7 Towns in Massachusetts With Thriving Local Businesses

A cornerstone of American history, the Bay State is home to scenic beauty and vibrant towns that are their own little oasis for all visitors. From the American Revolution in Concord to the Witches of Salem, there are plenty of attractions for everyone looking to explore and delicious meals to savor. Beyond its historical significance, Massachusetts features a diverse landscape between its seashores, cranberry bogs, and rugged coastline.

From charming boutiques to artisanal shops, unique shopping experiences highlight the rich culture and creativity of its spirited communities. Whether drawn to the natural splendor, colonial charm, or characteristic blend of the past and present, Massachusetts is brimming with thriving local businesses.

Concord

Tucked just outside of Boston, Concord is a town known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. Its significant role in the Revolutionary War, combined with its local charm, makes it a preferred destination. Situated in the heart of the historic town center, Monument Square, The Colonial Inn has been a locally owned establishment since 1716.

Originally a storehouse for the Minutemen during the Revolutionary War, the building has served many different purposes over the years, including a boarding house and a small hotel named after one of its prominent residents, Henry David Thoreau. Today, the Colonial Inn is a boutique historic hotel and tavern surrounded by literary and historical landmarks.

These include the Old North Bridge, where the "shot heard round the world" was fired and began the American Revolution, the Orchard House, where Luisa May Alcott lived and wrote Little Women, and Authors Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where legendary authors who built the American canon rest. Visitors can also go to West Concord Junction, named for the two railroad tracks that meet there, and walk a historic, functional, and eclectic town center.

Local spots like Nashoba Brook Bakery and Club Car Cafe offer breakfast and lunch options for those looking to wander through the area or need a quick pick-me-up. Additionally, Artscape hosts a community of artists who use the space to display their pieces for purchase at public art show openings.

Salisbury

Salisbury, on the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, is more than just a beach town on the Atlantic Ocean. Originally inhabited by the Pentucket Tribe, Salisbury was settled in 1638 and, to this day, remains a farming community. It wasn’t until 1866 that the community built the Beach Road across the Great Marsh, gaining access to the town's 5 miles of beachfront.

Visitors can purchase local produce and beef at Bartlett Farm, one of the oldest family-run farms in America, established in 1659. Pettengill Farm has been a pillar in the community since 1792 and is a family-run flower farm that specializes in growing ”unusual annuals, perennials, and shrubs.”

Salem

Salem, famous for its connections to the Salem Witch Trials and the award-winning “Hocus Pocus,” boasts a thriving tourism culture beyond its spooky history. Shops like Nocturne and Witch City Wicks Candles & Gifts are some of the many local businesses that have embraced Salem’s historical facets. Eateries include Harbor Sweets, which offers homemade sweet treats, and A&J King Artisan Bakers, known for its breakfast and bakery items. For a hearty meal and a pint of regional favorites, visitors can head to Flying Saucer Pizza Company and Dire Wolf Tavern.

Newburyport

Home to a rich maritime heritage, Newburyport offers tourists award-winning dining and shopping, national attractions like the Custom House Nautical Museum, and a vibrant beach and boating community. Small businesses have pioneered Newburyport’s tourism and hospitality, single-handedly creating the lifestyle coined by the community.

There are a variety of shops to peruse, including Soak and Shoreline, two complementary shops owned by the same local. Soak is known for its luxury bath products and has expanded from its original wall of soaps to fragrances, bath bombs, and beauty products. Shoreline, specializing in pajama and loungewear, was launched in the neighboring space to accompany Soak. Nauti Pearl is a women’s clothing and jewelry boutique that dabbles in home decor and antiques.

Nantucket

An island off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a fan favorite of those who spent their summer vacation in Massachusetts. Its cobblestone streets are lined with local restaurants, ranging from family-owned and caught seafood at The Nantucket Lobster Trap to Dune, and its fluid menu features seasonal local produce, fish, and meats from regional farms. Nantucket is riddled with a variety of local boutiques, including Grace Geier, where items are hand-picked individually for the shop by its owner, and Icarus+Co, featuring wearable sculpture jewelry by local artists. Nantucket is truly a one-of-a-kind place.

Sturbridge

Sturbridge is home to Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum that recreates life in rural New England from the 1790s to 1830s. This living history interpretation attracts numerous visitors to the area. Sturbridge offers many outdoor experiences but also boasts a diverse variety of local merchants. Places like Twiddle T’s Pottery sell homemade pottery items and specialize in stoneware, while Ox & Yoke Mercantile offers upscale village-made crafts and designs that blend old-world charm with contemporary use.

Bolton

Founded in the 1700s, Bolton is a town steeped in agriculture, with a community that takes pride in its farms, apple orchards, and local businesses. Nashoba Valley Winery is a distillery, brewery, and restaurant widely regarded as a local diamond in the rough. J’s Restaurant at Nashoba Valley is considered one of the ten “Best Winery Restaurants In America.” Open year-round, the hilltop orchard is an exceptional destination for visitors seeking to experience a state-of-the-art restaurant, distillation facility, brewery, winery, and gift shop. Bolton Bean is a community icon with products that are all locally sourced. They serve roasted coffee, espresso, and teas that can be paired with their cafe bites. Bolton Orchards, originally a 200-acre peach orchard, has expanded to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Locally owned since the late 1800s, Bolton Orchards built a farm stand in 1945 and have only enhanced their operations.

Massachusetts stands as a testament to American history, culture, and natural beauty. The Bay State offers a captivating journey for all visitors, from its pivotal role in the American Revolution to the allure of the Witch Trials. Its thriving local businesses beckon travelers to indulge in delectable cuisine, peruse shops, and appreciate the state's rich heritage. Massachusetts leaves an enduring mark on its guests.