Tell me about some great sites for off-site meetings.
• Ebenezer’s Tavern with its fireplace and wingback chairs and a library lined with bookshelves is among the 11 event spaces at the Publick House Historic Inn, first opened in 1771. Lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, shepherd’s pie, cakes with butter cream frosting and homemade pecan sweet rolls are among the hearty eats offered for catered events and at the inn’s two restaurants.
• “Dazzling” doesn’t do Mechanics Hall justice. Despite its industrial sound, the hall, on Main Street in Worcester, is a confection, a gracious 1850s concert hall deemed by architectural historians as the finest built before the Civil War. Its two large halls total 12,350 square feet, so there is plenty of room for large dinners and receptions beneath ornate ceilings. The building was nearly lost; the city and its citizens rallied and raised $5 million to restore it in the early 2000s.
Did you know?
• Actor and comedian Dennis Leary grew up in Worcester.
• The band, Four Year Strong, was formed in Worcester. Three current band members met while attending Doherty Memorial High School.
• Massachusetts’ largest county, Worcester County is 43 percent larger in area than Rhode Island.
Where should we dine?
A catchy name and a wall of awards are good signs at the Sole Proprietor Seafood and Spirits, in business more than 30 years. At Buca di Beppo, authentic Italian food is served family style. Work off dinner on the dance floor at Maxwell-Silverman’s Toolhouse/Club Maxines. The Worcester landmark George’s Coney Island has been serving scrumptious hot dogs since 1918; it welcomes large groups.
Zorba’s Taverna is the newest location of the popular Zorba’s Pizzeria Taverns in central Massachusetts. Greek dishes are its specialty. O’Connor’s Restaurant and Bar is the area’s best Irish experience. With nine private rooms, it is perfect for large groups looking for a cozy hangout.
508-755-7400
www.worcester.org
