Things to Do in Leicester

At The Pottery Paintin' Place, ceramic renderings of Darth Vader and Princess Leia join mugs, plates, and piggy banks atop a series of shelves. Visiting artists pluck one of these achromatic items from its waiting place before coating it in a colorful design and handing it off to a staff member, who fires it in the on-site kiln. Each piece of art emerges from the kiln able to withstand ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and most apocalypses.

The shop's master potter, Brian Murphy, further encourages artistic expression with pottery-throwing courses, during which participants design their own ceramic creations. The newly expanded party area holds up to 24 painters, who can partake in refreshments brought from home during one- to two-hour celebrations. On-site summer camps and after-school programs cater to the younger crowd with tie-dyeing, glass-fusing, beading, and homework-torching.

At Skydive Pepperell, USPA– and state-licensed and certified instructors acquaint adventurers with the thrill of riding gravity back to the earth's crust. Skydive Pepperell's private, skydiving-only airport claims more than 60 acres for soaring steel birds at heights of 10,500–13,500 feet above ground. Neophyte fliers, harnessed to professionals for tandem jumps, leap from the belly of a DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and indulge in trendy cloud diets on their way down to the safe, grassy landing area. Daredevils who thrive on the thrum of adrenaline can enroll in accelerated free-fall training, which drills students in the skills necessary for a solo dive. Jumpers can also purchase a DVD and digital stills that show them soaring through the sky while demonstrating ways to repurpose a parachute into a giant stuffed animal. Meanwhile, spectators watch jumps from the open landing area, confident in Skydive Pepperell's impeccable safety record.

An outdoorsman since birth and G. Loomis–endorsed guide, GSOutfitting's owner, Eric Gass, grew up hunting and fishing the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Eric returned to guiding and now fishes and hunts with his faithful gordon setter, Duncan, by his side.

Eric's business partner, fly-fishing guide Michael Kocot, studied fisheries science and aquaculture in college and uses this knowledge to lead groups as a G. Loomis–endorsed guide and suspected Aquaman alter ego. With their combined powers, Eric and Michael lead fly-fishing trips aboard their 13.5-foot Aire drift raft, as well as local hunting trips for turkey and grouse. GSOutfitting also trains gun dogs and companion dogs, ensuring every hunter will have a loyal sidekick during the season.

The guides at RIB Adventure Tours conduct informative history tours and scavenger hunts around Boston Harbor, even when the horizon becomes a blur; all tours take place aboard 26-foot-long rigid, inflatable speedboats. Built to Navy SEAL specifications by a local Massachusetts boat manufacturer, the boats keep riders secure aboard jockey seats. On guided history tours, passengers snag high-speed glimpses of harbor island landmarks and during scavenger hunts, guides prompt passengers to look for environmental clues and give individual scores. Winners get bragging rights, boat tour prizes from partner Hestia Cruises, and a trophy jar of salty sea air. Captains and tour guides brief passengers on safety before all excursions and supply them with high-grade waterproof cameras to take pictures of passing scenery.

When traversing Oak Meadow Farm’s 52 verdant acres, one is struck by sweeping views of nearby produce farms. Students contribute to this idyllic pastoral scene as they learn the basics of riding in either indoor or outdoor rings. Head trainer Mark Rarick and assistant trainer Amy Kriwitsky bring their individual experiences, such as Mark’s stint in show jumping in England and Amy’s bachelor’s degree in animal science, to teaching beginners how to tack and nay effectively. Their efforts have earned them praise in publications such as Today’s Equestrian and Chronicle of the Horse.

Bobby Martin grew up with a sail line in his hand, touring the Delaware River and the waters surrounding Kent Island and St. Michael's in Maryland. He always knew sailing was in his blood, as he was raised in a family of boat builders and America's Cup competitors. He followed this passion throughout school and into a racing team at Boston University and earned a position as captain by his senior year. Now, as the executive director at the nonprofit Piers Park Sailing Center, he combines his passion for sailing with a love for community outreach, helping to train sailors of all ages and ability levels including underserved youth and disabled students.