fruitlands museums

bres130

Lots of new knowledge imparted by the doyens in each building. Beautiful location with well maintained trails.

bahiadreaming

Visiting Fruitlands Museum was a highlight of our New England trip that centered around a wedding elsewhere. First, the employees are knowledgeable and engaging. The woman at the first building after you buy a ticket gave us an orientation of the founding of the utopian experiment. We then explored the other buildings, spending a good amount of time exploring the culture of the early founders, Native-Americans, Shakers and Clara Endicott Sears' legacy. I especially enjoyed learning about early life at Fruitlands, and viewing the Shaker furniture. This attraction is a must-see if in the area. I didn't see the ticks in the old colonial house but my more observant wife did.

fugazigirl21

This wedding spot allows for a cliff tops ceremony over looking a valley of trees- the tent for the reception is the most opulent tent I have ever seen:)

treeomatic

The 360 degree panoramic view at the Fruitland Museum is what makes this place special. The museum contains 7+ small buildings each represents a subject which you learn something unique. This is not Metropolitan so do not come here expecting too much. Come here if you want to be with nature, breathe fresh air, enjoy small hikes and relax with views. After all that, pick out a few small presents from the wonderfully stocked gift shop. The museum no longer give guided tours. Each building has a tour guide who can give you an introduction or answer any questions. There are small golf cars that could take you around if you need it.

nancydr2

I organized this trip. My small group of friends went here in late June for the day. None of us had ever been to Fruitlands before. My friends live in the opposite sides of the state and I needed to find a location in the middle of the state. Harvard was an ideal location and very easy to find off the highway. That being said, the cost to enter the museum was very reasonable. The people who worked at the museum- very knowledgeable and friendly. A few of the ladies used the golf cart which was driven by a sweet employee. The exhibits were interesting. The valley view breathtaking. Definitely bring a camera! And the dining room, in colonial style- great! Food very good, and eclectic.

MS06

As you arrive there are gorgeous views over a valley, with Mt. Wachusetts and Mt. Monadnock on the horizon. the docent in the Visitors Center was very informative, regarding the history of the museum and its fascinating founder, Clara Sears. . There are a number of really interesting museums including a Native American Gallery and a Shaker Museum. For the more energetic there are three miles of well signposted trails, which are fairly easy walking. There are numbered markers on the trail, each associated with interesting facts about the history, archeology or vegetation of the area. Most of the trials are in the shade, but there is a lot of undergrowth near the paths, so bug spray is recommended There is also a reasonably priced café serving good food - it's better to go there at the beginning or your visit otherwise you'll have to walk up and down the hill several times.

437katef

My husband and I visited on a rainy Sunday and didn't really know what to expect. We'd driven by the sign on rt 2 so many times but finally decided to visit. We started the trip with brunch outside in the tent and were delighted by the view, Mimosas and food! Fresh local ingredients, gorgeous vista, and quick service. We then visited the museum and were surprised by the size of the grounds and the rich history the museum had to offer. A great way to spend a Sunday and we will definitely come back (especially for brunch!)

mw4_10

Fruitlands, site of a utopian community founded by Bronson Alcott et al lasted less than a year but the museum, in its several buildings, tells the history of the experiment, of the lives of those who lived here, and has an excellent exhibit on Shakers in the nearby community. Beautiful setting. Lunch at the cafe pleasant, especially outside. Very educational. Fair amount of walking on a paved hillside. A golf cart is available for anyone wishing assistance with getting around. Very knowledgeable interpretors. Spent most of a day.

299PFrank

Wow, this 210 acre gem was incredible. It all started with our admission tickets - we got a discount for being seniors, then add'l discount for AAA and lastly my wife got in for free because she was a teacher. The museum is divided into four parts: Art Gallery, Native-American, Shaker, Alcott Farmhouse. The docents in each Museum were helpful and very informative. There was lots to see and read in each of the separate museums. Add to this 3 different walking/hiking trails and you have a full day of fun and exploration. We also had the treat of eating at the Cafe which you can just go & eat if you want or pay to see all the museums and then treat yourself to a wonderful lunch/bunch bill of fare. Modestly priced and very, very good. Great day trip for all types of groups, families, couples or just by yourself.

724jb

The location is beautiful and the outdoor dining patio is great. The only disappointment was that there wasn't anyone at each location to better explain each of the houses. Very interesting artifacts and overall was nice.

Dorothy040205

Thought there would be more to this museum. We took a guided tour but felt rushed by the tour guide, she know her stuff but being it was the last tour of the day guess was in a hurry to get home.Scenery is spectacular and you can almost see the Alcotts and other writers of their time walking the fields and woods. I would guess by the other reviews I read it is better to go when you have more time and NOT at the end of the day.

Bestfive

Museum with excellent restaurant. Do setts are very knowledgable. Great information about the Quakers. Scenery is beautiful in every season.

christinea714

Its varied: Shakers, Transcendentalism, Hudson RIver, Native Americans, Nature. It has interesting exhibits, interesting trails along a beautiful stretch of land, interesting outdoor sculpture and a restaurant with a view. It's all 45 minutes from Boston too. Lovely trip to take in the foliage along route 2.

quiet_wave

I had no idea how sprawling this "museum" was! My friend and I stopped for a craft fair and they were offering free admission to the museum so we decided to explore, and we were pleasantly surprised. The grounds house an array of interesting statues, a museum, a Native American Museum, a Shaker museum, and Louisa May Alcott's home while her family ran a commune on the property years ago. Lots and lots of history. All sorts of antiques and authentic rooms. It was a great learning experience. Be warned that the climb back up is steep - there is even a ride that goes up and down the hill to help travelers that can't make it back up. There are several trails that take you to all sorts of places; the longest is 30 minutes so nothing too strenuous. Plenty of parking, and there's a cafe and gift shop. I thought the prices were a bit steep so I didn't purchase anything. I loved the history of the land and just how much went on with so many famous names of the time on that very spot. Definitely a great place for history buffs!

Swenigale

My husband and I visited Fruitlands today and had a lovely lunch, followed by a visit to the Alcott house and a walk in the woods. The weather was perfect, and so was our afternoon!