Belatedly, Worcester gets its due

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts reopened in Franklin Square, Worcester, in 2008

The travel guide publisher DK Eyewitness Travel calls Worcester the 11th most overlooked -- or, (aka, underrated) -- destination city in the United States.

DK writes: "Once firmly in Boston's shadow, Massachusetts' second-largest city is fast developing as a creative hub in its own right. The phenomenal collection at the Worcester Art Museum, as well as contemporary galleries and arts programs such as ARTSWorcester, Worcester Windows, and the Worcester PopUp, contrast with historic attractions such as the elegant Salisbury Mansion, built in 1772."

"Foodies won't be disappointed either; the city pioneered the classic dining car, with Miss Worcester Diner open since 1948, and the current craft-beer scene championed by Wormtown Brewery.’’

So there!

Actually, Worcester, Boston and Providence now effectively comprise one big metro area.