"The little corner of the globe I call home..." Massachusetts by dracko

Massachusetts Travel Guide: 9,019 reviews and 15,988 photos

East. Mass. from 3000ft. Boston in the background.

Massachusetts (and New England in general) is probably one of the nicest places in the country to live. I have yet to visit another place in U.S. that comes close. There's a bit of everything here - woods, mountains, rivers, ocean, big cities (okay, Boston's the only one, but you get the idea), small towns, a cool winter, a warm summer, and something in between the two to call spring. Not to mention the stunning displays of foliage you see all over the region in the fall. People are friendly, and most don't even mind if you make fun of their accent.

Massachusetts was home to the second oldest pilgrim colony in N. America (The oldest was in Virginia in 1607. It didn't last long, and as a result few people seem to have heard of it). As such, it's full of history, having been home to many an important historical figure and event over the last few hundred years. That status gives the state and especially Boston a unique charm unlike any other place in the US. Boston has a very European feel to it, with its numerous twisted one-way streets and unique architecture. Yet it is still a modern city, growing and improving itself, as anyone entering it within the last few years couldn't help but witness with a certain degree of discomfort - Boston is rather famous for its traffic jams and the Big Dig, their source and raison d'etre at the same time. In short, when completed, the Big Dig will take Boston's major expressway and bury it entirely underground, with a park taking its place up above. Until that happens, constant construction and detours that change on a daily basis are unfortunate parts of Boston living. But don't let it scare you, the public transport system in Boston is alive and well, and seemingly unaffected by all the hubbub. So save a tree and take the T. You'll save yourself some time, you'll see! (Sorry about that! Poetry isn't one of my strong suits, but the inspiration just hit me like a sledgehammer. I'm still reeling.)

There's plenty to do in Boston - it's full of museums, theatres, historical tours, and most anything else you may desire to do. And don't forget that it's home to the Bruins, Celtics, and Red Sox. Don't badmouth the home team, as there is many a rabid fan in the city who would be happy to put you in your place if you do! Boston and the suburbs are also home to a number of schools, making for many a young soul among the city's 2+ million residents.

The Berkshires

Once you get away from Boston and its urban sprawl, the state takes a turn for the quiet, peaceful, and even quaint in some places. Head over to Cape Cod or Cape Ann (it might help if you can teach yourself to tune out the tourists, especially if you go on a summer weekend) for some time at the beach, sightseeing, and some of the best and freshest sea food in the country. If you're visiting during the fall and are lucky enough to hit the 2-3 week foliage period - consider yourself in luck! Head out west into the Berkshires and take in the views! Or better yet, take a sightseeing flight from one of the many small airports in the state. There's nothing like the seeing that incredible quilt of colors from three thousand feet up! Don't forget your camera!

If scuba diving is your game, Cape Ann is full of great dive sites - from cozy coves, to rock walls, to many an interesting wreck. Just be prepared for cool water. If all your diving has been in the tropical waters, you're in for a surprise! Although in the summer (Aug/Sep) temps reach into the balmy low 60s.

If you're a skier, there's Mt. Wachusett - which while not that great of a place to ski compared to some of the better resorts further up North in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, will work in a pinch. And being not much more than an hour away from Boston is a much closer alternative to spending half a day driving or bouncing on a bus to get to the fancier places.

So that's Massachusetts for you. A great place to live or visit. So come one, come all! See for yourself what everybody's raving about! Try the lobstah! Stroll through the Boston Common! And flip-off that cabbie as he tries his damnest to run you over!

Intro Updated Apr 18, 2003
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Reviews (9)

Authentic Mexican Restaurants (3)

It's hard to find a good Mexican restaurant in Massachusetts. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found Acapulco's.... more travel advice

Canoeing on the Ipswich River - Massachusetts

Canoeing on the Ipswich River Sports & Outdoors (2)

Massachusetts is home to many rivers and lakes that you can explore on a canoe or a kayak. Ipswich River is one of them.... more travel advice

John Harvard's Restaurants (3)

John Harvard's is a great place to grab dinner and a few drinks after work. The food is pretty good, and they brew their... more travel advice

Ames mansion at Borderland State Park - Massachusetts

Borderland State Park Off The Beaten Path (1)

Borderland is a great park to spend a day hiking, trail biking, or just plain relaxing. It's one of my favorite places... more travel advice

Things to Do (1)
The Berkshires
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Comments (10)

freddie18 Jun 7, 2006 at 7:04 PM Report Abuse

Hi Roman. Many Happy Returns Of The Day!. Your Massachusetts page is very informative. I read it line by line. And your Boston dictionary was....lol. Will be back to your site more often. Regards from Freddie of Toronto
Cruefan Jun 10, 2005 at 4:36 PM Report Abuse

Alas my exile in vile Rhode Island is almost over ! I'll be back in Western Mass by the beginning of August.
emilienoelle Dec 15, 2004 at 8:29 PM Report Abuse

Show me who would DARE to badmouth the Red Sox!
skye820 Aug 6, 2003 at 6:43 PM Report Abuse

Okay..so when am I going to see the view of cape cod that's on this page??? BTW - there is NO PROOF of my involvement in the tinting of the fountain!!
TempNomad Jul 23, 2003 at 1:37 PM Report Abuse

I've never been to Borderland Park; maybe next time I visit my sisters...and that's such an accurate tip about Plymouth Rock. Well done!
geanster Jun 19, 2003 at 1:35 PM Report Abuse

Incredible photo of Cape Cod, now I'm definitely interested in visiting there. :) Thanks!
dinhyen Apr 25, 2003 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

I hope you had one of your hands on the control stick when you took those aerial photos :) Splendid, and definitely unique, photos of MA.
blaird Apr 14, 2003 at 2:38 PM Report Abuse

amazing that nothing has been made out of plymouth rock. I would have thought there would be some large museum complex there.
cjg1 Mar 25, 2003 at 7:21 AM Report Abuse

Do you eat at the airports or go into town? Havent been to the Cape in about 13 years. Last time to boston....
nighthawk Mar 23, 2003 at 4:15 PM Report Abuse

good tips here and nice photographs...would love to see cape ann...not 4 diving