Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state in New England, also known as the “Bay State” as it is bordered by three large bays. There are 7 regions in Massachusetts; Cape Cod, Greater Boston, Southeast, Northeast and Central Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley and the Berkshire Hills. Boston is the state capital, whereas Cambridge is home to Harvard University. The state is a great travel destination for those seeking outdoor fun, regional flavors, history and culture and a metropolitan vibe. From its cities along the Massachusetts Bay, to the natural beauty of Cape Cod and the Appalachian Trail, this state has plenty to offer. It is one of the oldest states in America, dating back to 1620. The state´s name derives from the Algonquian Indian word for “great mountain”.
Fun Facts
- Massachusetts official state dessert is Boston Cream Pie.
- The first U.S. subway system was in Boston, not New York City.
- Wearing a goatee in public is illegal unless you pay a special fee.
- Quincy, MA was were the first Dunkin Donuts ever was opened.
- A state law forbids snoring unless the doors and windows are locked!
Things to Do
There is such a great variety of things to do in Massachusetts that we´ve decided to give you only a small taste for your trip to this great state by listing some of our favorites:
1) The town Gloucester on the coast offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world, rivalled only by far-off places such as Antartica, Patagonia and Alaska.
2) Go biking along the Cape Cod Provincelands Trail for an exhilarating workout in the fresh sea breeze along hilly trails in the dunes.
3) For some classical music plan an evening in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which has excellent performers, comfortable seating and some great music to offer.
4) Check out the artistic and colorful vibe in Provincetown in Cape Cad and Northampton in Pioneer Valley, both home to artist colonies and a liberal attitude, and with great shopping, restaurants and natural beauty aplenty.
Massachusetts´s Food Delights
If you like shellfish, then you´re in for a treat in coastal Massachusetts. The area is renowned for its abundance of fresh and tasty shellfish, including lobsters, clams and oysters. A New England clambake is a local speciality where a hole is dug in the sand and lined with stones, then a fire started that is later covered with wet seaweed. Packages of shellfish are then steamed in this pit. Clam chowder is probably the most famous dish, with many seacoast towns holding chowder festivals. Inland areas offer their own specialities, such as baked beans, fruit pies and cobblers and roasted chicken. Far eastern and western Massachusetts is famed for its apple and tomato harvest and in Fall you will see local farmers selling fresh cider and fresh apples on the roadside.
Getting To and Around Massachusetts
If you are visiting Eastern Massachusetts, the best airport to arrive is Logan International Airport in Boston, while for Western Massachusetts it would be Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Once in the state, you can choose to traverse the region by train, bus or car. There are also a number of “rail trails”, old railroad lines that have been converted into pedestrian and bike paths, and of course miles of trails to explore on foot along the Appalachian Trail.
Accommodation and Rentals in Massachusetts
Plenty of accommodation is available throughout the state, from hotels, motels and hostels to self-catering rentals. If you prefer the freedom and cost-saving potential of the latter, make sure to check out the amazing rentals available in Massachusetts on Wimdu. Be it an apartment for rent in vibrant Boston, or a bed and breakfast in Cape Cod, each of our rentals belongs to a friendly local host who may even have some special tips on what to do and where to go in your neighbourhood.