What’s Around Devens?
Things to do around Devens Massachusetts. Are you visiting Devens for a sports tournament, a business trip, or just exploring? Then check out what is around the area and I am sure that you can find plenty to do.
We covered here all of what Devens itself has to offer from dining out, catching a play at the theatre, or just taking a hike along the Nashua River. Now check out what’s in the area to keep you occupied for a day or as long as you are visiting.
Here we will point out some local favorites and more to peak your interest. So sit back, relax and get ready to make a list of things to do around Devens Massachusetts.
Who’s Hungry?
There is no shortage of places to eat around the Devens area. Here we will focus on some of our favorite spots as well as what is popular in the surrounding towns of Ayer, Groton, Shirley, and Littleton. Of course, we could make a never-ending list but let’s stick with what we know.
Just recently we had the opportunity to dine at Lucias Tavola for an anniversary dinner and it was amazing! It has been in Ayer for years and we drive by all the time without a thought. So happy we visited and we will be back again and again. Another of our favorites has been Siam Pepper for some great Thai Food.
The big local hot spot for a good meal and friendly service is Tiny’s. A family favorite of ours too Tiny’s restaurant is always busy and you may just have to wait a little bit for that special of the day.
Another local favorite is the Bull Run in Shirley. Not only do they serve up some great farm fresh food they also host concerts and shows with a couple of stages available. Check out their menu and upcoming shows.
Check out some of the other local favorites near Devens.
- Markohs
- Karyn’s Kitchen
- Devens Pizza & Deli
- Cottage Restaurant
- Osawa Japanese Bistro
- The Next Stop Pub n Grill
- Gibbet Hill Grill
- Groton Publick House
- Forge & Vine
- Johnson’s Restaurant & Dairy Bar
- Chip Shots Pub
- Kimble Farm
- Thai on the Fly
- Shirley Airport Diner
- The Brookside Grill
- Piccolino’s Restaurant
Who’s up for a Drink?
Here on business? Visiting for a sports tournament or just here to explore? After a long day, you may want to grab a couple of drinks nearby and relax. Among the numerous things to do near Devens Massachusetts unwinding after a long day is top of the list.
We like The Billiards Cafe’ in downtown Ayer for some drinks and a few games of pool to relax. They are billed as the best pool hall in Central Massachusetts. We can see why with plenty of tables and their cafe’ style menu offering snacks and sandwiches.
Bar 25 in Ayer seems to be a little more classy in style and is open just Friday and Saturday nights from 4:00 to 10:00 pm and offering food until the kitchen closes at 9:00 pm.
Check out these other local favorite hot spots.
- The Phoenix Bar & Grill
- Nashoba Club Pizza & Taproom
- Ixtapa Mexican Grill & Cantina
- Tavern in the Square Littleton
You can also find drinks served at just about every restaurant nearby so head out and see what catches your eye.
Places to Stay Near Devens
We have already mentioned The Hilton Garden Inn and Springhill suites that are located in the Devens Common so let’s talk about what’s in the area just in case those two are booked up for the big events.
Just off of 495 in Boxboro, there is a Regency Hotel & conference center. They have some decent prices and a restaurant inside. This place if you time it right also hosts a few Comic Con Style events each year.
Marriott has a Courtyard Hotel in Littleton which just happens to be at The Point, which is the newest shopping and entertainment park in the area. The Point offers a place to stay as well as a movie theatre, indoor rock wall climbing, Starbucks and other eateries. You will also find the Tavern in the Square we talked about earlier there.
Ayer, the next town over if you are looking for a cheap no frills, or thrills place to stay you can check out the Ayer Motor Inn. This little place is a bit old and may not pique your interest but if you stay there you would be able to say you slept at a movie set. That’s right there have been a few movie scenes filmed here with the most recent being Madame Webb of Marvel which is a Spiderman spinoff. Be sure to check the filmed here page for more on the local movie scene.
There are a few other places that you can stay that are close by but more than one or two towns away. Westford, Leominster, and beyond have more big-name hotels. If you have that camper or want to pack a tent you can look up the Spacious Skies Campgrounds Minute Man park in Littleton which is just a short 5-minute drive from Devens.
Check for some hotel deals and more on Trip.com.
Things to Do Near Devens Massachusetts
Alright, we talked here about things to do in Devens but what about things to do near Devens? Well, how about we start with a trip to the Fruitlands Museum? Take a tour of the farmhouse and area that Louisa May Alcott and her family called home for some time when she was a child. The Fruitlands is also home to the Native American History Museum and the Trustees of Reservations who manage the property also play host each year to many events, discussions, and concerts.
While we are outside why not take a bike ride or a walk on the Nashua River Rail trail? This rail trail extends from Ayer all the way to Nashua New Hampshire and is just over 12 miles long. It’s a great way to spend an hour or see if you can make it all the way to Nashua and back. I bet that it looks great in the fall with all the colors and leaves falling on the trail.
Just on the east side of Devens is the small town of Harvard. Harvard hosts an annual flea market as well as multiple community events each year. You can drive through the center of town almost any time and see signs for events along the side of the road as you pass through the intersection. While you are there be sure to check out the Sowa Goat Sanctuary. Sowa is a non-profit with a mission to rescue abused, neglected and slaughter-bound goats. Although goats are their main focus they have some sheep, turkeys, and chickens that have been rescued as well. It’s well worth the small price you pay to spend an hour with the goats and learn more about what they do.
Though Devens has their own Red Tail Golf Club on site there are a few more good golf clubs nearby that are open to the public as well. Check out the Groton Country Club and Shaker Hills Country Club and enjoy a round or two while you are in the area.
Visiting the area with the kids? Why not head a couple of towns over and visit Kimball Farm in Westford? Besides some of the best ice cream in the state, Kimball Farm has an outdoor grill and seafood shack and 50 acres of fun for everyone. They have mini golf, a driving range, batting cages, bumper boats & cars, an arcade, animal adventures, and more. They are available for private events from parties to business events. Kimball’s can be quite busy in the summer so if you don’t need all the activities you can head to one of their satellite locations just a few extra miles away.
Nearby in Leominster, they just recently opened a new Launch Trampoline Park. Get those kids over there and all tired out from bouncing around so the adults can head back and relax at the hotel bar or a local hotspot.
Need a few more ideas of things to do near Devens Massachusetts? Check out this list below for more local attractions. There is no shortage of things to do and see in the area so be sure to choose wisely.
Boston!
Boston can technically be considered “Near Devens” at just about an hour’s drive from Devens you can find yourself immersed in the big city of Boston. Home to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Boston Bruins. Check out a game at the Garden or the famous Fenway Park. With countless places to eat, drink and take in the nightlife don’t forget to check out some of the city’s top historical sites too. The USS Constitution calls Boston Harbor home as well as some cool historic lighthouses. Catch a lighthouse boat tour and spend a couple of hours cruising around the harbor.
The Old State House, Trinity Church, The New England Holocaust Museum, and The Paul Revere House are all popular tourist spots. North End, Beacon Hill, Southie, The Seaport District, or whatever section you pick there is something for everyone.
We won’t go into Boston too much here on this site but it is worth a mention for sure and well worth a day trip or two if you can fit it in. Start at the Boston USA website for all things that are in Boston.