8 Old-World Towns to Visit in Massachusetts

Do you prefer to visit a future-themed amusement park or a WW II museum? Both have a certain appeal, of course. Peering into the past can be just as interesting as getting a glimpse of the future, but no place captivates quite like the old-world towns in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the most populous state in New England and is just as teeming with history and natural beauty. The land was once inhabited by tribes of the Algonquian language family. Today, this New England state still preserves traces of old-growth forest. Visitors can explore Boston's Freedom Trail, bask in Cape Cod's beaches and islands, or tour Salem's witch-related sites, experiencing an old-world feel simply by walking around. So get ready to be transported to the past because Massachusetts has all of that and more!

Concord

A slice of history awaits at Concord. This small town is known for its role in the American Revolution, specifically the Battle of Concord in 1775, which will forever resonate in the history of this place. The Old North Bridge is but one of the major historical landmarks—it is where the “shot heard round the world” occurred. That was where the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord took place on April 19, 1775. Concord is also home to Walden Pond, famous thanks to Henry David Thoreau's writings. If you really want a sense of the old world, though, simply walking through the preserved 18th-century homes can very quickly transport you back in time!

Salem

The infamous town of Salem is mostly known for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, which ended with 20 executions. The Old Burying Point Cemetery there dates back to 1637, and it is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. Of course, a trip to Salem is not complete without visiting the old houses linked to the trials. Salem retains a number of 17th-century buildings, including the Witch House—a must-see. You can also get a clearer picture by visiting the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest operating collections in the U.S. to this day.

Rockport

A famous spot with its own special way of taking you back. This is one of the best coastal towns to visit in the U.S., and the equally famous Motif Number 1, an old fishing shack, is one of the most-painted buildings in America. Speaking of which, a former fishing village area known as Bearskin Neck is worth strolling around if for no other reason than to see the local shops and artisans. This town has a history, and it is deeply connected to 19th-century maritime life and granite quarrying. You can end your visit with a relaxing visit to the Halibut Point State Park; it has some interesting remnants of old granite quarries that fueled the town’s economy back in the day.

Deerfield

Deerfield is a historic town, and Historic Deerfield is the place to start. This living museum preserves 11 historic houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is one of the best places to visit for a taste of the old world. The site of the 1704 Deerfield Raid can also be found here, providing a close-up view of the French and Indian Wars of the time. This place has one of the best-preserved colonial settlements in New England, and a visit to the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association will more than satisfy your curiosity about the rich colonial history behind those walls.

Marblehead

It would not take long for anyone to recognize the great historical importance of this town. Marblehead is known as the birthplace of the U.S. Navy; it has a shipbuilding industry that dates back to the 18th century, and Marblehead Harbor attracts all kinds of sailors with its historical maritime presence. It is a fine treat to walk along the narrow, winding streets lined with pre-Revolutionary War homes and, even finer still, to see the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, one of the most elaborate colonial mansions in New England. A great way to conclude a visit to a time gone by is with Fort Sewall, built in 1644, which played a defensive role during the American Revolution.

Newburyport

From the name, you can guess that this is a prominent seaport, and it certainly was in the 18th century, known primarily for shipbuilding and privateering. Today, you can peer into its past with a visit to Old South Church, founded in 1746 and currently one of the oldest continuously active churches in the state. There are also several preserved Federal-style homes from the post-Revolution era. Speaking of historical structures, the Plum Island Lighthouse is definitely worth a visit to get a feel of the late 1700s—much of Newburyport has a rich navigation history.

Lexington

A name that rings heavy, Lexington is famous for the Lexington Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. This town has a commitment to preserving battle-era homes and sites, so, naturally, a visit to the Lexington Depot—now an information center—would be the best way to start experiencing 19th-century transportation. Speaking of repurposed buildings, once Munroe Tavern served as a British field hospital during the war, it is now a museum you can visit! Finally, the Minuteman Bikeway follows the route of the 1775 British retreat after the battle—it's worth seeing firsthand.

Stockbridge

Home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, a substantial collection of the artist’s works is on display and can be viewed in this small but proud town. You could start your visit at The Red Lion Inn, which has operated since the 18th century and remains a functioning inn today. The town’s layout and landmarks can take you back as far as the 1730s to its origins as a mission to Native Americans. You could go just outside of town to see Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Alternatively, a visit to Naumkeag, a historic Gilded Age mansion, would be a great way to finish your visit with its meticulously maintained gardens.

A blast from the past, the state of Massachusetts truly has a way of pulling all the stops to offer incredible old-world experiences. Whether looking through the lens of its maritime history or Revolutionary War history, there are so many ways to relive the past on these hallowed grounds. Many people look to the future and might be interested in technology, convenience, and possibilities, but the old world is still filled with wonders that you could spend an entire lifetime unraveling.