The Blackstone River, which makes its way from Worcester to Pawtucket, brought industry to this area in the 1600s. The Blackstone River Canal is actually known for the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. While the most famous mill – Slater Mill – is across the state line in Rhode Island, Uxbridge, Hopedale, and Mendon also offer glimpses into the area’s past.

River Bend Farm in Uxbridge is the home of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. The small visitor center provides information and historical photographs of the area.  However, the draw here is the trails that parallel the canal.  Following the trail north of the farm brings you to the Goat Hill Lock – a remnant of the series of locks that helped boats navigate the river – and has a nice view of an old stone arch bridge. South from the farm, the towpath trail ends in the parking lot of Stanley Woolen Mill. 

The Stanley Woolen Mill is now home to Stanley Mill Antiques. The shop offers large selections of wares for the public to peruse. I can easily spend an afternoon wandering around the old mill buildings while checking out each of the vendor stalls for treasures. 

For more antique shopping, nearby Bernat Antiques similarly offers access to another old mill building while the Blessing Barn Home Store in Mendon resides in a converted barn. Each store offers a range of antique and refurbished furniture and home goods.  

Another repurposed space in the area is the Honeysuckle Roastery and Cafe. Housed in the basement of the classic New England style church, the cafe surprisingly offers great light and modern artistic touches. The space is divided into comfortable sitting chairs, diner booths, a conference room, and a kid’s playspace. 

Downtown Uxbridge isn’t as vibrant as it once was, but it still maintains a strength of community. Spaces like the BVAA Open Sky Community Art Center allow locals to support one another in the creative arts.  The Blackstone Valley Arts Association runs this community gallery where it showcases local artists in all mediums. They also offer creative workshops, art shows, and educational talks.  Artists are on site every Saturday to share their art and run workshops for the public. 

Nearby Mendon is home to New England’s largest zoo – Southwick’s Zoo.  Spanning over 200 acres, the zoo is home to over 850 animals. While most people go to zoos to see exotic animals, I appreciate that the Southwick Zoo features native species. One of my favorite sections of the zoo is the Deer Forest attraction where visitors walk through the 35 acre enclosure with the animals. 

I’m always up for a walk with some interesting features. Here are some trail walks in the area that do just that.

Just as the name suggests, Lookout Rock provides a nice view of the valley below.  This point can either be the turnaround point for a longer hike – 2.5 miles round trip on the King Philips Lookout trail, or a quick 1/4 mile trek from the nearby parking lot. Either way, the graffiti adorned rock works as colorful foreground for expansive views of the valley and Blackstone river below – especially colorful in the dreary winter months.

Run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, West Hill Dam was built to control flooding in the area. The recreational park offers miles of trails that meander through open and forested areas. I enjoy walking across the dam and then seeing it looming behind me as I explore the rest of the trails in the area.

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is all about the large rock formations in the area. The main trail runs through the chasm flanked on either side by 70 feet high granite walls. Side trails climb these rocks, explore caves, and squeeze through the cracks. Near the main parking area is also a large smooth rock that people use as a slide. The whole place works as a nature’s playground and calls for an adventurous spirit.