Sturbridge, MA Rest Day: June 3

June 3, 2015 by Dolly

After I posted last night, I received this photo, taken before the intrepid group departed in the cold and rain on Tuesday. I think Lesley from Australia is the only one missing from this photo that also rode yesterday. We celebrated crossing into Connecticut and into Massachusetts with “adult lemonade” last night – since the hotel has a bar we had to be discreet about “imported” beverages.

: Only missing Lesley from this photo.

: Cold enough we convinced the hotel to light the fire.

: Margaritas for CT and MA.

Today was truly a wonderful day of rest. I was able to sleep in until 7 am, spent over half an hour cleaning my bike, showered, then Marilyn B. and I took our laundry next door to the Super 8 (our hotel has no laundry facilities) and then had breakfast at McDonald’s nearby while our clothes were washing. We also helped with laundry for Michelle and Emily, our guides, since we had snuck into their hotel to do our laundry. By the time the two loads were done, it was lunch time.

We walked to Sturbridge Seafood and had a delightful lunch with Nancy H., Emilie (Nancy’s wife), Sheila (Nancy’s sister), Judi R., and Nancy I. – yummy fish tacos.

: Lunch at Sturbridge Seafood – thanks Em!

: Yummy fish tacos.

After lunch, Nancy I. and I walked to Old Sturbridge Village. We decided not to pay the entry fee, but did visit the gift shop and the herb garden. Our plans to buy postcards were defeated by some 50 school-age kids lined up to buy candy and souvenirs. Then we walked to Sturbridge Commons, the historical center of town. Sturbridge was incorporated in 1738.

: One of the largest outdoor living history museums, depicting 1830s New England.

: The Herb Garden includes “living antiques”, used by the early settlers.

: 1771 Publick House

: The Civil War Memorial dedicated to the 28 Sturbridge residents who died in the Civil War.

: The Joshua Hyde Library built in 1896.

: Nancy in front Town Hall, with the Veterans Honor Roll.

: The Federated Church, a combined congregation of Congregational, Baptist and Unitarian.

When we returned to the hotel, I relaxed on our patio, to be joined by 2 ducks who enjoyed some Doritos I shared. While the hotel needs a perk-up, our room had a lovely view of Cedar Lake/Pond. Spent some time on a bench by the water while talking on the phone. And after dinner (again at Sturbridge Seafood), I took some photos at sunset.