MASSACHUSETTS
Our Massachusetts Travel Guide
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is located in the Northeastern region of the United States, Massachusetts is known for being the landing place of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. Massachusetts was given the nickname ‘the Baked Bean State’ because the state residents used to serve beans every Sunday. The first and the oldest lighthouse in America is also located in Massachusetts. It is the largest state in New England in terms of population. Read our travel guide below to learn more about traveling to this state.
First, a little history…
The first European explorers landed in Massachusetts in 1497. However, the explorers carried diseases with them, which killed 90% of the Native Americans in the region. In 1620, Puritans arrived in Massachusetts hoping to find religious freedom. These settlers were later called the pilgrims and assisted by the Natives in surviving the harsh winter. This was also the beginning of the yearly holiday of ‘Thanksgiving.’ In the mid-17th century, several battles were fought due to the rising tensions between the Native Americans and the colonials. Massachusetts is also where the American Revolution began. In 1788, Massachusetts became the 6th U.S. state.
Travel Guides for this State
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Major Massachusetts Attractions
Mayflower Beach
A visit to Massachusetts is incomplete without going to its white sand beaches in Cape Cod. Mayflower Beach has low tide, which means the waves are calmer, and people can also walk for miles here. With lifeguards on duty and a magnificent sunset, families from all over the state spend their holidays and vacations here. The beach also has public bathrooms, picnic areas, and plenty of space for beach games.
Boston Common and Public Garden Swan Boats
An Irish shipbuilder Robert Paget launched the Swan Boats in the late 19th century. This fleet of pleasure boats in the park has become a cultural icon of the city. The boat ride is about 12 to 15 minutes long, where you get a tour of the Public Garden Lagoon and soak in its beauty.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
After pilgrims landed at Plymouth in the early 17th century, Plymouth became the first permanent European settlement in New England. The village is a homage to the people who used to live here. Tourists can roam around this English village and watch costumed interpreters recreate the basic 17th-century daily tasks such as gardening, cooking, building, and military training. At the Patuxet Homesite, you can see the dwellings, artifacts, and gardens of the Native Americans.
The Witch House
Salem’s Historic Houses represent Salem’s cultural history which began in 1692 with the Salem Witch Trials. The 1642 Witch House was built in 1642 and is known as the home of Jonathan Corwin, who presided as a judge in the witchcraft trials. It is also the only standing building today directly connected with the trials. Visiting the house gives you a deeper insight into the lives of those involved in the Witch Trials.
Old Sturbridge Village
The village is one of the most visited attractions in Massachusetts. The village recreates the lives of people in the 1800s. More than 40 homes, stores, craft shops, and farm buildings exist. In addition, the village has two operating mills demonstrating the process of using water power to process and saw timber and spin wool.
Some other notable places and other Massachusetts attractions:
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Museum of Science
Tanglewood
Norman Rockwell Museum
Martha’s Vineyard
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“Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you’ve been all along!”
