The Ultimate Fall Happenings Guidebook

Lowell is a haven for artists of all types and for those seeking creative experiences in the city’s art districts.  With over 600 creatives, Lowell provides a stage for unique exhibitions and performances that are exclusive to Lowell.  Discover why There is a Lot to Like and check out Lowell's art exhibitions, movies, music and performing arts happenings this fall!

1. Music Is In The Air

Lowell is known for its vibrant year round music scene.  The Luna Theater and Coffee and Cotton in Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street are home to popular music performances including Live Jazz sessions every Thursday night.  Around the corner on Chelmsford Street, The Hearing Room is an ideal place to exercise your vocal cords every Tuesday evening at open mic night. If you're in Downtown Lowell stop by UnchARTed Gallery, a hip art gallery and restaurant featuring eclectic live music on weekends.

2. Not Your Average Movie Night

Who doesn’t love a good movie night?  If you’re looking to take a break from mainstream movies and try something new, the Luna Theater is the place for you.  The Luna Theater has movie nights throughout the week including their weekly Weirdo Wednesdays movies and new screenings of mainstream movies like A Ghost Story and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  In addition, the Magical Mystery Movie Club, a weekly movie series for children and families, runs every Sunday at 11:30 during the Farm Market. 

3. Cutting Edge Exhibits

Lowell has several museums that always have new and exciting exhibits to admire.  Check out the Boott Cotton Mills Museum as well as Summer Celebration of New England Quilts and Threads of Resistance on display through the first week of September at the New England Quilt Museum. Continuing all fall is the Lisa Kovvuri exhibit at The Whistler House Museum, showcasing portrait painting with a refined finish.  In addition to Kovvuri's paintings, Adrien Bisson will be presenting The Portrait Experience Through Photography.

Photo: Brush Gallery. Artist: Chrissy Theo Hungate.

4. Lose Yourself In The Art

As the writer Thomas Merton says, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”  Lose yourself in Lowell’s galleries this fall.   Check out new exhibits at the ALL Gallery, Western Avenue Studios and Loading Dock Gallery.  The Arts League of Lowell (ALL Gallery) is showcasing the new Fabrication of Imagination exhibit where Lowell’s rich textile manufacturing history is referenced and then updated with new, out-of-the-box, three-dimensional, textile art work.  Then, head to the Loading Dock Gallery’s newest art show: Fantastic Worlds which runs from August 30th-October 1st.  
 

5. Interactive Classes

Bring out your inner Picasso by taking a painting, drawing or sculpture class.  Lowell has multiple outlets to express your creative side including pottery classes at Derek Soohoo pottery studios or The Pottery Mill.  Or try one of the art classes offered at either Western Avenue Studios or ALL studios. If you’re the singing and musical type, make sure to check out the Hearing Room's classes that are offered all season long! 

Six Things to Do in Lowell That Your Kids Will Love

By Allison Lamey - Lowell’s rich history, compact size, and diverse mix of festivals and events make it a great city to explore with kids. I asked my kids (three boys aged 9, 6, and 2) what they like to do most in Lowell. Here are some of their favorites.

1. Music, Art, Theatre, Oh My! 

There’s no better place to cultivate an appreciation for the arts in your kids than in Lowell.
The Cultural Organization of Lowell maintains a calendar of exhibits and events that are sure to please kids of any age.  Some of our favorites include the Lowell Summer Music Series free concerts at Boarding House Park and the many community events organized by Made in Lowell.  For the budding artist in your home, many galleries in Lowell offer youth classes and you can watch artists at work during first Saturday of each month at Western Avenue Studios.  My six year old is particularly fond of the glass blowing demonstrations at Mill City Glassworks!  

2. Free Movies

Our go to spot on a rainy afternoon is the Magical Mystery Movie Club at the Luna Theatre in Mill No. 5.  Every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. they show free movies, rated G or PG, that are unannounced until the start of the show – hence the “mystery”!  House lights are kept a bit brighter than normal and you’re free to come and go so there’s no pressure to keep active kiddos confined to a seat for 90 minutes.  As an added bonus the seats are so comfortable your little one (or you) may get in an unexpected nap.  

3. Trolleys

Trains are a big favorite in my house so the National Park Service trolley rides are a go to activity for us.  They offer free rides between the Visitors’ Center and the Boott Mills Museum throughout the day.  For a longer, more educational experience NPS offers several guided tours, for a small fee, that delve into the history of the canals and mills that shaped Lowell.  When you’re done your little ones can make believe they’re a trolley conductor on the child-size replica at Mack Plaza.  

4. Picnics on the Waterfront

Lowell offers several great spots to lay down a blanket and picnic along the Merrimack River.  Our favorite spots include the Vandenberg Esplanade along the VFW Highway, Sheehy Park on Pawtucket St. near UMass Lowell South Campus, and the Riverwalk behind the Tsongas Arena.  All three locations have walking paths that are stroller, bike, and pet friendly.  The Esplanade and Sheehy Park are also a great spot to watch rowers and kayakers.  

5. The Lowell Spinners 

Lowell proudly boasts its minor league baseball team, the Lowell Spinners, and it affiliation with the Boston Red Sox.  The stadium offers great views from any seat, fun entertainment between innings, and a kids’ play area if your little ones get restless.  The affordable prices mean you can bring the whole family and still have money for peanuts and cracker jacks. 

6. Eat!

Lowell’s growing reputation as a cultural food hub means there’s something to please everyone no matter how sophisticated their taste buds may be.  Lowell has a great variety of restaurants offering classic American cuisine and ethnic dishes representative of Lowell’s diverse population. While we have our favorites in every neighborhood our kids love to eat downtown where they can people watch until their meals arrive.  You can check out the great variety of restaurants here.  My nine year old wants to make sure I also mention that after dinner you can pick up a yummy treat from one of several downtown shops including Sweet Journey, Little Delight’s Bakery, or Sweet Lydia’s. Dessert is healthy for you when it’s made local, right?  

Summer Festivals and Fun Happenings in Lowell

While the Lowell Folk Festival may be over there are still more festival celebrations and activities around the corner to entertain you for the rest of the summer! As we enter August, visit Lowell and discover all there is to like about our city. Mark you calendars, because these activities are a great way to end your summer on a high note!

1. Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival

Lowell has a rich culture that enhances the city, attracting people from across the country and providing the perfect setting to preserve and share the cultural heritages of the Southeast Asian Community. Add the Southeast Asian Water Festival to your list of festivals and join in as the city celebrates the culture with endless food, crafts, performances and of course the famous Dragon boat races!

2. Brazilian Food Festival

What's better than spending your afternoon eating exquisite traditional Brazilian food? The Brazilian Food Festival is for all the foodies out there, as it brings live music, authentic Brazilian dishes and delicious desserts for all to enjoy. Come experience Brazilian culture at this free event held at JKF Plaza. All proceeds will benefit Life Connection Center, bringing healthy meals to the homeless community.

3. Lowell Summer Music Series

The music scene is always vibrant in Lowell as the Lowell Summer Music Series continues all summer long! Although the Folk Festival has come to an end, Boarding House Park music festivities haven't, as artists are lined up for all to listen. Boarding House Park is perfectly located near an abundance of local restaurants, so you can enjoy a bite to eat before or after the concert! Make a night with family and friends and discover why Lowell is the place to visit for a great night out.

4. Family Festival

Every summer the Center for Hope and Healing transforms Shedd Park into a mini carnival with endless activities, food, music,face painting and more. This year's Family Festival will also include  zumba, yoga and sports. according to the Center for Hope and Healing, "This family friendly event raises funds to support survivors of abuse and serves as an opportunity to increase awareness of violence prevention education in our community." This event is a great way to have fun while supporting a great cause.

5. Made in Lowell: Friday Nights!

Looking 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. Lowell’s non-profit Made in Lowell hosts Friday Nights every second Friday of every month until October, so if you haven’t experienced this event you will definitely want to stop by! 

Lowell is a hotspot for festivals and summer fun, so come take a trip on the wild side and discover why There’s a Lot to Like about Lowell.

Take a Walk on the Art Side

The Lowell Folk Festival is all about traditional music, ethnic food and culture - lots of culture and art! If you come for the festival, there are plenty of galleries and museums to visit and plenty of artistic inspiration to be found in neighborhoods across the city. We invite you to explore your surroundings and enjoy Lowell's creative scene while taking in the sights and sounds of this incredibly diverse music festival.

Decatur Way - Photo Courtesy of Liz LaManche

1.  Lowell Public Art Walk

Outdoor art is all around in Lowell! Whether you're walking downtown or exploring our neighborhoods, you're sure to see a variety of original works that reflect the city's history, ethnic heritage and contemporary life. Our self-guided tour encourages residents and visitors to chart their own course and discover the public sculptures, murals, memorials and historic monuments that make Lowell unique. Visit Lowell Public Art Walk to learn more and discover local treasures near you.

Photo Courtesy of the Lowell Folk Festival_Higgins _ Ross

2. Art in the Courtyard

Under the tents in the shaded, brick-lined courtyard between the National Historical Park and the Brush gallery, you will find Art in the Courtyard, a high-traffic  spot featuring some of the finest art and craft work by local artists. This venue provides an opportunity for visitors to meet the artists and learn about the  techniques and processes that go into creating their works. Art in the Courtyard is coordinated by the Brush Art Gallery and is one of the best
places  to view and purchase art and fine crafts at the Lowell Folk Festival.

3. Pop Up Art Show

If you're looking for a respite from the over-stimulation of the festival then head over to the Arts League of Lowell and check out the work of their talented artists in a special pop up show of small works especially chosen for the Folk Festival weekend. Works are no larger than 12 x 12 inches or smaller and all priced at $100 or below. This is your chance to find something lovely and unique from Lowell!

4. Threads of Resistance

Located in downtown Lowell, The New England Quilt Museum is the only institute in the Northeast solely dedicated to the art of quilting and the second-oldest quilt museum in the United States. Their new exhibit titled "Threads of Resistance", on view now through September 9, 2017, proves that the art of quilt-making is alive and kicking. This national exhibition, organized by the Artist's Circle, features 64 juried works of fiber art, contemporary quilts, and art quilts designed to express a range of emotions from anger and sadness to hope and empowerment. Inspired by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter".

5. Discover other Galleries and Museums

There's plenty of art to see elsewhere: Stop by  UnchARTed Gallery  and check out the abstract map prints by the artist Jennifer Carland of Carland Cartography! Also check out these other exhibits:  Gallery Z   - Reflections II, thru July 30 -  Ayer Lofts Art Gallery  - Lowell Loves Art, thru July 30 -  Loading Dock Gallery  - The Cultural ARTbeat, thru July 30 -  LTC Gallery  - Opening August 3: Japan: Tradition and Inspiration, thru August 31 -   Whistler House Museum of Art  - Opening August 5: Contemporary Art Quilts 2017, thru September 1.
 

Destination Lowell - A Showcase of Lowell's Best

The 31st annual Lowell Folk Festival will bring the best of traditional music, food and crafts for all to enjoy.  This year’s Destination Lowell will offer visitors a more engaging, interactive experience by transforming Merrimack Street into hubs of activity, entertainment, outdoor sports and local vendors. We hope that festival visitors will soon discover why There's a Lot to Like about Lowell! Here are some things to look forward to.

1.  Art, Culture and Heritage

Located at the entrance of Destination Lowell between Shattuck Street and Palmer Street, the Art, Culture and Heritage area will feature a dozen local organizations offering information, giveaways and more!  Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, Western Avenue Studios and Merrimack Repertory Theater are some of this year’s participants.  Come experience Lowell’s rich and vibrant cultural scene!

2. Outdoor Fun, Sports and Recreation

As you walk further down Merrimack Street, you will see Destination Lowell’s first of three activation areas.  This area creates the perfect setting for outdoor recreation and sports organizations to promote themselves, while engaging attendees through interactive activities involving crafts, games, music, sports and fitness.  For those who love competition, this is the hub for you! Destination Lowell will provide giant outdoor games such as cornhole, checkers and jenga for all ages to enjoy while listening to some beautiful folk music in Downtown Lowell’s historic setting. 

3. Events and Happenings

Once you’ve experienced the fun and entertaining activities at the recreation area, continue strolling down Merrimack Street to the next area that Destination Lowell has set up for you.  There are plenty of things to do at the events and happenings hub, located between Kirk and John Street. This area creates spaces for local companies like Made in Lowell, DIY Lowell, Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race and the Puerto Rican Festival to promote upcoming events and provide information on ways to get involved. 

Derek Soohoo Pottery

4. Lifestyle

The last area is the lifestyle hub.  This area will serve as a great way for participants to stay relax and unwind as Destination Lowell partners with Mill No. 5 to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Red Apothecary and Derek’s SooHoo Pottery are some of the local businesses that will have exhibits and demonstrations for all to enjoy!

Come check what this year’s Destination Lowell has to offer and experience for yourself why people believe Lowell is the number one festival city, as it continues to host the largest free folk festival in the United States! The Lowell Folk Festival seeks to present the finest traditional music, dance, crafts, ethnic food and cultural treasures that make up Lowell’s diverse community.   This is a free event.  For more information visit: http://lowellfolkfestival.org/

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. 

Lowell: Urban Adventures and Activities to Enjoy This Summer.

Looking for ways to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with family and friends? Not only does the city have picturesque views of the Merrimack River and its historic mill buildings, but there are enough trails, walkways and fishing spots to keep you on your feet this summer! Here are some free outdoor activities to enjoy while soaking up some vitamin D. 

Lowell's Urban Trails

1. The Riverwalk

If the heat is weighing you down, take a scenic walk along the Merrimack River to escape the humidity and cool off with a refreshing river breeze. The Riverwalk is located along the Mile of Mills on the southern bank of the Merrimack River, connecting the Boott Mills, Tsongas Center, UMass Lowell as well as Lelacheur Park. Not only is this walkway great for running and taking pictures, it has some of the best sunset views in the Merrimack Valley! You may even see a Blue Heron, so make sure you bring your camera. 

2. The Western Canalway

Located right behind the Tsongas Center, the Western Canalway is not only a beautiful walking path, it contains historic elements such as The Lawrence Turbine House, Hickey Hall Dam and the Tremont and Suffolk Mills. The Western Canal has a natural quality, and once you’re done walking, outdoor picnic tables located behind the Tsongas Center provide the perfect spot to relax and refuel. 

3. The Concord River Greenway

People typically associate the Merrimack River when they think of Lowell Massachusetts. While the Merrimack does cut through the city, the Concord River Greenway Park is a gem to keep in mind this summer.  This hidden treasure is not only a scenic walking route, but a part of the cit’'s regional trail network that connects to Lowell’s largest open spaces- Shedd Park and Rogers Fort Hill Park- to the center of the city. Other links in the Concord River Greenway are in the planning process and once complete will add to the network of walkways that have been developed by the City of Lowell and Lowell National Historic Park.  Although the Greenway is undergoing some expansion, there is plenty of walkway to enjoy in the meantime! 

U.S. National Park Services

4. Lowell National Historical Park

The Lowell National Historical Park offers a wide variety of programs that include boat tours, mill & trolley tours, free-fee days at the Boott Mills Museum and Visitors’ Center and free family programs throughout the summer.  Whether it’s taking a relaxing boat tour, or spending the day with a park ranger, there are enough activities and events to fill up your summer.  The National Park’s popular series of family programs called Your City Saturday occurs on the third Saturday of every month, so be sure to check out these programs before the summer comes to an end!

Recreational Activities

5. Hike, Fish and Bike through the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest

Located in three towns, this forest contains 1,140 acres including 180 acres of ponds, swamps, and wetlands.  The forest has six miles of trails designed for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.  If you’re searching for the perfect fishing spot, the state forest is filled with ponds and you’re bound to catch something even if you’re a first time angler!  

6. Lowell Walks

Looking to learn about the history of Lowell?  Lowell Walks are free walking tours of Lowell led by knowledgeable tour guides.  Walks begin on Saturdays at 10 a.m. from Lowell National Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street and typically last 90 minutes.  The walking tours will run all summer long and no registration is required.  Come explore Lowell and learn about its historical background from experts.

If your goal is to stay active and outdoors this summer, Lowell offers an abundance of activities that cater to all ages, so be sure to check out these local sites while the weather is nice!

Pride Returns to the Mill City

By Lauren Leblanc on June 23, 2017 - What better way to spend your Saturday than to celebrate Pride month right here in Lowell. Celebrate, support and express your pride for the LGBTQ community in the Greater Lowell area with family and friends on Saturday, June 24th 1 - 5 pm at Utopia Park (on the Canal Street Lot between 110 Canal St & Mill NO.5 on Jackson St). This event, sponsored by the Greater Lowell Health Alliance and the LGBTQ Subcommittee will include live musical entertainment, arts and crafts, kids face painting and resources as well as food trucks for all those in attendance. 

We reached out to the Greater Lowell Health Alliance and asked them the following questions:

What sets the Lowell pride event apart from the other pride events? 

"Lowell is a unique city where people of many different cultures co-exist. Lowell's Pride event is a group of organizations, local businesses, individuals and community representatives that are very different but all hold the same core value of putting the community high on their priority list. Although we are a mosaic, each with our own culture and set of values, we all share the value of respecting each other and recognizing the importance of family. Lowell's pride event is a family-friendly gathering."

What can people look forward to?

"This event is very unique in the fact that it is not just in one area, but the whole city is celebrating. We will have a number of entertainment acts with musicians, performers and youth groups and many restaurants and cafés are celebrating the day to show their support by flying the LBGTQ pride flag outside their venue. Be sure to wear rainbow themed accessories or clothing and stop by to see if there is a special deal of the day in honor of this celebration of our LBGTQ community members."

What are your hopes for in the future? Seeing as this is the second annual celebration in Lowell do you hope to continue this event every year? 

"We absolutely want to see this tradition continue. The GLHA is an all-encompassing organization with the desire to support everyone and make all its community members feel important. Within this organization, the LBGTQ Subcommittee out of our Cultural Competency branch has really gone above and beyond planning this event. They hope to encompass more of the surrounding towns within the Greater Lowell area in future events to continue to make this celebration an area wide event."

How can community members become more involved with local pride events?

"For those interested in being more involved with future pride events and endeavors, they should reach out to the Cultural Competency Task Force and come to the LBGTQ subcommittee's bimonthly meetings where future plans, events, advocacy opportunities and more are discussed. Follow the link below to contact task force leaders to find out when the next meeting is: www.greaterlowellhealthalliance.org."

Anything else people should know?

The event will take place rain or shine. This would not be possible without our sponsors, the First Parish UU Chelmsford, Fenway Health, and Life Links, Inc. In addition, we had immense support from a number of donors and vendors (including but not limited to): the City of Lowell, Made in Lowell, History UnErased, Coffee & Cotton, Cobblestones, Life Alive, The Rainbow Times, House of Hope and Healing, Miss Jackie, MAMA Savanna & her Queens/Kings and DJ Ron Coin-Boy, ATASK, Lowell Community Health Center, DIY Lowell, Chelmsford Wellness Center, Department of Veteran Services, Alternative Housing, MAPS, ANCHOR, Sweet Lydia's, Socialist Alternative, A Clean Sweep, Shaved Ice/Cones food truck and Let's Roll Eggrolls food truck.

*For more information and updates please visit the Facebook Event page.

Five Weekend Activities for an Extra Special Father's Day

1. Take in the sights and sounds at the Lowell African Festival.  

Who doesn’t like listening to music, watching dance, eating food and making crafts with family and friends? Start your Father’s Day celebration early by taking part in the Lowell African Festival this Saturday, from 11 am-7 pm at the Sampas  Pavillion. 

2. The Farm Market is in full swing, adding a fresh touch to your Father’s Day menu.

Summer weather has finally hit Massachusetts, producing the freshest farm products for locals to enjoy. The Mill City Grows Farmers Market has fresh fruits and vegetables that will help add local flavor to your Father’s Day meals.  Support local farms and shop for fresh produce and artisan food in the breathtaking renovated Mill NO. 5.  You may also find some cute Father’s Day gifts along the way! 

3. Get those cooking skills perfected with a farm to table cooking class.

Not every Father is blessed with excellent cooking skills.  Lowell’s farm to table cooking class is the perfect way to spend time with your favorite guy, while making some delicious food and learning essential kitchen skills that can transfer into your kitchen at home.  This cooking class is all about batch cooking with seasonal produce, and is the perfect class for an on-the-go Dad. Not only will you learn the secret to making easy meals, but you will also learn how to make nutritious dishes to fuel yourself all week long.

4. The perfect steak for Dad from Chef Scott Pelletier

"I love the porterhouse steak because you get the chewy, beefy sirloin on one side of the bone and the tender filet on the other side. I also like to cook steaks with the bone as they stay juicier", says chef Scott Pelletier. So here is my grilled coffee crusted porterhouse steak recipe with grilled and buttered asparagus

For the coffee crust: 2 Tblsp ground coffee, 2 Tblsp brown sugar, 1 Tblsp smoky paprika, 1 Tblsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper. Mix it all together.

For the steak liberally sprinkle with salt 30 minutes before cooking and let sit at room temp Then crust the steak just before grilling with the coffee mix Get the grill smoking hot to get a nice char, but don't let it flame up and burn, move as needed so it won't flame.
Cook to 120 degrees and let rest for 5-8 minutes before cutting for med-rare For the asparagus I like to quickly cook it in boiling salted water for 45 seconds then put it on the grill, I like to adds smoky flavor to the asparagus but not totally cook it on the grill as it can get too charred and tough Melt a little butter, toss with asparagus and salt and put over the top of the steak!
Simple but delicious!

Recipe by Chef Scott Pelletier from Fuse Bistro.
 

5. Let’s be honest….what Father doesn’t like watching baseball?

For all the baseball loving Dads s out there, LeLacheur Park is the place you’ll want to be Monday night.  The Lowell Spinners home opener is June 19th at 6:35 pm and it’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends to celebrate the start of summer.  Don’t forget to bring your baseball glove!  

Whether it’s dancing to African music, having a relaxing outdoor BBG or cheering for the Lowell Spinners, there are plenty of activities to get excited about that will fill your Father’s Day weekend with enjoyable fun for all ages!

Where to Catch Scenic Views of Lowell

Lowell is a city with unique historic and contemporary features. Located on the Merrimack River, the city developed as an industrial center in the nineteenth century and many of the mills and canals that were built over the years are still standing today.
                                                                                                      
Lowell's combination of natural and built environments creates dramatic vistas throughout the city.  Sightseers have many vantage points from which to survey the city.  This is a sampler of these vantage points for viewing the city, whether for an Instagram post, personal observation or as part of an activity.

1. Merrimack River Behind LeLacheur Park

LeLacheur Park is home to the Lowell Spinners, the Class-A, short season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the UMass Lowell River Hawks baseball team.  Behind the stadium is a riverwalk extending through UMass Lowell's East Campus.  The trees obscure this particular view slightly until a clearing opens up and a sandy beach is revealed.
 
This beach offers a view of the Merrimack River at its widest point in Lowell.  Looking across is a view of both Pawtucketville (to the west/southwest) and Centralville (to the east/northeast). The river at this beach is a torrent in the spring but calm in the summer.  Also, Beaver Brook empties into the Merrimack directly across the river.  This is a great spot to watch for bald eagles perched in nearby trees!  Lowell has many great views of the Merrimack and this location is a gem.

2. Canal near UMass Lowell's Fox Hall

Amateur and professional photographers alike appreciate a beautiful sunset, especially when it creates a mesmerizing, peaceful reflection on water.  The view of the northern canal, located between UMass Lowell's East Campus and Father Morissette Boulevard, offers stunning scenes.  The canal extends from Pawtucket Street to Suffolk Street and a walk along the canal-bordering path provides great opportunities for sunrise to sunset pictures.

3. Inside Mill No. 5

This view isn't as much of a "view" as it is a historical vista. Mill No. 5 is a collection of distinctive small businesses located in a Jackson Street mill built in 1873.  Once the elevator doors open into the fourth floor, Mill 5 presents a metaphor of the city itself and is just waiting to be photographed.
 
Preserved, nineteenth-century architecture and modern renovations combine with the flair and personality of small businesses to create something truly special.  There are many eye-catching features along the central hall's creaky wood floor.  Visitors are in for a unique shopping experience when they visit the mill.

4. Merrimack River Bike Path

The river bike path is located at the southernmost point of the Centralville neighborhood, running just below the VFW Highway.  The path, in addition to being a great place to walk, jog, and observe wildlife such as waterfowl and beavers, offers beautiful views of both the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. The Concord River is no tiny tributary; it flows north from Wayland to Lowell where it empties into the Merrimack.
 
The path is the best location in Lowell to view the confluence of the two rivers, providing plenty of changing water and "Mile of Mill" views.

5. Concord River at Muldoon Park

Muldoon Park, located in the South Lowell neighborhood near Lawrence Street, features a landing on the Concord River. This is the perfect place to relax, take photos, fish or launch a boat. 

6. Christian Hill Resrvoir

The Christian Hill Reservoir in Centralville has one of the highest natural points in the city.  The lack of bright lights surrounding the elevated reservoir makes this a great destination for stargazing.
 
Viewing the horizon offers incredible sights across the entire city below.  On clear days, New Hampshire and its mountain ranges can be seen!  This location is not only the top of the city but is also the top of any list for sightseers.

7. Robinson Middle School Parking Lot

Like the Christian Hill Reservoir, the Robinson Middle School is located in Centralville and is also a high point in Lowell.  For this reason, the school's parking lot is a convenient and popular destination for viewing the 4th of July fireworks over the river below.
 
Looking out at the horizon, the entire city can be seen in all directions, as well as Dracut, Tewksbury and the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest.

8. UMass Lowell's South Campus

Behind UMass Lowell's South Campus's Allen House lies a gently-sloping hill leading to a softball field, basketball courts and larger green space. This spot, surrounded by trees and overlooking the softball field with the Merrimack River in the near distance, provides a very peaceful view. 

9. Merrimack River Rapids from the Howe Bridge

The Merrimack River rapids run between the Pawtucket Dam and Beaver Brook. The Howe Bridge (University Avenue) provides a high observation point both upriver towards the dam and down river towards the brook.
 
Nearby is a small veteran's memorial park with benches and a railing separating the landing from the drop below. It's a great place to view the river and see how the river splits Pawtucketville, directly across the water, and Centralville, further downstream, from the rest of Lowell.  University Avenue and the nearby park are also great spots to watch the spring waters roar over bedrock and to catch sight of ducks, geese, herons and other waterfowl as they fly over the bridge.

Lowell Cemetery Inside View (photo thanks to Wikipedia user Emw, some rights reserved).

10. Lowell Cemetery

Lowell Cemetery is a destination for those seeking natural tranquility and serenity.  The cemetery - established in 1841 - is centered on a parklike setting in the Belvidere neighborhood.  Rolling hills, bright greens and mature trees blend beautifully with ornate, elegant tombstones.
 
The Lowell Cemetery provides many ways to experience and learn about Lowell through the natural setting, rich history and public art unique to those who are remembered here.

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Written by Henry St. Pierre

Let's Talk About our "Sister" and Food!

Like Lowell, There's a Lot ALike about Saint-Dié-des-Vosges

Lowell's sister city since 1989, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is located in the northeastern corner of France.  Like Lowell the town is bisected by a river, the Meurthe, and has a rich history. Although much older, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a lot in common with its younger sister.

Image Credit: https://transvosges.com

Created between the 12th and 13th centuries, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has seen its share of challenges including wars, fires and economic decline but has always bounced back and rebuilt itself over the years, indeed centuries.  Saint-Dié, like Lowell, was an industrial center in the 19th century and its economic history includes textile manufacturing along with metalwork, machinery and the manufacture of hosiery.  Today it's a center of services, education and tourism.  The Institut universitaire de techologie provides programs in robotics, electronics, computing and graphic design.
 
Historical landmarks include a Gothic cloister and medieval and Renaissance cathedrals including one built of pink sandstone.  Other landmarks are the Claude and Duval factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by famed architect, Le Corbusier; and the Tower of Liberty, originally built to celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution that now serves as an exhibition hall and museum.  Other museums, cultural events and public markets, including a Christmas Market and parade of St. Nicholas, beckon residents and visitors alike.
 
Like Lowell, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges has a diverse menu of restaurants-Asian, Indian, Italian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian and, of course, French.

Click here for more information on Lowell's older "sister".

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The World On Your Tastebuds.
 

When it comes to international cuisine, Lowell is also home to a whole variety of restaurants and eateries. The city has local favorites, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, sophisticated dining and so much more. Each neighborhood features eateries with flavors that reflect the city's diverse culture.

Here you can find Asian, Mexican, Latin, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Greek, Italian, African, Portuguese, Caribbean and classic American food. This is in addition to many food trucks, diners, donut shops and bakeries. Lowell is a city with a growing coffee culture and our coffee shops and cafés are definitely places to go for a delicious roast. 

Our new dining directory allows for easy exploration of Lowell's food culture. Search either by food type or by neighborhood. A restaurant's phone number, address, website and a brief summary of their menu is included. 

Please keep in mind that the directory is continuously updated. If there is an eatery not included in our directory, please let us know! You can discover Lowell's restaurants here.

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.

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#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.

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#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.

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#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.

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#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.

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#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.

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#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. 

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#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. 

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#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

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To find a more comprehensive list of Lowell's restaurants and other businesses from each neighborhood, please visit www.likelowell.com. 

3 great reasons to kick off the Holiday Season in Lowell

The next 6 weeks (give or take) of this season that comprise "the Holidays" offer an exciting flurry of of activities! Between shopping, family time and cooking large meals, time flies by and before you know it, it's over and you'll be kicking off the New Year. 

As the month of November wraps up and we enter into the "official" start of the Holiday Season, we invite you to start shopping in Lowell and discover why There's A Lot To Like especially for the Holidays!

1. City of Lights Holiday Parade & Celebration

Ring in the holidays in Lowell and join us for this year's City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and more! 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!
Free parking is available in all downtown Lowell parking garages from November 25 through 27.

Here are some of the highlights from this year's City of Light celebration:

Hot Chocolate Competition

A fun and tasty way to get into the Holiday Spirit is our 8th Annual Hot Chocolate Competition happening Saturday, November 26th from 2 to 4pm. Taste delicious hot chocolate samples at locations throughout downtown Lowell and vote for your favorite! 

Children's Shopping Day

Enjoy one-stop shopping at the Pollard Library! Select from hundreds of donated, gently-used items ranging from $1 to $5 and have your kids take advantage of a special gift wrapping service! Everyone is invited.

City of Lights Parade

Don't miss the Merrimack Valley's largest and only nighttime Holiday Parade. Get your spot along the parade route in the Canalway Cultural District of Downtown Lowell. With over 50 parade entries from classic cars and marching bands to a variety of festive floats, our parade will surely lift your spirits up!

Festival of Wreaths - Contest and Raffle

Join The Brush Art Gallery & Studios for this year's Festival of Wreaths. View and win one (or more) of over 25 beautifully decorated wreaths donated by local organizations and individuals. 

Holiday Craft Market

New in 2016, join Made In Lowell on the corner of Lucy Larcom Park and Merrimack Street for a Holiday Craft market. Enjoy locally made arts and crafts, food trucks, games and entertainment. 

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2. The Canalway Cultural District

This Holiday Season discover the Canalway Cultural District in the heart of Downtown Lowell. Experience performances and entertainment at a dozen venues, or shop local at over twenty local shops. Find that special gift at over a dozen art galleries, and celebrate at one of over 40 restaurants and coffee shops.

3. Dine Out Lowell

Give your taste buds a world of flavors. From November 26 through December 4, Dine Out Lowell will showcase the many flavors that make up Lowell's Culinary scene. Enjoy a variety of restaurants and eateries in the Canalway Cultural District, Downtown Lowell and other neighborhoods. 

Some restaurants will offer special menus and discounts.

Happy Hour Parking is available after 5pm in selected downtown parking garages.

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! 

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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.

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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!

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Image by Tory German

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.

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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.

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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 >>>

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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.

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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!

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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.