Hot Dog Annie's and Route 56

I went to college in Worcester at WPI. I came to Massachusetts from the West. I didn't know how to pronounce Worcester (say "Wuss-tah"). The furthest east I had ever been was Chicago.

Driving in Massachusetts was a lot different than Colorado: it takes practice to dive into heavy rotary traffic. Driving in Boston or on 128 was scary. Driving around Wormtown was manageable, and could be amusing (Frost Heaves, Thickly Settled, Slow Children).

Exploring Worcester County became something that I did for fun. It was also something I did when I got lost.

One of my Favorite Drives is to take a relaxing loop around Worcester. Take route 122A north out of Worcester. You will pass by Indian Lake, then the road gets more and more rural as you approach Holden. When you get to Holden Center, take route 31 south to Paxton. In Paxton, take route 56 south.

The prettiest part of the drive is immediately after Route 56 splits from route 122. You will pass by several reservoirs which hold drinking water for Worcester. The reservoirs are in a heavily wooded area and a great photo op. These little lakes are pretty 12 months of the year. This is a great place to remember how lucky you are, to raise your spirits. I have never seen a policeman in this area.

Continuing South on route 56, you will climb a hill and suddenly find yourself in a wide open space. This is the back side of the Worcester Airport. Because you are on top of a hill, the views are great.

Just a couple of miles down 56 is a Worcester County institution: Hot Dog Annie's. I have been going to this little hot dog stand since 1974, and it is the best hot dog place I have ever found.I try to schedule this drive so I can reach HDA for lunch or dinner. I like to stop in for two bar-b-que, two with mustard and onions, and a bag of chips. Don't miss the bar-b-que dogs! If you aren't a hot dog person, they also have pretty good hamburgers.

You can eat your hot dogs there on a picnic table, but I usually go back north on 56 and park overlooking the runways at the Worcester Airport.

Returning south on 56 you will end up in Leicester (say "Les-tah"). You will cross Route 9, which you can take East back to Worcester. Continue south on 56 to Route 12, than take Route 12 North back to Worcester.

April 1999 BIMMER

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First Quarter 1999 General Meeting: New Members Night by Tom Farnsworth

1999 Boston Chapter Driving School Voluneers Needed: One Down, Seven to Go! by Luka Serdar

Favorite Road: Hot Dog Annie's and Route 56 by Greg Scott

Boston Chapter Board Meeting Minutes: February 1999 by Will Farnsworth

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