Located along the Asabet River in the Metrowest region, Maynard is a charming city known for its vibrant downtown and diverse arts scene.
Nearby is his extensive ArtSpace studio complex, home to a local cinema, an innovative performing arts venue, and a community of over 80 artists.
Maynard was incorporated in 1871 and is a fairly new town by Massachusetts standards.
The name comes from Amory He Maynard (1804-1890), the founder of the Asabet Woolen Mills, which developed the local economy and produced fabrics for the uniforms of the Union Army for over a century.
A stone’s throw from downtown Maynard is the pristine Asabet River National Wildlife Refuge, accessible by rail route completed in 2018.
1. Maynard Fest
The best time to gather in downtown Maynard is the first Saturday of October, when the streets around Veterans Memorial Park come alive with colorful community events.
Maynard his fest attracts over 100 stalls, with live music on stage in the park and performances at the Sanctuary.
From fried dough to tacos, samosas, spring rolls and papas bravas, you’ll find delicious food all day long.
Kids can meet puppies and friendly alpacas at the park while enjoying free or low-cost activities all day long.
2. Discovery Museum
This local interactive children’s museum recently expanded for $8.8 million and is just minutes from Acton.
The Discovery Museum has doubled his exhibition space with an open series of his STEAM-focused exhibits designed by professional educators.
These include topics such as light and color, handicrafts, air, water, sound, mathematics, as well as design and technology.
Outdoors, kids can play and explore at Discovery Woods, a 550-square-foot accessible treehouse surrounded by a natural playground that’s open year-round.
3. Maynard Public Library
The city has had a public library since 1881, next to City Hall until the 2000s.
The need for a larger building was met by the Old Roosevelt Elementary School (1918), a multi-million dollar renovation and relocation completed in 2006.
The Maynard Public Library is a pillar of life in the city, and its collections are powered by a network of 41 strong Minuteman Libraries.
There are services and programs for all ages, including various classes and workshops that residents can benefit from. The children’s section is a boon for parents, and there’s even a dedicated story room.
4. Glenwood Cemetery
You can also download a self-guided walking tour of the city’s only municipal cemetery. Set on 23 scenic acres, Glenwood Cemetery is older than Maynard, with roots dating back to his 1820s.
Originally on 20 acres, it was purchased by the city in 1871 and developed as a rural cemetery with trees, a network of trails and a pond on the south side.
The most impressive monument is the Maynard family cellar on the north side, with a granite entrance in front of a large earth-covered mound. This is the burial place of Amory, for whom the town is named, his Maynard, his wife Mary, and 20 of his descendants.
5. Jam Time Maynard
Jam Time Maynard is part of a small local chain of indoor play centers that create a fun and enriching environment for younger children.
From jungle gyms to game tables, playhouses, bouncy castles, children’s playgrounds to stuffed animals for toddlers, the facilities are high quality and safe.
You can rent facilities for a birthday party, take your little one to a special class or activity, or stop by one of the public playtimes listed on the Jam Time website.
6. Maynard Outdoor Store
The family-owned Maynard Outdoor Store has been a long-standing presence in the city center since the 1950s.
Originally a munitions store, it has grown into an activewear, casualwear and footwear store.
To give you an idea of what to expect, you’ll find hiking boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, work boots, shoes, trainers, and an extensive range of athletic apparel, including official Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics apparel.
The history of this building dates back to his 1890s and was built for W.B. built. Case & Sons dry goods store first opened in Maynard in his 1870s and survived until the Great Depression.
7. Amory’s Tomb Brewing
Downtown Maynard has a microbrewery and taproom established in 2015. Amory’s Tomb Brewing is run by his two brothers-in-law who contribute to Maynard’s cultural development and strong community spirit.
The brewery, which specializes in malt beer, is also community-based, sourcing nearly all of its grain from farms and malt mills in the Northeast.
At the time this list was made, eight beers were available on tap, including Honey and Lemon Saison (Farm Road), Belgian Golden Ale (Profit Advance), Wheat Lager (Broken Latch), and Belgian Pale Ale (Kettle). was hole). and Imperial Brown Ale (Northern Rabbit).
8. Art Signals Studio
Paint your own unique piece of pottery at Maynard’s downtown studio. Art Signals Studio is also open to walk-in guests and features a large selection of bowls, cups, plates, vases, figurines, children’s china and more.
This will be a blank canvas for your artwork. The studio provides all necessary tools and materials, including stencils and stamps.
The piece is then glazed and fired, ready for collection within a few weeks. Art Signals Studio also offers a variety of courses covering skills such as throwing, centering, wall-raising, glazing and firing, and has fun workshops for kids during the school summer holidays.
9. Presidential Village
A short walk from downtown Maynard is a model village built by the American Wool Company for its workers in the early 20th century.
Located on the Asabet River across from downtown, the Presidential Village consists of approximately 250 single-family homes designed in 13 different styles.
Each room had running water, pine floors, and a basement toilet, but no central heating. The Maynard Town Historical Commission has issued a self-guided walking tour of the village.
One of the many interesting details is that almost every street is named after a post-Civil War US president (Ulysses S. Benefits to Theodore Roosevelt.
10. Assabet River Rail Trail
The Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad passed through Maynard in the late 1840s, connecting Action Station with Marlborough in 1855.
A century later the branch was abandoned, and a long-term plan to pave the road along the track bed has been partially realized in recent years.
Maynard is on a 5.6-mile unbroken route from South Acton station to the Maynard-Stown line. Here the trail winds through downtown Maynard and into the wilderness of the Assabet River Wildlife Refuge.
There are signs and rest areas along the route, and the Flower Path Project has planted thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers along the trail.
11. Downtown Maynard
A thriving 21st-century central business district, Downton Maynard rivals any city.
There’s arts, entertainment, culture, delicious food and drink, and a busy social calendar. Dozens of small businesses are clustered within a relatively short stretch of Main Street and Nason Street.
When it comes to food, you’ll find everything from Korean food to delicatessens, and whether you’re looking to buy one-of-a-kind art pieces, outdoor gear, comics, or musical instruments, these options are also available in stores.
There’s also history, including stately shop architecture from Maynard’s textile heyday and stunning views from the old Millpond shoreline. From June to September, the parking lot here hosts one of the best farmers markets in the MetroWest area.
12. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Much of southern Maynard is a 2,230-acre National Wildlife Refuge spanning four different towns divided into two sections along the uninhabited floodplain of the Assabet River.
Maynard is located in the north, in an area of wetlands, native farmlands, spring-fed pine and hardwood forests.
What’s interesting about this country’s human history is that it was a World War II-era ammunition depot.
The military presence he continued into the late 20th century, and now stands at the strange ruins in the form of a large bunker over 80 feet long. The reserve is rich in wildlife and a treasured resting place for migratory birds.
13. Fine Arts Theatre
Maynard wouldn’t be Maynard without this lovely triplex cinema on site since 1949.
Previously, the building was a converted 1897 horse barn and stables garage.
Under new management from 2021, the Fine Arts Theater is an attractive alternative to a modern multiplex cinema, undergoing a major renovation in the 2010s.
Watch here for the first broadcast in a comfortable hall with digital projection and high-end sound. As a movie theater, the concession fee is surprisingly cheap, and the big advantage is that you can buy alcoholic beverages.
14. Sanctuary Maynard
A charming downtown sight is the Greek Revival Union Congregational Church, recently converted into a performance venue.
This church was built in his 1853 and finally closed in 2017 before starting a new chapter as a sanctuary.
The historic nave houses a bar and is now the venue for concerts, comedy shows and other live performances, as well as many private events such as weddings, parties and fundraising.
At the time of writing there are at least four of his shows per week and the bar area is open most nights.
15. ArtSpace
Since 2001, the former Fowler Middle School building has been transformed into one of New England’s largest and most vibrant arts centers.
ArtSpace has 45 studios supporting around 85 artists and facilitating collaboration.
Part of the complex is the Acme Theater, his 70-seat auditorium that hosts professional-quality productions.
Outdoor Pollinator His Meadow is a Registered Monarch Way Station. Meanwhile, visitors’ first stop is the West Gallery. Exhibitions are held there by a commission of art space tenants.
There is always something exciting going on in the center, from seasonal shops to exhibitions, receptions and theatrical performances.