The best bits of Boston and Massachusetts
If you are into pristine beaches, vibrant cities and beautiful countryside, then it’s hard to argue with the delights of the state of Massachusetts. This place on the American East Coast is famous for its pretty white houses and its famous colonial history, and while it might not have the tourist attractions of nearby New York, it can make for a wonderful introduction to the American way of life. Our favorite hotel in Massachusetts is The Langham Boston, which used to be the Federal Reserve Bank! And here are some of the main reasons as to why Massachusetts could be one of the undiscovered gems of the USA.
Checking out the highlights of Boston
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and there is a good chance that you will probably fly into here if you visit the state. As it’s one of the oldest cities in the US, it features many interesting historical sites that are well worth a visit. Be sure to check out the Freedom Trail that is a two and a half mile long walk that takes you through the downtown part of Boston and will give you a good understanding of important historical sites such as that of the Boston Tea Party and the Old State House.
It’s relatively easy to walk around the main downtown area but if you want to get further afield, you should definitely take a trip on the unique Boston subway. These have rickety old carriages that feel like they haven’t been upgraded in many years, but they are still a cost-effective way to get to your destination. Bear in mind that winters in Boston can be extremely cold and the summer months can be surprisingly hot, so heading underground to get around can be a good idea.
Boston has a great artistic heritage that is wonderfully displayed in museums and galleries like the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Plus if you head just north to the city of Cambridge, then you can get to see the famous Harvard University, or you could just go to Fenway Park to catch up with the talents of the legendary baseball team, Boston Red Sox.
Above, all Boston is a modern city that should have just about everything that you’d expect. The Boston Public Market is packed with all of the locally sourced produce of the region and gives you a good chance to sample some of the famous New England clam chowder. Newbury Street is one of the best streets for shopping with many high-end stores and independent boutiques. Just in case you need to take it easy, then head down to the expansive Boston Common – the perfect place for a well-timed picnic.
Hitting the beach in Massachusetts
This US state has no shortage of spectacular coastline, and its beaches are well worth checking out. You might know the name Manchester-by-the-Sea from the gloomy Hollywood movie but it’s actually a beautiful coastal town that has a beautiful sandy beach to enjoy. Further north, there’s the expansive Crane Beach that can often get windy but is close to the imposing Castle Hill seaside estate.
But as you head south to around Cape Cod Bay, then you will find plenty more bewitching beaches that offer the perfect place for a nice walk or even a spot of sunbathing if you’re lucky. If you make it this far south in Massachusetts, it’s well worth driving a little further to end up in the fun beach town of Provincetown. There’s a nice little budget hotel here called Eastwood at Provincetown and this is well known for being one of the best free-thinking towns on the East Coast. Alongside the vibrant LGBTQ community, beaches like the wide and sandy Racepoint Beach are perfect for relaxing.
Finding the true Massachusetts
We all know how New England design has influenced the world with its soft coastal blues and whites making a massive impact in interior design. But where’s the best place to get the photograph of some of these beautiful houses? We’d recommend heading north-east to the lovely little towns that are dotted around like Hamilton, Essex and Ipswich. Not only do these place names belie the colonial past of the area, but they are all very welcoming and showcase the best in the New England way of life.
However, pick of the bunch has to be the charming coastal town of Rockport. This beautiful place has been the location of many Hollywood movies with its sleepy storefronts and chic small-town feel making it a great place for a day out. There’s nothing like heading down to Rockport harbour on a sunny day to check out the impressive range of independent stores and treat yourself to well-earned ice cream.
Other highlights of Massachusetts and beyond
You can’t come to Massachusetts without checking out its spooky history in the town of Salem. This was the site of the famous Salem witch trials in the 17th century, and there’s all manner of fun and tacky tributes to this horrendous episode in the town. Don’t forget to check out The House of the Seven Gables which was the site of the book of the same name and is one of the oldest colonial mansions in the US.
Massachusetts is well-placed to explore the rest of the New England area. By taking just a short drive northwards, you will find yourself in the state of New Hampshire. This state is a truly undiscovered gem, and quaint towns like Portsmouth revel in their independent spirit, offering no shortage of excellent boutique shops, cafes and restaurant.
Further up the coast lies the magnificent state of Maine. This is a great place to visit for seeing some incredible wildlife and yet more stunning windswept beaches. If you get time, then head to the city of Portland that’s offers some of the freshest and best seafood cuisine around. New England may not offer some of the biggest tourist attractions in the US but if you are looking for a fun and relaxing holiday, then it’s hard to argue with this lovely place.
There are some wonderful places to stay in Massachusetts so check them out for some great deals.
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