Tours and Trips

Reservations are necessary by stopping in-person at The Groton Center, calling 978-448-1170 or online through the MyActiveCenter link myactivecenter.com

Museum of Russian Icons, Clinton, MA

Friday, September 15

Cost: $9 per person to be paid to The Groton Center.

Maximum 16 people. Final day to register is September 8. Groton residents only.

COA Van departs The Groton Center at 9:15 a.m. & returns to The Groton Center at approximately 1:15p.m.  Please bring a bagged lunch to enjoy in the Tea Room, where you can purchase snacks, tea, and coffee.

The Museum of Russian Icons presents a fascinating combination of history, art, culture, and religion under one roof. Three floors of galleries display the permanent collection. A dedicated gallery features special exhibitions ranging from contemporary Russian art to icons from other Orthodox cultures. It is the only museum in the USA dedicated to Russian icons, and it houses the largest, and finest, collection outside of Russia.

We will have a Guided Tour (approximately 45 minutes long) and then we will have time to wander at our leisure, enjoy our bagged lunches in the Tea Room, and browse the Museum Shop. The Van will depart the museum at approximately 12:30 p.m. to arrive back at The Groton Center at approximately 1:15 p.m.

Lunch and Visit to Pickity Place, Mason, NH

Friday, September 29

Cost: $42.34 per person to be paid to The Groton Center (includes taxes and gratuity)

Maximum 16 people.  Groton residents only.

COA Van departs The Groton Center at 9:00 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m.  | 5-course lunch reservation at 11:30 a.m. | Note: The restrooms at Pickity Place are not wheelchair accessible. The entrance into the 1786 cottage is a narrow doorway, but usually people with walkers can manage it.

Enjoy a day at Pickity Place! Visit the historic cottage; stroll through the many gardens; enjoy a 5-course, creative herbal cuisine lunch at their restaurant (11:30 a.m. reservation); and browse through the herbs, spices, gifts, and apparel in the Gift Shop.

Since 1786, the quaint little red cottage has graced the hills of southern New Hampshire, seemingly untouched by time. The enchanting cottage was chosen by Elizabeth Orton Jones as the model for her illustrations in Little Red Riding Hood (Little Golden Books, 1948). Today it is a mecca for gardeners, foodies, and anyone looking for inspiration and relaxation.

Stroll through the themed gardens (butterfly, silver, oregano, bird, healing, and moonlight), plus their kitchen garden, enjoying the sweet smell of basil, the sharp peppery flavor of nasturtium, and the intoxicating aroma of English lavender. It is in their culinary garden that they find inspiration for creating the recipes used in their 5-course gourmet herbal luncheons, which feature fresh herbs and edible flowers harvested daily. The menu changes monthly.

Funds are available to subsidize or pay for COA classes, activities, day trips or programs for Groton residents. Contact Ashley Shaheen, Director, for further assistance.