Massachusetts is one of the smallest states in America, but it packs a huge amount of history, culture, and scenery into a relatively small area. The eastern part of the state is dominated by Boston and its surrounding communities, while the landscape becomes increasingly rural and mountainous as you travel west. Between the colonial history, Atlantic coastline, small New England towns, and mountains of western Massachusetts, there is a surprising amount of variety here. I’ve visited most parts of the state, with Martha’s Vineyard being one of the major places I still haven’t explored.
Explore Boston
Boston is one of America’s oldest and most historic major cities. Founded by Puritan settlers in 1630, it later became one of the centers of resistance against British rule leading up to the American Revolution. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere are just a few of the famous figures associated with the city.
One of the best ways to explore that history is by following the Freedom Trail through downtown Boston. The route connects many of the city’s most important colonial landmarks, including historic churches, meeting houses, cemeteries, and sites connected with the Revolution. Beyond its history, Boston is also a modern city filled with museums, universities, neighborhoods, restaurants, and a waterfront that makes it one of my favorite cities in the Northeast.
Explore the Berkshires
Western Massachusetts feels completely different from the densely populated eastern side of the state. The Berkshires are covered by forests, small towns, lakes, and low mountains, making the region a good escape for hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
The region is especially popular during autumn when the forests change color, while winter brings skiing and other cold-weather activities. The Berkshires are also home to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. For anyone who mostly associates Massachusetts with Boston and the Atlantic coast, traveling west into the Berkshires shows a very different side of the state.
