Massachusetts > State > Things to Do and See > Great Things to Do in MA

Great Things To Do in Massachusetts

Find great, fun things to do and fresh places to explore in the Bay State for every age and taste, from antique shopping to rock climbing to slithering through a water park. Check attractions' websites for updates to scheduling and other details, especially for activities affected by weather.

Every region, from the historic homes and gardens of the Berkshires to the beaches of Cape Cod offers memorable adventures for the whole family. Plan a getaway to the cultural and historic sites of Boston and spring for a luxury hotel or waterfront lodging in this “Athens of America.”

Explore can’t-miss events, historic experiences, and celebrations across the state at our Celebrate Massachusetts 250 Guide! Plus, check out our Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar!

Follow these links for : Sightseeing - Walking & Hiking - Family Activities - MA250 Guide - MA250 Events

Discover Quincy

City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

From bikers and beach-lovers to shoppers and skiers, everyone has a great time in this welcoming city

Hikers, bikers, history-lovers, shoppers, foodies, beach-goers: What do they all have in common? A great time in Quincy! As the City of Presidents, Quincy offers visitors many ways to celebrate the country’s heritage, including the homes and birthplaces of John, Abigail and John Quincy Adams and the Stone Library, the nation’s first presidential library. The Presidents Trail takes you past homes of the Quincy, Adams and Hancock families, through neighborhoods with fabulous ethnic cuisine, and into the downtown shopping and dining area. Or, head to one of several inviting beaches, go hiking or biking or golfing, enjoy local theater and the symphony, take a harbor cruise, catch a rugby or soccer game. In the winter, go skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating in the public rink.

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Island Queen

75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800

An ocean of fun things to do when you ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard

If you think getting from the Cape to the Vineyard is just another boat trip, think again! The Island Queen, the passenger ferry from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs, MA, offers scenic views of the Cape and Vineyard Sound from its picture window lounge and open decks. Once you get to Oak Bluffs, visit the Flying Horses carousel and the colorful gingerbread cottages. Visit Edgartown, MA for great dining and shopping. Explore the red cliffs of Aquinnah, MA. Go sailing, fishing and kayaking. Back in Falmouth, take advantage of its gorgeous beaches, science aquarium and scenic bikeway. And don’t forget to explore the Cape’s beaches, unique towns and villages. Tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory, grab a lobster roll by the bay, go on a whale watch. So much fun to be had!

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Lenox Apple Squeeze - The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts - Photo Credit Kim Ostellino

Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Fall in Love with Fall in the Berkshires

Pumpkins and donuts and cider - oh my! Visit the Berkshires this fall for mountain views canopied in splashes of reds and golds, pick a basket full of juicy apples, and enjoy sumptuous fall flavors and treats! There are plenty of festivals, orchards, and farmers’ markets to satisfy your flavor palette. It’s time for cozy sweaters, relaxing hikes, and carefree bike rides. Stop for a lakeside lunch or savor a snack al fresco. Visit historic homes and museums where you can find fabulous exhibits as well as curious ghost tours. Local restaurants and pubs will serve delicious, innovative menus based upon local fall harvests. Come Fall in Love with Fall in the Berkshires!

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Art Complex Museum

189 Alden Street Duxbury, MA, 02332 Phone: 781-934-6634

From Galleries to Gardens, Find Beauty at Every Turn

The Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA, is a must-visit for families who love art, history, and hands-on experiences. The museum offers 10 shows each year with a mix of contemporary and traditional art – think: American paintings, Works on Paper, Shaker furniture, Asian art, and more. Visits are always fresh and engaging.

Outside, a tranquil sculpture garden invites kids to wander and discover art in nature. The museum also hosts family-friendly programs, art workshops, and community events that encourage creativity and exploration. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an inspiring destination where families can connect with culture and each other.

Admission: FREE

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See You in Plymouth this Thanksgiving! Visit our Destination Plymouth page!

Cape Cod Awaits You! Click here for more info.

Island Queen Ferry - Getting to Martha's Vineyard is half the fun! Advance Reservations required - Click here to book your trip!

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

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

We Have a History Full of Exceptional Experiences and Thought-Stirring Conversations!

Looking for an unforgettable experience in America’s Hometown? A visit to Plimoth Patuxet offers something for everyone! Here you will discover the legacies of our ancestors, Indigenous and immigrant alike. From the Historic Patuxet Homesite and 17th-Century English Village to our downtown locations, Mayflower II and the Plimoth Grist Mill, inspiring journeys to the past begin here. Take a break from exploring the Museum to peruse historically inspired goods in our Museum Shops, indulge in tasty snacks and dishes at Plentiful Café, or catch a film at Plimoth Cinema—there are endless possibilities to discover! Named the Best Open-Air Museum in the USA in 2024 and 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: 800-258-9182

Adventure Awaits at New England’s Largest Zoo, Southwick’s Zoo!

With animals to visit, rides to take, goats to pet, and deer to feed: It’s a full day of excitement at Southwick’s Zoo. With more than 850 animals, explore New England’s Largest Zoo! Visit the petting zoo with pygmy goats, walk through the 35-acre Deer Forest where you can feed fallow deer, and visit the EARTH Discovery Center where you can meet animal ambassadors and watch live presentations. Soar above the African Plains and Deer Forest in the Skyfari Sky Ride or take the Woodland Express Train through the North American Exhibit to get a closer look at elk and trumpeter swans. Work your way through the Rainforest Adventure Maze and zip through the air on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. Your next adventure begins at Southwick’s Zoo!

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Destination Plymouth Lobser Tales Plymouth MA Credit Kindra Clineff

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Whatever you love to do on vacation, Plymouth can provide it — and so much more

(To find more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA, see our Destination Plymouth page.)

What do you like to do on vacation? Steep yourself in a region’s history, enjoy the great outdoors, relax by the water, do something you can’t do anywhere else? A vacation in Plymouth checks all those boxes and more! Go on board the Mayflower II, see Plymouth Rock and the interactive villages and homesites at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Or plunk your umbrella down on one of many picturesque beaches. Go on a pirate cruise, or a whale-watch. Take a fast ferry to Provincetown or tour the harbor on a paddlewheel boat. Enjoy the rides at Edaville Family Theme Park, go fishing, walk on the harbor’s breakwater jetty, go hiking, take a ghost tour at night, go sea kayaking or, in the winter, ice skating or cross-country skiing. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

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Puritan Cape Cod

408 Main Street Hyannis, MA, 02601 Phone: 508-775-2400

Cape Cod’s Can’t-Miss Destination for Timeless Style and Exceptional Service

Founded in 1919, Puritan Cape Cod is a third-generation family-owned clothing store offering over a century of trusted style and service. With locations in Hyannis, Chatham, and Mashpee Commons, Puritan offers a sophisticated shopping experience that reflects both modern style and classic New England sensibility. Each store features a thoughtfully curated selection of premium brands for men and women, including apparel, accessories, and gifts. The Hyannis Flagship Store is Cape Cod’s largest independent retail store, including an in-house tailor shop, made-to-measure suit department, and a seasonal ski shop. Rooted in tradition yet forward in style, Puritan remains a cornerstone of Cape Cod shopping and a leader in exceptional customer care.

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1620 Winery at Cordage Park - Plymouth, MA - Where Rustic Marries Elegance. Click here to plan your wedding or event.

Greater Merrimack Valley

61 Market Street, Unit 1C Lowell, MA, 01852 Phone: 978-459-6150

Wide variety of activities, from concerts and theater to unique shopping and dining, in this vibrant area

Whether your idea of fun is Brahms or a local brew, you will find much to enjoy in the activities of the Greater Merrimack Valley. The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lexington Symphony and the Groton Hill Music Center offer an array of classical, pops, jazz and chamber music concerts. Catch a vibrant, contemporary play at the Merrimack Repertory Theater, go on a snowshoe tour at the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum or visit the masterworks at the Whistler House Museum of Art. Dine, shop, see a film or listen to a concert at lively Mill No. 5 in Lowell. Take a trip through the history of the graphic arts at the Museum of Printing (check out their typewriter collection), or grab a brew at Lord Hobo Brewing Company’s Woburn taproom.

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Whitewater Splash 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - Charlemont, MA

Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)

2056 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238

Family-owned rafting business gives you a perfectly tailored adventure

Crab Apple Whitewater, a family-run company now spanning three generations, brings decades of know-how to your next rafting adventure. With whitewater rafting trips on the Deerfield and Millers Rivers in Massachusetts, trips range from gentle to exhilarating—perfectly suited to your group’s energy and experience level. Choose from full-day or half-day rafting excursions, or let younger adventurers (ages 5 and up) hop into inflatable kayaks known as Funyak. Knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with fun facts about the region’s wildlife, water systems, and history. Back at base camp, unwind with changing rooms, a snack bar, paddle board rentals, and a patio overlooking the scenic Deerfield River.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Maine and Vermont.

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Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA, 01609 Phone: 508-799-4406

Museum’s collection, exhibitions offer visitors opportunity to surround themselves with beauty, inspiration

From art made thousands of years ago to works being created today, the collection and special exhibitions at the Worcester Art Museum urge visitors to travel across time, past borders, to experience the stunning works of the Impressionists, the grand fireplace of a 12th-century priory brought from France stone by stone, decorative American arts from the 17th to 19th centuries and so much more. Meet your new favorite artists, ask questions, go on a scavenger hunt. Watch as your kids are mesmerized by trying on a piece of knight’s armor from the Higgins Armory Collection or try out tools used to create art. Enjoy lunch in the Cafe in the awe-inspiring Renaissance Court, or listen to music on a summer evening in the courtyard beer and wine garden.

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Sam Adams Squared - Greater Boston CVB - Boston, MA

Meet Boston

Information Centers on Boston Common and Prudential Towers (Center Court) Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 888-733-2678

With so much history, and so many activities, vibrant Boston has something for every visitor

You cannot be bored in Boston. See a show, catch a game at Fenway Park, take a film or foodie tour of the town, ride on a duck boat or Swan Boat, eat in a four-star restaurant with a harbor view or by a food truck in the gorgeous Greenway. Kids will love the Tea Party Ship & Museum and nearby Children’s Museum. Art-lovers will feast on the Monets at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Venetian courtyard in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Shoppers will enjoy perusing pop-up markets, the fashions and galleries along Newbury Street and the kiosks of Quincy Market. And history buffs will happily stroll the Freedom Trail from the Common out to the USS Constitution or the Black Heritage Trail.

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Sip at 1620 Wine Bar

The Shoppes at Village Landing - 170 Water Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone:

Calling all craft cocktail connoisseurs and wine aficionados!

Sip at 1620 Wine Bar in Plymouth, MA is your go-to spot for relaxed vibes and unforgettable flavors. This cozy, speakeasy-like lounge offers a delightful blend of award-winning wines and custom-crafted cocktails, each created by their bow-tie wearing, expert mixologists. Sip’s food menu is a playground for your taste buds, featuring small plates like chicken parm sliders, braised short ribs, and the ever-popular Lobster Rangoon. Whether you're in the mood for a self-guided wine tasting, bespoke cocktails, or live music, Sip has it all. Enjoy live performances from local musicians every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Exclusively 21+, this charming venue ensures an adults-only experience. And if you’re coming with a group of six or more, be sure to snag a reservation.

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Secret Staircase - House of the Seven Gables - Salem, MA

The House of the Seven Gables

225 Derby Street Salem, MA, 01970 Phone: 978-774-0991

Get inspired about history, and literature, when you visit this beloved many-gabled home

Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired enough by visits to the Salem, MA waterfront home built by merchant and shipowner John Turner that he wrote a novel, “The House of the Seven Gables”. Today, visitors are inspired by the architecture and artifacts of that same house, called the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion and one of the country’s most beloved historic homes. The house, part of the House of the Seven Gables property, has survived with many of its original period features spanning four centuries of American architectural history. Take a tour of that house as well as Hawthorne’s birthplace and two 17th-century homes and gorgeous seaside gardens with summer and fall plantings. On the property is also the Kids Cove, located in the Counting House, where hands-on activities teach kids about Salem’s rich maritime history.

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Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830

Re-created 19th-century village is more than a museum – it’s an interactive experience

Old Sturbridge Village is so much more than a museum! Visitors feel they have traveled back two centuries, with hands-on experiences, exhibitions, animals and architecture that perfectly re-create a New England town in the 1830s. Explore the 40 historical buildings on our peropety in Sturbridge, MA, ask questions of costumed historians as they cook by a fire, make cabinets, create pottery and operate a sawmill and cider mill. Visit with heritage-breed sheep, cattle, chicken and pigs and walk through heirloom gardens. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride or take in live musical performances or talks. Walk through a covered bridge and stroll along the banks of the Quinebaug River, keeping an eye out for a great blue heron. Dine on comfort food in the charming Bullard Tavern, or enjoy lighter fare in the Ox & Yoke Cafe.

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The Steamship Authority

Ferry voyage to the islands off Cape Cod is the just the beginning of your adventure

Taking one of the Steamship Authority ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, MA is part of the fun of getting to the islands. With fabulous ocean views, full-service bar and snack service and free wifi, it’s a comfortable, enjoyable voyage from Hyannis, MA (for Nantucket) or Woods Hole, MA (for the Vineyard). And then there are the islands! The sophisticated charm of Nantucket is seen through its cobblestone streets with boutiques and restaurants, historic homes and scenic harbor. Visit its whaling museum or observatory, go kayaking or sailing. On the Vineyard, there are the amazing red clay Aquinnah Cliffs, a lighthouse tour, arboretum and the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs. Both islands are known for pristine beaches, great golf, miles of hiking and biking trails, wildlife refuges and lively arts scenes. For more information visit SteamshipAuthority.com.

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Milky Way Galaxy - Blake Planetarium - Plymouth, MA

W. Russell Blake Planetarium

117 Long Pond Road Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-830-4470

Plymouth planetarium provides perfect evening for star-gazers

Look up! It’s the night sky in all its glory, but can you identify the constellations? Head to the W. Russell Blake Planetarium, where you can sit back and let the experts show you how to identify planets, bright stars and constellations. In this full-dome planetarium, a DigitalSky projection system provides a full-screen image that covers the room’s entire ceiling in the mysteries of the universe. While enjoying breathtaking views and spectacular surround sound, you’ll learn about astronomy and perhaps how to use a star map (you can take it home). The planetarium also has regular features for kids and explorations of the natural world below the skies.

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Visit Concord MA

Discover Revolutionary History, Literary Landmarks & Year-Round Fun in Concord, MA

Concord, MA blends history, culture, and outdoor adventure into a year-round destination. Take a guided walking tour and follow in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, famous authors, and other historic figures. Visit the Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel, Little Women, was both written and set. Explore Minuteman National Historical Park, where reenactments and ranger-led programs bring the Revolution to life. Cool off with a canoe trip on the Concord River or wander through shady Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Enjoy the vibrant leaves along Fairyland Pond trails in the fall, and spend a winter afternoon exploring the Concord Museum’s exhibits and collections. With local shops, family-friendly eateries, chocolate tours, and more, Concord charms in every season.

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Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers

Cutler Park on Kendrick Street in Needham, at the Newton border, is the largest fresh water marsh on the Charles River. The marshland and small lake attract more than 100 species of birds. A trail goes around Kendrick Pond (also called Cutler Pond). A new trail extends from the pond trail and goes to Powell's Island canoe landing, doubles back and goes under the MBTA commuter rail and out to the Great Plain. A right turn leads to a boardwalk through a cattail marsh and ends up on Needham Street in Dedham. A left turn leads down the wide path alongside the elevated railroad line all the way to the Charles River. In summer, hiking, canoeing, and fishing are welcome.

Spring Apple Tree at Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA

Hug a Tree

In the Jamaica Plain section of Boston lies an oasis of meadows, forest, ponds, and wildlife. No, it’s not an urban mirage, it’s the Arnold Arboretum, where you can find thousands of different varieties of plants, hiking and biking trails, and world-renowned horticultural collections surrounded by 15,000 gorgeous trees. Arnold is the oldest public arboretum in North America. The extensive Bonsai collection, a cultivated Herbarium, majestic snow-covered cedars and pines in the winter, and nearly 200 different varieties of blooming lilacs in May are just a few of the reasons to spend a day here every day of the year.

History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea

Boston is now home to a great, free activity that is ideal for families and people who love history, urban architecture, and the outdoors. The Walk to the Sea is a self-guided trail that encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Beginning at the State House on Beacon Hill, overlooking Boston's ancient Common, the Walk passes among historic landmarks and skyscrapers. The walk from summit to sea, spanning one mile and descending a hundred feet, brings Boston history to life. Large panels are situated along the walking trail to guide and educate walkers.

Boston from the Sidewalk

Boston calls itself the birthplace of the American Revolution, and you are likely to agree after taking an information-packed stroll with Boston CityWalks, which offers several walking tours that show off the old and contemporary beauties of this world-class city. The various walks may touch on the Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, Back Bay, and Copley Square. Walkers may choose to have lunch at an outdoor café on Newbury Street, shop in Copley Place and Prudential center, or visit one of Boston’s fine museums. Walks are held daily, year-round. See website for schedule and tickets. Call to confirm.

Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria

You would expect a certain old-world ambiance in any of the Little Italy neighborhoods that bright American cities, and Caffe Vittoria, on Hanover Street in Boston does not disappoint. Established in 1929, Caffe Vittoria declares it was the first Italian caffe in Boston’s North End district. Coffee, Italian pastries and fine beverages are the specialties here. With four levels of seating and three full liquor bars, there is something for everyone. Taste the caffe’s grappa from its extensive collection. This is a sweet stop at any time of the year, with marvelous people-watching just outdoors in one of the liveliest ethnic enclaves in New England.

Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens - North Andover, MA

Enjoy a 20th-Century Diplomat’s House & Gardens

The Stevens Coolidge House & Gardens at 153 Chickering Road in North Andover was an early-20th-century estate with expansive and beautiful gardens. (Originally, the estate was the summer home of Helen and John Gardner Coolidge—a diplomat and a nephew to Isabella Stewart Gardner—from 1914 to 1962.) The Trustees of Reservations, which preserves and manages the property, did an improvement project in 2020-2021 that included new and improved gardens, indoor classrooms, retail space, an event lawn, and revised interior spaces. This is a fine year to visit. Admission tickets must be bought online in advance, for a specific time slot.

Find Contemporary Art and Advice from an Expert

A wide variety of interesting contemporary artwork is open for your browsing pleasure at The Gallery at Four India Street, a popular stop in Nantucket since it opened in 1989. The gallery’s focus of interest is American fine art paintings, sculpture, art glass and photography. Visit to enjoy, purchase, or even to get expert direction on creating a personal collection from the gallery’s owner, Kathleen Knight. Open daily, year-round.

Walking Trails Criss-Cross This Beautiful Island

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is the local land trust for the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Among other tasks, the foundation maintains public trails for hiking, bicycling, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. At the foundation’s website, under “Lands & Trails,” you can find detailed descriptions, maps, and driving directions for dozens of public walking trails on Martha’s Vineyard. The foundation offers a free app called TrailsMV that provides up-to-date accurate maps of all public trails, detailed property information and photographs, and more.

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

Pilgrim Spring Trail and Small's Swamp Trail, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, are easy loop trails about one mile long, accessible off Route 6 at the Pilgrim Heights area sign in North Truro. The trails wind around a kettle swamp and marsh and offer wonderful views of Pilgrim Lake, sand dunes, the salt meadow, and the Atlantic Ocean. A stone marker identifies the site of the first fresh water the Pilgrims found. Trails are marked with information about local history and nature. This is a fine, easy walk for people of all ages, with views of typical Cape Cod landforms and living creatures.

Cambridge Antiques Market - Cambridge, MA

Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market

For general browsing and entertainment, or for a hard-target search for a special antique-purchasing need, Cambridge Antique Market at 201 Msgr. O’Brien Hwy. in Cambridge is a gold mine. More than 150 dealers on five floors are selling furniture, lamps, art, paper goods, sports memorabilia, glass, ceramics, photos, books, silver, textiles, tools, kitchenware, toys, dolls, advertisements, religious items, and costume jewelry, hats, gloves, and accessories. The market is across the road from the MBTA Lechmere Green Line Station. It also has a sister business in Provincetown.

Harvard Square Chocolate Tour - Boston, MA

A Little Walk; a Little Chocolate; and Repeat

Off The Beaten Path Food Tours are a fun outing where you and friends can poke along at a walking pace through a historical neighborhood and taste local culinary treats, all under the care of a knowledgeable guides. One favorite, the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour, with stops at a variety of local eateries for chocolate tastings along the way. It’s about a mile of urban walking with five to six stops in about 90 minutes. A fee of $35 includes all the food and sights. Fine of all ages. Meet at Harvard Square.

Housatonic Riverwalk - Great Barrington, MA

Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat

Downtown Great Barrington is known for its many boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and gourmet restaurants. A shopping or dining stroll in the downtown should include a visit to the adjacent Housatonic Riverwalk. The paved path that ambles alongside this busy Berkshires waterway is an all-volunteer restoration project of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy. After your riverside stroll, take in some evening entertainment in Great Barrington at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, the Triplex movie theater, or the town bandstand, site of free concerts.

Montague Book Mill - Great Things To Do in Massachusetts

Books, Soft Chairs, and a River View

We love the cheeky slogan of Montague Bookmill: “Books you don’t need in a place you can’t find.” Housed in an Industrial Revolution-era gristmill aside the Sawmill River at 440 Greenfield Road in Montague, The Montague Bookmill is a cozy melding of old-fashioned bookstore and the most comfortable living room you've ever known. The collection includes thousands of books on every imaginable subject, many with deeply slashed prices. Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Number of visitors at one time and duration of visits is limited during the pandemic.

Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester MA - Great Things To Do

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester is the oldest working art colony in the country, and has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 150 years. Today the area is still home to many working artists and to galleries showing paintings in all media, as well as batik, photography, jewelry, prints, sculpture, ceramics, and fine gifts. A convenient walking tour of Rocky Neck, along East Main Street, includes information about three dozen galleries and studios on the Neck. A new book about the artists and history of the region, titled Rocky Neck Art Colony 1850-1950, by Judith Curtis, is available.

USS Constitution Museum - Old Oronsides - Charlestown, MA

Come Aboard Old Ironsides

Visit Old Ironsides, AKA the USS Constitution, at Building 22 in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown for a deep dive into the fascinating history of the celebrated colonial vessel. Exhibits at the museum include "Old Ironsides in War and Peace," "All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812," and "Today's Crew." The museum is open year-round. The ship itself is owned by the U.S. Navy, which hosts tours Wednesdays through Sundays. Tours include the spar deck, gun deck and berth deck.

Tuck in to Truro for Wine and Spirits Tastings

Truro Vineyards and South Hollow Spirits at 11 Shore Road in North Truro is a lovely, relaxing place where tours and tastings of wine and spirits are held daily from May through Thanksgiving. The main house is located behind a wide expanse of law dotted with shade trees and picnic tables. Behind the house, tastings are conducted on a flower-decked patio. Inside, a gift shop offers all manner of fun gifts and books related to Cape Cod wines and the drinking and collecting of wine. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Tastings are offered on the hour and half-hour, and free tours are conducted of the winery and distillery.

Johnny Appleseed Trail - North Central Massachusetts

Johnny Appleseed Trail Through Picturesque Towns

Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman in 1774 in Leominster, was a pioneer nurseryman who introduced apples to large parts of the Midwest. Today’s Johnny Appleseed Trail in north-central Massachusetts runs along Route 2 between the Freedom Trail and the Mohawk Trail, or from about Turner’s Falls at the western end to Lancaster at the eastern end. Spring, summer, and fall are perfect for exploring this region of farms, orchards, and beautiful small towns. Start at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center on Route 2 West in Lancaster. It’s full of helpful brochures and locally made crafts, books, jams and jellies, gifts and souvenirs.

Pittsfield Hops with Shopping and Browsing Fun

Pittsfield is a lively town centrally located between other stars of the Berkshires, like Stockbridge, Lenox, Williamstown and North Adams. The downtown is a fun place for dining, browsing and shopping. If you need a gift, the options here are delightful: Circa, is a place to fine mid-century antiques, and a selection of vintage clothing and jewelry. Paul Rich and Sons Home Furnishings has made a name for itself selling high-quality furniture. Museum Facsimiles Outlet Store is a fun and unique place to find fine picture frames, framed mirrors, hand printed letterpress and silkscreen greeting cards, all at wholesale pricing.Everything is made here, not imported! Custom framing.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary - Natick, MA

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary on Eliot Street in Natick offers nine miles of walking trails through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook and over the marsh offers great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and sketching. To enjoy this site in the winter, bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Stroll along the edge of Indian Brook, which flows into the Charles River at the sanctuary, and look for wood ducks and signs of beavers and otters from the 110-foot-long bridge.

Bridge of Flowers Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

The Bridge of Flowers was once a decrepit railroad bridge, before it fell into the hands to local gardeners. They draped the bridge in living gardens of flowers, shrubs, and trees that delight people from spring to fall. It’s a walk through a gorgeous garden above a rushing river with a lovely town on the side. The bridge is in Shelburne Falls, off Route 2 (the Mohawk Trail). It spans the Deerfield River and connects the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. It is generally open to the public from April 1 - October 31.

Starting June 21, 2024, the bridge will be closed for repairs until further notice. For updates and information on the upcoming Art Exhibit and Sale (Aug. 17-18, 2024) to benefit the Bridge of Flowers, click here.

Here Lies Hawthorne

Pay your respects to celebrated authors and thinkers at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, the sylvan resting place of some 10,000 souls. Stroll the garden-like grounds on a self-guided walking tour. Literary buffs may flock to "Author's Ridge" atop the highest hill, which marks the modest family plots of Henry Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Emerson, and Louisa May Alcott. "The Knoll" houses specially consecrated Jewish burial grounds. "Mourning Victory", or the Melvin Memorial, honors three brothers killed in the Civil War. While here, explore nearby Walden Pond or the Wayside, home to both Hawthorne and Alcott. Self-guided tour books available.

Fruitlands Is Home to four Fascinating Museums

In 1843, Bronson Alcott, father of the writer Louisa May Alcott and himself a writer, founded a utopian community called Fruitlands, near the town of Harvard. Later, from 1914 to 1945, the four Fruitlands Museums opened on the site of Alcott’s village, at 102 Prospect Hill Road in Harvard. The 210-acre landscape now includes a Shaker Museum, a Native American museum, a fine art gallery of Hudson River landscapes, changing exhibits, and trails through woodlands and meadows. A visit is inspiring, educational, and beautiful, with plenty of potential for outdoor walks on the trails. Lots of special events for adults and kids. Open daily, May through October.

A Garden Shop Like a Roman Piazza

Campo De Fiori, meaning “field of flowers,” is a perfectly delightful garden shop at 1815 North Main Street in Sheffield. The phrase garden shop only begins to touch on the charms of this space, filled (but not crammed) with plants, succulents, and garden-related pots and accents like terracotta planters, carved stone, forged iron, cast bronze, distinctive lighting and zinc. Campo de’ Fiori designs and manufactures all of the items, made by the hands of skilled artisans. The shop’s name comes from a piazza in Rome where the owner’s mother used to buy fresh flowers and vegetables, and the atmosphere is distinctly Mediterranean. Perfect place to shop for gifts for any garden-loving person. Open daily.

World’s End in Hingham - Photo Credit Trustees of Reservations

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

For a romantic walk in a leafy woods, visit World’s End in Hingham, a nature preserve tucked into the end of a curve of shoreline that sweeps southeast from Boston. Rolling hills and rocky shorelines offer views of the Boston skyline, while tree-lined carriage paths make delightful walking trails. The 251-acre landscape includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by woodlands. The property is ideal for walking, picnicking, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It is managed by the admirable Trustees of the Reservations, and open to the public for walking year-round.

Storrowton Village Museum - West Springfield, MA

Kids Love to Explore ‘the Olden Days’

Tucked away in a shaded area of Eastern States Exposition, Storrowton Village Museum, at 1305 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield is a permanent reminder of New England life in bygone days. The Village is an authentic, recreated village of nine 18th- and 19th-century buildings from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, assembled around a traditional town green. A tour of Storrowton offers an intimate look at Early American living with all the ingredients for a meaningful historic experience. Storytelling and activity programs run throughout the year.

Antiques Shopping in Central Massachusetts

Prowl for Fashionable Objects of the Past

Prowling shops that showcase cool old stuff of bygone times (some of it cycling into fashion again) is a fun indoor winter sport. The towns of central Massachusetts have plenty to offer style archaeologists. Sadie Green’s in Sturbridge creates and sell vintage reproduction jewelry. Metal is embossed with original dies from the 1920s and jewelry is hand assembled. Find beautiful and unusual jewelry of sea glass, hand-wrapped glass, florals and shells. Perfectly unique! In Worcester, Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment fills your sense with just the clothing treasures that the shop name promises. The shop promises to deliver “curated designer resale [goods] for the huntress, fashionista, and style queen in all of us.” Off the Common Antiques in Grafton has many vendors selling antiques, furniture and home décor. Welcoming to dogs and strollers, too.

Downtown Gloucester & City Hall Aerial View - Great Things To Do

Stroll Charming Downtown Gloucester

The town of Gloucester, on the northern edge of Massachusetts Bay, is historically a rugged fishing town known for its iconic statue of Man at the Wheel (and for its role as the base of fearless fishermen in the movie “Perfect Storm”). It is also a great place to visit if you love sweet New England downtowns. Gloucester’s HarborWalk is a one-mile walking path through town from Gloucester House to Stage Fort Park. From St. Peter’s Square on Rogers Street, the HarborWalk passes the working waterfront to Harbor Loop. The Walk then turns up to City Hall, then turns back down through the historic district to St. Peter’s Square. (photo by David Gleeson)

Western Mass.

Cape Cod & The Islands

Central Mass.

Greater Boston & Cambridge

North of Boston

South of Boston

Great Things To Do in Massachusetts

Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers

Hug a Tree

History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea

Boston from the Sidewalk

Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria

Enjoy a 20th-Century Diplomat’s House & Gardens

Find Contemporary Art and Advice from an Expert

Walking Trails Criss-Cross This Beautiful Island

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market

A Little Walk; a Little Chocolate; and Repeat

Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat

Books, Soft Chairs, and a River View

Artist Colony Is Vibrant in Gloucester

Come Aboard Old Ironsides

Tuck in to Truro for Wine and Spirits Tastings

Johnny Appleseed Trail Through Picturesque Towns

Pittsfield Hops with Shopping and Browsing Fun

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

Here Lies Hawthorne

Fruitlands Is Home to four Fascinating Museums

A Garden Shop Like a Roman Piazza

Out in the Woods, in Sight of Boston

Kids Love to Explore ‘the Olden Days’

Prowl for Fashionable Objects of the Past

Stroll Charming Downtown Gloucester

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