West Brookfield: A Hidden Gem (Boston, Worcester: homes, live in, restaurant)

[Eric H.]

During our travels around New England, we have found West Brookfield, MA, to be one of the nicest, most underrated small towns in the six-state region. Does anyone else agree?

With the beautiful town common, proud old homes surrounding the village green and most of the downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places, West Brookfield seems like a true New England town. West Brookfield also has a wonderful historic New England-style restaurant called the Salem Cross Inn, the Book Bear (a great independent book store), and the scenic Lake Wickaboag right off the town center. West Brookfield seems like a very friendly place with people stopping to say "hello," letting your car go first at an intersection, or stopping their car if you need to cross the street (imagine that, they actually speed up where we live!). The downtown library (built in 1860) is a gem to look at, too. Of course, Howard's Drive-in is classic with its take-out window and the great ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, milk shakes, lobster rolls, fisherman's platters and a lot more. It is part of the essence of summer sitting at a picnic table at Howard's and enjoying the comfort food.

This town truly flies under the radar when looking for places to visit that represent "true New England." We're looking forward to a fall foliage day trip (nice colors and also terrific apple picking at Brookfield Orchards in neighboring Brookfield) and a meal at the Salem Cross Inn.

It's nice to find such quiet, scenic towns like West Brookfield. Readers, do you have the same perspective on West Brookfield?

[MammaLakn]

We lived in Brookfield from 2002 - 2007. It really is a beautiful area. Unfortunately it comes with an awful commute for a lot of families. We now live in a suburban area in NC and although not as beautiful its just so much more convenient.

[smarty]

A nice place to visit... but like MammaLakn says... do you want to commute everyday to Boston? Have you try Vermont?

[Eric H.]

We just enjoy visiting West Brookfield on day trips. Norfolk County is our home!

[katzenfreund]

West Brookfield is a wonderful little town. I love the asparagus festival they have in the spring and the concerts on the common. Lovely old homes, sweet little shops... if it wasn't so isolated, we would have moved there. With the gas prices on the rise, distance to jobs and shopping was a big consideration.

[ThinkingThinking]

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but how is the commute to Marlborough from the Brookfields?

[Lowerdeck]

Originally Posted by ThinkingThinking

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but how is the commute to Marlborough from the Brookfields?

I've never done it, but I can't imagine it being all that great. Most likely south to Sturbridge, east on the Turnpike from 9 to 11A, then 495 briefly to wherever in Marlboro you need to go. Quite a long haul, perhaps an hour.

[blehman]

Originally Posted by ThinkingThinking

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but how is the commute to Marlborough from the Brookfields?

I did Sturbridge to Marlborough for four years, and even with Pike access it was a pain in the ass. If you're up in the Brookfield's tack on another half hour.

As the originator of the thread pointed out West Brookfield is gorgeous, and quintessential New England. In a previous thread I touted it's common as one of the best in Commonwealth. All that said you are going to deal with a certain amount of isolation. Closest shopping is not actually in Sturbridge, but Ware. You would actually be closer to Springfield than Worcester. If you can suck all that up it is a great little town.