Greetings!

Massachusetts is rich in arts and culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 13 regions all year long. Find out more below and visit us now!

FEATURED REGION: CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Come to the Heart of the Commonwealth and enjoy February school vacation in Central Massachusetts! Step back in time and visit Old Sturbridge Village, with programs running 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 13-21, 2010. Celebrate with special President’s Day activities, go sledding, bring your ice skates, or take a sleigh ride (weather permitting!)

Take a trip to the EcoTarium’s indoor science museum, open from February 13-21 (closed February 15th), and enjoy space-themed activities all week! Stop by the Worcester Art Museum for daily workshops combining a gallery visit with studio art activity-all materials included.

Did you know? Worcester, home of America’s first Valentine, is celebrating its 325th anniversary! Come to a special “Taste of Tourism” by the Central Massachusetts CVB to commemorate Valentine’s Day and Worcester history on Thursday, February 11th at the Worcester Historical Museum.

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MOHAWK TRAIL REGION

Historic Deerfield will host an “American Heritage Chocolate Celebration” on February 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Delve into a delicious array of chocolate desserts, foods and beverages prepared by Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern at the Deerfield Inn. Take part in a wide range of activities, including family-friendly arts and crafts, wagon rides, demonstrations, lectures, and tours of museum houses. Special event admission: adults $12, youth (6-17) $5, under 6 and members free. Historic Deerfield is located at 84 Old Main Street in Deerfield.

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NANTUCKET ISLAND

Food For Thought Community Lunch and Lecture Series, a free “brown bag” luncheon lecture series, will be held in February 2010 on Nantucket Island. On February 4th, Matthew Stackpole will discuss "The Charles W. Morgan." February 11th will feature Dr. Josef Fischer discussing "The Economics of Whaling." Dave Frary will discuss "Building the Nantucket Railroad" Display on February 18th, and Alfred Peterson will speak about the "Nantucket Memorial Airport" on February 25th. For more information, contact the Nantucket Historical Association at 508-228-1894 or visit www.nha.org.

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                                      SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra launches a new season, "The Year of the Piano," at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford. The NBSO's year-long exploration of some of the greatest piano concertos of all time kicks off with a tantalizing piece by one of the most-performed and influential (and also local) living composers of the 20th century, John Adams. The Chairman Dances is based on a scene from Adams’ three-act opera, Nixon in China.

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PLYMOUTH COUNTY

The Duxbury Art Association  presents its Winter Juried Show from February 7-April 11, 2010 at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury. Judges in multiple categories choose work to exhibit from more than 500 entries from all over New England in Duxbury. Founded in 1917 under the leadership of Charles Bittenger, the Duxbury Art Association today has more than a thousand members from Duxbury and neighboring towns. It is dedicated to providing access to quality art education, exhibits and special events.

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GREATER SPRINGFIELD

Storrowton Village Museum’s “A Day Away in the Past,” a popular children’s vacation program, takes place February 17-18 and April 21-22, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Children dress in period inspired clothing (provided) and experience life in a bygone era through a variety of instructional crafts, lessons and games. Visit www.TheBigE.com or call 413-205-5051 for information on this and other Village events.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD

The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society presents a special showing of “The Girl on the Train,” a story of a carefree loner, at 7:30 p.m. January 30, 2010 at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, Vineyard Haven. On Saturday, February 13th, the 13th Annual Martha's Vineyard Twenty Miler Road Race will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting at the Vineyard Haven Steamship Terminal and ending at Oak Bluffs School. For more information, visit www.mvmultisport.com. Benefit for Island Charities.

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CAPE COD

On Saturday, February 13, 2010, Osterville village in Barnstable transforms into the "Chocolate Capital of Cape Cod" when its picturesque Main Street plays host to the 5th Annual Osterville Chocolate Fest! Anchored by chocolate art, tasty exhibits and store raffles & promotions - and featuring the "Great Chocolate Dessert Contest" - the village will once again yield to the temptation, fun and pleasure of chocolate in all its varieties and flavors. Festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

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GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Lowell's Annual WinterFest Celebration in downtown Lowell will be held on February 
5-6, 2010! Lowell's annual three-day winter celebration includes live music, children's activities, delicious food, ice skating at the Paul E. Tsongas Arena, a soup bowl competition featuring the creations of local chefs, a fireworks display, and the nationally famous human dog sled race. This event is free and open to the public.

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