Every now and then, it's good to slow down and step into another time.
This weekend we spent the day wandering through Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, a living history museum that brings early 19th-century New England to life. Covering more than 200 acres, the village recreates what a rural New England community might have looked like between the 1790s and the 1830s, with historic homes, gardens, barns, workshops, and costumed historians carrying on the everyday work of the season.
As we walked from one building to the next, I found myself paying attention to the little things, the worn wooden floors, the simple peg rails, baskets hanging by the door, herbs drying in the kitchen, and worktables that had clearly been used for generations rather than decorated for display.
It reminded me that our ancestors didn't fill their homes with things simply to own them. Every object had a purpose. A butter churn wasn't decorative. A pantry wasn't styled for guests. A stillroom wasn't a trend, it was where herbs were dried, remedies were made, linens were scented, and the rhythms of home quietly unfolded.
Those are the the details that inspire me most.
As NATURAWL continues to grow, these visits are more than just day trips. They help shape the feeling I hope to create in our little shop, a place that celebrates the beauty of ordinary life, the changing seasons, and the traditions that once made a house feel like home.
Sometimes inspiration doesn't come from buying something new.
Sometimes it comes from remembering how things used to be.
If you find yourself in, or around, Old Sturbridge Village, here are a few of my favorite ways to spend the day.
Start at Old Sturbridge Village
Give yourself plenty of time, at least four or five hours if you can.
Rather than rushing from building to building, slow down. Look beyond the demonstrations and notice the little details that made everyday life beautiful.
As you explore, keep an eye out for:
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Hearths and open fireplaces
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Dry sinks and pantry cupboards
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Hand-forged hardware
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Wide plank floors
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Peg rails and wooden hooks
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Butter churns and bread boards
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Candle molds
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Stoneware crocks
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Drying herbs hanging from the rafters
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Children's toys and nursery furnishings
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Early gardens filled with medicinal and culinary herbs
These are the small details that tell the story of everyday New England life.
Watch the Makers at Work
One of the best parts of Old Sturbridge Village is seeing traditional skills still practiced by hand.
If you have the chance, stop to watch the:
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Blacksmith
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Cooper
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Potter
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Printer
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Tin worker
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Sawmill
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Grist mill
These weren't simply occupations, they were the backbone of an early New England community.
Bring Your Camera
Sturbridge is a photographer's dream.
Instead of trying to photograph everything, look for moments that tell a story.
Capture:
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Morning light through old windows
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Worn wooden tables
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Handmade furniture
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Stone walls
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Garden gates
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Iron latches
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Fresh herbs drying indoors
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Textures of aged wood
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A favorite doorway
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One photograph that simply feels like home
Sometimes the quietest photographs become the most meaningful.
Go Antique Hunting
No trip to Sturbridge feels complete without visiting a few antique shops.
Rather than looking for collectibles, look for pieces that once had a purpose.
Things I always keep an eye out for include:
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Wooden mashers
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Butter paddles
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Pantry boxes
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Dough bowls
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Primitive stools
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Bread boards
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Candle molds
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Herb choppers
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Grain scoops
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Stoneware crocks
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Hand-forged fireplace tools
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Wooden carriers
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Early kitchen utensils
Even if you leave empty-handed, you'll come home inspired.
Enjoy a Traditional New England Meal
Part of experiencing history is enjoying the foods that have long been part of New England life.
If you find a local tavern or historic restaurant, look for classics like:
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Yankee pot roast
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Chicken pot pie
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Baked beans
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Corn chowder
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Apple pie
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Indian pudding
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Maple desserts
Simple food has always had a way of bringing people together.
Gather Ideas for Home
Before you leave, take a few minutes to notice how history can inspire your own home.
What colors stand out?
How were herbs stored?
How were candles displayed?
How were kitchens organized?
What felt especially warm or welcoming?
Sometimes the best souvenirs aren't things at all—they're ideas you'll carry home with you.
Leave Inspired
Every visit to Sturbridge reminds me that the beauty of New England has never been about perfection.
It's found in worn floorboards, handmade furniture, weathered stone walls, gardens planted with purpose, and homes built for gathering.
Those quiet traditions continue to inspire so much of what I create at NATURAWL, reminding me that the simplest things are often the ones we remember most.
If you're planning a trip to Old Sturbridge Village, I hope you'll slow down, look closely, and leave with a little inspiration of your own.