Student's Guide to Lowell

You may know of the city of Lowell as the birthplace of Jack Kerouac and the Industrial Revolution. There's a whole lot more for you to discover.

With a thriving arts scene, a population rich in cultural diversity and a flair for festivals, the city of Lowell offers food and entertainment for every occasion. Students chimed in with their favorite places to hang out, dine and explore. Check out the Best of Lowell 2008.

Discover students' favorite Food, Fun and Fine Arts options by browsing the list of Lowell destinations below, or by visiting the interactive map.

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FOOD

Cultural

• Brazilian: Brazilian Bread House, Oasis Grill
• Cambodian: Tepthida Khmer
• Chinese: Gold Star
• Greek: Athenian Corner, Olympia
• Indian: Bombay Mahal
• Italian: Scola’s
• Mexican: Mambo Grill, Mr. Jalapenos
• Portuguese: Cavaleiro’s Restaurant, Friends Restaurant, Four Seasons
• Southeast Asian: Blue Taleh
• Vietnamese: Viet-Thai, Pho Da Lat

Lowell Originals

• Breakfast: Owl Diner, Arthur’s Paradise Diner, VIC’s Breakfast Subs and Bakery
• Coffee: Café Aiello, Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus, The Coffee Mill Emporium, Eggroll Café
• Dinner with Friends: Café Paradiso, Eggroll Café
• Dinner with Family: Cobblestones, La Boniche, Ricardo’s Café Trattoria
• After Dinner Drinks: The Brewery Exchange
• Sandwiches: Olive That & More, Cote’s Market
• Pizza: Espresso Pizza Inc., Fio’s Express
• Vegetarian: Life Alive
• Ice Cream: Gary’s Ice Cream, Monkeys Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt, Heritage Farm

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FUN

The Great Outdoors

• White Water Rafting: Zoar Outdoor White Water Rafting on the Concord River
• Go On a Hike: Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
• Take a Stroll: Canal Walkway
• Fly a Kite: Vanbenberg Esplanade (the Boulevard)
• Have a Picnic: Shedd Park
• Biking: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail- Lowell to Acton; Nashua River Rail Trail- Ayer to Dunstable
• Hidden Treasures: Jack Kerouac Commemorative Park, The Grotto, Victorian Garden, Francis Gate, The Lowell Public Art Collection, Jack Kerouac’s Grave, The Nesmith House
• Best Views of the River: LeLacheur Park Concourse, UML East; Back of the Allen House, UML South
• Best Views of Lowell: 18th Floor Fox Hall, The Reservoir on Christian Hill

On a Rainy Day

• Movies: Showcase Cinemas Lowell
• Bowling: Brunswick Bowling
• Pool: Country Club Billiards
• Indoor Rock Climbing: Mill City Rock Gym
• Shopping: Pheasant Lane Mall; Rockingham Mall; Burlington Mall
• Spa Splurge: Inizio’s

Take A Date

• Mini Golf: Kimball’s in Westford, Max’s Golf in Nashua
• Batting Cages: Connector Indoor Batting Cages
• Roller Blading: Vanbenberg Esplanade (the Boulevard)

For Sports Fans

• UML Hockey: Tsongas Arena
• UML Baseball: LeLacheur Park
• UML Basketball: Costello Gym

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FINE ARTS

• Music Venues: VPAC at Fox Hall, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Tsongas Arena
• Open Mic Nights: Eggroll, Brew’d Awakening
• Festivals: Destination World, Urban Village Arts Series, Winterfest
• Museums: Revolving Museum, Whistler House, Boott Mills Museum, American Textiles History Museum
• Playhouse/Theaters: Merrimack Repertory Theater, UML Off-Broadway Players
• Galleries: Western Avenue Studios, Gallery 119, Ayer Lofts Gallery, Brush Gallery

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