the library is always doing something cool — like a recent beer and mini-golf event.
104. Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Real Bay State locals remember Building #19. This Grafton Street store is the only one left after the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2013.
105. Worcester Art Museum. An impressive museum with exhibitions ranging from contemporary American artists to the 2,000-plus piece John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection.
106. John W. Higgins Armory. Speaking of the devil, he built this armory along Barber Avenue, one of the first glass-and-steel buildings in the U.S.
107. Free buses. The whole WRTA system is free until at least the end of 2021. You don't have to worry about parking!
108. Belmont Vegetarian. It's very, very good. Order the large sampler on your first go.
109. WICN 90.3. This public radio station offers a great lineup of jazz, blues, and folk.
110. WCUW 91.3. The Main South-based WCUW also offers excellent programming, from a horror show to alt-rock, "Democracy Now" and a ton more.
111. That's Entertainment. Jelly's closed earlier this year, but That's Entertainment keeps this part of Park Avenue interesting with comics, toys, music, and more.
112. Esther Howland Room. A City Council meeting chamber in City Hall named for a woman who likely invented Valentine's Day.
113. Worcester Railers. Spend a winter night in Worcester with this New York Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers pro hockey affiliate.
114. Electric Haze. A fun Canal District hookah lounge with lots of great local music and shows.
115. Blackstone Arch. This gateway to Middle River Park was designed and built by local artists Tomo Sakai and Eric Cruz.
116. Great view No. 5. Book a tee time at the Green Hill Golf Course just to get the chance to see both Mt. Wachusett and downtown Worcester. Best on snowshoes in winter.
117. Salisbury Mansion. This house/museum was built by Worcester founding father Stephen Salisbury in 1772.
118. The 016. It's Worcester's own social media site and news hub, a great place to go each morning to find out what's going on.
119. Grafton Square True Value Hardware. The kind of mom-and-pop operation that used to be more common before the big box stores took over.
120. Wormtown Brewing. It began inside Peppercorn's Restaurant and has grown to become one of the largest in the state.
121. DoubleDown Brewing. Is this the next Wormtown? It opened its brewing operation at Peppercorn's in 2021.
122. Grime. A fun boutique and thrift shop along Shrewsbury Street.
123. Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness. A community center with yoga, classes and events, but also home to a “refillery” where you can get household liquids like shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and cleaner.
124. Worcester Public Market. About two dozen small food and craft purveyors sell out of this Kelley Square building, which also includes a Wachusett beer garden.
125. Madison Street rail bridge. This gateway to Polar Park now has an LED light show.
126. Suzette Creperie & Cafe. Damn good crêpes made by a French chef housed in a historic Jewish deli.
127. EbLens. Worcester gets two locations of this sportswear spot, founded in Connecticut in the 1940s as a menswear store.
128. Worcester Masonic Temple. Another stunning historic building located along Ionic Avenue.
129. Daisy, Slydell. The EcoTarium's otters, ask for them by name.
130. Shore Park. An oasis on Indian Lake with a nice beach and view of the city.
131. Worcester State Hospital Clock Tower. Drive up to the new state hospital off Plantation Street to see this vestige of the former hospital.
132. New Bond Street. Take a swing down this street off West Boylston Street to see some old industrial architecture.
133. Blackstone Canal. It's underground, but there's a cool exhibit about uncovering it in the hallway leading to BirchTree Bread's main entrance.
134. Arts Worcester gallery. Pop in at 4 Portland St. Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
135. DCU Center. Formerly the Centrum, it's hosted everyone from Donald Trump (2015) to KISS and Snoop Dogg.
136. Donker Farm. A real-life livestock operation with sheep, goats, and chickens.
137. Rotmans Furniture. You've seen the ads, now you can experience the largest furniture store this side of Jordan's.
138. Indian Lake. It's worth taking in this 120-ish acre lake, either from one of the three public parks along its shoreline, or just driving in from I-190.
139. Holy Poke. Possibly the most charming little takeout spot in Worcester.
140. The Little Store. Visit this admittedly small store along Canterbury Street for good thrift finds.
141. Annie's Clark Brunch. A classic breakfast place that only accepts cash and doesn't have a website.
142. Fuel. Another fine Worcester coffee roaster with two locations, including the main roastery downtown.
143. Good As Gold. A longstanding wholesale coffee roaster, they also sell pods under the LavAzza brand. Free smells anywhere in the vicinity.
144. Great view No. 6. Hike up Mt. Wachusett at sunset to get a nice view (just look south) of downtown Worcester from afar.
145. Ice rink. It won't be back until Christmas, but the skating rink behind City Hall is one thing to look forward to about winter.
146. Breens Café. This bar's steak-and-cheese subs are a constant source of controversy.
147. Castle Street. Check out this Main South street for a taste of 19th Century residential architecture.
148. Chani's Kosher Take-Out. Fresh homemade challah, knish, schnitzel, and much more served out of the Chabad Lubavitch of Central Massachusetts.
149. Black Lives Matter. Worcester's Black Lives Matter mural painted in 2020 is located along Major Taylor Boulevard outside the DCU Center.
150. Chuck E. Cheese. Worcester has one of the few remaining locations in the state.
151. Kelley Square. MassDOT turned the notorious six-way intersection into a peanut-shaped rotary, but it's still sketchy.
152. Greendale Eagle. This 7-foot granite sculpture was crafted by Carl Milles, a Swedish sculptor educated at Cranbrook near Detroit.
153. Bay State Brewery. This brewer is located in the Worcester Ice Center, but has a nice outdoor space, great beer, and underrated pizza.
154. Cool Licks Ice Cream. Big portions, cash only, and walk-up service along Pleasant Street.
155. Gala Foods. A supermarket chain mostly located on Long Island has this Main Street outpost featuring New York City-area brands you can't get elsewhere.
156. Union Starbucks. If you're a union booster, visit the East Central Street Starbucks, which is one of just four in the state that has unionized.
157. Worcester Market Building. Possibly the first real supermarket in the nation, and one that features intricate terracotta decorations inside and out.
158. BirchTree Bread Co. A solid spot for bread, sandwiches, coffee, and pizza.
159. Owl Shop. A World War II-era tobacco shop downtown, worth a visit even if you don't smoke.
160. Elm Park Elementary School. If you're walking the Black History Trail, check out the numerous murals painted on this school.
161. Worcester Airport. Direct flights to NYC, kind of easier than driving to Logan or Bradley.
162. Fatima's Cafe. There's nothing better than eating a meal with anjero bread.
163. Worcester Historical Museum. An invaluable institution full of more facts than you'll ever need about Worcester.
164. Crust Artisan Bakeshop. BirchTree is now owned by Crust owner Alexis Kelleher. Both bakeries are very well worth a visit.
165. Clementine, Tangerine. Two turtles who live at the EcoTarium, ask for them by name.
166. Tivnan Field. Located across from Lake Quinsigamond, this park has trails to explore, but the stone buildings are the real draw.
167. Belsito's. Another fine Italian deli. Cash only.
168. Rogers-Kennedy Memorial. This remarkable stone and bronze monument honors New England settlers. Find it at the corner of Park Avenue and Highland Street.
169. Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop. The place to go for pet grooming, including food and grooming supplies.
170. Green Hill Park Farm. Yet another place to check out livestock, but this farm has a mini-horse.
171. Red Pepper. This Webster Square restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine. Do yourself a favor and get the Chongqing chicken (or tofu).
172. Sneakerama. The best store for running gear in Worcester.
173. Squares. Everywhere, there's a "square" or street corner in Worcester bearing someone's name. It's fun to figure out the story behind each one.
174. American Antiquarian Society. A research institution with records through the post-Civil War era based in Worcester.
175. Worcester Animal Rescue League. Adopt a new friend for a reasonable price with microchipping, spaying and neutering and accessories included.
176. Verizon Building. No, not the big concrete one on Main Street, the one made of big white (limestone?) blocks along Chestnut downtown.
177. Institute Park vortex. Right at the end of Lancaster Street, Salisbury Pond drains into a mesmerizing crevasse. Only the DPW knows where it goes.
178. Barney's Bicycle. Worcester is a tough city for cyclists with few bike lanes and many hills. This Park Avenue bike shop is a go-to for anything to do with cycling.
179. Fritz's Bicycle Shop. Fritz's is also great, and arguably in a slightly more bike-friendly area.
180. Central Massachusetts Korean War Memorial. The region's largest memorial to the war is at Foster and Front streets.
181. Canal District Wines. There are plenty of liquor stores in Worcester, but this is the only one focused on wine. They know their stuff.
182. Doh Girl. Former deadhorse hill chef Robin Clark started this bagel popup during the pandemic and has been selling out ever since.
183. deadhorse hill. Great for brunch, dinner, or drinks with a constantly changing menu.
184. Hadwen Park. Plenty of trails and a great sledding hill.
185. The Boynton. Some say this is where the movers and shakers of Worcester hang out. Great patio.
186. Goods for Guns. UMass Memorial surgeon Dr. Michael Hirsh's annual gun buyback has eliminated thousands of weapons.
187. The O Shop. A lingerie and intimate apparel boutique located in a home off Pleasant Street.
188. Great view No. 7: Climb to the top of the Major Taylor parking garage for a view of downtown.
189. Worcester Wares. The only place to go for Worcester-themed clothes and more.
190. Kite flying. You could do this in almost any open area, but the lawn at Green Hill Park across from the Barnyard Zoo is THE place to fly a kite.
191. The Sole Proprietor. A good seafood restaurant, and home to the world's largest inflatable crab (not there right now).
192. Middle River Boardwalk. A scenic series of walkways meander through this muddy river between Holy Cross and the Blackstone River.
193. Kalamos. Another excellent Mediterranean market across town from Ed Hyder's.
194. Corner Of June and Chandler. Speaking of Kalamos, it's located near a pleasant intersection. You can get pizza, Thai, Vietnamese, a haircut, manicure, and tattoo and go to a thrift store. A stroll in any direction is quite nice.
195. Worcester Glass Co. You'd be surprised how great it is to have a mom-and-pop glass and screen repair place nearby.
196. Hanover Theatre. Ringo Starr just played here!
197. Hotel Vernon. The best bar in Worcester, according to many.
198. 53 Elm St. This apartment building is perhaps the most majestic and ornate in Worcester.
199. Pest of the month billboard. Check out whatever it is (ticks, cockroaches?) at Ford's Hometown Services along Grove Street.
200. Dead Horse Hill. This is no brunch, it's a more than mile-long bicycling challenge along Stafford Street that ascends 540 feet from Kettle Brook to Cherry Valley.
201. Taste of Shrewsbury Street. This is a great opportunity to taste some of the city's best restaurants, and they shut down part of the street.
202. Funky Stuff. A rock, gem, and crystal warehouse in Webster Square. Appointment only.
203. Table Talk. The little pies are made here, so it follows that they are freshest in Worcester. They have a store on Kelley Square.
204. Bob Cousy. This newer monument to a living Celtics legend and resident is outside the DCU Center.
205. Worcester Public Schools Arts Festival. For 65 years, celebrating student singers, dancers, painters, sculptors, and more.
206. Antonio’s Pizza. A good one for UMass alumni. The Worcester outpost of this Amherst spot opened in 2016.
207. Massachusetts Pirates. Worcester's pro indoor football team will satisfy your football cravings during the Patriots off-season.
208. Brattle Stop. A fine deli and pizza shop built into the side of a Victorian-style building.
209. Westwood Drive. This is a private drive, so don't trespass. But it’s where some of the most stunning homes in Worcester sit.
210. Patch Reservoir. Good for a stroll, and we also like the name.
211. Gibson's Natural Pet. Another great place to visit for your furry friends.
212. The Oaks. This 1770s house along Lincoln Street was home to British loyalist Timothy Paine. Now home to the Colonel Timothy Bigelow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
213. Streateries. Check out these outdoor seating areas at restaurants around the common this summer.
214. Great view No .8. Belmont Street pedestrian bridge.
215. Gibson's Dairy. They still deliver milk in glass bottles, and they have a choice ice cream shop along Sunderland Road.
216. Chandler Hill Park. You wouldn’t know it's there, but climb up the hill behind Bell Pond and you'll come to a clearing that's totally secluded from the city.
217. First Dunkin'. Word has it the first one opened at Mill Street and Park Avenue in the 1950s or 60s. It's gone, but there's one right nearby.
218. Seabury Heights. These two art deco towers over Bell Pond are picturesque.
219. Greater Worcester Land Trust. Truly great, this organization maintains dozens of acres of open space and trails in and out of Worcester.
220. Hadwen Arboretum. A work in progress, but also worth a walk, if at least to know it's there.
221. East Side Discount Liquors. Not sure if they actually sell at a discount, but they have a vast selection of beer and spirits, so absolutely worth a visit.
222. Stearns Tavern. This 1812 building has moved around Worcester, most recently to its home at Coes Park. It just reopened to the public in June.
223. Memorial Grove. This grid of trees is part of a larger World War I memorial and is quite a sight.
224. Downtown tunnel. Who doesn't like a good tunnel? It connects Salisbury Street to Main Street.
225. Skylite Roller Skating Center. RIP, but you can still drive by and soak in the facade, a 1980s fantasy.
226. Glazy Susan. Another great boutique donut shop.
227. Green Hill Skate Park. It's cool to see all the marks years of skateboarding have left.
228. Columbus Park rotary. Five streets converge on this baby roundabout with triple deckers and street-level businesses encircling it.
229. Cook Pond. A neat little stroll with a roaring dam and an island apparently named after a narwhal.
230. Regatta Deli. Another legit deli, especially for breakfast sandwiches.
231. Quarries. Hike around Green Hill Park, you'll find these. Watch out for skunks.
232. Madulka's Ice Cream. There's almost always a line at this lakeside spot for good reason.
233. Bedlam Book Café. Another one of Worcester's great used/new book-and-coffee spots.
234. Vegan Nest Café. Delicious, gourmet meat-free food, including pizza and burgers (now with a Clinton location).
235. Route 146. You can get to Providence and the ocean in under an hour.
236. 40 Elm St. A beautiful row of brick townhomes that modern developers should use as an example.
237. Auntie Dot's Pizza. Truly the most unique pizza experience in Worcester.
238. White & Brite Cleaners. A nice relic of 1960s architecture and sign aesthetics.
239. Worcester bushes. Always a welcome sight heading into the city on I-190.
240. Dirt. The city gives it out for free to residents (be sure to screen the compost first; it's made from all leaves the city picks up in the fall, and you'll inevitably get some Legos or Dorito bags in there).
241. Perro's Florist. This Grafton Street florist puts a lot of effort into its window displays.
242. Burncoat High School. A great example of the California-style schools built in the 1950s and 1960s, which are just about reaching the end of their useful lives (see: Doherty High School).
243. Nancy Chang. A good place to get Chinese food, especially if you're in search of vegan or gluten-free options.
244. MB Lounge. The oldest gay bar in Worcester, complete with an annual Pride block party.
245. The Tool Shed. It's a used tool store where you can always find "a bunch of guys hovering over the bargain table."
246. McGrath Boulevard walk. The city just finished building a new multi-use path along Francis McGrath Boulevard with the best (free) views of Polar Park.
247. Sears Island. Worth a drive or walk to get a taste of island life, Worcester style.
248. Austin Liquors. A local big-box liquor store alternative. Both locations are good, but the Gold Star Boulevard one is next to Cup Bop, so …
249. D'Errico's Market. Two locations for all your freshly cut meat needs.
250. Marvin's Corner Lunch Diner. Right around the corner from Miss Worcester is this example of a capital D diner.
251. Boulevard Diner. Let's keep it going: this is another capital D diner along Shrewsbury Street.
252. Parkway Diner. Although slightly more modified, Parkway has retained its basic diner shape.
253. Kenmore Diner. Right under I-290; on a rainy night, it feels like a location out of a Batman movie.
254. Thorndyke Road Elementary School. Just a really nice-looking school.
255. Flying Dreams Brewery. Up until the pandemic, this brewer was based in Worcester. It's now in Marlborough, but you can still find cans around town.
256. Millbury Street. From Kelley Square to Arwick Avenue, it's stacked with great bars, restaurants and shops — too many to name, so just take a walk down the street.
257. The Store. Special mention for this Providence Street market for having a great name.
258. No Name Grocery. There are two of these (No Name I and No Name II) in the Union/Grafton Hill area.
259. Popcorn Market. Another great name for a neighborhood store.
260. Marsh Avenue Stairs. There should be more public stairs in Worcester. This set brings you from Marsh Avenue through a wooded area to Bates Avenue.
261. Strand's Ski Shop. It's got all the gear you need and is housed in a building that looks like a real ski chalet.
262. Beaver Brook. One of the few urban waterways in Worcester. It's best viewed from behind the Asian Supermarket or Beaver Brook Park.
263. stART on the Street. The festival went away during the pandemic, but it's starting to host events this year in partnership with Creative Hub Worcester.
264. Mare E Monti. This Italian restaurant is deep in a residential neighborhood off Grafton Street. It's a delight to walk by in the summer when it's bustling.
265. Old mine. If you take the East-West Trail heading east just past Audubon Plantation Ridge apartments, you'll find an old mine shaft along Coal Mine Brook.
266. Donut Express. The epitome of a donut shop. No frills, mostly just coffee, donuts, and a countertop.
267. Walnut Street. This very, very steep street downtown street offers a unique view of downtown framed by old office buildings.
268. Parson's Cider Mill. A really cool walk through the ruins of an old mill squeezed between the airport and South High School.
269. Crompton Park. There's a bit of everything here, from a playground and swimming pool to a hill with a view of the Green Island neighborhood.
270. Beaver Brook Parkway. This unpaved (private) road across from the Big Y is probably the most treacherous street in the city — the potholes are so big that you have to see them in person to understand. Do not drive down it after a rainstorm unless your car can float.
271. Nativity School of Worcester. Diocese of Worcester Bishop Robert McManus demanded they remove Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ flags. The school said no.
272. Ziggy Bombs. Everyone's raving about this food truck, which makes crazy stuff like a Pu Pu Platter steak-and-cheese sub.
273. Hibernian Cultural Center. They just took the metal siding off this Green Street building to reveal the real stunning, curvy brick structure.
274. Mill Swan School. Another cool piece of school architecture, this one from the Brady Bunch school.
275. General Pickett Plaza. This is the newest city park, a green slice off Green Street north of Polar Park.
276. Institute Park Boardwalk. Joining Hadwen and Middle River, this new walkway opens up a whole new section of the stately park.
277. Institute Park concerts. Speaking of Institute Park, they have outdoor concerts in the summer, so hopefully, those are back this year.
278. Abby's House. This shelter for women and children is worth a donation, they also have a great thrift shop if you want to donate that way.
279. Boynton Park. A great place to bring your dog, and even has an informal (and sizeable) off-leash area.
280. Ivy Corset Building. Plans call for a big cannabis store here, and it recently got a cool mural.
281. Beacon-Jackson. And if you visit Ivy Corset, it's worth walking around near the intersection of Beacon and Jackson. Blocks of old brick factories, mostly renovated, are quite a sight.
282. David Clark Co. They make space suits and other high-intensity flight apparel. In Worcester since 1935.
283. Regional Environmental Council. Their indispensable farmer markets start soon.
284. Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge. Not the most peaceful walk, but it's worth a trip to see the Shrewsbury side of Lake Quinsigamond, plus historical markers and the lights at night.
285. The colleges. Each one has a bit of history — did you know Worcester State used to be called the Worcester Normal School?
286. Worcester Technical High School. A great school, but also a public resource. There’s a Tufts vet clinic, a bistro and a salon open to the public.
287. Planetarium. The EcoTarium is home to the only planetarium around and just reopened after a renovation.
288. Elm Park Historic District. Take a walk anywhere between Elm Park and Linden Street to get a glimpse of Worcester's dense residential past.
289. L.B. Worm. The local disc jockey who coined the term "Wormtown." Listen to him at Wormtown Underground Radio Network.
290. Bagel Time. The only full-service bagel restaurant in Worcester.
291. Worcester Red Sox. Worth a go, but try to take a bus or walk to Polar Park instead of driving.
292. Seelos Film Series. This film series at Holy Cross is free and includes a mix of drama, action, comedy and more.
293. Mid Town Mall. Recently renovated, this downtown building is an interesting mix of businesses and is perhaps the best example of what shopping looked like decades ago.
294. 'Olo Pizza. This is where you go to get a Neapolitan-style pizza with the characteristic charred crust.
295. The Queen's Cups. If you want to treat yourself, this cupcake joint is the place.
296. Nuestra. This newer Puerto Rican restaurant in Worcester is housed in the historic Bull Mansion.
297. Touraine Street. This street and the ones nearby appear to be part of some long-lost gated community. Lots of great examples of craftsman homes.
298. AT&T building. This windowless behemoth occupies nearly a full block downtown. It's a little scary.
299. Commuter Rail trip. Even with the main platform under construction, taking the MBTA Commuter Rail out of Worcester is captivating, offering views you can't get from any road or park.
300. Turtle Boy statue. You have to see it to believe it. It's at the southeast corner of the common behind City Hall.