This Country Store in Massachusetts Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

Last summer, my family and I took a road trip to Central Massachusetts to finally visit the Quabbin Reservoir. The stunning must-see attraction was certainly worth the drive, and along the way, we also discovered something just as memorable, a quaint country store with a fantastic eatery that left us wanting to come back for more. Ever since that visit, I have declared that The Country Store in Petersham is one of the best road trip stops in Massachusetts.

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

Even if you are a Massachusetts local, you may not have heard of Petersham. It is a tiny town located about 45 miles from Worcester and two hours from Boston. Less than 1,500 people reside in the quiet, rural community, but many others simply pass through on their way to the Quabbin. Those who fail to stop at The Country Store are missing out on a fantastic Massachusetts hidden gem.

You can find The Country Store in the small downtown square directly across from the local library. The historic building was built in 1840. The inside gives off quaint vibes with a modern twist. The shelves are filled with everything from locally written books, handmade crafts, toys, food, and snacks. But the best part is the little food counter in the center of the building.

The stand is open daily for breakfast and lunch, and customers can eat in the store’s dining area or take their meal to go. Popular breakfast items include breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, and baked goods. When the menu switches to lunch at 11 a.m., burritos, sandwiches, wraps, and salads are popular choices. I can tell you that everything that my family and I sampled was absolutely delicious. The store also sells plenty of road trip snacks and drinks.

Nearby Road Trip Attractions

If the Quabbin Reservoir is not already on your road trip itinerary, you are missing out on some amazing scenery and fascinating local history. The 38.6-square-mile reservoir constructed between 1927 and 1939 was created by flooding four local towns. It is now a gorgeous spot for hiking, fishing, and biking. The property also houses a small visitor’s center that is worth checking out. 

And if you are heading down Route 2 on the Westbound side, I highly recommend that you take time to stretch your legs at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors' Center in Lancaster. This unique Massachusetts rest area is another one of the most unexpected places in Massachusetts. The stop pays tribute to Johnny Appleseed, a local man who planted apple trees while traveling across the United States. The rest area has a wonderful gift shop that is filled with souvenirs, handmade items, books, snacks, and maple syrup.

Do you have a favorite Massachusetts Road Trip Stop? If so, will you let us in on it? You can find out more information about this unique store with a hidden food counter at The Country Store website and The Country Store Facebook page. As always, be sure to use our AI Travel Planner to customize the perfect road trip.