Massachusetts Things to Do Tips by Helga67

Rockport

Rockport is located about 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Boston at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula. It's a quaint seacoast village and an enjoyable place to spend a day.
Especially downtown (Dock Square, Bearskin Neck and Main Street) is a lovely area to wander around. It has a large number of restaurants and small eateries, shops and galleries.

"Motif no. 1" is one of the most painted and photographed lobster shacks in America. It is no longer used, but is now Rockport's trade mark. It is located on Bearskin Neck.

Website: http://www.rockportusa.com

Marblehead

Marblehead is located 17 miles north of Boston and close to Salem. It was found in 1629 on a rocky peninsula. It is a very picturesque seacoast town with a nice harbour. There is a lovely historic center where you can still find old mansions and buildings from the pre-Revolutionary period.

Website: http://www.visitmarblehead.com

Salem Witch Museum

If you don't know the whole story about the Witch Trials of 1692, the Salem Witch Museum is the right place to visit.
You will start your visit with a "30-minutes-show" telling the story of the witch hunt and trials. It is presented in a darkened room with benches along the sides and stage sets with life-size figures high on each wall. The stage sets lit up one after the other while the story is told. Make sure you sit on the right hand side for the best views.
After that a guide will lead you to several smaller presentations telling the history of the witchcraft.

Personally, I was a little bit disappointed. I'd expected more information and displays for my money (7.5 USD).

Address: Washington Square, Salem, MA

Website: http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com

Salem

Salem is located 16 miles (25 km) north of Boston on the Atlantic coast. The town is well known for witches and witchcraft.
There is a museum (Salem Witch Museum) devoted to the witch trials of 1692. You can also visit the Salem Witch Village, the Witch Dungeon Museum, one of the oldest burial places where some of the 'witches' are buried and the only original witch house where one of the judges of the witchcraft trials lived.
It is also nice to wander along Salem's streets where you will find many shops devoted to witchcraft and the occult. Especially during Halloween season, it's a wonderful place to visit. There is a tourist center in 54, Turner Street where you can find useful information and toilets.

Website: http://www.salem.org

The story of the Witch Trail

It was January 1692 when a group of girls began acting strange. This was the result of a black nanny telling voodoo stories to the girls. A local doctor claimed they were afflicted by the "evil hand". This was the beginning of the witch hunt. About 190 people were accused of witchcraft. Nobody was safe, even two dogs were hanged for being witches. 19 people were hanged and one man was crushed to death. The trials ended after 15 months when the governor's wife fell under suspicion.

Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. It is a vibrant city situated at the Massachusetts Bay. This 250-year-old city is the cradle of America where the first people of the old continent settled. It has many fascinating historical sites, and is called 'America's Walking City', because of its many footpaths and trails, including the famous Freedom Trail. The architecture is amazing with new and old going hand in hand.
It's an ideal city for a weekend break.

Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2ce34/c1f6c/