Shirley, MA Road Trips

Center Cemetery. This is an 18th century cemetery is across from Shirley Common. Records of burials are available at the Historical Society museum. First Parish Meeting House, Shirley Common, ☏ +1 978-425-9262. The building was built in 1773 moved by oxen to its current location in 1851. Today it can be rented for weddings. 1 Fredonian Park. Fredonian Road off of Main Street. Wide open grounds with a gazebo next to a brook. The bridges and boardwalk were torn out after being judged structurally unsound but some of the remains were used to install walkways over the old trail system. 2 Lake Shirley. Flat Hill Road to Sunset Lane. Recreation area where you can swim, boat, and otherwise kick back. MacKaye Cottage, Parker Road. The cottage was built 1836 and bought by actor Will MacKaye in 1886. Will's relatives include Benton, founder of the Appalachian Trail, Hazel, a suffragette and Steele, an actor, producer, author, inventor. Old Firehouse, Main Street. This Queen Anne Style building was built in 1894. The same architect who designed the original Hazen Library designed it. Old Town Hall. Also on the Shirley Common next to First Parish Meeting House. The Greek Revival building was built in 1847 and was rebuilt in 1950 by Lucien Gionet after being struck by lightning. Oliver Holden Birthplace, Squanacock Road. Birthplace of Oliver Holden, Composer of hymn "Coronation", one of the hymns known by memory by Civil War soldiers. He also wrote "Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony" that was the first book to be printed on movable type in the US.

1 Shirley Historical Society Museum (Lucy Longley Memorial Building), 182 Center Road, ☏ +1-978-425-9328. Usually Sa 10AM-1PM. (updated Jan 2023)

1 Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), ☏ +1 978-425-4311. W Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM, Su 10AM-8PM. Lots of legends and lore go along with the restaurant. It is said (although there is no evidence) that Paul Revere knocked on the door during his ride through every town in Middlesex county. The tavern also features a covered wooden bridge behind the tavern. (updated Jan 2023)

Courtyard by Marriott Boston, The Point, 102 Constitution Ave (Littleton), ☏ +1 978-440-5040. Hotel right off of Interstate 495. (updated May 2020)

Route 2 west to Exit 38B (Route 110 / 111), 37B (Fort Devens) or 36 (Shirley Road). Commuter rail (Fitchburg Line) west to Shirley Station (Zone 8). 1 Littleton/Route 495 railway station, Grimes Ln and Foster St. (updated Oct 2020)

There is not much public transit; you will need a car to get around.