Massachusetts - Attractions

Attractions in South of Boston/Plymouth Massachusetts

Among the wonderful historic attractions in the South of Boston region is the city of New Bedford, which was the country’s preeminent whaling port of the mid-19th century.” The superb New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The park offers guided or self-guided tours to learn more about New Bedford's fascinating history. Children and families and anyone who is fascinated by the seafaring history of New England will relish the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Also in this region, Battleship Cove in the city of Fall River is home to the USS Massachusetts, the submarine Lionfish, and other World War II-era fighting ships. Visitors are welcome to explore the vessels, to visit the museum, and to ride the nearby historic carousel.
Further north, near Plymouth, is the heart of cranberry country. Flax Pond Farms in the nearby town of Carver visitors can see the cranberry bogs and learn how the berries are farmed. Visitors who arrive in September and October could be rewarded with a front-row viewing of the harvesting process, which includes airlifting the harvest to market by helicopter.
A vacation to the South of Boston region should include a visit to Plimoth Plantation, where visitors can roam a reproduction Wampanoag Native American homestead and a 1627 English Village. Don’t expect glossy history: these reproduction homes and workplaces show the raw, rough environment of the 1600s. Also in Plymouth, a reproduction of the Mayflower welcomes visitors.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 West Bay Road
Amherst, MA  01002
Phone: 413- 658-1100

Open: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m.

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Founded in part by Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art, conceived and built with the aim of celebrating the art that we are first exposed to as children. The Museum features three Galleries dedicated to rotating exhibitions of picture book art, a hands-on Art Studio, an Auditorium for performances and lectures, a comfortable Library for reading and storytelling, a Café serving simple and delicious fare, and a Museum Shop stocked with creative gifts and old and new picture book favorites.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
Exit 26 Rotary
Greenfield, MA  01301
Phone: 413-773-5463

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Downshift off Interstate 91 and travel one of the country's original highways - through the surprisingly unspoiled time warp that is Franklin County. Its countryside is beautiful, its history rich and its culture eclectic. Franklin County is the most rural county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and it shows! Farms, Farms, and valleys form our historic villages and bustling towns. There is so much to do here - in our fine museums, educational institutions, and cultural centers - but most of all, in our great outdoors! If you like New England, you'll love Franklin County!

Historic Deerfield
88 Old Main Street
Deerfield, MA  01342
Phone: 413-775-7214

Open: Daily, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; call for seasonal changes.

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Historic Deerfield is “New England as you hope to find it!” Located in western Massachusetts off Routs 5 and 10 in the 330-year old village of Deerfield, the Museum has been called “the gem of rural New England,” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This Museum of New England’s history and art welcomes visitors of all ages from around the world to Deerfield’s mile-long thoroughfare, simply called, “The Street.” The Museum features twelve houses dating to the 18th and 19th centuries and three exhibition galleries within the Flynt Center of Early New England Life. Historic Deerfield’s decorative arts treasures can be viewed on both the guided and self-guided tours. A full calendar of programs, special events, group tours and village walking tours are offered throughout the year. The Museum Store and Bookshop feature gifts for all occasions, museum reproductions and a wide selection of books about early America and the decorative arts. Open Daily, year round, 9:30-4:30 except Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
37 Corey Road
Route 43
Hancock, MA  01237
Phone: 413-738-5500
Toll-Free: 800-882-8859
Fax: 413-738-5729

Games, Rides, Hiking Trails, and More

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You might already know that Jiminy Peak is the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England, but did you know that it’s also home to the Mountain Adventure Park come summertime? The park features Jiminy’s very own Mountain Coaster, providing thousands of feet of twisting, turning fun through the woods! You control your speed so you may take a leisurely ride or get your thrills at speeds up to 23 mph. The park also features the Alpine Super Slide, a giant swing, a rock-climbing wall, rope adventures, and loads of other activities for both children and adults. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is also home to some of the most gorgeous hiking and mountain-biking trails in the Northeast—it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day!

Look Memorial Park
300 North Main Street
Florence, MA  01062
Phone: 413-584-5457

Come out and Play!

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Open Saturdays and Sundays starting in April and 7 Days per week Memorial Day – Labor Day, Look Memorial Park if full of family fun. Come ride our Steamer Train, Bumper Boats or Pedal Boats. Play a round on our 18-hole Mini-Golf course. Grab a terrific hamburger or hot dog at our Picnic Store and just spend the day in a great family environment. Come on Wednesdays in the summer and enjoy HALF PRICE DAY!!! All attractions are half price every Wednesday. We also offer unlimited ride packages that allow access to all our attractions all day long for one low fee! Remember, not only are you enjoying affordable family fun, you are also supporting a local non-profit organization.

Six Flags New England
Route 159
Agawam, MA  01001
Phone: 413-786-9300
Fax: 413-821-9939

MORE FLAGS, MORE FUN!

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Click here for a money saving coupon!

Six Flags New England is the best destination for family fun with children’s favorites like Wiggles World and Thomas Town. New England’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor, is FREE with park admission and boasts more than a dozen slides and children's play areas. Superman: Ride of Steel, the #1 steel coaster on the planet, continues to thrill guests with an elevation of 22 stories and speeds of up to 77 mph. Don’t forget Bugs Bunny and all his Looney Tunes friends! There’s no end to the fun with an array of interactive shows and over 20 concerts and special events. Bring the whole family this season to experience the thrill of Six Flags New England. Visit our website for more information.

Springfield Museums
21 Edwards Street
Springfield, MA  01103
Phone: 413-263-6800

Art, history, science, and a Dr. Suess sculpture museum!

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Visit New England’s own “mini-Smithsonian,” four outstanding museums arranged around a beautiful park that is also the site of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. For a single admission fee, you’ll have the opportunity to view French Impressionist paintings, take a “safari” through Africa, visit the country’s only permanent exhibit gallery of Currier & Ives prints, see the largest collection of Chinese cloisonné in the Western world, wander among larger-than-life figures of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, enjoy American art from Colonial to contemporary times, encounter exact replicas of the world’s great Classical and Renaissance sculptures, and much more. Four museums. One admission fee. Free parking. Museum Store.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
297 West Street
Lenox, MA  01240
Toll-Free: 888-266-1492

2009 Tanglewood Season
Treasured Artists & Defining Moments

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The 2009 Tanglewood season, June 22-September 6, offers weekly concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra led by James Levine and favorite guest conductors, a Boston Pops concert led by Keith Lockhart, Film Night led by John Williams, a special July 4 concert featuring Diana Krall, appearances by popular artists Tony Bennett and James Taylor, recital and chamber music recitals by some of the most preeminent artists of our time, and the annual Labor Day Jazz Festival, featuring Paquito d’Rivera, Regina Carter, and John Pizzarelli. Now in its 73rd season, Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, located in the Berkshire Hills in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Tickets for Tanglewood events may be purchased online through our website link above, or by calling SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200. The Tanglewood Box Office at Tanglewood’s Main Gate on West Street in Lenox, Mass., will open to the public on Friday, June 19 at 10 a.m.

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
Sumner Avenue (Route 83)
Springfield, MA  01138
Phone: 413-733-2251

Celebrating Nature's Diversity

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The Forest Park Zoo, located in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. Experience the world of exotic animals and local wildlife as never before. Take a train trip around the park, explore freshwater pond life, learn about endangered animals and captive breeding programs. Get to know the creatures that frequent your backyard, and visit a Heritage Breeds Barn. Shop in our unique gift shop for unusual, educational, or whimsical gift items. Enjoy the gardens, seasonal exhibits, programs, and events.

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Junction Route 6 and Route 132
Hyannis, MA
Toll-Free: 888-33CapeCod

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With 559.6 miles of coast and 400 square miles of landmass, Cape Cod is big by anyone’s measure. But with its 83 museums, 50 miles of cycling trails, 75 nature paths, 115 beaches, 52 harbors, 365 ponds, 13 lighthouses, 43 golf courses, 2,254 places to shop, 78 band concerts, 14 parades, 97 fairs and ten baseball teams, the Cape stands taller. Nowhere else can one find such diverse activities. From tracing early history in Provincetown to visiting a full-size model of Alvin, the underwater submersible in Woods Hole, the Cape is indeed rich with sights, attractions and activities. Then, there is the beauty and wonder of the Cape itself—a timeless gift of sea, sun, sand and its ethereal light.

Cape Cod National Seashore
Salt Pond Visitor Center at Nauset Road and Route 6
Eastham, MA  02642
Phone: 508-255-3421

Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (longer during the summer)

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Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon visitors. The park's six oceanside swimming beaches have life guards from late June through August. Eleven self-guided nature trails are open year-round. Parking lots are open year-round, daily, 6 a.m. to midnight.
Salt Pond Visitor Center is Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor facility, with orientation movies, a bookstore, a museum, and restrooms. The Visitor Center is also convenient to the popular 1.5-mile Nauset Marsh Trail and the Buttonbush Trail, a quarter-mile trail that features a guide rope and text panels in Braille, and the Nauset Bicycle Trail.
The Province Lands Visitor Center is located on Race Point Road, off Route 6, at the northern end of Cape Cod National Seashore, approximately one mile from Provincetown. It is open May 1 through October 31, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone number is 508-487-1256. The observation deck at this Visitor Center provides a 360-degree view of the Province Lands dunes, the Outer Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Exhibits about local plants and animals and the Pilgrim's landing in Provincetown are featured.
Other highlights of the National Seashore are the Fort Hill Area off Route 6(Eastham); the Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches, Nauset and Three Sisters Lighthouses off Route 6 (Eastham); the Marconi Station Site(Wellfleet); the Highland Lighthouse (Cape Cod Light) and Highland House (Truro); and the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station (Provincetown).

Edaville USA
5 Pine Street
Carver, MA  02330
Phone: 508- 866-8190
Toll-Free: 877-EDAVILLE

Where the good times keep on rollin
Click here for a money saving coupon!

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A variety of different children's characters will entertain on weekends during the summer and fall, along with musicians, fascinating guests and other types of entertainment. Please click on events above for the latest information on our 2009 season.
Also, the annual National Cranberry Festival™ will once again return over the three day Columbus Day weekend. And, of course, no season at Edaville USA would be complete without the famous "Christmas Festival of Lights", which begins in November and continues throughout the holiday season.
Keep checking the website for updated information, and make your plans to visit Edaville USA in 2009...again and again!!!

Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-3300

Celebrating American Heritage for over 40 Years

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Heritage Museums & Gardens has miles of walking paths and three museums featuring American art. We offer each of our visitors a unique experience ranging from quiet contemplation to active exploration. We’re famous for our Dexter Rhododendrons that bloom from late May into early June. The beautifully landscaped grounds are a naturalized woodland park on the edge of upper Shawme Pond. A Shaker barn houses an Antique Automobile Collection with its stunning display of antique automobiles. An operating hand-carved carousel and many of America's most distinguished artists' works are on exhibit in the Art Museum as well. Come see what we have to offer!

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA  01604
Phone: 508-929-2700
Fax: 508-929-2701

Inspiring a Passion for Science and Nature

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Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20
Sturbridge, MA  01566
Phone: 508-347-3362
Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

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Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840). The centerpiece of the museum is a recreated rural New England town of the 1830s encompassing a center village, mills area, and countryside. Period handcrafts, heirloom gardens, and heritage breeds of farm animals are part of every village visit. Hands-on opportunities abound. The Visitor Center is home to our new History Gateway, including Kidstory an early learning gallery and Icons of New England exhibit, focusing on the history of what makes New England unique. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. Call ahead for holiday schedules.

Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick Street
Mendon, MA  01756
Toll-Free: 800-258-9182
Fax: 508-883-0242

New Skyfari Sky Ride - Explore the Zoo from New Heights

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Southwick’s Zoo is situated within the historic Blackstone Valley. Surrounded by 300 shady acres and home to hundreds of animals representing many species, Southwick's is more than a zoo, it's an adventure for all ages! As well as an impressive display of animals, Southwick's also offers educational programs, live animal presentations, a petting zoo, deer forest, elephant rides, and children’s play park. There are also picnic grounds, kiddie rides, food venues, and free parking. Visit our new and extensive gift shop, the Purple Peacock. Operating hours for Southwick's Zoo are 10:00am to 5:00pm from April through October 18th... 7 days a week including holidays. Check out our non-profit Earth Eco-Education Center.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
P.O. Box 598
Boylston, MA  01505
Phone: 508-869-6111
Fax: 508-869-0314

Experience "a world class garden, that's always in season!"

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Located on 132 bucolic acres in Worcester County, less than an hour from Boston, Tower Hill is one of the largest and most comprehensive botanic gardens in the region. It is the home of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, founded in 1842 to "advance the science, and encourage and improve the practice of horticulture." The breathtaking view provides an extraordinary setting for a variety of garden styles, at once stunningly beautiful and highly educational. Stroll through a Lawn Garden, Secret Garden, Cottage Garden, Vegetable Garden, Systematic Garden, and magical woodland paths. In winter, the Orangerie is filled with flowering subtropical plants. Browse the Gift Shop and enjoy lunch at Twigs Café.

Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA  01609
Phone: 508-799-4406
Fax: 508-798-5646

Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; third Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Experience the extra-ordinary history of human creativity at Worcester’s world-class art museum. View paintings by Rembrandt, Cassatt, Gauguin, Sargent, Homer, and Monet; admire ancient mosaics; see contemporary art; and discover many other treasures. Special exhibitions showcase the masterworks, seldom-seen gems, and important works on loan. Enjoy a delectable lunch in the Museum Café, and browse the Shop for unique gifts. Art classes, library. Public tours are offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., September through May. Audio tours are also available in English and Spanish.

Wed-Sun, 11am - 5pm; Third Thursday’s of every month, 11am-8pm.; and Sat, 10am-5pm

Free for members, $10 adults, $8 seniors, free for youth 17 and under. Free for all Saturdays, 10am-noon

Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink
Boston Common
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-635-2120

Open November 20, 2008 through March 17, 2009

Capture the scent of wood smoke in the air. Hear the sound of metal blades skimming over smooth ice. Close your eyes and your senses return you to 1634, as you skate on the Frog Pond in America's oldest public park.

Here at the coolest gathering place in Boston you can join local residents and visitors alike as they glide over the carefully manicured, refrigerated surface. In 1997, people were able to skate on this type of surface for the first time in Downtown Boston. The Frog Pond Skating Rink is now open from November to mid-March with at least 100 days of seasonal skating. Whether you're practicing for a 9.9 at the Winter Olympics or simply trying to stand on two feet, the ice at the Frog Pond will always be accommodating.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
Boston, MA  02110
Phone: 617-223-8666

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Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area offers a quiet place to relax, explore, camp, swim, fish or picnic. Tours to Boston Light ("The ultimate Lighthouse experience," according to the Boston Globe) operate Thursday-Sunday from June to October. Ranger narrated Discovery Cruises and Sunset Cruises are offered on a frequent basis in the summer. Ranger-led activities and special events are offered on many islands for a variety of audiences. Not only are these islands a source of natural beauty and wonder--they're also rich in history and legends, with tales of pirates, shipwrecks, wars, abandoned prisons, and even ghosts! It's all right in Boston Harbor and accessible by boat or public ferry from Long Wharf downtown or the South Shore... so near, and yet so far away!

Boston Symphony Orchestra
301 Massachusetts Avenue/Symphony Hall
Boston, MA  02115
Phone: 888-266-1492
Toll-Free: 888-266-1492

Celebrate Spring with the Boston Pops!

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Spring brings many diversions, but none so magical as the Boston Pops. Long-time fans and newcomers alike have a banquet of treats to choose from among the delectable array of programs offered this season. From beloved standards to rousing concerts full of surprises, the Pops hosts many of your favorite stars in performances you will never forget.

Reserve your seats now and spend an afternoon or evening under the spell of the incomparable Boston Pops Orchestra, led by Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams, and special guest conductors Charles Floyd, Erich Kunzel, and Steven Reineke. Your most difficult decision may be whether to attend one concert, or two!

Boston Tours - From Boston & Suburbs
56 Williams Street
Waltham, MA  02453
Phone: 781-899-1454

Make the most of your trip with a guided tour

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Planning to visit the Boston area? See all the important sites and attractions that make Boston such a great city. Travel with us on a personalized tour with full historical and cultural commentary as we visit Boston, Charlestown, and Cambridge. Relive three centuries of history and learn of the Puritans, revolutionaries, immigrants, presidents, Pequots and, polititians. Avoid the notorious driving habits of Bostonians by riding in the relaxing comfort of a 20-passenger air-conditioned coach. The tour lasts for 6 ½ to 7 hours and pickup locations are available from suburban and downtown Boston hotels.

Cambridge Office For Tourism
4 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA  02138
Phone: 617-441-2884
Toll-Free: 800-862-5678
Fax: 617-441-7736

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It's no wonder that Cambridge is so often referred to as "Boston's Left Bank.” Just across the Charles River from Boston, it's a city where Old World meets New Age in a mesmerizing blend of history and technology. Only minutes away from downtown by subway or by foot, visitors can visit historic sites including the world-renowned campuses of Harvard University and MIT. As a captivating, off-beat alternative to Boston, the "Squares" of Cambridge are charming neighborhoods rich in adventurous dining options as well as unique shopping, theatres, museums, and historic sites. Cambridge is a city where counter-culture still lives, classic culture thrives, and multicultural is a way of life.

Charles River Canoe & Kayak
2401 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA  02466
Phone: 617-965-5110

You’re Ready for Some Fun and Adventure…

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but don't want to go it alone, a Charles River Canoe & Kayak trip or tour may be just what you're looking for. If you want to stay close to home, try out a Moonlight Canoe Tour departing from our Newton Boathouse, or our famous Boston BBQ Kayak Tour, which explores the Charles in Boston and Cambridge and is capped by a picnic at the dock catered by Redbones. For those who are feeling adventurous, we offer a variety of guided sea kayaking trips along the Massachusetts coast. No matter your ability level, you can find a trip that's right for you - from our introductory trips for those who have never kayaked before, to open-water voyages like the Cape Ann circumnavigation. Charles River Canoe & Kayak has 3 locations - Boston, Newton and Natick. Hourly boat rentals are also available.

Cheers, Beacon Hill
84 Beacon Street
Boston, MA  02108
Phone: 617-227-9605
Fax: 617-723-1898

Where everybody knows your name...

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Known for years as the Bull & Finch Pub, Cheers Beacon Hill is the original inspiration for the setting of the favorite American TV series. Offering a mouthwatering menu of traditional pub fare and an abundant beverage selection, featuring award-winning Bloody Marys and a variety of draft beers. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Full menu available until 11:45 p.m. The Gift Shop is open daily at 10:00 a.m. Catch your favorite sports teams on one of 10 DirecTVs. Children's menu, late nite, full bar, reservations only accepted for parties of 15 or more. Handicap accessible.

Cheers, Faneuil Hall
Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Boston, MA  02109
Phone: 617-227-0150
Fax: 617-227-8416

Where everybody knows your name...

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The newest Cheers in Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the replica of the bar seen on the TV series, Cheers. Offering a mouthwatering menu of traditional pub fare and an abundant beverage selection, featuring award-winning Bloody Marys and a variety of draft beers. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Full menu available until 11:45 p.m. Casual dress. Live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Children's menu, late nite, full bar, reservations only accepted for parties of 15 or more. Handicap accessible.

Concord Museum
Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road
Concord, MA  01742
Phone: 978-369-9763
Fax: 978-369-9660

Explore Concord’s remarkable revolutionary and literary past

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From the “shot heard round the world” to the literary revolution of Emerson and Thoreau, the Concord Museum brings Concord’s remarkable story to life through exhibitions that present ideas relevant to today – concepts of liberty, turning beliefs into actions, self-reliance, independent thinking and environmental preservation. An inspiring collection of American historical, literary and decorative arts treasures includes the famous “one, if by land, and two, if by sea” Revere lantern, immortalized by Longfellow’s poem, the humble desk on which Henry D. Thoreau wrote Walden and “Civil Disobedience,” and the newly-restored Study of Ralph Waldo Emerson. When you set out to explore historic Concord, begin at the Concord Museum. Open daily year round.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 South Market Bldg.
Boston, MA  02109
Phone: 617-523-1300
Fax: 617-523-1779

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There’s a magical place in the center of Boston like no other. It’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It’s always a festival with free entertainment and incredible shopping, 18 fine restaurants and outdoor cafes as well as over 40 eateries in the historic Quincy Market Building. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is Boston’s hottest new spot for dining and entertainment. For information call 617-523-1300.

Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA  02121
Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)
Fax: 617-989-2025

Get Close.

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Opened in 1912, this 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Come face-to-face with an African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom, visit Masai giraffe and Grevy’s zebra of the Giraffe Savannah and discover the Tropical Forest, home to western lowland gorillas, lemurs, mandrills and much more! Be sure not to miss the Tiger Tales exhibit or Butterfly Landing, open seasonally from mid-June through mid-September. Franklin Park Zoo has many activities for children including education classes, Zoo Camp and Snorin’ Roarin’ sleepovers. The zoo is available for rentals and offers unique indoor and outdoor facilities and catering services to turn your child’s birthday party or your next meeting or event into an adventure! Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Information Centers on Boston Common
and Prudential Towers (Center Court)
Boston, MA
Toll-Free: 888–SEE-BOSTON Ext. 8

Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum, May 10

Every time of year in Boston means something different for our visitors; this month visitors will want to take advantage of the warmer weather by exploring the Boston landscape. Take a guided tour of the Charles River, visit the Arnold Arboretum to see (and smell) their famous collection of fragrant, blooming Lilacs or, of course, make your way over to Fenway Park for one of the 11 home games the Red Sox will play this month. And while you’re in town, check out the attractions that make our area fabulous every day—spend an hour or two at the Museum of Fine Arts, shop at the Fanueil Hall Marketplace, or take in a performance at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It’s all here waiting for you!

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA  02125
Phone: 617-514-1600
Toll-Free: 866-JFK-1960
Fax: 617-436-3395

The life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy

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Situated on a 10-acre park overlooking Boston Harbor, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the nation's official memorial to John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States. The museum at the Kennedy Library enables visitors to step back into the recreated world of the early 1960s and experience first-hand the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. In 25 dramatic exhibits, including three theaters and 20 video presentations, visitors are inspired by the stirring eloquence of John F. Kennedy and by the grace of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Mary Baker Eddy Library™
200 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA  02115
Toll-Free: 888-222-3711

Home of the world-famous Mapparium®

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The Mary Baker Eddy Library features some of the most thought-provoking and fun exhibits in the city, exploring the life and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy. She was a controversial New England woman who defied conventional 19th-century thinking to become an influential religious leader, author, teacher, and founder of the Christian Science Monitor at age 87. The museum also houses the world-famous Mapparium®, an achievement in art and architecture from 1935 giving visitors a unique look at how ideas have the power to change the world. The Lending & Reference Services and Research Room provide access to further subject reading, books, archival documents, photographs, and artifacts of the Mary Baker Eddy Library Collections.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA  02115
Phone: 617-267-9300

One of the world’s great art museums

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Come to the MFA and see masterpieces from around the world and across the ages. At every turn, you’ll find breathtaking works of art, from masters of American painting to the icons of Impressionism, from exquisite Asian scrolls to ancient Egyptian mummies. We have a rich collection of American art including such icons as Paul Revere’s silver Liberty bowl and masterpieces by John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, and Winslow Homer. Our collection of Asian art is unrivaled in size, scope, and distinction in the Western world, and we own the finest collection of Monets outside of Paris. Gallery tours, audio tapes, and maps of the Museum are available in foreign languages. Open daily, the MFA also offers films, concerts, artist lectures, and family programs. Visit mfa.org for more information.

New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA  02110
Phone: 617-973-5200

Protecting the Blue Planet for 40 Years

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Dive deep into the oceans at the New England Aquarium. Experience more than 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world, and take a trip to exotic waters without ever leaving Boston. Walk alongside friendly harbor seals as they swim and play right outside the Aquarium, and greet three different species of penguins upon your entrance. Wind your way around the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, home to a huge Caribbean coral reef. You’ll come face-to-face with sharks, barracudas and some of the world’s most endangered sea turtles. A visit to the Aquarium doesn’t end when you leave the exhibits—you can also find an adventure on a whale watch and catch exciting films at the Simons IMAX Theatre, offering unparalleled 3D experiences on the largest screen in New England.

Seacoast Events
5 California Street
Newburyport, MA  01950
Phone: 978-462-6877
Fax: 978-462-6876

There are so many things to see and experience!

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Seacoast Events is waiting to show you around New England. You can count on our knowledgeable and friendly local tour guides to make your trip truly special! There are so many things to see and experience; from The Freedom Trail in Boston to The Witch Museum in Salem to The Plantation in Plymouth to The Battle Grounds of Concord. Our guides will share with you the history of these beautiful communities and take you to the places only the locals know about. Whether you're looking for a half day, full day or multi-day excursion, with Seacoast Events your group can truly experience a customized journey. Our professional staff will work with you to develop an itinerary to match the wishes and desires of your group. Or if you wish, our local guides can step on to your personal tour bus to show your group around the area we love to call home!

Spirit of Boston
World Trade Center
200 Seaport Blvd. Ste 75
Boston, MA  02210
Phone: 617-748-1499
Fax: 617-748-1425

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Step aboard our beautifully redesigned ship in the Seaport District and come alive with the most entertaining lunch and dinner experience in Boston. You'll enjoy a fabulous all-you-can-eat buffet, dancing, live entertainment with star-quality performers, and dazzling views on the largest outdoor deck in Boston, all for one price. Elegant but never stuffy, the Spirit is perfect for parties of two all the way up to 600. We offer year-round lunch and dinner cruises as well as seasonal Lobster Lunches and Sunset Cruises. Looking for a private setting? Then try a customized yacht charter aboard Spirit's sister ship, the Seaport Elite.

Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1698
Vineyard Haven, MA  02568
Phone: 508-693-0085
Toll-Free: 800–505-4815

Discover the magic of Martha’s Vineyard

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It's an island rich in history and culture, with a diverse personality and intriguing seasonal and year-round populations. One of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world, Martha's Vineyard attracts aristocrats, politicians, musicians, actors, artists and everyday families looking to escape to the beauty that abounds on our special Island. Visitors come from around the globe to spend a month, a week, or a day touring our quaint towns, exploring our vast stretches of beach, and sampling the "simple life" which lives on today.

Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce
Zero Main Street
Nantucket, MA  02554
Phone: 508-228-1700
Fax: 508-325-4925

Welcome to Nantucket

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Come to Nantucket any time of year by boat or plane. Although a summer destination for many people, an off-season island visit is a special treat. Autumn on Nantucket is glorious, as the gardens of late summer are still blooming and the sun-drenched days are warm enough for swimming right through September. Celebrate the Annual Christmas Stroll the first weekend in December as part of a month-long Nantucket Noel celebration when the air is crisp, the shopping unhurried, and the island is dressed for an old-fashioned Christmas. Then come celebrate with us in April when millions of daffodils herald the coming of spring.

Concord Museum
Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road
Concord, MA  01742
Phone: 978-369-9763
Fax: 978-369-9660

Explore Concord’s remarkable revolutionary and literary past

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From the “shot heard round the world” to the literary revolution of Emerson and Thoreau, the Concord Museum brings Concord’s remarkable story to life through exhibitions that present ideas relevant to today – concepts of liberty, turning beliefs into actions, self-reliance, independent thinking and environmental preservation. An inspiring collection of American historical, literary and decorative arts treasures includes the famous “one, if by land, and two, if by sea” Revere lantern, immortalized by Longfellow’s poem, the humble desk on which Henry D. Thoreau wrote Walden and “Civil Disobedience,” and the newly-restored Study of Ralph Waldo Emerson. When you set out to explore historic Concord, begin at the Concord Museum. Open daily year round.

Nightmare New England
454 Charles Bancroft Highway
Route 3A
Litchfield, NH  03052
Phone: 603-424-2292
Fax: 603-424-1492

The time has come... to face your fears!

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Welcome to Nightmare New England, your number one destination for thrills and chills this October! Nightmare New England is a massive 20-acre Halloween Scream Park located at Funway Park in Litchfield, NH.

The scale and variety of the Park offers something for even the boldest of Halloween fanatics. We feature FOUR TERRIFYING Haunted Attractions at one location and a “Monster Midway” where you will be greeted by dozens of freakish characters that freely roam the grounds of the Scream Park. The Monster Midway will also feature concessions, gifts, photo opportunities, celebrity appearances, go-karts (voted #1 in NH!), batting cages, two themed 18-hole mini-golf courses and more!

Over 27,000 Sq. ft of terror await you at New England’s largest Halloween Scream Park!

Rockport, Massachusetts

The flavor of old New England

Located on the tip of Northeastern Massachusetts, eight miles out in the ocean with over 13 miles of natural Atlantic coastline is Rockport. Settled in 1639, incorporated in 1840, Rockport is known for its winding streets, fine old houses, stone wharfs, sandy beaches, art galleries, museums, shops, fine restaurants and distinctive inns. Enjoy the sight of the sailboats sailing in the breeze; explore Halibut Point State Park, or a walk along Atlantic Coastline, stroll historic Bearskin Neck or listen to wonderful musical concerts. With the flavor of old New England, Rockport is a place of unpretentious, informal and relaxing living. Come visit "a crown jewel of the Massachusetts coastline", only 45 minutes north of Boston.

Seacoast Events
5 California Street
Newburyport, MA  01950
Phone: 978-462-6877
Fax: 978-462-6876

There are so many things to see and experience!

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Seacoast Events is waiting to show you around New England. You can count on our knowledgeable and friendly local tour guides to make your trip truly special! There are so many things to see and experience; from The Freedom Trail in Boston to The Witch Museum in Salem to The Plantation in Plymouth to The Battle Grounds of Concord. Our guides will share with you the history of these beautiful communities and take you to the places only the locals know about. Whether you're looking for a half day, full day or multi-day excursion, with Seacoast Events your group can truly experience a customized journey. Our professional staff will work with you to develop an itinerary to match the wishes and desires of your group. Or if you wish, our local guides can step on to your personal tour bus to show your group around the area we love to call home!

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA  02180
Phone: 781-438-5100

Jaguar cub now on exhibit!

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Stone Zoo features a wildly popular black bear exhibit and, opening in June 2009, greater Boston’s only gibbon exhibit. The Zoo is also home to colobus monkeys, Canadian lynx, a snow leopard, Mexican gray wolves, river otters, spider monkeys, capybara and many other interesting and fascinating animals from around the world. The Treasures of the Sierra Madre exhibit features, jaguars, cougars, coyote, and Gila monsters.” At Windows to the Wild, view hyacinth macaws, flamingos, emperor tamarins, silvery-cheeked hornbills, Inca terns and Geoffroy’s tamarins. Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stone Zoo is located off Exit 34 on 93 North and Exit 35 off 93 South.

The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA  01970
Phone: 978-744-0991
Fax: 978-741-4350

Cross the threshold into one of the most famous structures in America & experience the countless surprises hidden beneath its legendary gables

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Discover The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts. This seaside historic site showcases the seventeenth century Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, forever immortalized as “The House of the Seven Gables” by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Professional guides welcome guests year round to explore Salem’s architecture, maritime history, and the literary legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Admission also includes a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace to learn more about how the author’s life and experiences in Salem influenced his work. Adding to the site’s charm are three-season gardens and a unique museum store. Open mid-January through December, 10:00am-5:00pm, with extended hours until 7:00pm, July-October.

Art Complex Museum at Duxbury
189 Alden Street
Duxbury, MA  02331
Phone: 781-934-6634

A place for viewing and learning about art in an intimate and comfortable setting

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The Art Complex Museum at Duxbury is situated on over 13 acres of woodland and open fields. It was founded as a center for regional arts and to host the impressive collection of the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser family. The museum is well known for its permanent collections of Shaker furniture, American paintings, which include some fine representations of each of the developmental stages of American landscape painting, Asian art and a print collection that spans from Europe and Asia to the United States. There is also a library of over 6,000 volumes which support the museum’s collections. Other offerings of the Art Complex include educational programs, special exhibits and Sunday afternoon concerts. Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission is Free.

Destination Plymouth
Plymouth, MA
Toll-Free: 800-USA-1620

History is just the beginning!

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In Plymouth, MA we’re well known for our role in American history, but history is just the beginning of what you’ll find when you visit! Plymouth is the perfect blend of fun family attractions, and educational historic sites. In fair weather you’ll find all the expected maritime activities such as whale watching, harbor cruises, lobster excursions and pirate adventures. The Waterfront is also home to Jet Ski and kayak rentals as well as the Mayflower II, the full-scale reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims from England back in 1620. In fall and winter enjoy the foliage or stay warm with a visit to an historic home or museum, ride the train through miles of cranberry bogs at Edaville USA, or cozy up to the fireside at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum depicting life in Plymouth in 1627. With so many fun and educational things to do you’ll have to remind yourself to take advantage of all the fabulous dining available in Plymouth too! Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

Edaville USA
5 Pine Street
Carver, MA  02330
Phone: 508- 866-8190
Toll-Free: 877-EDAVILLE

Where the good times keep on rollin
Click here for a money saving coupon!

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A variety of different children's characters will entertain on weekends during the summer and fall, along with musicians, fascinating guests and other types of entertainment. Please click on events above for the latest information on our 2009 season.
Also, the annual National Cranberry Festival™ will once again return over the three day Columbus Day weekend. And, of course, no season at Edaville USA would be complete without the famous "Christmas Festival of Lights", which begins in November and continues throughout the holiday season.
Keep checking the website for updated information, and make your plans to visit Edaville USA in 2009...again and again!!!

FarmCoast New England
Tiverton and Little Compton RI;
Westport and Dartmouth, MA

Beautiful historic villages, farms and shoreline.

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Beside the ocean, and straddling the Rhode Island and Massachusetts border, FarmCoast New England is comprised of the towns of Little Compton and Tiverton in Rhode Island; and Westport and Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Within an, hour’s drive of Boston, Cape Cod and Newport these unspoiled towns feature stone walls, fields, quaint villages and vistas. Specialty shops, artisans and intimate restaurants are tucked in and about the towns. Enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and kayaking without feeling crowded. Visit vineyards and farms where the food is as fresh as the air. A day in FarmCoast is a true New England is an experience that will bring you back to that era when the land and sea were appreciated, respected, and worked by hand.

Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA  02360
Phone: 508-746-1622

Living History on Land and At Sea

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Visitors to Plimoth Plantation’s main campus are welcomed to the museum in the comfortable, spacious and modern Henry Hornblower Visitor’s Center where they can prepare for the quintessential, bi-cultural 17th Century experience. Start surrounded by soft furs, flickering firelight, and artfully woven bulrush mats, learning about traditional Wampanoag family life as well as the arrival of the English from an Indigenous point of view. Then find yourself immersed in the year 1627, just seven years after the voyage of the Mayflower. In the village you will be surrounded by the modest timber-framed houses, fragrant raised-bed gardens, well-tended livestock and fascinating townspeople of Plymouth Colony, the first permanent English settlement in New England.

Now come aboard and learn about the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower, the perils of maritime travel, and the tools of 17th-century navigation.

Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau
70 North Second St.
New Bedford, MA  02741
Phone: 508-997-1250
Toll-Free: 800-288-6263
Fax: 508-997-9090

Beaches, Dining, Wineries, Maritime History and Entertainment await you.

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A great destination for a getaway or a family vacation. Explore two port cities rich in maritime and industrial heritage. Visit the Whaling Museum, Seamen’s Bethel, Battleship Cove and the Marine Museum. Enjoy live performances at Zeiterion Theatre and the Comcast Center. Enjoy our charming seaside towns along Buzzards Bay. Tour our wineries, visit our museums, take a stroll or a swim at one of our beautiful beaches and go shopping. From unique to boutique to antique, add factory outlets, and you’re sure to find a bargain in Southeastern Massachusetts. You’ll also find an array of lodging choices from full service hotels to cozy B&Bs. Seafood is king in the nation’s number one fishing port – add 2 culinary schools and dining is a delight!