Fall Art Preview: Museum and Gallery Exhibits
Fall is a great time to get out and explore Lowell's thriving art scene! From now through October and November, several local galleries and art studios will be hosting special events and displaying unique art exhibits. From painters to quilt makers, and jewelers to woodworkers, Lowell's creative community provides a wide variety of art styles that can be seen at these exciting fall exhibits.
From September 26th through December 30th, The New England Quilt Museum, the only institute in the Northeast solely dedicated to the art and craft of quilting, presents "The Fabric Collage Quilts of Susan Carlson." This 32 piece display of Carlson's "fabric collage" technique captures her artistic evolution over three decades, and provides an abundance of color, texture and imagery for observers to enjoy. Visitors can expect to see quilts featuring portraits, birds, fish, insects, fish and a twenty-foot crocodile!
Image courtesy of LNHP
Start the season off right by visiting The Brush Art Gallery between now and November 3rd to view their commemorative exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Lowell National Historical Park in 1978. A reception will be held on Saturday, September 29th from 2-4 PM, and the exhibit will feature historical items, interactive elements, and a preview of what the national park could look like in the future!
"Pine Trees at Dusk and Dawn" by artist Victoria Voner
Two locally loved art galleries, The Whistler House Museum of Art and The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, have brought their creative minds together to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind exhibit called “Creative Fusion: The Brush at The Whistler.” This collection will feature creative works from each talented Brush artist that display their own unique style, skill, and vision. With the help of The Whistler House curatorial staff, this exhibit will be a cohesive collection of art that represent the thriving artistic community of Lowell. The show will run from September 26th to November 3rd, and an opening reception will be held on September 29th from 1-3 PM in the Parker Gallery.
From September 27th to October 7th, Gallery Z showcases their love for their city with "The Spirit of Lowell", a collection of 2-D multimedia work submitted by local artists. These pieces will display the spirit of Lowell by depicting Lowell's rich history and beautiful buildings, and the city's favorite author, Jack Kerouac. Visit the gallery's café for a freshly brewed hot or iced coffee, and see how each of these local artists envisions the spirit of Lowell.
UnchARTed Gallery has been home to many unique and interesting exhibits, and their latest collection "Totally 'Normal' & Stranger Than Fiction" is no exception. This exhibit will display the whimsical, quirky artwork of Lowell artist, M. M. Moyer, and his latest limited-edition art book "An Animal Alphabet A-Z" will also be available for purchase at the gallery. This collection will be on display from October 2nd to November 3rd, with receptions and book-signings on October 4th and 6th from 4-8 PM. UnchARTed also has an in-house café, so you can enjoy pizza, craft beer, wine, or a sandwich while checking out Moyer's "Normal" art work.
On October 6th and 7th, Western Avenue Studios hosts their annual Artoberfest, where guests can enjoy great food from a gourmet food truck, craft beer from the local Navigation Brewing Company, and of course, an extensive display of local art. From 12-5 PM, participating artists will open up their personal studios for anyone to come admire their work, learn about their artistic processes, and purchase their artwork. With Western Avenue Studios being the home to more than 300 working artist, you can expect to meet a wide variety of creatives, such as fiber and glass artists, jewelers, metal workers, painters, photographers, potters, printers, woodworkers, sculptors and more!
On October 7th from 2-4 PM, there will be a garden party hosted by the Arts League of Lowell celebrating the third season of the Gates Block Garden. Wine and refreshments will be available at this year's celebration, and the garden exhibit will feature the works of the talented scrap-metal sculptor Madeleine Lord. Her art will be displayed until October 28th, so you can stop by whenever you want to relax, and enjoy her creative collection of repurposed scrap-metal in a calming garden setting.
Snow Fun in the City
Now that the first snow of the season has fallen and the city is covered in a blanket of white, there’s a few ways that you can make the most of the change in weather and enjoy fun times ahead. From taking walks to sledding, there’s plenty to do in the city after the snow falls.
Take a Walk on the Waterways:
The city’s waterways can be a great place to enjoy a walk in the snow. The Lowell National Historical Park’s Waterways give you four distinct trails. Start with the Heritage Hike and explore the history and culture of the city’s storied “Acre” neighborhood. Then, walk the Redevelopment Rove where historic mill complexes and canalside spaces are now vibrant neighborhoods. Next, there’s the Waterpower Walk along which lock chambers, gatehouses, turbine pits and dams celebrate the innovations that changed modern industry. The longest trail, the Riverwalk Ramble, allows you to take a stroll along the Merrimack River and see the views from the Boott Cotton Mills to LeLacheur Park. Look at the park’s trail map for more information.
Enjoy Recreational Activities in the State Forest:
With over 1,000 acres to explore, the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest is a splendid location to take a hike or do more outdoor recreational activities in the snow. Through 6 miles of trails, you can enjoy hiking as well as other activities such as trail running, snowmobiling, skiing and more. There’s plenty of sightseeing to do as well, with views of ponds and wetlands providing a scenic panorama of the regional woodland. Forest animals from beavers to deer can also make an appearance so the trail is also great for nature photography and can serve as inspiration for artists as well. To see the full possibilities, the trail map offers more information.
Go Sledding and Snowshoeing in Neighborhood Parks:
New snow brings fun activities that the whole family can enjoy and neighborhood parks are the perfect places for recreation. If you’re a fan of sledding or snow tubing, Shedd Park on Rogers Street and the Christian Hill Reservoir are locations to enjoy this fun activity with friends and family. With over 50 acres, Shedd Park offers plenty of space for such activities and can also serve as a source for other recreational fun such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
So, these pastimes can present new traditions to enjoy winter weather and help you discover other recreational opportunities in your local neighborhood parks.
Other Fun Activities:
Live performances are an entertaining way to enjoy the snow for those looking for other forms of recreation. Plus, the city’s social scene calls for a night filled with laughter, joy and company. So if you’re looking for humor, Mondo Monday returns to The Luna Theater on December 18th and The Hearing Room introduces their first ever Amateur Comedy Night on Friday, December 29th. For more entertainment, there’s also the Acoustic Bluegrass Jam this Friday, December 15th and the Great American Songbook on Sunday, December 17th at The Hearing Room where acoustic instruments and traditional jazz are featured.
The Mill Yard: Lowell's New Outdoor Hotspot
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the end of a long week? Well, we have just the event that will get you outdoors and keep you entertained for hours! Friday Nights is returning to The Mill Yard with delicious food, beautiful art, music and a beer garden for all to enjoy.
1. Friday Nights and The Mill Yard Grand Opening
While Friday Nights, sponsored by Made in Lowell, has been an ongoing event, this week’s festivity is going to be something you will not want to miss! With food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment, it’s the perfect setting for family and friends to enjoy this social event at a beautiful venue surrounded by mills and canal ways. Friday Nights begins at 5 pm, with the grand opening of The Mill Yard starting at 6.
In addition to Made in Lowell’s monthly Friday Nights celebrations The Mill Yard venue will serve as a prime outdoor location aimed at enhancing community engagement, offer space for entertainment, showcase local musicians and expand the city’s collaboration with food trucks.
The Mill Yard will provide the perfect setting for families, friends and foot-truck aficionados and will be available to host a variety of artisan markets and private functions. Come celebrate Lowell’s first ever community food truck park at the grand opening event tonight at 6 pm!
2. Art is in the Air
If you want a break from all the excitement at The Mill Yard, there is a lot to do in the surrounding area that will keep you entertained. The Mill Yard’s location is within sight of some cool public art. “Veils of Color,” created by artist Barbara Poole, fills the windows of a former mill wall with brightly dyed panels of fabric representing the dyes that used to be dumped in the canal when the Appleton Mills Dye House was operating. Nearby a pop up art park has been created from concrete blocks and jersey barriers, part of the City’s effort’s to creatively transform construction and security materials. When not being used for Folk Festival and other street closing security, they will be on display in the park, located across the Lower Pawtucket Canal in the Hamilton Canal District.
3. Mill NO. 5 and its many amenities just a footstep away
Photo: millno5.com
The fantastic thing about The Mill Yard is its centrally located right across the street from Lowell’s vibrant Mill No. 5. The quaint shops and weekly farm market in this renovated mill building are open all week long. Mill No. 5’s Luna Theater is always showcasing films and shows, with an upcoming comedy movie Band Aid this Friday night starting at 7:35pm. By expanding the use of The Mill Yard and making it an urban oasis for current and future district residents and businesses, local shops will be busier than ever!
4. The Breathtaking Western Avenue Studios
If you’re an art lover looking for something to do after grabbing a bite at Lowell’s new food truck park at The Mill Yard, the Western Avenue Studios located just around the corner is where art comes alive. The space has over 300 artists and 250 studio spaces for local artists and provides exquisite art for the public to see. The Western Avenue Studio is home to the largest artist’s community on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The studio has art classes and art exhibits year round. The current Gallery show is The Cultural Artbeat which runs through July 30th.
The Lowell Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Lowell's neighborhoods are a diverse reflection of the city's many populations, each with its own character and history. The eight distinct neighborhoods include: Pawtucketville, Centralville, Highlands, The Acre, Downtown, Back Central, South Lowell and Belvidere.
Some maps also break the neighborhoods down even further to include Lower Belvidere, the upper and lower Highlands and Ayres City, but this guide will focus on the distinct eight.
#Pawtucketville
Pawtucketville is the largest of Lowell's neighborhoods. Occupying the city's northwest area north of the Merrimack River, the neighborhood is mainly residential with lots of open space, parks and other green places for leisure and recreation.
Pawtucketville is an attractive summer destination in the city because of its location along the Merrimack River. Visitors can swim, kayak, fish and even take boat tours along the river. Parks such as the Vandenberg Esplanade and Lowell Heritage State Park are perfect places for summer activities. The Lowell Tyngsboro Dracut State Forest provides an environment for quiet hikes, birdwatching and crosscountry skiing. Other parks in the neighborhood include the Gannon Family Memorial Park, Father Maguire Playground, Fels Park and the Flaggy Meadows Playground.
Also located in Pawtucketville is the historic Hawk Valley Farm on Varnum Avenue. Hawk Valley Farm has been connected to the Varnum family since the 1660s. Today, the grounds still feature the old Varnum House from the 1700s along with various ruins and foundations from centuries past. Hawk Valley Farm is part of an urban land trust that preserves green space in the city to educate visitors of the now urban area's agricultural past.
Other attractions include UMass Lowell's North Campus with its Lydon Library, Costello Center and the Cushing Field Complex.
#Centralville
In Lowell's northeastern corner is the Centralville neighborhood. Separated from Pawtucketville to the west by Beaver Brook and with the Merrimack River along its southern border, Centralville is also a highly residential neighborhood with acres of green space.
The McPherson Playground, with basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds and pool is the perfect play area for recreational sports. Another large park, Gage Field, is located across the street behind the Robinson Middle School.
The Robinson Middle School parking lot and the Christian Hill Reservoir are two high points with great vistas of the city and are ideal for stargazing, appreciating city vistas and enjoying Lowell's 4th of July fireworks. Riverfront Park runs along the neighborhood's southern border. The park features the Merrimack River Bike Path, a river level, paved path from Beaver Brook to Duck Island. The park is a great area for summer picnics, jogging, fishing, and spotting hawks, herons, eagles and other wildlife.
#Highlands
Lowell's Highlands neighborhood is situated in the southwest section of the city. At the neighborhood's northern point is UMass Lowell's South Campus. The neighborhood's central section is mainly residential, and the diversity of the neighborhood is indicative of the city's overall culture. Much like Pawtucketville and Centralville, the Highlands features green spaces
and parks. Two active parks are Hadley and Callery Parks.
The Merrimack River serves as the neighborhood's northern border. Its riverfront, directly across the street from UMass Lowell's South Campus, is a scenic area for UMass Lowell students, locals and tourists and is a great place for fishing, picnics and relaxation.
#The Acre
The Acre is a neighborhood west of Downtown Lowell. It is a small neighborhood but is full of vibrancy and activity. The neighborhood is densely populated with a blend of small businesses.
North Common, the Acre's largest park located in the middle of the neighborhood, is an oasis from the urban landscape. North Common includes a public pool as well as basketball courts, making the park a summer destination that is relatively close to downtown.
Western Avenue Studios and Lofts anchor the southwest corner of the neighborhood with over 300 working artists at the studios. Decatur Way is a public, outdoor art space where local art is featured and runs between Merrimack and Salem Street from University Crossing to the LHA's Mercier Center.
#Downtown
Downtown Lowell is full of activity and nightlife as well as unique small businesses and restaurants, each lending its individual flair and personality to Lowell's downtown scene.
Downtown includes: The Tsongas Center, Lowell National Historical Park, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, New England Quilt Museum, Pollard Memorial Library and Lowell City Hall as well as historic canals, such as the Eastern Canal and Upper Pawtucket Canal, and numerous businesses, restaurants and cafés. Check out Lowell's downtown restaurants and cafes here.
Another fun feature of Downtown Lowell is its extensive trolley system. Trolleys are operated by the Lowell National Historical Park and run from spring through fall.
#Back Central
Back Central is located south of Downtown Lowell. It holds the distinction of being the smallest of Lowell's neighborhoods however Back Central has an exciting mix of businesses and residences. A noteworthy feature of Back Central is South Common, a large park located
at the corner of Highland and Thorndike Streets.
#South Lowell
South Lowell, an area also known as Ayres City, is a residential neighborhood that features three large cemeteries at its center. The cemeteries are Westlawn Cemetery, Edson Cemetery and St. Patrick's Cemetery. Surrounding these three cemeteries are many residential roads.
The Concord River flows through the neighborhood and provides a scenic location for nature lovers and relaxation seekers. Muldoon Park features a boat launching spot on the Concord River.
#Belvidere
The Belvidere neighborhood, along with Lower Belvidere, is situated in the southeast corner of the city. The neighborhood is the secondlargest of Lowell's distinct eight. Belvidere is separated from the rest of Lowell by the Merrimack and Concord Rivers.
In Lower Belvidere is the historic Lowell Cemetery, known for its green space and natural serenity. The cemetery features ornate headstones in a parklike landscape, making it a beautiful destination that functions as a public art display surrounded by nature. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Belvidere also features more green space and parks. Rogers Fort Hill Park and Shedd Park are perfect relaxation spots. The Wyman Bird Sanctuary.
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Written by Henry St. Pierre
To find a more comprehensive list of Lowell's restaurants and other businesses from each neighborhood, please visit www.likelowell.com.
We Got A Park For You!
Lowell's unmatched natural beauty can be found in a lot of different places. Here is a list of a few of our favorite spots!
Lowell National Historical Park
Being a Downtown Lowell resident, I walk past, through, and IN the Lowell National Historical Park every day because it encompasses pretty much all of downtown, the surrounding canals, North and South Common, and the Lowell Heritage State Park along the Merrimack off of Pawtucket Blvd. You could easily tour this park all day, or even spend an entire weekend doing so. It's not just about the foot paths either. They offer canal tours by boat! I have the good fortune of living on the bottom floor of a mill building and seeing the canal tours go by. All. The. Time. They always look like they're having a good time. This is truly a great place to start when you’re looking to get the overview of Lowell’s past. The people at the welcome center are so nice! The first time I went in, they were about to close up. The man behind the front desk let me browse, and even invited me to watch their introductory video in their media room even though it was well past 5PM. It’s a must-see. Not to mention the feeling you get when you look up at the expansive brick walls, exposed beams…it really makes you feel like you’re stepping into a bit of history.
Mill City Grows Gardens
Not exactly a park, but it deserves attention. Mill City Grows is a non-profit organization here in Lowell that promotes sustainable, organic farming within the city. They have four community gardens nestled around Lowell for all to enjoy and participate in in various ways. North Commons is the home of 36 garden plots where community members and local organizations can actually grow their own gardens. They also have grow sites at the Rotary Club Park, Smith St., West Third St., and are always expanding and seeking new growing opportunities. Their website encourages those that want to see a grow site near them to reach out.
Mill City Grows is not just about community gardening. One of their gardens is located behind Mill No. 5, and grows up from what was once a building’s foundation. This urban “pop up” farm provides produce that they sell at community events all around the city throughout the year! I can attest to their quality as I have purchased carrots from some of their events to make one of the most delicious carrot soups! I also frequent Fuse, a great restaurant in the Canalway Cultural District, where they often feature Mill City Grows produce. To die for! I would strongly encourage you to check them out on MillCityGrows.org, and be sure to get a tour of the garden, and make it out to their next event!
Victorian Garden
I have visited this park on so many occasions. It's a perfect spot to take a posed picture with a backdrop of rhododendrons in spring, and to have a quiet conversation about life with an old friend. It started as part of a larger promenade with grass and trees that was commonly paired with Mill yards of its time. These “malls” were a place where the mill girls could walk and take in a bit of greenery, which was a sharp contrast to the backdrop of brick, wooden beams, and metal that surrounded them during their 60 or so hour work week. Even though this contrast was once considered important for the worker’s well-being, this small garden is all that remains after the rapid growth in Lowell in the late 1800s. After being dedicated to Mary Bacigalupo in 2005, it’s received a well-deserved, Victorian-style face lift. It’s a great spot to sit with a coffee and read on your tablet. Lots of trees block the sun, so if you love paper-backs, there is a bench for you right on the outside of the garden. Otherwise, I would stick to an eBook!
Boarding House Park
Named after the boarding house where the mill girls once lived, this is where locals go to see ALL OF THE CONCERTS!! In fact, people from all around catch great shows here. This place is amazing, especially in the summer months. I have to admit that I have never been to see a show there, but I have stood on the sidewalk right across the street with my dog and listened to Pat Benetar, the B-52s, and so many others. Going into Boston, however fun, can be quite a schlep. Boarding House Park offers people that reside within a 2 hour radius the Boston alternative to concert-going. If you are thinking about seeing a show here, DO IT! The parking is pretty easily accessible, and the Lowell nightlife in the Canalway Cultural District can be fun for and after the show. If you’re like me and can’t seem to get it together to learn about these events early enough to get a ticket, be sure to check out the park on any given day for a picnic. There is a ton of space to spread out, bring the kids, and play with your dog.
Kerouac Park
Jack Kerouac, an iconic novelist and poet, began his life and career right here in Lowell, MA. Kerouac Park was dedicated in 1988 to celebrate his life and work, which often touched back upon his Lowell roots and upbringing. Standing among the granite pillars with excerpts of his writings, all you need to do is turn around and see Lowell’s history. This is a great place to stop if you’re heading to Boarding House Park, or for a walk along the Merrimack. The Hamilton Canal is right behind you, Arthur’s Paradise Diner is across the street, and the Boot Mills are just steps away. This spot is a calm retreat from the arduous day of walking from one historical backdrop to another.
Rogers Fort Hill Park
This park’s history goes way back past the raising of the textile mills! It got its name when the local Pawtucket Indian Tribe’s Chief, Wannalancit, created a fort there. Zadock Rogers then purchased the 300 acre parcel in 1805 to create the Fort Hill Zoo, only to leave it to his daughters who later sold most of it for both development and to the city to form Rogers Fort Hill Park. Over the years, there has been both highs and lows for this park. It followed the city’s path of prosperity and decline. In the past 20 years, reinvestment has brought about improvements, better security, and more visitors putting it back on the map. Rogers Fort Hill Park has been the scenic backdrop for engagement and family pictures, music videos, and even a movie about the creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, according to the Fort Hill Park Facebook page. With 11 acres of fields and 23 acres of forest, there is all the room anyone could want to spend a day. Running, mount biking, and even just taking pictures of the sunset are all feature past times at this great spot.
Lowell Memorial Cemetery
This may sound creepy, but coming into Halloween and all, I hope you hear me out. This place is beautiful, holds events for the public throughout the year, and celebrates a piece of history unlike that which you can find in any of the mills. In 1998, this cemetery was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. These picturesque grounds are a respite for those looking to connect with this history of influential Lowell leaders, or simply seeking a quiet backdrop to take in some nature. Definitely an easy walking trail for you walking enthusiasts. A must-see this fall.
Shedd Park
Granted by prominent Lowell leader, Freeman Ballard Shedd and right next to the Lowell Memorial Cemetery and Fort Hill Park, Shedd Park is the largest green space in Greater Lowell. A great spot for the entire family, Shedd Park has play grounds, water park-style play areas, covered areas for social gathers, a baseball and softball diamonds, and all the space you need to do anything you want! It’s an easy spot to park and spend a few hours.
Lowell Heritage State Park
This has been one of my favorite spots since I was in High School. Lowell Heritage State Park has everything anyone needs for a good time outside. There is a long scenic walking/running trail right along the Merrimack River. Like Boarding House Park, there is a stage where you can catch a show in the summer months. If you have a boat, you can drop it! If you want to swim, well, you can do that too! If you’re more of a ‘watch and see’ type person, go across the street to Heritage Ice Cream and sit on one of the many benches and listen to the water and watch a sunset. Friendship Field is also right across the way, so if there’s a festival going on, you are at the right place. When I was a kid, my friends and I would walk along the river while there was a show going on and talk about going to UMASS Lowell, which is the backdrop of the boathouse. A nostalgic stop for me, and I’d bet for plenty of other people.
Written by Melissa Consalvo
Photography by David Blad, Tobias Marx, GM
9 Reasons to visit Lowell this fall
The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us and so are lots of great things to do in Lowell. Here are our 9 top picks why you should visit Lowell this seasons. There's A Lot To Like in the city!
1. City Of lights
Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Saturday, November 26, from 12 - 7PM. ! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, AND the crowd favorite, our Annual Hot Chocolate Competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza -- The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting -- which marks the City's official start to the holiday season!
2. Dine Out Lowell
There is no question that Lowell is the cultural hub of the Merrimack Valley. This Fall, Dine Out Lowell is your opportunity to experience Lowell's culinary culture. From November 26 to December 4, 2016 come and experience the vast variety of restaurants and menus. From casual to fine dining, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of "Happy Hour Parking" in the Joseph M. Downes Garage in the Canalway Cultural District.
3. Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll
Celebrate the Halloween season in Lowell at the Annual Monster Bash & Halloween Stroll, Saturday, October 29, from 12 - 3PM. Enjoy downtown trick-or-treating, costume contests, kids games, and get spooked at Monster Bash's all ages annual haunted house!
4. Mill No. 5
Mill No. 5 is the perfect destination for shopping and entertainment. You can find unique gifts and items in one of the 11 eclectic shops, or shop for locally and artisan food, cheese, wine and more. Different markets happen weekly, and between the café, lounge and movie theater there is always something going on. Mill No. 5 is located in Lowell's Hamilton Canal District, with conveniently located parking in the Edward J. Early Garage.
5. Western Avenue Studios - Open Studios
So much to see at First Saturday Open Studios at Western Avenue Studios! - Every month artists open their doors to the public from 12 - 5PM, so that you can come browse their latest works - you'll be amazed at what you find. Talk to artists about their work and what inspires them. It'll take you more than one visit to check out all the art you'll find at Western Avenue.
6. Take a walk along the Greenway
Reserve your spot for this popular Merrimack River Hike & Picnic, Saturday, November 19, from 9AM - 2pm. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this fantastic 8 mile hike along the Merrimack River. More info >>>
7. Angkor Dance Troup Event
Angkor Dance Troupe is collaborating with Merrimack Repertory Theatre to produce an original piece first performed during a Cultural Exchange at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia called Pin Panhchapor (The Harp and Five Colors of Harmony). The production will take place November 18 and 19, 2016. Tickets are available here.
8. Fall Foliage in Lowell
Fall could easily be renamed to "Instagram Season" here in Lowell. Fall foliage is one of Lowell's many hidden secrets. Lowell's foliage season usually begins mid to late-September and extends into late October. The 'peak' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season unfolds. The best places to experience fall foliage in Lowell include Lowell Heritage Sate Park, Dracut-Tyngsboro-Lowell State Forest, The Concord Greenway, Fort Hill Park, And the Canalway and Riverwalks. We suggest you book your stay at one of Lowell's Hotels and plan your trip early!
9. The Canalway Cultural District
The Canalway Cultural District is home to many of Lowell's top attractions. With more than a dozen public art installations, public parks, over 14 annual festivals and events, countless concerts along with performances that range from intimate gallery openings to mayor athletic events year-round. There's A Lot To Like for everyone. Did you know that the Canalway Cultural District offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your personal tastes and budget? The district is home to more than 40 restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance to many attractions. Enjoying a relaxing meal before a show or cap off the evening with cocktails and dessert add to a pleasurable experience in the Canalway Cultural District.