We LOVE Leicester

In a month that celebrates love, we don’t want to forget the citizens of our beautiful community! Where we come from is important to us and every smiling face, every small business, and every town landmark holds a special place in our hearts. Here are just a few of the things that make Leicester so very special:

Washburn Square–Leicester Common Historic District: Dating back to the early 18th century, Leicester’s old core is an archetypal New England town center, set around a rectangular common. This space is shaded by beautiful mature trees, and has a bandstand that has hosted a weekly summer concert series for more than three decades now. On the north side is a line of public buildings like the Colonial Revival Town Hall (1939), the Leicester Unitarian Church (1834), and the First Congregational Church (1901), in a rare Gothic Revival style. The south side is lined with elegant mansions going back to the 18th century. Many of these are owned by Becker College, including the home of Emory Washburn (1800-1877), the Governor of Massachusetts, abolitionist and Leicester native, for whom the district is named. On the west side stands the stately Swan Tavern (1768), the oldest building on the common. This local icon opens to the public during special events, and there’s a long-term plan to turn it into a history museum for Leicester.

Breezy Gardens: With a cozy store and greenhouse, this family farm has been in business for some 50 years. Breezy Gardens uses sustainable and responsible farming methods, such as Integrated Crop Management and no GMO, to produce a wide selection of plants, fruits, and vegetables. In that spirit, the farmstand’s selection is completely seasonal so there’s always something new if you come between spring and fall. Pumpkin season is surely the highlight of the year for families, when as well as a pumpkin patch there are hayrides, friendly goats to feed, rustic playground rides, a pumpkin bounce house, a corn pit and much more.

Southwick Pond: Near the Cascades on the Leicester-Paxton line there’s a picturesque property also in the care of the Greater Worcester Land Trust. Southwick Pond is 118 acres, with trails weaving through a diversity of landscapes on the northern and western shores. As well as mixed woodland, there’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in spring and summer, and a large wetland area growing jack-in-the-pulpits and lush ferns. Crossing the log bridges in the damper sections, look out for amphibians like red efts and salamanders. June is a wonderful time to come, when the mountain laurel is in bloom, while the fall foliage is always a treat.

Throughout our community, we strive to be partners, helpers, and friends. Our neighbors and citizens mean the world to us and we are honored to be a part of Leicester. We would LOVE to start building a bond with you, and become your hometown trusted insurance provider. Call George E. McKenna Insurance Agency at (508) 892 8133 or visit https://mckennains.com/ for your free insurance quote, and you’ll be feeling the love as well.