The Country's Most Impressive Rest Stop Is Hiding Right Here In Massachusetts
By Kim Falchek|Published March 26, 2024
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Amazing trips aren’t always about the destination. Sometimes it is the journey along the way that makes a trip memorable. You never know when a stop to stretch your legs or grab a snack will lead to an amazing discovery. If you have traveled along Route 2 in the Leominster/Lancaster area, you have probably passed by one of these hidden gems on the side of the road. The Johnny Appleseed Visitor’s Center is not your average rest area! Believe me, if you don’t stop in, you’re missing out.
You won’t find a McDonald’s or Dunks in this rest area, but there are so many cool things to discover. Whether you need to use the facilities or want information on visiting the area, The Johnny Appleseed Visitor’s Center is one rest area that deserves a visit!
The center pays tribute to Johnny Appleseed (a.k.a. John Chapman), a Leominster pioneer and legend who planted apple trees while traveling across the country. Outside the visitor's center entrance, you will find a statue of Johnny holding a basket full of apples.
You can learn more about this famous citizen inside. Along with Appleseed memorabilia, the center displays regional historic and cultural items such as vintage sports equipment and agricultural tools.
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The rest area is a great place to stop to learn more information about the area. There are handy attraction pamphlets that you can take to plan your trip, and friendly staff are available to answer all of your questions.
While the rest area may be named for Johnny Appleseed, he is just one of many important Leominster citizens. The city is known for its role in plastic manufacturing and several noteworthy products were invented here.
In the 1940s, Earl Tupper revolutionized food storage with the invention of Tupperware, and in 1957, Donald Featherstone designed the plastic pink flamingo lawn decoration. You can purchase several pink flamingo products at the visitor’s center.
The grounds outside the visitor's center are also worth exploring. As you stretch your legs, take note of the historical marker that provides information on Appleseed’s life and contributions. There are also many apple trees on the property, including three that descended from an original Appleseed orchard tree.
If you are lucky enough to visit in the autumn months, you may be able to snag some free apples! The visitor's center also sells cider, donuts, and other treats this time of year.
And if you need to use the facilities, the Johhny Appleseed Visitor’s Center is a good place to stop. They have clean restrooms that include composting toilets and a toddler stall. Please note that the rest area is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on major holidays.
Have you visited this unique rest area? If so, what did you learn about Johnny Appleseed? More information can be found on the Johnny Appleseed Visitor’s Center website. There are also lots of great places to eat in Leominster. My family and I recently enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at the North End Diner. I highly recommend a visit!
