Massachusetts

Boston is a great city. There’s a concentration of universities such as Harvard and MIT over in Cambridge which adds a lot of innovation, inspiration, and art. The city’s rich history of the country is key to learning more about the history of the United States. You’re also along the coast for exceptional seafood and boating and not far from forests and other natural beauty. Lovely in the spring/summer/fall, it can be pretty brutal in the winter with cold temperatures and snow. Very walkable city for average fitness levels.

See & Do

• Freedom Trail. Set of points throughout the city that have historical significance. There are guided and self-guided tours and places to visit. Great for history buffs or even anyone with cursory interest.
• Cambridge. A nice suburb of Boston, a quick trip over to this neighborhood to visit Harvard and MIT which are beautiful campuses will be sprawling with students during the school year. Though still quieter than you might expect, presumably people studying.

Tips

• Getting Around. Boston has a reputation for its crazy drivers and confusing roadways, at least in the central downtown area. Take the metro system if you can. Works well, at least when I visited.

This highly popular, highly visited coastal destination is a must see for first time visitors to the state. It’s very close to Boston, pretty, and has great seafood, like much of New England. During peak times it can be a little crazy (like on weekends during the summer) given there’s only one main road that gets you there, but during the weekdays in July we found it to be fine. There are also several small towns in the same vicinity along the peninsula that can be visited as well, which may be slightly less popular and less expensive.

See & Do

• Martha’s Vineyard. Hugely popular summer cottage island.
• Nantucket. Tiny island off the coast of Cape Cod.
• Chatham. Town along the peninsula.
• Eastham. Town along the peninsula.
• Plymouth Rock. Not far, located in the town of Plymouth. The famous site where the first pilgrims came over on the Mayflower.

Tips

• When to Go. Do yourself a favor and go on a shoulder season and/or at least during the weekdays.

The inspiration for Henry David Thoreau’s most famous work, Walden, is just outside of Boston. A lovely afternoon day trip to this serene site where you can see the house Thoreau built (the original tiny house), go swimming in the pond (more like a small lake), do some light hiking, and be inspired by various quotes from his work.

If you haven’t read Walden and you’re interested in how to simplify your life and get back to nature, this is a must read. I ended up reading this book while on an camping adventure up through California and the Pacific Northwest. I was surprised at how much of an impact it had on me. It’s one of my favorite books and was a big part of what lead me to pursue tiny house living. Great read overall for anyone really.

Walden Pond

Henry David Thoreau

This was actually my dad’s find, specifically to visit the Basketball Hall of Fame which is quite spectacular if you like basketball. Definitely worth the trip if you’re nearby or a basketball enthusiast. The town of Springfield is also a great stopover between upper New England and making your way back down to New York or Pennsylvania. A very cool surprise we discovered there was the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden.

See & Do

• Basketball Hall of Fame. Tons of information and memorabilia from the long decades history of basketball and the league’s evolution. There’s also a basketball court.
• Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden. Tribute to the famed child author with life size sculptures of characters from his books.

Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss

The Mohawk Trail is the first scenic byway in the country that was opened up for automobiles. Wonderful scenic drive on the upper west side of Massachusetts. Along and nearby you’ll find several small, charming towns and natural wonders.

See & Do

• Mohawk Trail. First scenic byway. Read more here.
• Shelburn Falls. Small historic town with falls. Check out the art galleries around town, in particular the Salmon Gallery which features world renowned glass sculpture art.
• Natural Bridge. Natural rock bridge that’s a short hike to some waterfalls you can view from overhead.
• Greylock Ave. Small town by the Natural Bridge.
• Lenox. Berkshire County.
• Becket. Berkshire County.

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge