7 Essential Reasons to Visit Massachusetts

Are you planning on taking a trip to Massachusetts? This state might be small but there is plenty for you to see and do while there.

Keep reading to learn more about all the historical places and scenery you should see on your visit to Massachusetts.

1. Salem

If you are planning on visiting Massachusetts during the autumn months, then a trip to Salem is a must. This seaside town is famous for the Salem witch trials that took place in 1692. This town is a popular place during the month of October when there are plenty of “Haunted Happenings” to experience before Halloween.

To learn more about the Salem witch trials you should visit the Witch House where the trial judge resided and many of the accused stood trial before him to learn their fate. Aside from the local lore you can also visit Peabody Essex Museum and see the exhibits of art and artifacts from around the world. The museum features a large collection of Asian art and a restored house from the Qing-era in China.

Other great sites to see in the area is the birthplace of Nathanial Hawthorne, Bakers Island Lighthouse and Canobie Lake Park.

2. Martha’s Vineyard

South of Cape Cod is the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. This island is a popular place during the warm summer months for vacationing wealthy but there are some who call it home year-round. This is a great spot to spend some time relaxing at the beach and seeing the beautiful landscapes.

The quaint island is perfect for stretching your legs and walking from site to site. You can visit the National Historic Landmark of Martha Vineyard’s Camp Meeting Association where “campmeeting’s” used to take place in the beautiful gingerbread houses before the Civil War.

Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to go for some shopping at the boutique shops or sampling some delicious wine or craft beer at a microbrewery. If you are a movie buff, you should plan your visit during the summer months. Then you can visit the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse for the summer film festival or stop at the Edgartown bridge where you will recognize the location from the movie “Jaws.”

3. Nantucket

Nantucket is one of the most scenic locations in Massachusetts, especially if you love architecture. This is a perfect place to go on a day trip, spending the night might be too expensive, but the town is small enough to see in one day.

If you are interested in history, there are over 800 homes that date before the Civil War and are a perfect example of New Englands’ seaport style architecture. There are some great spots where you can relax and catch the sun on the beach and some beautiful lighthouses to explore.

There are also some smaller islands in the area where you can take a quick boat ride out of Nantucket Harbor too. You can also visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum for some maritime history or go to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

4. Plymouth

Plymouth is the location of the first Pilgrim settlement in the United States and is the oldest town in New England. This town has great historical significance and is a popular tourist destination around Thanksgiving since it is home to the very first Thanksgiving feast.

Plimouth Plantation is great for visitors to feel like they have gone back in time to the 1620s. This living history museum will let you learn and experience what life would have been like in 1627. You can then tour the Mayflower II which is a replica of the ship the Pilgrims traveled to the New World on.

There is also a cranberry farm you can tour, as well as several historic homes.

5. Cape Cod

Cape Cod has lots to offer for those seeking a summer vacation. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, cute little fishing towns, and charming architecture. You will also find plenty of shopping, fish’n’chips shops, and seaside fun.

The Massachusetts Audobon Society has plenty of outdoor sports you can choose from. They offer canoeing, paddling, and kayaking along the Cape during the spring to fall months. For something extra special you can go on a kayaking adventure to watch the sunset or enjoy some moonlight paddling.

6. Concord

If you love American Literature then you must take the drive to Concord. This tiny town was originally settled in 1635 and is home to Author’s Row in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetary. In this cemetery are the graves of Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The homes of these famous authors are still standing and are available for visiting. One of the most popular is the Orchard House for fans of the classic work, Little Women.

The first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired one town away from Concord. The Minutemen gathered at Wright’s Tavern in Concord to determine what steps to take next that fateful morning in 1775. Every year the Battle of Northbridge is reenacted on April 19, marking the day of that event.

Other things to do in Concord are admiring the colonial architecture, visiting the local shops or sampling some of the cheeses at the Cheese Shop of Concord.

7. Boston

If you are planning a trip to Massachusetts then you simply can’t go without spending time in Boston. This iconic city is where the Tea Party began the events of the Revolutionary War. You should spend time reliving history by walking the Freedom Trail, visit the Quincy Market and see Harvard University.

There are some great museums to visit while spending time in the city, such as the Boston Children’s Museum and the Museum of Natural History. You can also catch a game at Fenway Park or spend some time seeing the historical sites in the North End.

Learn More About Why You Should Visit Massachusetts Today!

There are so many great reasons to visit Massachusetts on your next vacation. From great historical sites, quaint seaside architecture, and beautiful New England scenery, there is something for everyone.

For more travel tips and ideas, visit our website daily!

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com