Blessed with natural beauty, historic landmarks, and enticing restaurants, Sudbury is a deserving destination for your next day trip. Located only 24 miles west of Boston, this town is a quaint – and convenient – spot to explore. Read on to learn about the attractions worth discovering in Sudbury:

The town, which was incorporated in 1639, has a population of 17,659.

The most famous person to live in Sudbury was Babe Ruth, who briefly rented a house near Willis Pond before purchasing Home Plate Farm on Dutton Road!

Sudbury has another claim to fame that is much more accessible: Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is the oldest operating inn in the U.S. – it was established in 1716!

Since it’s situated on one of the nation’s first mail routes, Boston Post Road, plenty of weary travelers passed this way. One of whom was Henry David Thoreau, who referenced Howe Tavern (the inn’s previous name) in his journal. Then, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized the establishment in his 1863 Tales of a Wayside Inn. It was Longfellow who really put the Wayside Inn on the map, ensuring it continues to attract visitors to this day. In fact, his writing inspired Henry Ford to buy the property in 1923.

Ford was responsible for the construction of this charming grist mill that you won't want to miss. It looks like it was plucked from a postcard.

Tours of the building are available Wednesday - Sunday from April through November.

You may be fortunate enough to witness a grinding demonstration!

Another unique aspect of the property is the Redstone Schoolhouse.

This one-room schoolhouse dates back to 1798, although Henry Ford relocated it here from Sterling in 1927.

The Redstone Schoolhouse is the one mentioned in the nursery rhyme: Mary Had a Little Lamb.

You can visit this unheated structure from mid-May through mid-September on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, weather permitting.

Longfellow's Wayside Inn and its outbuildings are located at 72 Wayside Inn Road in Sudbury.

Beyond the inn, Sudbury has no shortage of natural beauty.

Wildlife refuges in the area contribute to the town’s peaceful appeal. The Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge lines the banks of the Sudbury and Concord Rivers…

…while nearby Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge covers 3.5 square miles.

Hike along 15 miles of trails that weave across these wetlands, where birds – along with threatened Blanding’s turtles – thrive.

After your adventures, you’ll probably be hungry, and Sudbury’s restaurants won’t disappoint.

Give yourself the challenge of deciding which Indian eatery is superior: Paani Pure Indian (621 Boston Post Road) or Soul of India (103 Boston Post Road).

Paani is known for its chicken tikka masala, while Soul of India excels at butter chicken and mango lassis.

In fact, you can travel around the globe in this one town, by taking a culinary trip to Japan at Fugakyu Café (621 Boston Post Road), to the Middle East at El Basha’s Grill (423 Boston Post Road), and to Italy.

Round off whichever meal you choose with some gelato from Franco’s Trattoria (365 Boston Post Road).

Are you a fan of antiques? Duck into the Antique Exchange of Sudbury to browse for your next treasure.

The store stocks lovely jewelry and accessories, along with one-of-a-kind decorative items.

Address: 236 Concord Road in Sudbury.

If you have little ones with you, delight them with a visit to Cloud Nine Toys.

This indie toy store has been in business for over 30 years. Inside, you'll find everything from robotics toys to juggling supplies to costumes!

Address: 337 Boston Post Road in Sudbury.

Sudbury offers a wealth of activities suitable for the whole family. Have you headed out to this underappreciated town yet? If not, make a point to visit soon!

While you're in this neck of the woods, you may want to dine at Dudley Chateau or combine it with a stop in nearby Concord.