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Skip Boston and Head to These 5 Massachusetts Cities Instead
Boston is a great city with tons of history, delicious food, and a beautiful waterfront to explore. But, it’s not the only place in Massachusetts worth exploring. Next time you’re thinking about dining on clam chowder in Bean Town, consider these other Massachusetts cities and regions instead.
Cambridge
Just across the Charles River, Cambridge is a city packed with culture, arts, and seafood restaurants that will have you coming back again and again.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a must for anyone interested in dinosaur bones, rocks and gems, and the famous Glass Flowers. It’s located on the Harvard Campus and strolling through the historical campus is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, too.
No trip to Cambridge would be complete without a trip to Toscanini’s. This ice cream parlor is a local institution and throughout the year has over 100 different flavors to choose from. Don’t worry, you can sample a few before you make your decision.
There is so much to do in Cambridge, why not just make it easier on yourself and find a place to stay in Cambridge.
Amherst
This bookish town is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast. Enjoy a coffee in one of the many independent cafes, go hiking in the Mount Holyoke Range State Park, or explore the Mead Art Museum.
For book lovers, it’s not just about the many used and antique bookstores in town. Head to the Emily Dickinson Museum to see the pages come to life. The museum is the original home and birthplace of Emily Dickinson. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about her life and a bit of the history of Amherst.
Cape Cod
The famous hook-shaped peninsula is a popular vacation spot during the summer months, but Cape Cod is wonderful all year long. Cape Cod is all about the beaches. With over 40 miles of national seashore, you’re bound to find a slice of sand to lay your towel. It’s also a beautiful place to walk during fall and spring, just be sure to bundle up because that wind can be ferocious.
If you just want to head here for a long weekend, be sure to bring your bikes. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a beautiful tree-lined path that winds through several towns over its 22-mile distance. It’s a popular spot for rollerbladers and horseback riders, too!
Make sure you don’t leave the peninsula without sampling some of the seafood. A lobster roll is a must, but the soft shell crab, clam chowder, and fresh oysters always go down a treat. No trip to the Cape is complete without a scoop of homemade ice cream and a thick slice of fudge.
Deerfield
Deerfield, Massachusetts is about two hours west of Boston and is one of the most picturesque New England towns. It’s also packed with colonial history. Be sure to check out the Historic Deerfield Museum. It’s an interactive colonial-era museum that is a fun learning experience for both kids and adults.
Walk down the main street to experience the quaintness that still remains. The Cape Cod-style buildings all come in different colors and the shops will bring you back to a simpler time. You almost won’t believe that the town is just a regular suburb and not one big museum.
Craft beer lovers should head to People’s Pint Brewpub. For some delicious local New England eats, try Pete’s Seafood and The Hope and Olive. For such a small town, you’ll be awed by the number top class bars and restaurants in the area.
Martha’s Vineyard
This island getaway is where celebrities, politicians, and wealthy New Englanders head for their summer escape. Not to worry though, you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy a day or two on this idyllic island. Take the ferry from Cape Cod and in less than an hour, you’ll be sipping mudslides at an outdoor bar in Oak Bluffs (we recommend Nancy’s most!).
To get around the island, grab yourself a one-day bus pass to save some money and easily explore the bluffs, towns, and tabernacles. Enjoy the lighthouse at Gay Head, try the local tipple at Offshore Ale Co, and Instagram those colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs.
A walk along Main Street in Vineyard Haven is a must. Edgartown is where to head if you want to do some shopping or take a ride on a catamaran or pirate ship. Finish your trip with a ride on the antique flying horses. They’re the oldest in the country!
Massachusetts is a state packed with a gorgeous coastline, insanely delicious seafood, and tons of history. Next time you head to New England, skip over Boston and enjoy one of the many alternatives. But then again, if the call of the history-soaked capital is too strong, at least get yourself a good deal on a hotel in Boston. Either way, get out and explore.
