Travel guide and introduction to the history and sights that make Massachusetts both a family-friendly vacation destination as well as a romantic getaway for couples.
What do Louisa May Alcott, Alexander Graham Bell, Barbara Walters and Dr. Seuss have in common? If you guessed that they all hail from the "Bay State" of Massachusetts, you'd be right. What is it about this region that also produced the likes of Ben Franklin, Henry David Thoreau, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Jack Kerouac, Eli Whitney and, of course, that famous Hyannis Port clan that went into politics? Maybe it's the Currier and Ives landscapes, the pride of a pro-active history, or just the accessibility to fresh seafood, maple syrup and cranberries. Whatever the reason, a weekend in New England won't be enough to cover even half of this remarkable state. At least this beginner's tip sheet will show you where to get started.
It's hard to have a conversation about Boston these days without someone groaning that "The Big Dig" will never be completed. Certainly in the half dozen most recent trips my husband and I have taken to the city, neither one of us have seen much progress. This massive city construction project has not only been a drain on city coffers but a stupendous eyesore as well. As an icebreaker with strangers, though, you'll be chatting like long-time friends in no time.
The rest of the city, of course, is a history lover's treasure trove. For starters, budget a couple of hours to walk The Freedom Trail. This self-guided tour is as simple as following a red painted line that wends its way throughout the city and takes you past some of Boston's most famous landmarks such as the old North Church, Paul Revere's house, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and even aboard the U.S.S. Constitution aka "Old Ironsides". Make time for a leisurely stroll or picnic in Back Bay's Boston Common and the Public Garden. During the winter months, you can even don a pair of ice skates and show off your best Olympics worthy moves at the Frog Pond.
Those who love shopping will be in heaven, especially on Newberry Street. Comparisons of this eight-block venue of specialty boutiques, salons, antique shops and restaurants have often been made to Fifth Avenue in New York. For shoppers on a budget, Filene's Basement is legendary for its daily markdowns. It's not a place for the passive, however; many a time I've witnessed tug of wars between women who each claim they saw the same cashmere sweater first. Hey, if it's in perfect quality and now marked down to $17, who can blame them? Looking for touristy items, regional books or a tasty food court snack? Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall not only fill the bill but also provide sidewalk arts shows and street performers.
The amount of walking you'll be doing in this very compact city will be applauded by your physician as a healthy regimen. Not so positive, of course, is the amount of fabulous food that will tempt you on every corner. My advice? Give in to the temptation and deal with the calories after you return home. Not only is the seafood tremendous but a visit to the North End will make you swear you're in Little Italy (you can smell the garlic from blocks away!). If your stay includes a Sunday, be sure to make reservations for brunch at the Copley Plaza.
Looking to branch out from the capital city? Here are some spots you might enjoy.
Nantucket is a sliver of an island whose claim to fame during the 19th century was a vigorous whaling industry. Today, it does a whale of business with tourists who are charmed by its cobblestone streets, bed and breakfast inns, nautical and colonial museums and seaside dining. Artsy types may enjoy a junket to Siasconst Village where many a late 1800's painter and sketch artist found inspiration in both nature and the New England architecture.
Speaking of artists and inspiration, Norman Rockwell found much his liking in the town of Stockbridge. In fact, there's an eerie sense of familiarity as you comb the quaint streets, pop into the local eateries, hunt for antiques, or just sit on a bench and people watch. Little, if anything, seems to have changed since the days when Rockwell captured the best of Americana on canvas. And that, in itself, is a welcome respite from a hurried world. If an overnight night is warranted, be sure to check on the availability of rooms at the Red Lion, a cozy inn that has been in continuous operation since the 18th century.
Northampton, dubbed by locals as the birthplace of the feminist movement, is where you'll find one of the first universities that was established for women: Smith College. Gloria Steinem, Nancy Reagan and Sylvia Plath are just a few of the luminaries who studied in its classrooms. The rest of the city is not only popular with academic types but also writers, musicians, actors and artisans. A politician can be counted in the mix as well: Northampton was the hometown of Calvin Coolidge. Even Hollywood has discovered its charm: the architecture and landscape of both Northampton and Lenox enjoyed feature roles in the film "Cider House Rules".
Which witch is which? In Salem of the 1600's, anyone who was really quirky or simply disliked by his or her neighbors was fair game when it came to accusations about the black arts. The ongoing fascination that people have with this scary chapter of American history has translated to commercial success for the locals. It's the only place in the country where Halloween is celebrated for most of October, entire museums are dedicated to the legends and paraphernalia associated with witches and spells, and where the House of the Seven Gables inspired Massachusetts native Nathanial Hawthorne to pen one of his most famous novels.
If a trek to Cambridge is on your agenda, be sure to meander through the stately grounds of Harvard. Autumn is the most beautiful time here when most of the trees have shed their leaves and you can shuffle through them like a carefree five year old. The historic mansions clustered around the university are a sight to behold as well so be sure to take your camera. When lunchtime beckons, the place to be is Henrietta's Table in the Charles Hotel. The Yankee pot roast and Boston cream pie are something to write home about. On a chilly day, go for a big bowl of their vegetable soup; everything here is homemade and aptly fits the label of "comfort food".
Certainly one of the most idyllic spots in Massachusetts is Cape Cod. A resort destination with one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Eastern seaboard, it's truly a water lover's delight. Sailing, fishing and lazy beachcombing rank high among the leisure activities. It's also a fun spot to take in your first cranberry bog, a harvesting technique that has to be seen to be believed.
The month of March in the Berkshires is a busy one for the producers of maple syrup. The boiling off of the sap is quite a draw for tourists, as are the number of quaint shops throughout the area that sell maple syrup, maple candy, maple scented candles""if it has anything to do with maples, you're going to find it in abundance and at competitive prices. Berkshire County also has a long association with artists and writers and was originally a settlement populated by Shakers, a religious group that began in 18th century England and derived their name from "Shaking Quakers" because of their propensity to quiver a lot during fiery sermons.
