Groton, Massachusetts, for the Family

Groton, Massachusetts, a short drive from Boston, is a haven for families looking to relax and recharge in a historic, somewhat remote, upscale environment.

Stay

Make your reservations at The Groton Inn. This historic boutique hotel is one of America’s oldest inns, built in 1678. After the original structure was destroyed in a fire in 2011, the new, 60-guestroom property was unveiled in 2018. Now, it boasts a modern and luxurious feel, complemented by colonial-style accents throughout.

The guestrooms are definitely spacious enough for visiting families, particularly the Hillview Rooms and Bancroft Suites, with scenic views of adjacent Gibbett Hill, plenty of natural lighting, large bathrooms (with heated floors) and separate areas for work and entertainment. However, even if the guestrooms do not provide enough space for your entire traveling family (say, in the case of multigenerational travelers or group travelers), you’ll find plenty of public spaces throughout the property that offer a comfortable space to talk and socialize — from the lobby fireside seating area, to the expansive outdoor patio.

The Groton Inn offers guests daily breakfast, with a bountiful spread of all your favorites, plus a chef at the omelette station in the intimate Keep’s Conservatory.

Eat

If you do choose to stay at The Groton Inn, you can’t miss a dinner at the property’s Forge & Vine (and even if you don’t stay at The Groton Inn, Forge & Vine is definitely worth a visit). This new restaurant channels the four natural elements of wood, water, iron and fire, and combines them with the area’s history, for a unique environment and dining experience. Enjoy outdoor dining with views of Gibbett Hill, or indoor dining with views of the open kitchen, or hop up to a seat at the bar, where you can order a variety of local beers or from an extensive wine selection. The menu features seasonal, locally-inspired ingredients combined into decadent dishes, with a heavy focus on seafood and hefty portions. The excellent staff is additionally incredibly accommodating to those with dietary restrictions.

The Groton Inn

On Groton’s Main Street, Salt & Light Cafe offers a more casual dining atmosphere, for an elevated fast-casual experience. The menu includes an array of light breakfast and lunch options, including lots of gluten-free and health-conscious menu items. Accompany your breakfast or lunch with one of the eatery’s hand-crafted coffees or teas with a house-made flavor shot. The pastry items and desserts are also good for just a snack, in case you’re nearby with a craving for something sweet.

Play

Make sure you get a taste of Groton’s beautiful outdoors. Visit Autumn Hills Orchards, a real working farm and orchard where you can pick your own raspberries, blueberries, apples and pears, depending on the season.

After you’ve admired Gibbett Hill from afar, see it up close, with a trip to the hidden castle ruins atop it. Bancroft Castle was a private home in the early 1900s before becoming a sanatorium, and then the Groton Hunt Club. A firecracker accident resulted in the burning of part of the now-abandoned castle, which you can find along a hiking trail that is also supposedly haunted (as the town used the hill for hangings in the 1600s).

For a bit of shopping while you’re in town, make sure to stop by both Lavender and Indigo. The former is a florist, but also offers an array of gifts in the cute storefront, while the latter offers a selection of socially conscious apparel, decor and gifts.