boutique colonial style rooms to the Hampton Inns of the world, and then the traditional motels for the people who do driving trips with families who are looking for something a little more affordable,” details Grimm. “We have campgrounds, which have become very popular, and a lot of tourism comes in through campers who come for a week or two weeks or three weeks, and that goes right through foliage season.” Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum replicating early 19th century farm life, is an anchor destination that draws visitors from around the country. With more than 125 visitor and hospitality related businesses, and a very low vacancy rate, Sturbridge is among the top communities in Massachusetts for percentage of revenue derived from local hotel and restaurant taxes. “We very much are rooted in tourism. It is part of what makes us special,” Grimm acknowledges. CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY One of Sturbridge’s strongest assets is its miles of beautifully maintained trails. A newly updated guidebook and map helps visitors explore the growing system, and trailheads have been incorporated into the town’s tourism marketing. Terence Masterson, Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator emphasizes, “Trails are an important part of the tourism package because it gives visitors an outdoor recreational outlet for biking, jogging, walking. We’re very happy to put the two together, especially when you’ve got entities trying to book events and meetings and public gatherings. It’s an outdoor recreational opportunity to offer people if they come to stay here for a series of days.” The town is also home to creative endeavours that highlight its natural areas, including a new local initiative, the Acorn Longevity Project, inspired by a popular Block Island tradition. “We have a local pottery company that’s making giant acorns, about eight inches, and they’ve planted them along the trails,” Grimm elaborates. “You can register it on a website when you find it, and you can keep it. We’re very excited about it, to see who that brings in and from where.” 156 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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