Overview
Harvard is a town of 6,900 people (2020) in North County (Massachusetts). It has been home to several non-traditional communities, such as Harvard Shaker Village and the utopian transcendentalist center Fruitlands.
1 sights · 7 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Harvard
Fruitlands Museum
Art and culture museum set on the site of an unsuccessful utopian farming community. There is an on-site cafe for lunch. A museum dedicated to the preservation of the heritage, nature, and art of the Native Americans.
Biking and Trails
To purchase the Harvard Trail Guide contact Liz Allard 978-456-4106
Apple Blossom Festival
Vendors come out for an outdoor shopping experience on Harvard Common. Large variety of goods sold. Fun family day.
Annual Flea Market/ Apple Festival
Vendors come out for an outdoor shopping experience. At the same time the Congregational Church of Harvard sells homemade apple pies, apple cider, hot soup and more.
Carlson's Orchards
Pick your own apples and grab a jug of cider.
Westward Orchards
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Bedford)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 15 mi away. Directions
- ORH Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester — 22 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 31 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $21–$26 a night (typical $26), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$100, comfortable ~$190.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fruitlands Museum, Apple Blossom Festival
- Lunch Dunkin Donuts
- Afternoon Carlson's Orchards, Doe Orchards
- Dinner Pizza Bella
Day 2
- Morning Biking and Trails, Annual Flea Market/ Apple Festival
- Lunch Sorrentos
- Afternoon Westward Orchards, Old Frog Farm Pond
- Dinner Lizza's Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Harvard has only a few stops for food. Most people tend to go out of town if they plan to eat out.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
- Route 2
- Interstate 495
See
Do
While there is not much to do in Harvard, the bordering towns of Bolton, Ayer, Littleton, Boxborough, Acton, and Concord have other activities.
Do Apple Blossom Festival
Vendors come out for an outdoor shopping experience on Harvard Common. Large variety of goods sold. Fun family day.
Do Annual Flea Market/ Apple Festival
Vendors come out for an outdoor shopping experience. At the same time the Congregational Church of Harvard sells homemade apple pies, apple cider, hot soup and more.
Apple picking
Harvard is known for its many apple orchards. It's a great family pass time.
Do Westward Orchards
Do Doe Orchards
Do Old Frog Farm Pond
Buy
Eat
Harvard has only a few stops for food. Most people tend to go out of town if they plan to eat out.
Eat Dunkin Donuts
Combination of Baskin Robins and Dunkin Donuts.
Eat Pizza Bella
Private owned pizza parlor. Offers pizza, pasta, salads subs and sandwiches at a low price.
Eat Sorrentos
Chain pizza place. Offers a variety of pizza, pasta, salads, subs, and ice cream at a medium price range.
Eat Lizza's Cafe
Small cafe that offers coffee, sandwiches and pastries.
Eat Alcott's Restaurant and Tea Room
Season from April-November. Restaurant specializes in seafood and poultry. Limited menu but good food. Price Range:$$$ Off season is for scheduled events and receptions only.
Sleep
Stay Friendly Crossways (HI-Harvard)
Private rooms and dormitory accommodations affiliated with Hostelling International. Hostel facilities open 8-10AM and 5-10PM, private rooms open at all times.
Nearby
Shirley
City / town · 16 listings · 5 mi away
Hudson
City / town · 5 listings · 7 mi away
Clinton
City / town · 25 listings · 8 mi away
Acton
City / town · 4 listings · 8 mi away
Groton
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
Westford
City / town · 19 listings · 9 mi away
Leominster
City / town · 14 listings · 9 mi away
Marlborough
City / town · 9 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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