Our Region

ACTON
A suburban community located 25 miles northwest of Boston, Acton was the setting for Robert Frost's poem "The Vanishing Red". The town has retained much of its Old New England Charm, as can be seen in its traditional town center and common as well as in its many examples of historic architecture, old stone walls, and tree-lined country roads. Acton has over 1,650 acres of conservation land, a wide range of retail shops and restaurants, and a community theatre. Various types of commercial recreation and several museums can also be found here.
Acton Town Hall
978-264-9615
www.town.acton.ma.us


ASHBY
Ashby, an intimate, rural community with a friendly, small-town atmosphere is located in the northwestern corner of the Greater Merrimack Valley. It is also home to the beautiful 2,597-acre Willard Brook State Forest where thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy its top-notch hiking, swimming, and camping. The town retains many of the farms and orchards that existed at its founding, giving residents and visitors alike a taste of historic New England life. Ashby's residents take great pride in their community's natural beauty as well as in its history as a stop on The Underground Railroad, assisting in the escape of many former Southern slaves to Canada.
Ashby Town Hall
978-386-2424
www.ci.ashby.ma.us

AYER
The community of Ayer grew up around the railroad industry in the 1840's and was named for Dr. James Cook Ayer of Lowell after he donated the funds to construct the town's lovely town hall building. The railroad industry played a major role in the town's economy through the early 20th Century, giving rise to switching yards, mills, and tanneries, which were located in what is now Ayer's Central Business District. Today this area boasts a variety of shopping and dining choices. Ayer is served by commuter rail service from Boston (www.mbta.com) and is easily accessible by routes I-495, I-290, and 2.
Ayer Town Hall
978-772-8215
www.ayer.ma.us

BEDFORD
Founded in 1729, the town of Bedford is located 15 miles northwest of Boston. In spite of its proximity to the city, Bedford has retained much of its natural and architectural beauty. Visitors to the town will find an attractive, historic town center as well as many national historic landmarks such as the famous Bedford Flag located in the library as well as the historic 1790 Job Lane House.
Bedford Town Hall
781-275-0083
www.town.bedford.ma.us

BILLERICA
Billerica, located 20 miles northwest of Boston, was home to Asa Pollard, the first American Soldier to be killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The town is also home to a Native American burial site dating back to 1000 BC. Billerica's two major rivers, the Concord and the Shawsheen, were once connected by the historic Middlesex Canal, which is currently undergoing renovation.
Billerica Town Hall
978-671-0924
www.town.billerica.ma.us

BOXBOROUGH
Boxborough's rugged and hilly terrain is the result of gouging by glaciers during the last ice age. It is a small, rural community with a beautiful, hilltop town center and lovely historic homes. The town is still home to many apple orchards and was once known for its dairy production.
Boxborough Town Hall
978-543-1208
www.town.boxborough.ma.us

BURLINGTON
The town of Burlington was founded in 1799 as an agricultural center whose main crops were hops and rye which were sent to Boston for the purpose of brewing beer. Today Burlington is suburban and industrial with many large shopping centers including the famous Burlington Mall and high tech businesses.
Burlington Town Hall
781-270-1660
www.burlington.org

CARLISLE
Carlisle is a peaceful, residential community a short drive west of Boston. The town was named for the home of its founder, James Adams, who was born in Carlisle, England, although Carlisle's first residents were the Musketaquid Indians. The town maintains a rich heritage of the preservation of open space and has a very active conservation commission. Nearly 25% of the town is preserved as conservation land today. Carlisle is also home to the only working cranberry bog in the Merrimack Valley. At the start of the Revolutionary War, the morning of April 19, 1775, the regiment from Carlisle was distinguished by the sprigs of pine that they wore in their hats.
Carlisle Town Hall
978-369-6155
www.carlisle.org

CHELMSFORD
Originally established as a "praying town", or a preserve for Christianized Indians, in 1653, Chelmsford was largely an agricultural community specializing in dairy production and fruit orchards. Today the town still maintains much of its rural charm, but has close access to area businesses, cultural attractions, entertainment, and shopping. Chelmsford's historic town common is host to its annual Fourth of July and Winterfest celebrations.
Chelmsford Town Hall
978-250-5201
http://townofchelmsford.us/home

CONCORD
Located at the junction of the Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers, Concord was established in 1635 as an outpost of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town is well known for the famous Battle of Concord, on April 19, 1775, which ushered in the Revolutionary War. During this battle 273 British soldiers were killed along with 95 Americans. Concord is also known for many of its most prominent residents including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Interestingly, the town is also the birthplace of the celebrated Concord grape and the Welch's Company, which has made the Concord grape famous worldwide with its juices, jellies, and jams.
Concord Town Hall
978-318-3082
www.concordnet.org

DRACUT
Dracut was settled on the land between the city of Lowell and the New Hampshire border in 1653. Dracut's early economy was based on fishing and lumber production made possible by the area's forests and numerous brooks and large ponds. In the 19th Century the town's economy evolved to include paper and textile manufacturing which attracted a large number of French-Canadian and Irish immigrants as mill workers. Today the town still retains much of its rural land, especially near the New Hampshire border.
Dracut Town Hall
978-452-1908
www.dracut-ma.us

DUNSTABLE
Dunstable is a small, rural community nestled along the New Hampshire border. It retains much of its Old New England charm with its historic homes, open fields, and cow pastures.
Dunstable Town Hall
978-649-4514
www.dunstable-ma.gov

GROTON
A lovely village located along the banks of the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers, Groton was incorporated in 1655. Today the town is home to two well-known private schools as well as many cultural groups and organizations. Groton also has numerous acres of preserved conservation land and is known in the area as a destination for fishing, hiking, swimming, horse back riding, and cross-country skiing. The town's many family farms provide residents and visitors alike with fresh produce via their many roadside stands in the summer and fall months.
Groton Town Hall
978-448-1100
www.townofgroton.org

LEXINGTON
This town has numerous parks, conservation lands, museums, libraries, ample shopping and dining, as well as a lengthy rail-to-trail bicycle path providing exceptional opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy many recreational and cultural activities. Lexington puts forth particular effort in preserving its strong historical heritage as the birthplace of the American Revolution. The historical society is centrally located in the town's old downtown train depot and sees nearly as much activity today as it did in its past life when it was a stopping place for nearly 19 trains per day. The town's annual Patriots' Day celebration each April, complete with a reenactment of Paul Revere's famous ride and the Battle with the British, is one of Lexington's most popular events.
Lexington Town Hall
978-862-0500
www.ci.lexington.ma.us


LINCOLN
The town of Lincoln is a small suburb west of Boston with a strong sense of place. Its life began as a small farming community with pieces of land "nipped" from adjacent towns, thus its original nickname "Niptown". Lincoln also became a popular site for large country estates, many of which have now become schools, town buildings, and parks. Retention of open space and protection of the town's rural character is extremely important to its residents.
Lincoln Town Hall
978-259-2607
www.lincolntown.org

LITTLETON
Littleton is a rural industrial town on the outer edge of suburban Boston. In the 19th Century this town boasted the finest apple orchards in the state. These apples supplied the town's cider mill, which in turn shipped its products to Boston. The cider mill, which also began producing vinegar, eventually expanded to become the modern Very Fine Apple Products plant. The Very Fine Company of Littleton would eventually, in addition to becoming a large national company, become the inventor of single serve juice containers when they introduced their popular 10 ounce bottles in the 1980's. Littleton remains a significantly rural community with poultry farms, dairies, and orchards making up a large part of the town's land usage.
Littleton Town Hall
978-952-2314
www.littletonma.org


LOWELL
The city of Lowell is the fourth largest in Massachusetts. It's location at the junction of routes 495, 93, and 3 provides easy access to all points of interest. MBTA Commuter Rail train service also provides an easy 40-minute ride to Boston's North Station. Residents claim Lowell's National Park as the nation's greatest tribute to the Industrial Revolution and the textile industry that boomed in New England during the 19th Century. Two and a half miles of trolley and canal boat tours and several museums compliment the rehabilitated mill buildings, which house many restaurants, shops, and luxury homes. The 3200 seat Lowell Memorial Auditorium hosts some the country's best performers at affordable prices. Lowell's Merrimack Repertory Theatre is also one of the few self-sustaining repertory theatre groups in the northeast. The Paul E. Tsongas Arena is also host to many larger shows and special events. This planned urban community is built around the Merrimack River and its diverse canal system, which once provided power to its early manufacturers.
City of Lowell
978-970-4000
www.lowellma.gov

MAYNARD
Maynard is a geographically small, ethnically diverse town with a history of industrial development. Today the town is both rural and suburban with well-defined open space. The town's most significant landmark is the Old Clock Tower, which was first dedicated in 1892 by Lorenzo Maynard. Its then owner Digital Equipment Corp refurbished the tower in 1980. During the Christmas season the clock's four faces are illuminated with green and red lights.
Maynard Town Hall
978-897-1000
//web.maynard.ma.us

PEPPERELL
The small town of Pepperell is located 35 miles northwest of Boston in rolling hill country adjacent to the New Hampshire border. The town is home to the only traditional covered bridge in the area. Pepperell is also known for its trout fishing, which brings enjoyment to both residents and visitors. Each fall the town is host to the Pepperell Fall Classic Soccer Tournament, which draws participants and spectators from surrounding New England states.
Pepperell Town Hall
978-433-0339
www.town.pepperell.ma.us

SHIRLEY
Shirley is a rural community located on the lowlands Catacunemaug River. It was considered the frontier when a handful of colonists settled on scattered farms in the town in 1720. The town was also home to a thriving Shaker community from 1793-1908. Tours given by the historical society introduce visitors to the architecture and lifestyle of the Shakers who called the town home.
Shirley Town Hall
978-452-2610
www.shirley-ma.gov

STOW
The town of Stow, a small residential community with rural aspects, is located mid-way between Boston and Worcester. Stow offers visitors several apple orchards—beautiful to behold in the spring—which in the early fall attract many people for apple picking.
Stow Municipal Offices
978-897-4514
www.stow-mass.com

SUDBURY
Sudbury is located approximately 20 miles west of Boston. Rooted deeply in history, the town is well known for its Longfellow's Wayside Inn including the Redstone Schoolhouse where Mary brought her little lamb, the Martha Mary Chapel, and the Old Grist Mill. Automobile magnate Henry Ford once owned the Inn. The town was also once home to Baseball Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Dennis Eckersly.
Sudbury Town Hall
978-443-8891
www.sudbury.ma.us

TEWKSBURY
Tewksbury is a suburban community located between the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. Anne Sullivan, teacher to Helen Keller, was a long time resident of Tewksbury. A bronze statue of Ms. Sullivan and her famous student stands on Main Street. The town was also once the home of the Wamesit Indian tribe, a statue to whom also stands on Main Street. Artist Mico Kaufman created both statues.
Tewksbury Town Hall
978-640-4355
www.tewksbury.com

TOWNSEND
This is a picturesque New England town incorporated in 1732. It is home to several historic buildings, which include the town's old gristmill, the Conant House, and the old cooperage. The town's beautiful common hosts fall fairs and art shows as well as band concerts during the summer months. The Squannacook River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Townsend Town Hall
978-597-1704
www.townsend.ma.us

TYNSBOROUGH
Colonel Jonathan Tyng founded this small town, about 30 miles northwest of Boston, in 1675. During settlement, the people of the town fought a series of bloody skirmishes with local Native American tribes. Several homes dating back to this era still have the emergency passageways that the colonists used during the attacks. With its numerous lakes, streams and ponds and its proximity to the New Hampshire border, Tyngsboro has long been known as "The Gateway to the White Mountains" though it is located only 30 minutes from Boston.
Tynsgborough Town Hall
978-649-2300
www.tyngsboroughmass.com

WESTFORD
The town of Westford was incorporated in 1729. It is a rural suburban community with rolling hills, lakes, and apple orchards. Westford is also home to the popular Nashoba Valley Ski Area and the Butterfly Place, which houses over 50 different species of butterflies. During the Revolutionary War over 280 men from Westford served in the army. The town also has two public beaches located on spring-fed ponds and an active community center offering activities for people of all ages.
Westford Town Hall
978-692-5515
www.westford.com

WILMINGTON
The town of Wilmington is a suburban industrial town located on the watershed of the Ipswich River. The Butler Apple was supposedly discovered here in the 1790's on Butter's Farm. After some dispute with nearby communities over this fact, a bronze plaque duly commemorates the discovery. The Middlesex Canal was completed in Wilmington in the early 19th Century, allowing residents to ship their produce to market.
Wilmington Town Hall
978-658-3311
www.town.wilmington.ma.us

WOBURN
Incorporated in 1642 as an English settlement, Woburn was an early industrial center known for leather tanning and shoe manufacture. Shoe production was so great at one time that during King Philip's War the town's taxes were paid partially in shoes. Famous residents of the city include Philemon Wright, founder of the city of Ottawa, Canada and Lyle R. Wheeler, Academy Award winning director of Gone With the Wind and The King and I.
Woburn City Hall
781-932-4400
www.ci.woburn.ma.us