Is a Visit to Middlesex County Worth the Trip?

Middlesex County is a hidden gem in the heart of New Jersey. Quaint towns, picturesque landscapes, and a rich history make it a destination worth exploring. This county may not be as popular as other cities in the state, but its charm and beauty offer plenty of reasons to visit. In this post, we’ll delve into what makes Middlesex County worth the trip and what attractions you should consider visiting.

The Beauty of Middlesex County

Middlesex County is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, which is just an hour’s drive away. This county has a diverse landscape that’s perfect for nature lovers. The Great Swamp, Raritan River, and Middlesex Greenway are just a few examples of scenic outdoor areas that the county has to offer. The county’s park system offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, and fishing.

A Rich History

Middlesex County is rich in history and culture. It was established in 1683 and has a deep connection to the Revolutionary War. Many of its historical sites and landmarks have been preserved. The county’s museums, like the historic East Jersey Old Town Village, tell a fascinating story of its past. The village consists of 24 restored 18th and 19th-century buildings that provide visitors with a look into the county’s unique heritage. The Alexander Hamilton Memorial in the city of Perth Amboy also commemorates the county’s connection to the founding of the United States.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Middlesex County is an ideal place for families to visit. It offers a ton of family-friendly attractions and events throughout the year. For example, the annual Raritan River Festival celebrates Middlesex County’s beauty with live music, food, and arts and crafts. If you have kids, you can take them to Kid Junction, an indoor play center in Flemington. The center offers a variety of activities for children, including a play village, arcade games, and bouncing castles.

Local Dining and Craft Breweries

Middlesex County is a food lover’s paradise. It has a diverse selection of restaurants that offer international cuisine, local delicacies, and craft beer. Some must-try restaurants include Uproot in Warren, which prides itself on serving farm-to-table cuisine, and Due Mari in New Brunswick, which specializes in seafood. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Middlesex County has multiple breweries, including Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe in New Brunswick and Cricket Hill Brewery in Fairfield.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Middlesex County is definitely worth a visit. Its beautiful landscapes, history and culture, family-friendly attractions, and local dining and craft breweries offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a family vacation, Middlesex County is an ideal destination. Plan your visit today and explore what this charming county has to offer!

An Insider’s Guide to Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is not only the most populous county in the state but also one of the oldest. Located in the Greater Boston area, it has a rich history that dates back to the earliest days of colonial America. Middlesex County isn’t only known for its history. It is also home to some of the best restaurants, museums, and parks in the state. So, if you’re wondering whether a visit to Middlesex County is worth the trip, the answer is yes. This is your insider’s guide to Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Local Attractions

Middlesex County is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Massachusetts. One of the most popular destinations is the city of Cambridge, where you can find Harvard University, one of the world’s leading universities, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known for its world-class education in science, engineering, and technology. There are plenty of other attractions in Cambridge, including the Harvard Art Museums, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

In addition to Cambridge, Middlesex County has several other major attractions that you won’t want to miss, including the Lowell National Historical Park. This park is home to the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, and it tells the story of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on American society. You can also visit the Concord Museum, which houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War and the literary works of Concord’s most famous residents, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott.

Dining Spots

Middlesex County is a foodie’s paradise, with a range of dining options to suit any taste. For great pizza, visit Santarpio’s in Peabody, which has been serving up some of the best pizza in the state since 1903. If you’re looking for seafood, check out Legal Sea Foods, which has several locations throughout the county. The Elephant Walk in Cambridge has a menu that spans French and Cambodian cuisine, and it’s a great spot for a special occasion. If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Oishii in Chestnut Hill, which has a great selection of raw fish and other Japanese dishes.

Of course, no trip to Middlesex County is complete without trying some classic New England favorites like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and baked beans. You can find these dishes and more at a variety of local restaurants, including The Clam Box in Ipswich, The Blue Ox in Lynn, and The Warren Tavern in Charlestown.

Cultural Experiences

Middlesex County is a hub of culture, with dozens of museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. If you’re interested in art, don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which has an extensive collection of art from around the world. You can also visit the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover, which specializes in American art from the 18th century to the present day.

For music lovers, the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge is a great spot to catch live music, and it has a reputation for being one of the best underground dance clubs in the city. The Lowell Summer Music Series puts on a series of concerts every summer, featuring everything from jazz and blues to rock and pop. If you’re interested in theater, check out the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, which produces innovative and boundary-pushing works.

Local History

Middlesex County is steeped in history, with several sites of major historical significance. The Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolution, and it has several walking trails and historic buildings to explore. You can also visit the Old North Bridge, where “the shot heard round the world” was fired.

The county is home to several other historic sites, including the Lexington Battle Green, which marks the site of the first battle of the American Revolution, and the Longfellow House in Cambridge, which was once the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Lyman Estate in Waltham is another historic site worth visiting, as it was built in the early 18th century and has been restored to its original grandeur.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Finally, for those who want to get off the beaten path, Middlesex County has plenty of hidden gems to discover. The Middlesex Fells Reservation in Medford and nearby Winchester has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beautiful lake for swimming and boating.

If you’re looking for something a little different, visit the Boston and Maine Fish Company in East Cambridge. This unassuming seafood market is famous for its freshly caught clams and oysters, which are shucked on-site. You can take your bounty home, or enjoy it on the outdoor patio with a cold beer.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to visit The Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston. This small museum is located inside the Harvard Medical School and has a fascinating collection of medical oddities, including the skull of Phineas Gage, a railway construction foreman who survived a severe brain injury in 1848.

Conclusion

As you can see, Middlesex County has a lot to offer for tourists who are interested in history, culture, and good food. With its central location in the Greater Boston area, it’s a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay. From the iconic attractions of Cambridge to the hidden gems of Medford and Winchester, there’s something for everyone in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.