These 8 Towns in Massachusetts Have The Best Main Streets

When visiting Massachusetts, Boston is certainly the main attraction. Boston has remained at the top of American culture for centuries and will likely continue to do so for many more years to come. However, just a short car ride away are some of the most unforgettable and enchanting small towns in all of New England. 

Each of these towns has its own unique history and atmosphere that dates back as far as the 17th century. Much of this charm and pizzazz can be found on their main streets. This is where you will find the who's who of the town along with all of its iconic buildings and businesses. 

Newburyport

Just under an hour away from Boston, the coastal town of Newburyport has everything that you would expect from your typical New England town. Much of the town's buildings are constructed in the "Old World" fashion of brick and stone.

Its main street is packed with decade-old shops and restaurants. Much of which is centered around seafood that has been caught by local fishermen. You will be hard-pressed to find fresher and healthier dinner options anywhere else. Abraham's Bagels and Pizza has long been a staple restaurant in the community, If you are in town make sure to stop by for a quick bite to eat. 

Concord

Today Concord is best known for being the site of one of the most iconic battles during the American War of Independence. The old battle site is still there and can be visited and explored with tour guides and reenactors dressed in clothing appropriate for the late 18th century. 

After you are done marinating in early American history you can take a long walk down the town's main strip. Here you can find a surprising amount of theatres and art museums. Entry is either free or affordable depending on where you end up. A great way to wind down an afternoon with the family. 

Rockport

Another idyllic seaside town, Rockport is a much smaller and slow-paced version of Newburyport. While neither towns are bustling metropolises, Rockport only has a population of around 8,000 people and this is reflected in its quiet demeanor and style. 

But just because it is quiet does not mean it is not worth a visit. Rockport's main street winds and curves around the coast and has a lot to offer. You will be able to find various sailing museums as well as fishing and sightseeing companies that will gladly take you on an excursion into the ocean. Setting up shop and relaxing on Front Beach is another great way to kill a summer afternoon. 

Northampton

Taking its name after the Northampton of the United Kingdom, you can unsurprisingly find many similarities between the two. Northampton has been designed to resemble the city it was named after almost to a tee. Quaint corner shops and antiquated brick buildings line the high street and English-style pubs are commonplace. 

Sometimes referred to as "Paradise City," the center of Northampton is perhaps the most scenic and aesthetically pleasing area in the entire state of Massachusetts. The local farmers market that sets up shop just about every weekend sells all kinds of high-quality produce and meat that come from nearby farms. Not to mention the dozens of street vendors selling handmade jewelry and accessories. 

Marblehead

During the summertime, Marblehead Harbor is one of the busiest and most exciting places in New England. Just about anyone with a boat in a 50-mile radius comes to the harbor to have a good time and relax on the water. 

Chances are if you are visiting you won't be sailing over to do so. That means you will have to suffice to enjoy the party from the shore. This is far from bad news however as the town of Marblehead itself has plenty to enjoy. The main street of Marblehead comes alive in the warm months and it's filled with tons of tourists and out-of-town visitors. Restaurants and bars are packed and the local atmosphere is one of the best around. 

Wellesley

Lying on the outskirts of the Boston metro area, the small town of Wellesley is just as rich in culture and tradition as Beantown. Wellesley is a college town and much of the local infrastructure and economy has been built around Babson College. 

The beating heart of Wellesley is its town square. Here you will find all the building blocks of a strong local community. Pubs, restaurants, and shops are all front and center along with the town's age-old church. The cobblestone streets and charming architecture are hard to beat. There is also a nearby ice rink where you can go for a quick skate for a pretty reasonable entry fee. 

Amherst

Another college town, Amherst is shrouded in centuries of a proud and storied history. The town is brimming with culture and tradition. Something that becomes apparent the moment you start walking down its main street. 

The Amherst main street to home to outstanding shops, bookstores, museums, and coffee shops. They even have their own independent movie theatre that has showings for all kinds of movies. The Amherst Cinema will show the odd summer blockbuster every once and a while but for the most part, this is the place where people go to catch timeless classics. 

Beverly

While technically a part of Boston, Beverly is far from anything that resembles the big city. Beverly for the most part is a quiet and easy-going town that has a deep history. 

The main strip of Beverly has all the typical bells and whistles of any small town in New England but it does have a few standout attractions. The well-respected and celebrated Larcom Theatre can be found here. Catching a show can be difficult sometimes due to its relatively small size but if you are able to squeak in then you defiantly should. Watching a play in such a small theatre can be a much more engaging and personal experience. The nearby Independence Park is the perfect place to enjoy the scenic views of the ocean. 

Summary 

Taking a trip down any of these main streets will ensure you are in for a special treat. The infectious charm of each of these towns will be something that will stick with you for a lifetime. 

There is something indescribable about the small-town vibes of New England. The aesthetic and warm welcome from the locals is of course an attractive feature but the calming presence and sense of community make it just all that more special and memorable.