Never been to the Worcester area before? Hopefully, this 'mini-bio' will help give you a feel for the area as well as some ideas for things to do and places to visit.

Worcester is the second largest city in New England, with approximately 160,000 residents. Located in the center of the state, it is accessible from Interstate #290, the Massachusetts Turnpike (exit 11 or 11A), by train (Amtrak and a commuter train to Boston), as well as through Worcester Municipal Airport. The city is an easy 1 hour drive to the cities of Boston, Springfield, Providence and Hartford.

Banking, insurance and manufacturing are the leading industries and the city is home to a growing Biotech industry and the recently completed Medical City complex.

Worcester,and the surrounding area, is home to over a dozen colleges and universities including Worcester Polytech, Assumption College, Holy Cross College, Nichols College, Clark University, and Anna Maria College. The University of Massachusetts also operates a large medical center within the city.

Highlights in the city include the Worcester Centrum Centre (now called the DCU Center)which is used as a venue for concerts, trade shows, touring performances, and sporting events, including being the home of the professional hockey team Worcester Sharks. Mechanics Hall is world renown for its architecture and its sound quality, making it a favorite spot for top level musical performances. The art museum, science center, and Higgins Armory are also popular destinations; the latter being the home of an extensive collection of armor and artifacts from the Middle Ages.

The city is the 'Home of the Diner', that ubiquitous concept of large servings of home cooked food for very little money. Although the Worcester Lunch Car Company stopped producing dining cars years ago, many still dot the landscape and do a thriving business. Speaking of food, the area offers a wide array of choices from casual to fine dining. The Beechwood is a good bet for a special occasion; a great steak can be had at Cactus Pete's or the 111 Chop House; and excellent seafood can be found at the Sole Proprietor. A drive down Shrewsbury St. will find a wide range of offerings from pizza, to diners, to Leo's Ristorante, to brew pubs, and much, much, more.

The Greendale Mall, and the suburban Auburn Mall and the Solomon Pond Mall are wonderful shopping destinations. Lake Quinsigamond, Mount Wachusett, numerous golf courses, and the many area parks and woods provide many outdoor activities from fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, biking, swimming and even foliage viewing. Old Sturbridge Village, Webster Lake, Thompson Speedway and The Brimfield Flea Market are only a short drive away.

Planning a visit to the area? Accommodations are available through the Crown Plaza, Marriott, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and others.

While certainly not the complete story, I hope this mini-tour will be of assistance if you are thinking of visiting or relocating here. If you would like to know more, or have a specific request, such as 'who serves the best surf and turf?', just call or email me and I'll be happy to provide the information you desire.