Best Shopping Districts in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
1. Shrewsbury Street
A vibrant and historic district offering a mix of boutiques, antique shops, and trendy eateries. Unique for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
- Unique Shops: Find unique, locally owned stores selling everything from clothing to home decor.
- Historic Buildings: Discover beautiful Victorian-era buildings that add charm and character to the district.
- Diverse Cuisine: Enjoy a variety of dining options, from Italian cuisine to modern American fare.
2. Lincoln Square Mall
A large indoor shopping mall with popular retailers and a food court. Standout feature is its skating rink in the winter months.
- Popular Retailers: Find national brands such as H&M, Forever 21, and Victoria's Secret.
- Food Court: Choose from a variety of quick-service dining options at the food court.
- Seasonal Skating Rink: Experience ice skating in the winter months at the mall's indoor rink.
3. The Hanover Theatre and Opera House
A historic theatre offering a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. Unique for its stunning architecture and rich history.
- Broadway Shows: Watch popular Broadway productions right in Worcester.
- Concerts and Comedy Acts: Enjoy music concerts and comedy acts from well-known performers.
- Historic Architecture: Admire the beauty of the theatre's ornate interior design and classic architecture.
4. Worcester Common Oval
An outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of Worcester during the winter season. Surrounded by shops and restaurants for easy access to dining and retail.
- Outdoor Ice Skating: Skate outdoors on a beautiful rink amidst city scenery.
- Central Location: Find nearby shopping and dining options for convenience.
- Winter Activity: Take part in a classic winter activity while visiting Worcester.
5. Heart of the Common
An open-air market with local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. Unique for its focus on locally sourced products.
- Fresh Produce: Find seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers.
- Artisanal Goods: Discover handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique items from local artisans.
- Prepared Foods: Sample delicious food offerings from local vendors.
6. Kumoricon
A popular anime and manga convention held annually in Worcester. Unique for its focus on Japanese culture and cosplay.
- Anime and Manga: Explore exhibits, panels, and screenings dedicated to anime and manga.
- Cosplay: Join in the fun by dressing up as your favorite characters or admire others' costumes.
- Japanese Culture: Experience Japanese music, dance, and martial arts performances.
7. The Galleria at Crystal Run Mall
Another large indoor shopping mall with popular retailers, a food court, and a movie theater. Standout feature is its convenient location near I-290.
- Popular Retailers: Find well-known stores such as Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
- Food Court: Choose from a variety of quick-service dining options at the food court.
- Movie Theater: Catch the latest movies at the mall's theatre.
8. Worcester Art Museum
A museum featuring American art from colonial times to the present. Unique for its extensive collection and frequent exhibitions.
- American Art Collection: Explore a vast collection of American art, including works by renowned artists.
- Frequent Exhibitions: Discover temporary exhibitions showcasing various artistic styles and themes.
- Educational Programs: Participate in workshops, lectures, and family-friendly activities related to the art.
9. Worcester Farmers Market
An open-air market offering fresh produce, local goods, and prepared foods during the summer months. Unique for its focus on local farmers and producers.
- Fresh Produce: Find seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers directly from local farms.
- Local Goods: Discover handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique items from local artisans.
- Prepared Foods: Sample delicious food offerings from local vendors.
10. The DCU Center
A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sporting events, and family shows. Unique for its ability to accommodate a wide variety of events.
- Concerts: Catch your favorite musicians performing live.
- Sporting Events: Watch hockey games, basketball matches, and other sports events.
- Family Shows: Experience family-friendly entertainment such as circuses, ice shows, and monster truck rallies.
11. Worcester Antiques District
A collection of antique shops offering a wide variety of vintage items. Unique for its concentration of antique stores in one area.
- Unique Antiques: Find rare and one-of-a-kind antiques to add to your collection.
- Vintage Items: Discover vintage clothing, furniture, and decorations.
- Knowledgeable Sellers: Learn about the history and value of each item from the experienced shopkeepers.
12. Worcester Public Market
A modern indoor market featuring local food vendors, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. Unique for its focus on supporting the local community.
- Local Food Vendors: Find fresh produce, meat, and seafood directly from local farmers.
- Artisanal Goods: Discover handmade crafts, jewelry, and other unique items from local artisans.
- Prepared Foods: Sample delicious food offerings from local vendors.
13. Worcester PopUp Market
A seasonal market featuring local artists, crafters, and food vendors. Unique for its rotating selection of vendors and focus on promoting creativity and entrepreneurship.
- Local Artisans: Find unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and other items from local artists.
- Food Vendors: Sample delicious food offerings from local vendors.
- Rotating Selection: Experience a new and exciting selection of vendors each time you visit.
14. Worcester Center for Crafts
A non-profit organization offering art classes, exhibitions, and a craft shop. Unique for its focus on contemporary craft and the opportunity to learn new skills.
- Art Classes: Learn new crafting techniques from experienced instructors.
- Exhibitions: Admire contemporary craftworks by local and national artists.
- Craft Shop: Purchase unique handmade crafts directly from the artists.
15. Worcester Smalls
A collection of small independent shops and boutiques selling a variety of items. Unique for its focus on supporting local businesses.
- Unique Shops: Find unique, locally owned stores selling everything from clothing to home decor.
- Support Local Businesses: Help support the local economy by shopping at independent businesses.
- Wide Variety: Discover a wide variety of products and services from different shops within the district.