This Charming Restaurant Might Be The Most Scenic In All Of Massachusetts (2024)

by Eric Hurwitz. Article updated 5/18.2021.

1761 Old Mill in Westminster.

When in search of scenic, beautiful, historic New Englandtraveldestinations, the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant, Cracker Barrel Pub andCountry Store stands as of the the few landlocked dining spots toppingthe list.

The first sight of this former 1761 saw mill creates avisual wonderland of traditional New England charm that wonderfullysaturates the senses -- even though it is hard to decide where to lookfirst.

Waterfall, side of restaurant.

The elongated rustic restaurant, the sweet-smelling waterfall,the pond graced by ducks, and walk-through covered footbridges withbabbling brooks underneath help create a classic New England setting atthis rustic, rural dining spot.

Stream, covered bridge at the Old Millt.

If there was no restaurant here, thescenery, alone, would be enough to satisfy the New England traveler.

The beautiful waterfall at the Old Mill.

For those who can never get enough of authentic NewEngland travel experiences, however, the quaint scenes continue rightinto the restaurant -- and regional favorite foods to bring one rightinto the authentic side of traditional New England. It all starts with the one of the covered bridge entrances, front porch outside dining porch and other exterior places to eat with wonderful water views and good settings for social distancing dining.

Covered bridge entrance/exit.

Dining on the front porch.

Dining by the brook.

The lobby features a seasonal roaringfireplace while the front room, to the right, has a lovely view of thepond through some lovely old-fashioned windows.

Roaring fireplace at the front lobby.

Each of the several quaint dining rooms provide a cozy, informal setting -- the idyllic type of place atraveler would hope to experience in New England when looking for arelaxing, regional setting for food and drinks.

Dining room at the Old Mill

Ultimately, everystep of the way through the 1761 Old Mill feels like a special,one-of-a-kind dining experience that never gets old. I know, havingfirst dined here as a kid in 1972 and always remembering the joys of aSunday morning brunch, Sunday evening all-you-can-eat lobster buffetand, outside, feeding the ducks with day-old bread graciously given tous by staff.

The Sunday night lobster buffet went away many years ago,but the Sunday morning brunch and the chance to feed the ducks stillremain traditional favorite things to do at the Old Mill. Thebrunch is still the best I have been to in New England includinghomemade corn fritters and pecan rolls, carved ham and roast beefstations, scrambled eggs and bacon.

Sunday brunch at the Old Mill. Photo source: Old Mill Facebook page.

But the made-from-scratch desserts, cakes and pastries could very well be filling the plates first!

Homemade at the Old Mill. Photo source: Old Mill Facebook page.

When dining off the regular menu, things start off in grand New England style with the aforementioned corn fritters and homemade rolls, including the pecan version -- accompanied by soft, whipped butter and maple syrup. It's easy to fill up on these so be careful!

Corn fritters and pecan rolls

Lunch and dinner recommendations include the mouthwateringburgers, hearty New England clam chowder, roast country duck with apecan apple stuffing (choice of orange sauce or country gravy), and thechicken vegetable pie with tender chicken,fresh vegetables and a tremendous, flaky crust.

Chicken pie from the Old Mill

The Old Mill Sizzler isa great choice, too, with a thick cut of prime rib grilled withpeppers, onions and mushrooms on a hot sizzle platter, with teriyakisauce.

Old Mill Sizzler Platter. Photo source: Old Mill Facebook page.

For seafood, go with the baked stuffed haddock with aseafood stuffing and topped with a lobster Newburg sauce -- phenomenal! The baked scallops are a winner, also -- tender, juicy and flavorful.

Baked scallops.

Aftersampling the excellent homemade deserts like apple crisp or carrotcake, head down some narrow, creaky stairs and you'll find acandle-scented, old-fashioned gift shop (temporarily closed; limited merchandise available at front lobby area) with stone floors andcomforting music in the background.

Gift shop.

For many of the aforementioned reasons, the 1761 Old Mill has gainedpopularity as a special occasion place. I remember my mom and dadalways bringing family and friends to the Old Mill as a go-to place. Ifollowed in that tradition, as our morning-after-the-wedding gettogether took place at the Old Mill for the Sunday brunch. Twenty yearslater after that memorable weekend, some family members from variousparts of the country -- who had never been to the Old Mill before --still reminisce fondly about their wonderful experience no matter what time of the year.

A beautiful Old Mill scene in the winter..

The 1761 Old Mill has been in the Foster family since 1946and shows no sign of wear and tear -- quite remarkable for a restaurantin business this long and located in an ancient structure. Thetraditional New England fare continues quite wonderfully and,additionally, the chance to order baked goods to take home like thepecan rolls and corn fritters serve as a chance to take home a tasteof the Old Mill experience. Additionally, the 1761 Old Mill offers seasonal events including live music and dinnertheater, as well as accommodating weddings, showers, bereavements,banquets and other events.

Whether serving as the center of aNew England day or a sidebar to exploring largely rural north-centralNew England and the Mohawk Trail, the 1761 Old Mill represents true,traditional New England dining and scenic beauty.

1761 Old Mill Restaurant, Route 2A, Westminster MA. Tel.978-874-5941. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/old.mill.3/

Near the Old Mill: Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg. Features an indoor water park and four onsite restaurants!

Books byVisitingNewEngland.com Publisher Eric Hurwitz

MassachusettsTown Greens -- Discover New England's first travel attractions:town commons.

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