Beyond Boston

Last month marked my two year anniversary of moving out to Boston, Massachusetts. And all I can say is that I have never felt more welcomed in this city thanks to its people and history. 

But this summer, I wanted to try something different: I wanted to explore what was outside of the Greater Boston Area. 

​As someone who loves history – and who loves tourist traps – I decided to do some research into some of the coolest things outside of Boston. 

​So get your pencils out and start making your reservations to visit these awesome places around Massachusetts: 

1) Old Sturbridge Village

Discover 1830s New England in a blacksmith’s shop, a friendly country store, or amid the awesome beauty of heirloom gardens. Tour the Common with its white-steepled meetinghouse, period homes, and craft shops. Mosey past water-powered mills and “meet” heritage pigs, sheep, and cattle. Walk through woodlands or along the riverbank. Try your hand at nearly forgotten crafts such as textiles, coopering, foodways, and more. Even better, Old Sturbridge Village has seasonal events. Check out the “barnyard babies” in the spring, Baseball (1830s style) all summer long, and enjoy a patriotic Independence Day Celebration on July 4th. Celebrate the fiery foliage and the autumns harvest. Or experience Christmas by Candlelight with a sleigh ride in December.   

2) Plimoth Plantation & Mayflower II

The Plimoth Plantation is a hands-on, entertaining living history experience dedicated to the Native Wampanoag and Pilgrim colonists of 17th century Plymouth, Massachusetts. Here, history comes alive with modern relevances for visitors of all ages at this immersive Smithsonian Affiliate museum featuring costumed interpreters and modern day artisans. You can even drive down to the picturesque Plymouth Harbor to view the Mayflower II docked at the State Pier. Fun and educational, the museum is a sensory treat and a must-see while in the New England area. 

3) Nantucket

No visit to Massachusetts is complete without a visit to the island of Nantucket. Located 30 miles south from Cape Cod, and grouped together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget, Nantucket is a richly historic town with 82 miles of picture-perfect, highly acclaimed beaches. Within this pastoral island, the Cultural District has a vast array of museums, theaters and galleries to immerse visitors into Nantucket’s diverse treasures. Visit the world-renowned Whaling Museum, which features a fully restored 1847 spermaceti candle factory – that houses the original whale-oil beam press – as well as the 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. Be sure to purchase your tickets early to catch the ferry to this amazing island. 

​4) Martha’s Vineyard

Known as the “Storybook Island,” Martha’s Vineyard is a charming island with much to see and much to do. Just to name a few: Aquinnah’s colored cliffs, the marvelous unspoiled beaches, the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the elegant Edgartown and its lovely old sea captain’s mansions and sophisticated shops and restaurants of every kind. One you’ve set foot, you’ll want to return again and again. Washed by the Atlantic, Martha Vineyard’s six towns, each special in their own unique way, are just waiting to be discovered. 

5) Cape Cod

Cape Cod offers up the essence of New England summers. Cross the Cape Cod Canal and enter the world of sand dunes and salty beaches. The town of Providenicetown (or P-Town to the locals) is picturesque with multiple detours for fresh seafood and sightseeing. Check out the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, located only steps away from Main Street and the Island ferries. Or take the scenic ‘road’ around the Cape on the steel wheels of the Cape Cod Central Railroad. Or perhaps visit Heritage Museums and Gardens – the largest cultural attraction on the Cape. Whatever you do in Cape Cod you will not be shortchanged of any entertainment. 

​6) Lexington 

Hailed as “the birthplace of liberty,” the town of Lexington boasts with history that defined American identity and culture. You can visit such famous spots as Lexington Battle Green or the Buckman Tavern, where the militia faced off against British regulars. Drop by sites central to the state of the American Revolution, including the Minuteman National Historic Park and the National Heritage Museum. 

​7) Concord 

The town of Concord is central to the story surrounding the start of the American Revolution. Neighboring Lexington – and both laying claim that their town was the one who sparked the American Revolution – Concord is the home to many authors and politicians that gave a voice and identity to American history and literature. Home to a beautiful array of Colonial revival buildings within a tree-lined country road, Concord houses many artifacts of American history. The Concord Museum contains numerous examples of 17th, 18th and 19th century decorative arts. The Old Manse House is where Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted his first published essay, “Nature.” And then there's The Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott grew up with her family which later inspired her to write Little Women. You’re never lacking in history when visiting Concord. 

​8) Salem    

The town of Salem will definitely make you feel like you’re back in 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson at the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Heritage Walk and at The House of the Seven Gables. Given Salem’s notorious history with the Salem Witch Trials, the town accepts its reputation as a “spooky” town. Learn about the word ‘witch’ in “Witches-Evolving Perception” at the Salem Witch Museum. Or experience New England’s oldest wooden mansion built in 1668 at The House of the Seven Gables. But if historical homes are not for forte, stop by the Peabody Essex Museum which features unrivaled collections and special exhibitions. Yet, if you’re going to Salem for the ghosts and souls, be sure to visit Salem’s most haunted attraction art the Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour. There, delve into the macabre humor of Salem’s haunted history. If you don’t believe in witches, you may after visiting this fun little town. 

9) The Mount: Edith Wharton's Home

Located in Lenox, Massachusetts, the 50-acre estate was the seasonal residence of American novelist Edith Wharton from 1902 to 1911. The famed author of The Age of Innocents and ​Ethan Frome, aided the design of her Georgian-Revival manor. She had a particular passion of symmetry, incorporating fake doorways, windows and other architectural features to maintain the symmetrical lines of her house. In addition, she was also responsible for the design of the estate’s gardens, settled atop a rock outcropping to take advantage of the views of the Berkshires. The gallery allows access to all main rooms, which include the library, den, drawing room, dining room, and staircase. This historical landmark will make any visitor feel like they stepped into one of Wharton’s books. 

10) Dr. Seuss Museum 

Big Dr. Seuss fans can finally visit the newly opened Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts. With his crazy mixed-up words, rhyming tongue twisters and colorful characters, the museum is like walking into a literal Dr. Seuss book. The first rooms are dedicated to the author’s life growing up in Springfield, followed by interactive displays and characters from Dr. Seuss’s books. You can listen to Horton’s Whoville band, meet the Cat in the Hat, and climb a Wump with humps. Revisit your favorite childhood author, and you’ll leave feeling like you have a Wocket in your pocket.  

Happy traveling!