Destination Groton

What happens when you combine quintessential New England charm, Revolutionary War history, hidden forest bells, scenic hiking and biking trails, boutique shopping, and farm-to-table dining? You get Groton, Massachusetts. 🌳✨

We loved collaborating with Alaina Pinto to showcase some of the places that make Groton such a special destination — from the Nashua River Rail Trail and Gibbet Hill Grill to the Forest Bells, local shops, and our historic downtown.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway (or coming for a wedding!), Groton is full of charm, history, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

🎥 Watch the video and start planning your visit:
📍 Just one hour from Boston

Special thanks to Alaina Pinto and Destination Groton board member Joni Parker-Roach of NOA Fine Art Gallery for helping bring this story to life. ❤️

Groton History Center Coco Home Décor & Gifts lily + james Grotonfest The Groton Inn Groton Hill Music

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYW9QAQuiFH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Revolutionary secrets + hidden forest bells? 🔔📜 This cute Massachusetts town gives “movie set” vibes (literally, it’s been the backdrop for so many films!) and has more miles of nature trails than it does roads. It feels like you’ve entered a time machine because the town has truly preserved its historical charm. Come with us to Groton, Massachusetts! Just one hour from Boston! Brought to you by: @alainapinto & Joni! Joni is on the board of @destinationgroton, she’s a 30+ year *active* resident and owner of NOA Gallery (@noagalleries), inside the Groton Inn. ✨🌳 Here are our stops: 🍳 Breakfast: Start at Salt & Light. The aesthetic is 10/10 and the food is even better. @saltandlightgroton 📜 Revolutionary War History: Take the @destinationgroton FREE Historical Walking Tour. Groton is home to the man who led the Battle of Bunker Hill. On foot you can see 10 spots while listening to the audio guide on the tour. One of the stops was used as a set for the Little Women movie! 🛍️ Boutique Shopping: Weave into your walk some of the local shops. Curated clothing: @shoplilyandjames Home decor: @cocohomedecorgifts Art galleries: Facets & @noagalleries 🥗 Farm-to-Table: You cannot miss lunch (or dinner) at Gibbet Hill Grill. It’s farm-to-table (with a farm on site) and GREAT views. @gibbethillgrill 🚲 Rail Trail: Bring your own bikes (or rent them from The Groton Inn *guests only*) to hit the Nashua River Rail Trail. It’s 11 miles of paved, scenic perfection. 🔔 Hidden Forest Bells: Take a nature hike through the Groton Conservation Trust (Blackman Field and Woods) to find the “Forest Bells.” It’s an incredible musical installation by local artist Paul Matisse. BONUS (not in the video) 🏰 Castle Ruins: Most people know Groton for the Bancroft Castle. Park at Gibbet Hill Grill and hike your way to it! 📍 Location: Just a 1 hour drive from Boston. Perfect for a day trip or a weekend stay at the historic Groton Inn! @thegrotoninn

A Full House for Groton’s Own Revolutionary Hero 🇺🇸

What a fantastic turnout Sunday at the Prescott Community Center for author and historian Donald R. Ryan’s presentation on his new book, “Colonel William Prescott: Heroic Commander of the Battle of Bunker Hill – A Patriot’s Life.” (Casemate)

More than 90 attendeess gathered to hear Ryan’s engaging and insightful look at Groton’s own Colonel Prescott — the local farmer, soldier, and patriot who led colonial forces at Bunker Hill. Ryan highlighted Prescott’s leadership not only at Bunker Hill, where he famously urged his men to hold fire until they saw “the whites of their eyes,” but also throughout the war as a symbol of determination and unity. Prescott’s disciplined command at Bunker Hill transformed what might have been a brief skirmish into a lasting statement of American resolve — one that inspired troops through the long years that followed.

The talk also explored the overall courage, sacrifice, and determination that shaped the early days of the Revolution — emphasizing that the Americans were “out-led, out-trained, out-numbered, and out-gunned” — yet demonstrated extraordinary resolve.

He discussed how the costly British victory became a turning point, proving that the war would be difficult and unrelenting. Prominent American patriot Joseph Warren (who died that day at Bunker Hill) captured it well - “The mistress we court is Liberty; and it is better to die than not to obtain her.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring afternoon — and to Don Ryan for reminding us that “the cause of America is the cause of mankind.”

As part of Massachusetts’ commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Destination Groton Committee will host Donald R. Ryan for an author talk and book signing of his new work, Colonel William Prescott: Heroic Commander of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Sunday November 2, from 2-4 pm at the Prescott Community Center. Admission is free to all. Register at DestinationGroton.com.
https://destinationgroton.com/2025/10/author-talk-book-signing-colonel-william-prescott-heroic-commander-of-the-battle-of-bunker-hill/

Author Talk & Book Signing: Colonel William Prescott — Heroic Commander of the Battle of Bunker Hill - Destination Groton Destination Groton Committee will host Donald R. Ryan for an author talk and book signing of his new work, Colonel William Prescott: Heroic Commander of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Sunday November 2, from 2-4 pm at the Prescott Community Center. Admission is free to all.