You know you’ve arrived in Massachusetts when the rolling hills are dotted with red barns and church steeples, the coastline opens up to the rhythmic crash of waves, and the cobblestone streets lead you to historic landmarks at every turn. There’s no place quite like the Bay State to immerse yourself in quintessential New England charm. Click here to gather more information about the trip.
Whether you’re wandering the Freedom Trail in Boston, gallery-hopping in North Adams, beachcombing in Cape Cod, or leaf-peeping in the Berkshires, cultural adventures abound in this small out mighty state. From the saltmarshes of Plum Island to the summit of Mount Greylock, Massachusetts packs a punch. Come discover why the Pilgrims first made landfall here and why visionaries like Thoreau found inspiration in its scenic beauty. This cultural heart of New England beats with a rhythm all its own.
Outdoor Adventures in Western Massachusetts
Head to the Berkshires for stunning fall foliage, downhill skiing, and hiking. The Appalachian Trail winds right through, with plenty of access points for day hikes at Mt. Greylock, the state’s highest peak.
For winter fun, ski or snowboard at Jiminy Peak or Butternut Basin. The Pioneer Valley also offers natural escapes. Walk or bike the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which passes through quaint towns and farm country. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the Deerfield or Connecticut Rivers. At Look Park, you’ll find gardens, mini golf, a playground, and a summer concert series.
In the northern part of the region, check out the Mohawk Trail with scenic outlooks, or Zoar Outdoor for whitewater rafting and zip lining. The Trustees of Reservations manage lovely properties like Bullitt Reservation with waterfalls and trails.
Closer to the coast, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses beaches, salt marshes, and woodlands. Go beachcombing, bird watching, or kayaking. Nearby Cape Cod National Seashore offers sand dunes, lighthouses, and 40 miles of shoreline to explore. Whether you want to hit the slopes or the beach, hike mountain vistas or bike quiet rail trails, western Massachusetts can satisfy your craving for the great outdoors. Adventure awaits, so get out and go!
Sampling Seafood and Coastal Charm on Cape Cod
When you visit Cape Cod, you simply have to indulge in the fresh seafood. Locally caught lobster, clams, and oysters are calling your name.
Head to Provincetown for lobster rolls at The Lobster Pot, where the meat is piled high on a toasted bun. Or grab some clam chowder in a bread bowl – you can’t go wrong at any of the casual spots along
Commercial Street.
If you want to get your hands dirty, go clamming at low tide along the bay side of the Cape. All you need is a bucket, a clam rake or shovel, and a shellfishing license. Dig into the mud for softshell and quahog clams, then bring your catch to a restaurant to have them clean and cook them for you. Nothing’s fresher than that!
No trip to Cape Cod is complete without oysters. Slurp down briny bivalves at The Chatham Squire, where they’ve been shucking since 1937. Or head to Wellfleet, the “Oyster Capital of the World”, and take a tour of an oyster farm. Learn how oysters are grown and harvested, then sample a few. The distinctive salty-sweet taste comes through in every Wellfleet oyster.
Between the lobster, clams, oysters and stunning beaches, you’ll soon see why Cape Cod is such an idyllic summer escape. Take time to stroll along the seashore, watch the sunset over the dunes, and soak in the peaceful, unhurried pace of life by the sea. This quiet coastal charm, paired with the freshest seafood, is what Massachusetts summers are all about.
