Wheaton College has been the home of The International Herb Symposium since 1992.  The warm and friendly staff and lovely campus have been a perfect fit for the IHS.  Founded in 1834, Wheaton College is set on a picturesque New England campus that includes an adjoining 200 acre woodland (perfect for herb forays!).  The Campus itself is endowed with a variety of beautiful old specimen trees. Wheaton is located in the small rural town of Norton, Mass ideally situated between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence Rhode Island allowing easy access from airports, train station, and highways.

The College provides inexpensive lodging on campus.  Though the rooms are very basic (think College dorm!), they are inexpensive and help keep this event affordable for people of all income levels to attend.   There are also nicer ‘deluxe’ rooms that are newer and have air conditioning.  And for those who prefer, there are several hotels and motels in the area and a lovely campground for those who prefer camping.  Please inquire for a lodging list if you prefer to stay off campus; call the IHS office at 802-479-9825.       

 The meals at Wheaton are excellent. Our chef, John Bragel, has cooked for the IHS for several years and makes a great effort to satisfy the many different palates that we bring to the table.  As you can imagine at an event such as this, there are many food concerns, issues and expectations; i.e. vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, carnivores, and localvores! You name it, we’re here!   John does an excellent job and serves a nice variety of healthy main courses, hearty soups, salad and sandwich bars that features local greens and veggies, and low sugar deserts.   The response on the food has been excellent.  

“The food was excellent, thank you. A variety of great choices and great flavors” ~ Andrew

 “Even with my food allergies, I was able to find plenty to eat. Great tasting and very satisfying” ~  Jenny

 “The cooks did a great job providing a variety of satisfying meals. As a die hard vegetarian, I’m always a little skeptical about food at these events, but there were plenty of choices for me and they were all good.  Thanks!” ~ Marianne

Area Attractions

If coming from a distance, you might wish to stay and explore the area.  There is so much to see and do in southeast Massachusetts and neighboring states.   For plant related adventures, be sure to visit The Garden in the Woods in Framingham (about 1 1/2 hours north). It was the first wild flower garden in the U.S. and is very worth visiting. There is also an organic cranberry bog close to Wheaton College Campus. In the next town over is 7 Arrows Herb Gardens and Farm, a lovely herb garden/farm.  Plymouth Plantation and Sturbridge Village offer the visitors a trip back in time; both feature period herb gardens.   Of course, many visitors enjoy visiting Cape Cod and downtown old Boston….. There’s too much to do to mention here so please contact the Chamber of Commence and/or go on line for an endless list of pleasurable things to do and enjoy.