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Massachusetts offers a plethora of travel opportunities for all members of the family. Affordable, enjoyable, cultural as well as historical suggestions are listed to provide interested families with ideas for the vacation of a lifetime.
Many have heard of Cape Cod but few have heard of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Further north of the east coast, Cape Ann includes the fishing community of Gloucester. Gloucester (pronounced Gloster)was made famous by the movie, "Perfect Storm." Tourists can stay directly on the beach in motor inns such as "The Cape Ann Motor Inn." Moreover, as the first historical fishing village in the U.S., Gloucester provides historical origins to whaling and fishing in this country. Quaint cottages and lawns dot the walkways and side streets of the town. The Massachusetts Bay Colony rock allows one to climb and sit, in order to glimpse passing boats and schooners heading out to sea.
Also in Gloucester is the Hammond Castle owned originally by the man who invented 'the remote.' This castle is appealing to small onlookers as well as to those who are knowledgeable about medieval lore.
Next door to Gloucester sits an artist community called Rockport. Rockport has many fine, family friendly restaurants and shops that cater to budgets of all sizes. The Emerson Inn also sits on the coast of Rockport.
Southwest of Gloucester and Rockport and easily driven via rental car is the town of Salem. Known for its torrid history of witch hangings, Salem also houses the 'House of Seven Gables' homestead, made famous from the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Children and adults will enjoy climbing the narrow staircase of Hawthorne's birthplace. There is also a nearby pirate museum, witches dungeon and home of the presiding judge of the witch trials. In August, Salem provides 'Heritage Days,' a celebration of the infamous time period. Tourists can enjoy the mock trials and reenactments of the transcripts from the time period.
Cambridge is home to Harvard and provides another thorough look into history. The Fruitlands Museum is the setting that depicts the utopian society started by Branson Alcott, father of Louisa May Alcott.
Travelling further south, a family could enjoy the history and culture of the capital of Massachusetts, Boston. Stroll the downtown 'Freedom Trail' and literally walk through four centuries of history, architecture and other interesting amusements. For those who love ducks, Boston Common offers swan boat rides that allow weary travellers a chance to rest and enjoy fellow ducks, geese and swans who beg for nuts and bread. Also, while in Boston, enjoy visiting Paul Revere's home as well as a tour of the U.S.S. Constitution, a real life ship from the 1800's.
Moreover, another nearby town, Concord, allows the old and young to visit Louisa May Alcott's home, 'the Orchard House.' In the same town, older fans might enjoy Emerson's Home as well. Additionally, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetary holds the graves of Emerson, the Alcotts, Hawthorne and other great early leaders of literature. Lexington offers a glimpse of what our early revolutionary war heroes experienced. Walden Pond is also close by and available for a quick dip.
Further south and again on the coast, Plymouth, Massachusetts is well worth the 1 1/2 hour drive from Boston. Children can learn so much from touring the Plymouth Plantation. Employees dress, speak and act as the early pilgrims. They are willing and able to answer any questions that a budding historian would like to ask. Moreover, the courthouse in which John Quincy Adams received his law training is also in Plymouth. Each of the original homesteads in the town offer thorough tours that help children understand how linen arises from flax as well as how the pilgrims lived. Needless to say, Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower reproduction provide further lessons in history.
Many of these sites also offer whale watching tours. Although vacationers should set aside 5-6 hours, they are well worth the time spent. However, it is best to prepack nausea medication, in order to curb sea sickness. Many of the whale watching tours provide scientific information on how the whales eat, mate and live in the sea. Much can be gleaned for future science projects in school!
For those who desire to travel to the western side of Massachusetts, the town of Deerfield also offers many educational and historical opportunities. Home to the Deerfield Academy, the Deerfield Museum entails numerous home sites that depict 1700's lifestyles as well as historical information on the Massacre by the Native Americans on the town. To the south, visitors can travel to the Yankee Candle Factory and spend the day making their own candles and gawking at all of the many Christmas decorations that are in the factory. There is also a car museum for those less inspired by candles.
Further south, the town of Northhampton offers onlookers the chance to visit the college by the same name. Also nearby is Emily Dickinson's homestead that offers tours of her home and grounds. A peaceful New England setting is this quaint town.
As can be seen, Massachusetts provides a family with much to see and do. No matter what the weather, families can enjoy all that the area offers. Local Chambers of Commerce can give the interested vacationer even greater tips than those offered in this article. Families will not go home disappointed after such a wonderful time.
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