10 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Massachusetts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the six New England states located in the country’s northeastern corner, is distinctive among the 50 US States as its yesteryears and traditions antedate and personify the nation’s experiences at large. Globetrotters vacationing in this ‘Bay State’ limited by the vast Atlantic Ocean on the eastern and southeastern sides, predominantly favor touring the crowded urban cities including Worcester, Cambridge, Springfield, and Boston - the state’s capital as well as its cultural and financial hub. Nevertheless, the incalculable teeny towns sprinkling the state’s 7,800 sq. mi terrain are utopian havens to spend your revitalizing long weekends.

Lenox

Forming a part of the Pittsfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, Lenox is a well-liked summer holiday complex surrounded by the Berkshire Mountains in Berkshire County of Western Massachusetts. Populated by local Mahicans and originally baptized ‘Yokuntown,’ the area was primarily settled by Hartford residents Jonathan and Sarah Hinsdale. Lenox’s fabled spots include American author Edith Wharton’s residence - The Mount, Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum, the summer home of Boston Symphony Orchestra - Tanglewood Music Center, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Church on the Hill, and Kennedy Park - fit for hiking, cross-country skiing, and picnics. Relish Mediterranean cuisines laced with wines at Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar and chill out in the comforting rooms of Hampton Inn & Suites Berkshires - Lenox.

Newburyport

This 18,289-inhabitant coastal settlement in Northeastern Massachusetts’s Essex County is situated close to the Merrimack River’s mouth, almost 35 miles northeast of Boston. Founded as part of Newbury in 1635, the town mesmerizes vacationers throughout the year with incredible vistas of the Atlantic and profuse recreations. Touristic places like The Cushing House Museum & Garden, Old South Presbyterian Church, Maudslay State Park, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport Chain Bridge, and Custom House Maritime Museum, along with several other Federal-style properties stand as perfect mementos of the community’s strong seafaring traditions. Feel free to rest at the Essex Street Inn & Suites and join in annual observances like Yankee Homecoming, Waterfront Concert Series, Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, and Newburyport Literary Festival.

Provincetown

P-town, a tiny seaside resort in Barnstable County of Eastern Massachusetts, is set on the outermost brim of Cape Cod. The pretty town hemmed in by the Cape Cod National Seashore hypnotizes sightseers with imposing fine-grained sand beaches, arresting nautical history, a happening tourist atmosphere, and enlivening nightlife. For years, artists from all over the globe have been thronging to Charles Hawthorne's founded Cape Cod School of Art in this oldest continuous art colony of America. Coupled with the Pilgrim Monument - Provincetown’s iconic landmark, do peruse the antique stores like Yesterday’s Treasures, women’s clothing stores like 3 Graces Boutique, souvenir shops like The Shell Shop, restaurants like Fanizzi’s Restaurant, and hotels like Harbor Hotel lining the Commercial Street.

Northampton

Dubbed “Paradise City” this Hampshire County seat of government is situated on the Connecticut River’s western banks in the sylvan Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, precisely 19 miles north of Springfield. Exuding a bizarre bohemian vibe, Northampton is viewed as the gathering place for hundreds of artists, authors, musicians, and academicians from all over the world. Set at the kernel of a Five-College Area, most of the town activities take place around the celebrated Smith College campus which comprises a Museum of Art and an esthetic botanic garden. When in town, the Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, Thornes Marketplace, Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton Farmer Markets, and the eye-catching structures in the Round Hill Historic District are must-visits. Stay in the luxury suites of Hotel Northampton and make an appearance at yearly festivals like the Northampton Independent Film Festival, Three County Fair, and Springfest Celebration.

Concord

Placed proximate to where the Sudbury and Assabet rivers conflux to form the Concord River is Concord - a captivating Middlesex County town in Eastern Massachusetts, around 20 miles northwest of Boston. A prospering Boston suburb and a famed tourist magnet at present, the town’s tranquil ambiance and engrossing landmarks artfully mirror its importance as the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord which eventually led to the commencement of the American Revolutionary War. Literature and heritage enthusiasts are drawn to the Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord Museum, Old North Bridge, Walden Pond State Reservation, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Old Manse, and Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse; whereas adrenaline junkies should traverse the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge’s wooded hiking trails and ease up at Concord’s Colonial Inn.

Sturbridge

Home to 9,867 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this Worcester County town sits by the side of the Quinebaug River, around 29 miles east of Springfield and 16 miles southwest of Worcester. The town’s hallowed site of interest is the Old Sturbridge Village - considered the most expansive living museum in New England, spanning more than 200 acres and comprising 59 heritage-listed buildings, three water-powered mills, and a working farm. Those interested in experiencing firsthand what life was like in 18^th and 19^th century New England must not miss a trip to the Old Sturbridge Village. Other than the Old Sturbridge Village, do drop by the Sturbridge Flea Market, Tantiusques Reservation, Westville Recreation Area, Wells State Park, Hyland Orchard & Brewery, and de-stress at Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge-Brimfield.

Rockport

Rockport, an enchanting waterfront community in Essex County, sits on Cape Ann Peninsula’s northernmost edge, roughly 20 miles east-northeast of Salem and 40 miles east of the state capital. Displaying several miles of soft sand beaches, old lighthouses, untouched walking trails through coastal forests, and old-fashioned fishing shacks, Rockport is a flawless locale to spend long weekends. The Main Street - designated a Cultural District by the State, is chock-a-full of clothing stores like Sand Castles, sweet shops like Tuck’s Candy & Gifts, gift shops like The Paper Mermaid, art galleries like Lauri Kaihlanen Gallery, eateries like Feather & Wedge Restaurant And Bar, and accommodations like Sally Webster Inn Bed & Breakfast. Likewise, the Halibut Point State Park & Halibut Point Reservation, Paper House Museum, Front Beach, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport Art Association & Museum, Bearskin Neck, and the close by Thacher’s Island are some of Rockport’s noteworthy attractions.

Williamstown

The state’s northwesternmost community, this picture-perfect college town in Berkshire County shares a borderline with Vermont in the north and New York in the west. Apart from luring academics from worldwide to the serene campus of Williams College, Williamstown is a classic retreat for culturists who must take note of the exhaustive art collections in the Williams College Museum of Art and Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute. Addedly, pay a visit to the 316-acre Field Farm as well as the 1753 House built to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of Williamstown’s founding, browse the permanent exhibits at Williamstown Historical Museum, sample craft cocktails and appetizing American cuisines at the Mezze Bistro & Bar, and unwind after a frenzied day at The Williams Inn.

Oak Bluffs

A leading epicenter of African-American culture since the xviii century, this beatific Dukes County town on Martha’s Vineyard Island, is eulogized for its impressive ‘gingerbread cottages’ and other diligently maintained mid-to-late 19^th century buildings. Functioning as one of the primary ingress points for summer vacationists, beach aficionados on a visit to Oak Bluffs can easily reach the four public beaches: Hart Haven Beach, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Eastville Beach, and Oak Bluffs Town Beach (The Inkwell); while recreational boaters are lured to the Oak Bluffs Harbor all year-round. Also, tour the Ocean Park and East Chop Lighthouse, go golfing at Farm Neck Golf Club, watch movies at Strand Theatre, have a delightful ride on the Flying Horses Carousel, and spend the night at The Pequot Hotel.

Sandwich

Sandwich, the oldest settlement on Cape Cod labeled after its namesake southeast England seaport, is situated along Cape Cod Bay in southeastern Massachusetts’ Barnstable County approx. 57 miles south-southeast of the state capital. Populated by the Indigenous Wampanoag tribe prior to settlement by a group from Saugus, this historical settlement is renowned for its excellently preserved colonial properties and six unsullied beaches by the shores of the Bay. While touring the town, the Sandwich Friends (Quaker) Meetinghouse, Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Heritage Museum & Gardens, Dexter Grist Mill, Wing Fort House, Hoxie House, Sandwich Glass Museum, and Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen are unmissable sites. Additionally, outdoorsy types must explore the Shawme-Crowell State Forest and Scusset Beach State Reserve, go out to the Sandwich Boardwalk for nonpareil vistas of Cape Cod Bay, and stay comfortably at the Sandwich Inn & Suites.

From the Cape Cod towns of Provincetown and Sandwich to the historic towns of Newburyport and Sturbridge, the winsome closely allied settlements in the 16^th most populous and 6^th smallest state in the country are waiting to receive everyone with open arms. For those wishing to soak in the welcoming atmosphere, witness extraordinary natural wonders and piquant historical landmarks, partake in spirited seasonal celebrations, and lodge in homelike accommodations made warmer by the hearty hospitality of convivial people, these exemplary Massachusetts towns are optimal escapades on extended sabbaticals.