• Experience neighboring and historic Sturbridge Village, only one mile from the Publick House. Created by two brothers in the 20th century, they brought historic buildings from all over New England and re-installed them in this carefully designed district.

• Tour Tantiusques nature trail—located near abandoned mines. Take a hike and notice bats hanging from the walls in the shallow former mine shaft.

• Stroll through the Optical Heritage Museum in the nearby town of Southbridge open Wednesday through Friday. This red brick museum occupies the site of the former American Optical factory, which employed 6,000. Outside the museum, notice at the Eyeglasses Monument.