Visit Massachusetts - For a Taste of History, Charm, and Chowder
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Travel Notes: North America - United States - Massachusetts Travel Notes.
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Massachusetts Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
If exploring historic sites in Boston, enjoying fresh seafood on the coast, or immersing yourself in the state's scenic beauty, Massachusetts is sure to please. Share on Facebook
About Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a popular travel and tourism destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful outdoor activities.
A state that combines a rich history with modern innovation, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Massachusetts is also known as the Bay State, because of its proximity to several large bays.
States neighbouring Massachusetts: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Mapping Massachusetts
Map of Massachusetts
Massachusetts includes the popular coastal areas of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.
The state capital of Massachusetts is Boston.
County Map of Massachusetts
Colourful map of Massachusetts showing the location of all 14 counties.
Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester.
Massachusetts Overview
Massachusetts is a state located in the New England region of the United States.
Known for its rich history, diverse culture, world-renowned universities, and vibrant economy Massachusetts is bordered by Connecticut to the south, Rhode Island to the south and south-east, New York to the west, Vermont to the north, New Hampshire to the north and north-east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Boston
The capital and largest city of Massachusetts is Boston, often referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty'.
Boston is a major cultural, educational, and economic center, known for its historic landmarks like the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and the Massachusetts State House.
It is also home to prestigious universities like Harvard University and MIT.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Massachusetts offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
Cape Cod, a popular vacation destination, is known for its picturesque beaches, quaint towns, and lighthouses.
The Berkshires, located in western Massachusetts, attract visitors with their natural beauty and thriving arts scene, including the renowned Tanglewood Music Festival.
The state also has a rich literary tradition, being the birthplace of famous authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott.
Economy
Massachusetts has a diverse and robust economy.
It is a leader in sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, finance, higher education, and technology.
The state is home to numerous biotech and pharmaceutical companies, earning it the nickname 'the Biotech Hub'.
The Route 128 corridor near Boston is known as 'America's Technology Highway' due to the concentration of technology and innovation companies.
Education
Massachusetts is renowned for its world-class educational institutions.
It boasts some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, and Tufts University.
The state's emphasis on education has contributed to its reputation as a hub for innovation and research.
History
Massachusetts played a crucial role in the early history of the United States.
The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in 1620, establishing one of the earliest English settlements in North America.
The state was also a hotbed of revolutionary activity and a focal point during the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill taking place there.
Natural Beauty
Massachusetts offers diverse natural landscapes, from scenic coastlines to picturesque mountains.
The state is home to beautiful parks and reserves such as the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Appalachian Trail, and the Quabbin Reservoir.
The fall foliage in Massachusetts is particularly renowned, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Sports
Massachusetts residents are passionate about their sports teams.
Boston is home to several successful professional sports franchises, including the Boston Red Sox (MLB), the New England Patriots (NFL), the Boston Celtics (NBA), and the Boston Bruins (NHL).
Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, is located in Boston.
Visiting Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state that combines a rich history with modern innovation, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
Berkshire Mountains
Located in western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are a picturesque region known for their natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing in Mount Greylock State Reservation; the highest point in Massachusetts.
Don't miss the renowned cultural institutions, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Boston
Start your exploration of Massachusetts in the state capital, Boston; known for its revolutionary history.
Visit the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long path that takes you to sixteen historically significant sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church.
Don't miss the renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Explore the charming neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and the waterfront area of the Seaport District.
Cape Cod
Head south-east of Boston to Cape Cod, a picturesque peninsula with charming towns and beautiful beaches.
Enjoy the quaint villages of Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis, and indulge in fresh seafood.
Relax on the sandy shores of Cape Cod National Seashore and take a scenic drive along Route 6A, known as the Old King's Highway.
Martha's Vineyard
Located just south of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is a popular island getaway.
Enjoy the scenic beauty, serene beaches, and charming towns like Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven.
Explore the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, visit the famous Aquinnah Cliffs, and experience the island's vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Plymouth
Visit the historic town of Plymouth, known as the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620.
Explore the living history museum at Plimoth Patuxet, where you can learn about the Pilgrims' journey and interact with costumed interpreters.
See the iconic Plymouth Rock and visit the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
Salem
Known for its infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem offers a unique blend of history, culture, and spooky charm.
Explore the Salem Witch Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, and the Witch Trials Memorial.
Take a stroll through the historic streets and visit the Peabody Essex Museum, showcasing art and culture from around the world.
Massachusetts Information
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is one of the six New England states.
The others are: Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Harvard
Massachusetts is an important intellectual centre with Harvard University, in Cambridge, leading the way and other cultural institutions in Boston close behind.
Historical Massachussetts
Among the most famous historical landmarks is Plymouth Rock, where the pilgrims are said to have landed in 1620.
You can also visit the birthplace of President Kennedy at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, in Brookline.
Massachusetts Coastal Resorts
Massachusetts is famous for its coastal resorts; especially the sandy beaches at Cape Cod.
Presidents often spend their holidays at Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket Islands.
Visit Massachussetts
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination.
From the Berkshires to Boston, whatever you thought you'd find, it won't compare to what you'll discover.
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism,
136 Blackstone St., 5th Floor,
Boston, MA 02109 U.S.A.
(617) 973-8500
Boston
Map of Boston
Visit Boston
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, and the largest city in New England.
Boston was once America's most important port, due to its excellent natural harbour, and you can walk through the city's history on the self-guided Freedom Trail.
The Black Heritage Trail also starts in the area, and has a popular historic significance.
Go Boston Card
Explore Boston with Go City to enjoy incredible savings and discover over 40 attractions, from historical Harvard, to Cape Cod cruises, all on one pass. Their Boston Travel Blog can give you a taste of what to expect.
Founded in 1870, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is now one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world; the collection encompasses nearly 500,000 works of art.
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is located at 465 Huntington Avenue.
Concord
Concord is a quaint New England town, 20 miles west of Boston, famed for its revolutionary and literary history.
As the scene of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War (War for Independence) on 19th April, 1775, Concord is considered the birthplace of the nation.
Visit Concord
Visitors to Concord will find a picturesque New England community of handsome residences, preserved open spaces, family-owned farms and thriving commercial centers.
The town is served by Massachusetts BayTransportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail to Boston, Cambridge and Fitchburg.
State highway Route 2 runs through Concord, and Routes 128/95 and 495 are conveniently accessed.
Where to Stay in Concord
Concord's Colonial Inn
Concord's Colonial Inn: 48 Monument Square, Concord, Massachusetts.
Concord's Colonial Inn is an enduring landmark of gracious hospitality in historic Concord, Massachusetts. The Inn was originally built in 1716 and has operated as a hotel since 1889.
The guest rooms are each individually appointed to reflect the Colonial style of the property, complete with antiques and Early American-inspired interiors.
Guests at Concord's Colonial Inn can enjoy its choice of restaurants and a tavern.
Martha's Vineyard
Located just 7 miles off the Massachusetts coastline, the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard is a world apart, offering a vacation ambience unlike any other.
Explore the diversity of the six island towns, take long walks along pristine shores and step back in time to a more leisurely pace. Each season offers something different on Martha’s Vineyard.
Visitors to Martha's Vineyard
How to get to Martha's Vineyard and what to do when you get there.
No matter the season, no matter the reason, no matter your budget - there's a Martha's Vineyard experience waiting for you.
Ferries to Martha's Vineyard
While there are lots of ferry options May-October, the only year-round ferry service and the only service that carries cars, motorcycles and trucks is the Steamship Authority, from Woods Hole.
Ferries to Martha's Vineyard also sail from Falmouth (Island Queen), Hyannis (Hy-Line Cruises), New Bedford (Seastreak), New York City (Seastreak) and Rhode Island (Fast Ferry).
Hy-Line Cruises also sail to Nantucket.
Nantucket
Thirty miles off the Massachusetts coast, this crescent-shaped island is in a world by itself. Cobblestone streets and an array of stately Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival homes reflect Nantucket Town's history as a prosperous whaling port.
Whether you call Nantucket home, or are visiting Nantucket for the first time, the moment you step ashore you immediately sense Nantucket's rich cultural heritage.
Fly Nantucket to Hyannis in Just 12 Minutes
In 1994, Cape Air merged with Nantucket Airlines.
Operating as the sister airline to Cape Air, Nantucket Airlines has long been the favorite among visitors and locals for fast, frequent, daily, year-round flights between Hyannis and Nantucket.
Where to Stay in Nantucket
Beachside at Nantucket
Beachside at Nantucket: 30 North Beach Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Situated in the lovely Brant Point residential neighbourhood, the Beachside is a short five-minute walk to Jetties Beach and a leisurely twelve-minute stroll to Main Street.
Guests at the Beachside at Nantucket can chill out beside the heated outdoor pool. Some rooms even have their own private outdoor verandas.
Seven Sea Street Inn
Seven Sea Street Inn: 7 Sea Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Less than a five-minute walk from Main Street, Seven Sea Street is a beautiful red oak post and beam Inn, designed and constructed with an authentic Nantucket ambiance in mind.
Guests at the Seven Sea Street Inn can benefit from a relaxing Jacuzzi Spa and a stunning view of Nantucket Harbour from the Widow's Walk deck.
The Wauwinet Nantucket
The Wauwinet Nantucket: 120 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts.
An idyllic blend of extraordinary service, superior food, gracious comfort and delightful surroundings has earned The Wauwinet critical acclaim, including membership in the prestigious association of Relais and Chateaux.
Guests at The Wauwinet can enjoy a seaside refuge with breathtaking views of the bay, historic architecture, and luxury amenities.
Cape Cod
The site of quaint villages, seafood shacks, lighthouses, ponds and a variety of beaches Cape Cod is a popular summertime destination in Massachusetts.
Cape Cod Wildlife Trails
Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket boast scores of scenic trails and pristine beaches that are ideal for leisurely walks and rambles.
Captain Farris House:
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming and romantic bed and
breakfast inn is located on mid Cape Cod, in the historic Bass River Village of South
Yarmouth.
Hyannis
First stop on the Kennedy Legacy Trail is the JFK Hyannis Museum, to learn about the legacy of President Kennedy and his deep connection to Cape Cod.
Hyannis is also where ferries depart to the resort islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
Provincetown
The Mayflower Pilgrims landed here in 1620, before moving on to found the Plymouth Colony. The Pilgrim Monument commemorates this historic landing.
This charming New England town, surrounded by National Parkland beaches, is situated at the very tip of Cape Cod. Among its attractions, away from the beaches, are traditional New England captain's houses, churches, cottages, hotels and beautiful inns. There are also plenty of shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.
The Provincetown Fast Ferry: (Bay State Cruise Company) allows visitors to make the trip between Boston and Provincetown in speed and style.
Forget about Cape Cod traffic and parking hassles and set sail, with Boston's oldest and largest ferry operator, for a journey that only takes 90 minutes.
Just about everyone who sets foot on the sandy shore of Provincetown says there is something magical about this place. Maybe it’s because it sits at the edge of the continent, 60 miles out to sea, in a place that swirls together so many people and experiences.
When most people think Provincetown, they think beautiful beaches and crowded summer streets. The warmer months are the Cape’s busiest time, but Provincetown is quickly becoming a favourite vacation spot year-round.
Around Massachusetts
Berkshires
The Berkshires of western Massachusetts are one of New England's great hidden treasures for cultural heritage and Ecotourism.
Lowell Folk Festival
Founded in 1987, the Lowell Folk Festival (feld in late July) is one of the largest festivals of its kind.
Massachusetts Travel Guides
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