And, of course, right outside the shop, youll find an open-air sale area filled with cheap books haphazardly filling bookshelves and racks! The Zakim Bridge and the Museum of Science are among the sights that can be seen from the vantage point within the parks grounds. When snow falls, cross-country skiers may take to the trail, too. Its many topics include health and fitness, science, the arts, culture, and even environmental awareness. It is one of the most fascinating Massachusetts attractions to visit, with stunning artifacts, lovely views of the ocean, and picturesque gardens to explore. Eventually, the house was turned into the museum that it is now, focusing on the 17th century and the history of the horrific witchcraft trials. You may recognize some spots from films like Knives Out, Shutter Island, and The Box. The actors in the museum are costumed accordingly and never step out of character whilst undergoing a series of 17th Century tasks including building, gardening and military exercises. Several others are part of the exceptional Peabody Essex Museum complex: the 1727 Crowninshield-Bentley House; the 1684 John Ward House; and the 1804 brick Gardner-Pingree House, whose interior preserves work by master builder Samuel McIntire. Address: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, United States. To help you out, here are our picks for 52 fun things to do and places to visit in Massachusetts. Medfields town government purchased the hospital at the end of 2014, and as of now, its unknown what plans they have for the historic buildings future. 5. The society of the Christian Science Monitor commissioned Massachusetts architect Chester Lindsay Churchill to create the grand building, aiming to rival and one-up the similarly grand building of the New York Daily News. Thankfully, the 1960s saw the introduction of community mental healthcare and alternative treatments that allowed the hospital to see less use. Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. In a dig at conservative states, Massachusetts has launched a tourism ad campaign touting the state as . Tanglewood is a must visit destination for music lovers, especially in the summer months. This is the site of the first pitched battle of the American Revolution. Dont forget to get a good look at the Faneuil Hall weathervane, built when the building was first made in 1742. It is neatly tucked away behind and past several more popular parks in the citys downtown area. Back Bay. As a commonwealth, it has played a huge role in the culture, commercial development, and scientific advancement of America. Along with concert-style seating, audiences enjoy some of Tanglewood's most popular concerts seated on the well-manicured lawns. The Medfield State Hospital was made up of 58 buildings made from brick throughout a big campus. It has been an American Association of Museums-accredited institute since 2008 and has become one of the top local tourist attractions. It was once owned by the Shelburne Falls & Colrain Street Railway, which closed in 1927. Unfortunately, by the 1930s, the hospital had become overcrowded, and its intimidating gothic appearance became more and more a reflection of the cruelty, inhumanity, and disrepair occurring within. Approximately 50 characters, arranged chronologically, can be viewed, from Nosferatu to the monsters of Fright Night and from The Exorcists Linda Bliar to Alfred Hitchcocks creations. By beachtravel. There is also an insightful guide on the website which can be downloaded and used for self guided tours of the campus. He also filled the home with fun and eccentric items, like a church archway made from Mt. Whether your passion is fine art, ethnic neighborhoods, Americana, antiques, seafood . Address: 47 Old Sudbury Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, United States. We also put updates about events on our Facebook page. Other points of interest in the park are Concords North Bridge which was the site for battle between the Colonies and British and the Visitor Centre which is essentially a museum showing various objects and artifacts from the areas abundant history. You can visit Plimoth Plantation on a day trip from Boston. Vantage Travel, a longtime Boston cruise and tour company, announced Thursday that it has filed for bankruptcy and that a travel company based in Singapore has agreed to purchase its assets . Well, its sand creates squeaky, creaking noises akin to some form of mildly melodic singing as it is jostled and moved by visitors, especially when its dry. This includes Hartwell Tavern, which is an 18th-century restored tavern that occasionally showcases programs in living history. Our state has a lot to offer both domestic and international visitors, including history, culture, cuisine and outdoor activities. Chatham and Orleans both have especially scenic white beaches on the Atlantic-facing shore. The Museum of Russian Icons houses the collection of a local businessman and engineer named Gordon B. Lankton, who started the collection in the 1980s. More than 50 individual humpback whales have been identified and named by researchers, all dependable returnees each summer. One part of Marthas Vineyard that you shouldnt miss are its gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs. 25 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts By VacationIdea Staff on June 15, 2023 - Updated Courtesy of Christopher Seufert - Fotolia.com One of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts boasts historical landmarks dating back to the very beginnings of European settlement in the United States. Visit our calendar for upcoming guest chef pop-ups and other happenings. Address: 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The museum houses the largest collection of Rockwells work in the world and is a great chance to see art focusing on life in the United States and the issues facing ordinary people such as poverty and civil rights. Year-round guided boat and wading trips and casting lessons to fishermen of all skill levels in Western MA. Hornblower performed many excavations in the area where the original colonies lived in Plymouth, and he decided to share his findings through the museum. Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, United States. Sign-Up To Join Our Mailing List. Dating back more than 400 years, the building sometimes known as Bostons Towne House is now run as a Boston history museum by the Bostonian Society. Don't think these are there just for kids - most of the smiling passengers are adults. Slide the machine and youll find out that its actually a secret door concealing the true nature of Bodega. True to its origins, the ground floor is filled with market stalls, which flow out into the three nearby market halls - Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market - to make up Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The inn remains open as a restaurant and guests can even stay over in historically accurate rooms. The Mapparium is a three-story feature of the Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is a Blue Star Museum. Visit the Tourism Facebook page. The Freedom Trail of Boston, Massachusetts is a winding, three-mile trail that contains several of the countrys most crucial historical locations and sites ranging from cultural icons to churches and from museums to ships. Don't fire unless fired upon but if they mean to have a war let it begin here.". Many of them are females that bring their new calves to Stellwagen Bank to feed in the food-rich waters and teach their calves to hunt. Freedom Trail. Going further into the area, youll find numerous ways to spend your time, including dining options, conservation spots, fun nightlife options, and peaceful quiet areas. At the time of its opening, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden actually won an award for excellence from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, but that award didnt reflect public opinion. It is the biggest outdoor history museum not just in Massachusetts, but in the entire Northeast. Spanning 842 square miles, it was once a fishing ground and is now a protected area offering whale-watching tours in a highly diverse environment. Travel Info; Free Guide; Blog; Salem Witch Trials; Port of Salem; Salem Film Office; Student & Group Tour Info; About Destination Salem; Contact (978) 741-3252. info@salem.org. When planning a trip to Massachusetts, your first thought is likely to visit the city of Boston. 28 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston | U.S. News Travel 1809, "With a complex of phyllite, quartzite, and granitic bedrock, it defines the eastern flank of the valley." Our 46-room property is a union of design and nature, home to woodland trails, riverbank vistas, sculptural installations, and more. The design choice behind these headstones in Bostons Old Burying Grounds stems back to Puritan times when settlers of this nature arrived in Boston in the early 1600s. Fall is perhaps the best time of the year to explore Massachusetts as this is when the Bay State looks at its finest. Inside, youll find a recreation of the crime scene, some dismal and bizarre memorabilia recreated from the night, and the rooms of Lizzie and her parents. It was founded as a museum by preservationist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton who purchased the mansion in 1908 and fully restored it to preserve it for generations to come and provide funding for immigrant settlement programs. The James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of the top hidden gem locations that youll find in Boston. A popular location, more than one million people visit it every year. From the Brahmin bastion of Beacon Hill and the historic sights of the famed Freedom Trail, to the world-class art museums, "The Hub" has something for everyone. The Old Sturbridge Village covers the early 19th Century and includes homes, mills, farms and shops from the time period. Address: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States. If you love exploring ruins and are wondering where to visit, the ruins of Schoolmaster Hill are among the best youll find in Massachusetts, complete with beautiful panoramas of the surrounding area. Do note that the political boundaries are a little out of date, though, as the Mapparium was finished in 1935! The remarkable history of the Pioneer Valley village of Deerfield is told in its impressive collection of well-preserved colonial and Federal period homes and at the 14 houses of Historic Deerfield and the Flynt Center of Early New England Life. The Lexington Common National Historic Site, also known as the Battle Green, is a National Historic Landmark that is considered consecrated ground. The Museum's Chinese jade and bronzes, Japanese prints, Indian art, and Greco-Roman antiquities comprise some of the finest collections in the world. It was restored to glory in 2005 and serves as a center for education on the history of local whaling endeavors. Official site: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Sturbridge is one of the best spots in Massachusetts to experience old-fashioned New England charm. It was established in 1947 by Henry Hornblower II, who grew up in Boston but had been interested in the history of Plymouth thanks to his summer vacations in the area. Over 500 kinds of flora, including flowers, shrubs, and vines, hug the walkways sides. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Boston - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor In order to work with these harsh rules, headstones would use simple messages and generic but morbid symbols. Massachusetts Visitor Center | Boston Visitor Center | MA Visitors Centers The ferry to Marthas Vineyard can be a rough ride, but the difficult journey is all part of the charm of the tiny island. There is also Boston Light, Americas oldest lighthouse, within the recreational areas space on Little Brewster Island. Hampton Terrace Inn Centered around a palatial-inspired home, here you will encounter the thrilling glamour of the Gilded Age. Address: 297 West Street, Lenox, Massachusetts. 1. Also on the Harvard campus are a number of top class museums. The staffer was really helpful at recommending a good short trail, and we enjoyed a peaceful hike through the woods. Head on down to Salem and check out Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery, a movie monster museum! Address: 176 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States. Address: 84B Old Main Street, Deerfield, Massachusetts, Official site: www.historic-deerfield.org. Corwin lived in the home that is now the Witch House of Salem for four decades, and the family would keep the house until the middle of the 19th century. These amazing acoustics at Echo Bridge are a result of the sound waves bouncing between the arch of the bridge and the water beneath. It has a planetarium that puts on daily shows, a butterfly garden to marvel at, and even a Dakota fossil which is dated at 65 million years old. In the mid-19th century, it was the scene of anti-slavery meetings, rallies, and speeches. Where should you go? Residents are being asked to remain vigilant and report any information to the . On a boulder are inscribed Captain Parker's words to his men: "Stand your ground. The spot from the peak of the waterfall is one of the states most beautiful places, providing a stunning view that stretches all the way into Taconic State Park in New York. The museum explores all areas of science and has over 700 permanent exhibitions. It also boasts historic American and Chinese houses and an archival library. The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, or Route 133, offers a picturesque road trip through charming towns and coastal beauty in Massachusetts. Address: 203 Union St, Clinton, MA 01510, United States. 2023 Mandarin Oriental, Boston 1,180 Boston, MA from $695/night 2023 Lands End Inn 1,088 Provincetown, MA from $130/night 2023 Hampton Terrace Inn 1,156 Lenox, MA from $243/night 2023 Chatham Inn 762 Chatham, MA Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Visit The Berkshires | Official Guide to The Berkshires, MA plan your trip to Massachusetts - VisitMA During the 20th Century, a large amount of renovation took place at the harbor and the area is well worth a visit when in Massachusetts. Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts. Address: 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, United States. Travel Guide and State Maps of Massachusetts Check out Visit Boston on Twitter. Massachusetts has a long and storied history. What's more, they represent a wide range of Salem's history and culture, beginning with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and including the House of Seven Gables, immortalized in the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose 1804 birthplace is also open. Dating back to 1932, the garden is situated in the Back Bay Fens and is carefully protected by a tall hedge of yew, close to Fenway Park. Address: 1 Stonegate Dr, Medfield, MA 02052, United States. Plymouth tourist information center and service plaza is open daily, 24 hours a day. Savor the Berkshires in all their glory. Inhumane treatments began being used here. Exhibits include the Caribbean reef, the Edge of the Sea touch tank, and the huge coral reef-filled Giant Ocean Tank that reaches four stories in height. In 2013, galleries specifically for African, European, and Asian art opened, too. A few steps away is the somewhat eccentric collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, bequeathed as a museum, along with her Venetian-style palace in which these treasures are displayed. The Helen Geier Textile Gallery is a great place to see what early settlers wore and has an impressive collection. The Wayside Inn claims to be the oldest operating inn in the country, with the building featuring a mix of British colonial and Greek Revivalist architecture. Bodega is filled with shelves that hold skate fashion and street fashion from high-end brands, and its a well-kept secret that is advertised by word of mouth! The Adams National Historical Park was the home location of two American presidents and their descendants, continuing to serve this purpose until 1927. For a fully immersive experience, this is one of the top things to do in Massachusetts for sure! Downtown streets border one end, Commonwealth Avenue and Back Bay the other. Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States. Art, music, colonial history, patriotic landmarks, shopping, idyllic beaches, laid-back islands, succulent seafood Massachusetts has something for everyone. The USS Constitution Museum, also at the Charlestown Navy Yard, tells more of the ship's history in interactive exhibits. THE 10 BEST Massachusetts Sights & Landmarks to Visit (2023) 2023. Opened in 1825, it has been selling used books ever since and offers over 250,000 books, prints, postcards, and maps from different eras and genres. The museum is also home to the Mayflower II, which is docked near the purported Plymouth Rock. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge pays tribute to one of the most well-known and loved artists from the United States. Two icons of American Independence combine to form the Boston National Historic Park in Charlestown. Cape Cod is a long, curving peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, protecting Cape Cod Bay with its northward curve. Three dead in Massachusetts stabbing, manhunt underway Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. - Henry David Thoreau. As you walk through Plimoth Plantation, youll meet an array of period-dressed actors interacting with the museums buildings and living their daily lives as part of a 17th-century maritime and farming community. Read More Cape Cod Travel Guide Find inspiring vacation ideas in our 2023 digital magazine! Explore Massachusetts | Explore Boston | Mass Tourism - VisitMA The hall also boasts an assembly area, which spans two stories in height and is full of murals of Boston historical moments and political figures busts. It's open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A three-floor space, it is home to over 2,500 different artifacts of all kinds, ranging from paintings to textiles and from manuscripts to sculptures, all collected from across the planet. Parking is available in the hotel lot. Hammond Castle, Gloucester. Nowhere in the state can you experience a more idyllic laid-back island life than on Martha's Vineyard, only five miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod. Address: 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States. Among the top 10 whale-watching sites in the world, the Stellwagen Bank has one of the world's most biologically productive ocean environments. 200 years after he was born, a small plaza right across the street from that was renamed Edgar Allan Poe Square. . Located right at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, north-east of Boston, Rockport is a popular tourist spot. Hammond would bring home parts of buildings (or ideas of their designs) from his travels, and they would form unique parts of his home, such as his courtyard garden room. Rail-to-trail running 11.2 miles from Adams to Lanesborough. The dramatic Lightning Show is an all-time crowd-pleaser, as it explores electricity and its powers, using the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator and Tesla coils that produce about half a million volts. Where does the name Bash Bish Falls come from? Some believe, however, that the arch is at the perfect angle to repeatedly direct sound back and forth within itself. One of America's most beloved artists, Norman Rockwell lived and painted in the Berkshires for the last 25 years of his life, and his legacy is preserved here in the museum containing the world's largest collection of his original artworks. The Puritan community believed in mortally upright and ascetic worldviews and was focused on hard work, piety, and education. Mount Greylock is also famously crowned by the Massachusetts War Memorial Tower, which hosts a beacon that is lit up every night and can be seen from a whopping 70 miles away. 32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Salem (Massachusetts) In 1990, two men pretending to be police officers successfully stole collectibles and art totaling over $500 million in value. If youre a science and history buff looking for where to go in Massachusetts, this museum is a great bet. No one really knows for sure where it came from, but it spawned the arrival of more and more horses of all kinds figures and figurines, hobby horses, rocking horses, and more. The cliffs of clay are millions of years old, created by glaciers. Read more. Rockwell is best known for his characterization of American life, especially in small towns, and for his representation of the country's ideals. It was a common meeting point, a site of many revolutionary protests and speeches, and an icon of Massachusetts history. Mass. tourism billboards in Florida, Texas celebrate LGBTQIA+ community One of the more interesting features of Forest Hills Cemetery is its miniature village, which was created in 2006 by Christopher Frost. The fun exhibits on offer include exploring a traditional Japanese home and a room solely dedicated to different ways of making bubbles. Each building is designed as a replica of a home of an individual buried in the cemetery. Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, United States, Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Throughout the 20th century, it was used to promote commercial aviation by Charles Lindbergh, and civil rights and anti-Vietnam War rallies were held here, too. Other parts of the state, including the beautiful Berkshire hills to the west, are perfect destinations for weekend getaways. As with Pilmoth, the costumed actors and actresses at the museum are convincing and entertaining as they undergo routine life from the 1800s. Harvard University, one of the world's leading academic centers, is an attraction in itself, filled with historic buildings and exceptional museums. The Hammond Castle Museum was once the home of the resourceful John Hayes Hammond Jr. As a young boy, his wealthy father brought him to visit the laboratory of Thomas Edison himself, and Hammond was fascinated by him and hounded him with questions. Home Travel Guides United States Massachusetts (MA) 25 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts. Why not live here! Ponyhenge is a small part of a large pasture located in the Massachusetts town of Lincoln. Explore Massachusetts | Explore Boston | Mass Tourism Things To Do Massachusetts Aquinnah Cliffs What is there to do in Massachusetts? Youll then be able to see and learn about the Robinson Tea Chest, which is the only one that survived the original Boston Tea Party. Serene mountain vistas, lush forests, and clear blue lakes define the Berkshire landscape, an idyllic setting for your next family vacation, romantic escape, or weekend with friends. Contact Us Address 136 Blackstone St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 Directions Edgartown is a bit more sedate, with white clapboard buildings lining tree-shaded streets. But Dimond-Cates wasnt just any sculptor. They are labeled with their names and make for a romantic walk! Important battles and political rallies have taken place in the state during its history and evidence of these remains today in National Historic Parks and monuments. Address: 133 Franklin St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States. She was the stepdaughter of Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Ted Geisel. "Three modern girls, each with a heavy pack, march bravely out from Blackinton on the winding forest trackat the start of the old Long Trail." Plymouth Visitor Center at Route 3. 52 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Massachusetts - Busy Tourist Fenway Park is the oldest major league baseball stadium in the world and is almost a legend at this point. There are many other marine animals that youll spot at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Ganson was a former artist in residence at MIT and created several playful, whimsical, and personality-filled machines that perform all sorts of engaging, adorable, and intriguing tasks. There are a total of 300 houses of this kind in the area as well as a fascinating Cottage Museum to peruse. Fenway Park is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic sports grounds in the United States. . Address: 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103, United States. At the Museum of Fine Arts, youll find works from all sorts of eras, locations, and genres, ranging from modern contemporary art all the way back to ancient Egyptian works. Despite its hands on approach, the museum is not just for kids and is a great day out for all ages. Among the points of interest at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area are Harborwalk, an interactive walkway that brings you through numerous beaches, parks, and cafes, and a number of hiking trails that offer fishing and picnicking spots. There are ready-made itineraries that make it easy to save, share, and enjoy. The globe is an inside-out creation of stained glass, bisected with a glass walkway. Its an extremely delicate process, and any organic matter, dust, or other forms of pollution can reduce sand friction enough to completely kill that singing sound. Along the way, wander through two old burying grounds to find the graves of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and the first female to step off the Mayflower. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks of farmers, blacksmiths, housewives, and craftspeople, and offer hands-on activities for children. The Central region of Massachusetts and the Berkshire Mountains are the best places to experience fall in Massachusetts, while Route 2, otherwise known as the Mohawk Trail, is a must-visit. It is one of the worlds biggest centers of its kind and covers subjects such as mathematics, science, and technology through educational awareness programs, exhibits, and reports. Typically referred to simply as The Vineyard, it takes a bit of an effort to reach but it is well worth the trip. It has a vast and impressive collection ranging from ancient Egyptian pieces to Impressionist works.