1. In Worcester You’re All Set
Centrally located in Massachusetts,
Worcester (“Wooster”) has everything you’ll need. The fun downtown and nightlife, arts and culture scene, variety of neighborhoods, and easy commute to Boston and Providence have crowned the city with its motto, “The Heart Of The Commonwealth.”
2. But It Will Always Be Wormtown To The Locals
The name “Wormtown” was coined in the ‘80s by a local DJ, and it was meant to represent the city’s booming underground music scene. Eventually it caught on and became the moniker of the entire city. The Worcester Tourism Board has tried re-branding the city over the years hoping to lose the name which they think might turn outsiders off, but the locals refuse to let it go. Wormtown forever.
3. Salisbury Hill Is The Definition Of Quaint
There are a lot of different neighborhoods to choose from in Worcester, some better than others. But if you like historic architecture, tree lined streets, and a close knit community, the Salisbury section of Worcester is worth looking into.
The Salisbury Mansion gets a full holiday display, separating it from the rest of the city as the cream of the crop. But really anywhere in the West End is a popular destination.
4. And Shrewsbury Street Is Worcester’s "Little Italy"
When you’re craving pasta, head to Shrewsbury Street, which has become the city’s slice of Little Italy, lined with restaurants that will blow your mind and some of the most popular nightlife destinations. The city also hosts the annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Mulberry Street full of Italian food, live music and entertainment, and craft vendors.
5. In Fact The Whole Place Is Kind Of Like Rome
Well, it’s a little bit like Rome in the sense that the city is built on top of a total of seven hills including Indian Hill, Newton Hill, Poet’s Hill, and Wigwam Hill. It makes for great landscapes, sweeping scenery, and awesome sledding on snow days.
6. Rowers Are Always Welcome
Worcester is home to Lake Quinsigamond which just so happens to be one of the top rowing venues in the country. Rowers from all over come here to get some time in the water. The Eastern Spirits, a premier U.S. rowing event, is held at Lake Quinsigamond every year.
7. The City Is Guarded By A Huge Polar Bear
When you drive into Worcester, you will be greeted by a giant inflatable polar bear off the highway. His name is Orson and he’s been somewhat of a mascot of the city since the Polar Beverage Company put him up in 1902.
Unfortunately the Polar Beverage Company has had to fill him with foam after he was continually deflated by local pranksters, but hey, it's out of love.
8. Spreading Smiles Since 1963
Remember when Forrest Gump unintentionally gives that guy the inspiration for the smiley face shirt? Well Forrest must have been running through Worcester because the famous smiley face we’ve all come to know was designed by local Harvey Ball. Ball also started World Smile Day in 1999 in Worcester.
9. Get Your New England Hockey Fix
It wouldn’t be New England without some ice hockey, so of course Worcester’s got its own team. The Worcester Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League and play at the DCU Center. Locals fill the stands all winter long to catch their team play in the area’s favorite sport.
10. Worcester Should Be Smartypants, USA
The city is home to a total of 12 colleges, the most notable of which include Clark University, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Worcester State University. WSU was the only state college in Massachusetts to make Princeton Review’s list of "Best Value Colleges" in 2013.
11. Wormtown Stays True To Its Roots
The underground music scene in Wormtown never went anywhere, and the annual Wormtown Music Festival and StrangeCreek Campout prove it. Every year locals gather together for the fun, festivities, and the wide mix of talented artists from the area and nearby Camp Kee-wanee.
12. Worcester Is A Dog Eat Dog City
You don’t need a show from the Food Network to tell you where to find the best hot dogs in Worcester. Everybody knows they’re at George’s Coney Island Lunch. Order three up with a bag of Wachusett chips and prepare to be amazed. The very close second award goes to The Dogfather food truck, so keep your eyes peeled.
13. Progressive And Proud
If you’re looking for a conservative area to settle down in, Worcester definitely isn’t for you. The city, which was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement back in the day, is largely progressive and not afraid to show it. The Worcester Pride group is dedicated to supporting the local LGBT community, and hosts a Pride Parade every year.
14. Don’t Worry, Brew Hoppy
Worcester has great bars, fresh local brews, and most importantly, an excuse to celebrate them all. Drink your way through dozens of different beers at Brew Woo with your friends with live music and food to keep you entertained. But don’t leave without trying a Be Hoppy by local Wormtown Brewery.
15. Worcester Has Art For Everyone
Not only does the Worcester Art Museum have exhibits that will interest everyone from classic to fun and modern, but they also charge free admission for “Free Summers” during July and August. And don’t miss the Art In The Park series, which features incredible and unique sculptures and murals throughout the city.
16. And The Second Largest Spot For The Performing Arts In The State
Next to Boston, Worcester is Massachusetts’ largest centers for the arts. Catch a Broadway show at the Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts, listen to the symphony play at Tuckerman Hall, see your favorite band play at the DCU Center, or hang out with the local poets at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Mechanics Hall is one of the oldest concert halls in the country and is known for its outstanding acoustics.
17. Not To Mention A New England Nerd Mecca
Comic book enthusiasts will barely be able to contain their excitement to discover That’s Entertainment. It's probably the best comic shop in New England, and possibly even the East Coast. But that's not all: From comics to video games and used DVDs, this massive shop has a little bit of everything for everyone who considers themselves a part of nerd culture.
18. Worcester Likes Its Food Retro
If you’ve ever eaten in a lunch car diner anywhere in the country, it can be traced to Worcester. The former Worcester Lunch Car Company began in Worcester in 1906. Many of the comapny's retro lunch car diners can be found throughout the city including Miss Worcester Diner, Boulevard Diner and Chadwick Square Diner.
19. Get A Good Pair Of Running Shoes
If an active lifestyle is your thing, you’ll always have a challenge in store in Worcester. The city hosts multiple athletic events in which everyone can participate, including a variety of 5K races, the Worcester Half Marathon, and the Greenway Challenge Team Triathlon.
20. One Small Step For Worcester...
A little bit of trivia that will entertain your science-loving friends – full pressure suits for NASA were made right here in Worcester. Local David Clark Company designed and developed pressure suits for aircraft like North American X-15, which became the basis for all of NASA’s full pressure suits, including all the space suits worn by astronauts during Project Gemini.
21. The Oldest Park In The Country … Possibly
Elm Park in Worcester is one of the oldest public parks in the United States, if not the oldest. How’s that for some history? Locals come here to walk the paths and arched bridges along the pond or head over the west end for the tennis and basketball courts and running trails.
What you love about living in Worcester? Tell us in the comments below!
