Tewksbury, MA: Overlooked no longer

(Google images)

Sandwiched between I-495 and I-93, Tewksbury, MA is an easily overlooked town as many people pass through it daily on their way to seemingly better things often found in neighboring Lowell or Boston to the south. However, most people don't realize that Tewksbury, with its unassuming small town charm, should not be so easily dismissed. History, activities for kids, and many restaurants make Tewksbury a great place to spend a day.

(Photography by Stephanie Geiser)

Tewksbury State Hospital was founded in 1852 and was originally established to help compensate for the large number of immigrants flooding into the state of Massachusetts. It also served as a facility for providing 24-hour care to patients who needed more treatment and supervision than their families could provide. Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher, was the most famous employee of Tewksbury Hospital. Today, the hospital campus operates as a rehabilitation center and houses the Public Health Museum. Also part of this campus is the Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm (T.H.E. Farm for short) which primarily serves as an equine physical therepy center. However, what makes Tewksbury Hospital so intriguing today is its potential to become a photographer's playground. With its many interesting abandoned, reconfigured, or adapted structures, there are never-ending possibilities for photography no matter one's personal interests. When finished, take the kids down to Livingston Street which features the teen center, baseball and softball fields, a playground, and more.

After a busy day exploring, sample the best Tewksbury has to offer at any time of day. Hungry for breakfast? Stop by Vic's Waffle House. Be prepared to wait for a bit with some of the locals, but it's worth it. Can't decide between breakfast or lunch and like dining on the cheap? Deli King is the place. French's is great for take-out lunch or dinner as well as catering. They have a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. For something a bit fancier, Capellini's is a must, but go early so you can stop by Mirabella's Bakery before they close on the way back to I-495 for a cannoli or other Italian pastry.

Enjoy this small residential town for what it is: an unexpected find that is excellent to explore when you have a few hours or a day to explore.