The Barn at Gibbet Hill--Things to do in the area??

mrsmtothek

Hi guys!

I'm considering having my destination wedding at the Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA. Its a beautiful venue, and more importantly has great prices for the winter season (I'm having my wedding either Feb '13 or '14). But...is there anything to do???? In comparison to more expensive venues at ski resorts, its very hard to compare in terms of activities. I know of the Nashoba Valley Ski area, but its not anything to write home about. My guests are traveling 9+ hours to be here...anything more substantial for things to do would be great. 

CherandAl

Mount Wachusett is probably about 35-40 minutes from there and it is pretty nice. Also, you can check out local venues for ice skating- I can think of one in Gardner (which would be kinda far) and Boxboro (which is not that far but not super close either). If you had your guests stay closer to Worcester, Leominster, or Acton and just travel to Groton for the day of your wedding there would be a lot more options for activities.

snoangel79

I actually live in Groton. It's a very quiet town but you have Nashua, NH about 25 min away (huge retail area/restaurants).  Burlington, MA is another area that has restaurants/mall etc and that's about 30min the other way down Rt 3S. Boston is about an hour away. There's not a ton to do in our area, Nashoba is a small mountain but also has snow tubing. I wouldn't say that going out to Wachusett would be much more fun. I actually got married at Harrington Farm on top of Wachusett and there is not a lot out there either (used to live out there also and it's more secluded boonies then Groton).  Leominster is not really an area to write home about! I think I would have people stay in Westford at one of the hotels then they have easy highway access to NH or Boston for things to do.  Westford is 10 min to Nashua on the highway and Groton is next to Westford btw. There's a really good breakfast place called Paul's Diner off 110 near the highway and hotels plus over there you have 99, Chili's, British Beer Works, other restaurants, and retail area. Nashua is tax free shopping also just to let you know.

mrsmtothek

Thanks for the suggestions!! I'm not super familiar with Nashua or Burlington MA--any ideas for activities during the wintertime? Thanks!

TammieMarie

We got married there a few years ago and had a great experience.  Not sure the age of your guests, but there is a lot of stuff in the Worcester area (museums, etc.).  Also Lowell is nearby and has a lot of stuff going on in the city (theater, etc.).  It is a straight shot into Boston via route 2, which also offers a lot of opportunities.  Really liked the venue, and in the winter it is so wonderful, expecially if there is snow.  Our guests stayed at the Spring HIll Suites in Ayer (close to Worcester) and at the Residence Inn in Westford (close to Lowell and worcester).  Hampton Inn in Littleton is a good option too.

snoangel79

http://www.decordova.org/visit

This place is cool and apparently they offer snowshoe tours in the winter. This is down Rt 2 about 1/2 hour away

http://www.discoverymuseums.org/

If you have kids coming

20min away

http://www.skyventurenh.com/

This is in Nashua, NH along with a ton of food/shopping places.

http://www.thejavaroom.com/index.htm

I've heard good things about this place. 10 min away

Burlington, MA has a large shopping mall and some good restaurants like Capitol Grill.

Also, like I mentioned Nashoba before (I know it's not a lot to look at but going 35-45 min to Wachusett is not going to get you much more of a mountain for skiing. Nashoba has a nice eatery (pub) and the snow tube park and it's only down the road so I'd still list it. I wouldn't bother about Wachusett, you can mention it but there's less to do out there then in my area.

http://www.greatbrookski.com/ this is about 20 min away. Cross country skiing.

http://www.nashobawinery.com/tours.aspx , had our rehearsal dinner here. Apparently they offer things in the winter also. 20 min away

Sorry for them not being clicky's

mrsmtothek

WOW thank you for all of the info!! Gives me a great place to start!