The Sterling center point is around 5 miles northeast of Downtown New London and 7 miles southeast of Wachusett Mountain.
The best time to visit Sterling is mid-June through mid-September when the area enjoys cloudless days filled with warm temperatures. The average daily temperatures are about 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can spend time outside at the town's trails and outdoor markets. The peak time to visit this town is the third week in August. However, because this is the ideal time to visit, you might have more difficulty finding a hotel room. Rates tend to be higher, and hotels often are at capacity, so try to make your reservations early once you know you're heading to Sterling.
If you're going to explore parts of the city but want a good price on a hotel room, consider visiting Sterling during April or May or even in August and September. Visitors might experience sporadic rain showers, but the temperatures should increase. You should find some decent hotel rates since the summer crowds haven't arrived or just left. However, make sure you pack layers since the temperatures can fluctuate.
In general, tourism tends to drop off a bit in the fall, as children return to school and families return home. You will find that hotel rates drop in the fall along with temperatures. Rain tends to fall the most during mid-October, with an average accumulation of around four inches. You can wander around the town or take a drive to take in the stunning fall foliage found in the New England area.
The snowy season runs from the end of October through mid-April, so if you're a winter sports enthusiast, this is a good time to visit Sterling. Check out nearby Wachusett Mountain in Princeton and the state's highest mountain along with 22 trails. Another option is Shrewsbury's Ski Ward Ski Area, which is a 45-acre park with nine ski slopes and four lifts. Since the weather is colder and snowier, tourists tend to stay home, so you can benefit from lower hotel rates.
Once you know what area outside of Sterling you wish to stay, you can save even more money by seeking out hotels that give you discounts. The Hilton Garden Inn Worcester offers a AAA discount where members can save up to 15%. A five-minute walk from downtown Worcester, this hotel has free high-speed internet access in all of its 200-plus rooms. Just in case you forgot something during your stay, use the hotel's 24-hour convenience store. Get in a few laps at the heated indoor pool or work up a sweat in its on-site fitness center.
If you're in the military, Quality Inn & Suites in Worcester offers military discounts. It also offers AAA discounts. About 10 miles from Sterling, this hotel is a former Best Western that recently underwent a major renovation. During your stay, you can enjoy free high-speed internet access, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor pool. It has 58 rooms and 58 suites, with the suites including full kitchens with a dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator.
Sterling has several mid-range hotels that offer plenty of amenities. In the heart of New England is the DoubleTree by Hilton Leominster, where you can take a dip in the heated indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or work out in the 24-hour fitness center. Each guest room has a 42-inch flat-screen television with HD channels and complimentary Wi-Fi, or you can choose a suite and gain a refrigerator and microwave.
Motel 6 Leominster has 100 beds that have either one queen bed or two double beds. Each room includes a full kitchen with a coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave. Enjoy free daily morning coffee, local phone calls, and expanded cable. Bring your pet with you to stay for free at this pet-friendly hotel.
The Great Wolf Lodge / New England in Fitchburg bills itself as a premier destination for events, groups, meetings, and families. Each of its 406 rooms includes complimentary wireless internet, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. One of the highlights at this resort is the 700,000 square-foot water park, which is kept at 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You won't go hungry as it has several dining options available on-site.
Wherever you stay near Sterling, make sure you check out some of the top nearby destinations. If the weather cooperates and you're feeling outdoorsy, take in the Mass Central Rail Trail. With 47 miles of trails, you can bike, hike, cross-country ski, and walk this former railroad line. There are plenty of skiing opportunities close to the town, and whether you're a novice or pro, there's a ski resort for you. Check out Wachusett Mountain, Ski Ward Ski Area, and Nashoba Valley Ski Resort, just to name a few.
To experience traditional farm culture, stop at Clearview Farm set atop Kendall Hill. Depending on what time of year you visit, you can view the stunning fall foliage, purchase fresh produce, or pick your own (PYO) harvest. The farm, which has been in the family for six generations, offers PYO pumpkins, raspberries, apples, blueberries, and peaches.
Another farm that dates back seven generations is Davis Farmland where you can visit a petting zoo, PYO apples and pumpkins, and let your inner child run wild at its Imagine Acres. When the temperatures rise, you can cool off at the spray pad. Note that, due to the weather, it's closed from the end of October through mid-April.
When visiting the area around Sterling, MA, you might find that you need several days to experience all it has to offer. Perhaps you plan to come back during a different season to take advantage of events that occur in the warmer and colder months. Either way, you'll find plenty of places to stay that fit any type of budget and need.