Let's get this out of the way first:

It's two syllables. That's it. And if you really want to sound local, you can soften it even more, but "Woo-ster" will get you through the door.

In the 1970s, Worcester had a bit of a reputation problem. The downtown was struggling, and locals started ironically calling it "Wormtown" - kind of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the city being down and out.

But here's the thing: Worcester owns it now. What started as an insult became a badge of pride. We're scrappy, resilient, and real. That's Wormtown energy.

Only the most iconic Worcester snack ever created. Table Talk has been making these little single-serving pies since 1924, right here in Worcester.

They're 4 inches of pure nostalgia - apple, cherry, blueberry, lemon, and more. Gas stations, corner stores, everywhere. Grab one. It's required.

Pro tip: Heat it up for 10 seconds in the microwave. You're welcome.

Worcester is home to 11 colleges and universities, including:

• • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• • Clark University
• • College of the Holy Cross
• • Worcester State University
• • Assumption University

That's over 35,000 students living here. This is a college town through and through.

Here's why people are flocking here: Worcester gives you New England living without the Boston price tag.

Median rent: $1,500-$1,800/month for a 1-bedroom

Median home price: ~$375,000

Compare that to Boston (nearly double) and you see why Worcester is booming right now.

Worcester to Boston: 90 minutes by commuter rail

Worcester to Providence: 45 minutes

Worcester to NYC: 3-4 hours

Union Station is your hub. The commuter rail runs regularly, and we're centrally located for road trips anywhere in New England.

One of the best art museums in New England, and admission is FREE every Sunday from 10am-12pm.

Houses over 38,000 works spanning 5,000 years. From ancient mosaics to contemporary art. This place is legit.

A gorgeous 1904 theater that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and performances year-round. It's one of the most beautiful theaters in New England.

Fun fact: It was almost demolished in the 1970s but was saved and restored. Thank goodness.

Legendary music venue that's hosted everyone from Nirvana to The Pixies to Foo Fighters. If you love live music, this is your spot.

It's also hosted wrestling events, comedy shows, and more. A true Worcester institution since 1926.

Home of the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), Boston's Triple-A affiliate. Brand new ballpark that opened in 2021.

Great atmosphere, affordable tickets, and you can watch future Red Sox stars. Plus: Wally's younger cousin mascot, Wooster.

Worcester's "Restaurant Row" with over 30 restaurants packed into a few blocks. Italian, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, you name it.

This is date night central. Park once and hop around. Can't go wrong.

Where everything's happening: Polar Park, The Palladium, restaurants, bars, and events. The heartbeat of the city.

It's come a LONG way in the last decade. Tons of new development and energy.

Industrial-chic neighborhood with breweries, art studios, and the DCU Center. Historic feel with modern amenities.

Great for walking, exploring, and finding hidden gems.

Residential, tree-lined streets near Elm Park and Clark University. Quieter vibe, family-friendly.

Elm Park is the oldest public park in the US - great for walks and picnics.

Diverse, vibrant neighborhood with amazing international food, markets, and cultural spots.

This is where you'll find authentic Vietnamese, Caribbean, Latin American, and African cuisine.

Residential neighborhood on the west side, known for Tatnuck Square and local shops.

Home to the beloved (RIP) Tatnuck Bookseller Marketplace - a Worcester institution for decades.

Worcester has 15+ breweries in the area. We take our craft beer seriously.

From Greater Good to Wormtown Brewery to Electric Haze, you've got options. Check out our brewery directory for the full list!

We love our local coffee shops. Skip Dunkin' and hit up:

• • Acoustic Java
• • The Fix Café & Roastery
• • Bean Counter
• • Crust Bakeshop

Everyone has their favorite. The main contenders:

• • Volturno (fancy, wood-fired)
• • Electric Haze (at the brewery)
• • Piccolo's (classic, old-school)
• • Lock 50 (Detroit-style)

You'll need to try them all and decide for yourself. It's basically required.

Worcester is one of the most diverse cities in Massachusetts. That means incredible food from all over the world:

Vietnamese on Park Ave, Caribbean on Main South, Italian on Shrewsbury Street, Middle Eastern downtown, and so much more.

This is a food city. Come hungry.

Average snowfall: ~50 inches/year

Temperature range: 20s-30s°F

It gets cold. Real cold. Invest in a good winter coat, boots, and a scraper for your car. But the city looks beautiful covered in snow, and the breweries are extra cozy.

Unpredictable but gorgeous. Could be 40° or 70° on any given day.

The parks come alive, outdoor patios open up, and everyone emerges from hibernation. This is when Worcester starts buzzing.

Temperature range: 70s-80s°F (occasionally 90s)

Perfect summer weather. Festivals, outdoor concerts, beer gardens, farmers markets. This is Worcester's time to shine. Get outside and enjoy it.

Peak New England vibes. The foliage is stunning, the weather is perfect (50s-60s), and there's energy everywhere.

Apple picking, pumpkin patches, Oktoberfests at the breweries. Fall in Worcester hits different.