Please visit individual businesses' websites for COVID-19 updates. Lenox is a small town in Berkshire County, and is a popular summer destination. Located on Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluff awaits your visit. You are reading "25 Best Day Trips & Small Towns in Massachusetts" Back to Top or More must do for couples, what to do near me, places to visit this weekend. Don’t forget the sunblock before you hit the beach! Take a spin at the year-round ice skating rink, and down along the waterfront and boardwalk. Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel. Lenox. The famous University of Amherst is not far away, either. Stroll through scenic downtown or spend a few hours at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens before browsing the local art galleries or taking a yoga class at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. © 2010-2021 Wow Media Products, Inc doing business as PureWow. Visit Manchester-by-the Sea and spend the day at Singing Beach – the sand “sings” as you walk across it! After all, it packs a punch in terms of great food, shopping, beautiful beaches and seaside pursuits. Visit the Minute Man National Historical Park, the Walden Pond State Reservation, and don’t miss the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery! The town has rebuilt nicely since those early days, and now you can find plenty of ways to entertain yourself. You don't have to travel all that far beyond the Boston region to encounter some of the nation's most beautiful and picturesque small towns. Have a nap on Inkwell Beach or take a paddle board out onto the waves. Few small cities in the state can rival the number of restaurants, art galleries and (especially) live music venues in Northampton. Updated on 9/10/2019 at 5:00 PM. A perfect destination for the avid sailor, Newburyport, located in Essex County, is a historic seaport about 35 miles outside of Boston. Splash around in Pelham Lake and enjoy the classic New England scenery. You’ll definitely want to carve out some time to visit the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, the Atwood Museum, the Shark Center and the Chatham Lighthouse. Odds are it has more people in it than these 50 towns combined. Hampshire County welcomes you. Best Small Towns in Massachusetts for an Easy Weekend Getaway. 2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127, Phone: 617-727-5290. The Pilgrims first anchored here in the harbor in 1620, where they then wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact. And with a median rent of $962, Palmer Town is also one of the cheapest places to rent in the state, taken as a proportion of income. Located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, this beautiful valley town features the stunning Red Lion Inn established in 1773, historic mansions, the Berkshire Theater Festival, the old-fashioned and very old Stockbridge Public Library, a working fountain built in 1881, and a 19th century village green. The lake was constructed in 1883 during the damming of the Sawmill River, but today it is a popular recreational lake. Now it’s time to dive into the adorableness that is Nantucket. Obviously, you’re going to stop by the Norman Rockwell Museum. On the other side of Massachusetts, in Hampshire County, local is a way of life. How we determined the worst small towns to live in Massachusetts for 2020 We threw a lot of criteria at this one in order to get the best, most complete results possible. The town center is right where the confluence of the Sudbury and Assabet rivers forms the Concord River, and is one of the scenes of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first conflict of the American Revolutionary War! You’d think a place that’s packed with New England traditions and charm would be a bonafide tourism darling. There is so much to appreciate about this bold town which you’ll notice as soon as you walk down Main Street. It's perched over a river and was once a functioning mill, but now plays host to a delightful cafe and rooms packed full of used books. Never created a password? Small-town SWAT teams proliferate in Western Massachusetts. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, a history fiend, or an arts aficionado, there's a town for you Photo: Geoffrey Coelho. To others, it might mean a charming harbor, or plenty of greenery and space to roam. A Guide to the Small Towns of Western Massachusetts. From being home to America's oldest city - Boston, to loads of charming coastal villages along Cape Cod, Massachusetts offers diversity and guarantees something for everyone to enjoy. . 10. Cobblestoned streets, upmarket boutiques, seafood eateries and historic churches are also part of the package. Few small cities in the state can rival the number of restaurants, art galleries and (especially) live music venues in Northampton. From March to Memorial Day, the iconic towns, villages and cities in Western Massachusetts are brimming with vivid scenery, entertaining festivals, and culinary delights. 10. 2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127, Phone: 617-727-5290. Once the railroad found the town in the 1800s, tourists were soon to follow. There is a clock tower that is home to the oldest, still working, hand-wound clock tower in the US – it takes 1-2 hours to hand-wind it! One of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts is now also the most populous state in New England. The Western Massachusetts destination is a fixture on “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Though we can’t imagine anyone affiliated with this rural region wishes to be associated with the unseemly antics that go down at Dorinda's estate. Don’t worry, the town hasn’t had trials for centuries, but stop by to check out the cute downtown area or the shopping at Hampshire Mall. Maynard, located on the Assabet River in Middlesex County, is named after Amoy Maynard, a businessman who purchased water rights to the Assabet River in the mid-1800s. This legendary escape off the coast of Cape Cod attracts well-heeled holiday goers with its wind-swept dunes, cedar-shingled houses that belong on the cover of Architectural Digest and perfectly preppy atmosphere. That's why, on any weeknight, you'll find the small, crescent-shaped Main Street full of visitors from Connecticut and every surrounding small town, enjoying the shops, the cafes, and live music in many . Rich in history as well as beautiful countryside and beach towns, Massachusetts is an appealing vacation destination for anyone. Wander through and stop in at Old Deerfield Country Store, or the Memorial Hall Museum. states to join the union way back in 1788. These towns are the places that offer the perfect escapes for . Not just a place to spend Halloween and learn about America’s most famous witch hunt, this coastal city that feels a lot like a town on the north coast of Massachusetts has a lot going for it that no one really talks about. You can always burn calories to save room for Richardson’s Candy Kitchen once you return to town! Nowadays, sailing and boats still bring in a lot of income for the city, but more from the boats docked there recreationally. Lenox is also home to Shakespeare & Company (so it goes without saying that you’re going to see a play) as well as Tanglewood, the summer headquarters of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel. Rockport, Massachusetts | Halee Burg/Shutterstock. Stop in at Rowe and walk to the Village Green and Mill Pond, you’ll see Adams Mountain painting a lovely backdrop to the tranquil scene. Take in the views at Ocean Park Gazebo and soak in that ocean breeze. Please visit individual businesses' websites for COVID-19 updates. Groton is located in Middlesex County. Located 50 minutes from Boston, this coastal gem has a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War. HomeSnacks is reader-supported. The town itself boasts 8 buildings and two historic attractions on the National Register of Historic Places – make sure to explore Provincetown Historic District and Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District! When we think of adorable small towns in Massachusetts, Newburyport instantly springs to mind. You are reading "25 Best Day Trips & Small Towns in Massachusetts" Back to Top or More must do for couples, what to do near me, places to visit this weekend. Western Massachusetts is a region in Massachusetts, one of the six U.S. states that make up the New England region of the United States.Western Massachusetts has diverse topography; 22 colleges and universities, with approximately 100,000 students; [dead link] and such institutions as Tanglewood, the Springfield Armory, and Jacob's Pillow. Bring your hiking shoes and spend some time at the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful way to enjoy Mother Nature. Afterward, abolitionism gained popularity and it became an important stopping point on the Underground Railroad. A Guide to the Small Towns of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1939 by Europeans, it was primarily a fishing community for 200 years. The 10 Best Small Towns In Massachusetts For 2021. Located 50 minutes from Boston, this coastal gem has a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Climb or admire the famous Eagle Head rock, perfect for rock climbing or pictures. The Lake Wyola State Park sits along the shores of the lake, boasting a boat ramp, picnicking, grilling and hiking trails. You can also visit The Old Manse, where poet Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted his essay “Nature” in 1800, as well as Walden Pond, made famous by writer Henry David Thoreau and widely considered to be the birthplace of the American conservation movement. Browse photos, see new properties, get open house info, and research neighborhoods on Trulia. After catching some rays or going for a leisurely stroll, spend the afternoon browsing the cute shops and savoring seafood at top-notch restaurants like Impudent Oyster (we hear the bacon-wrapped scallops are delish). Rowe is off the beaten path, literally: there are no state highways running through it. Walk out to Pocomtuck Ridge and hike up to appreciate the views. While this mill ultimately went bankrupt, it has been preserved by the town and is now a commercial center. We used science and data to determine which small towns in Massachusetts are the best of the best. HomeSnacks is reader-supported. But because you live in a small town, you bump into your high school biology teacher, your creepy co-worker, AND your long-lost . Come to Provincetown and see the Pilgrim Monument, designed by Willard Sears after the Torre del Mangia in Siena. The western part of Western Massachusetts includes the . While you’re there, def hit the galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, indie shops and beaches and grab a drink at A-House, the oldest gay bar in the United States. Located in Franklin County, Deerfield was the farthest northwestern outpost for the New England settlements until the mid-18th century. AreaVibes, which claims to help people find the best place to live, says it's the following 25.According to the website, their livability . The ritzy Boston crowd then flocked out here to relax in the cool ocean breeze. An area where Native Americans fished and foraged prior to the arrival of the Europeans, it was then used as a fort to guard settlers against raids. Nowadays people come to Lenox for the scenic streets and to visit Tanglewood, summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. These towns are the places that offer the perfect escapes for . Whale watching tours speak to its maritime roots. We used science and data to determine which small towns in Massachusetts are the best of the best. Previously an industrial town, it thrived as an art colony in the 1800s – Catharine Sedgwick lived here as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne. This endearing seaside town has a rich history of progressiveness and inclusion that’s long lured artists, poets, entertainers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Best Small Towns in Massachusetts. PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The Cape Cod area was first discovered by European explorers in 1602, and named thus after they caught a lot of codfish. The renowned summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, known as Tanglewood, the cultural town also features Edith Wharton's restored mansion, the Shakespeare and Company international campus, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway. This beloved summer getaway (which, we should mention, also wows in the fall, winter and spring) offers a blend of cute touristy and local stuff. Pittsfield is the largest city in the Berkshires and has gone through a lot of iterations over time. Several are in Western Massachusetts, about a two-hour car or train ride westward. Check out our list of the best small towns to visit in Massachusetts: Stockbridge is a town located in Berkshire County. Chris Kolmar, About HomeSnacks December 29, 2020. With a population of 393, this sleepy spot is perfect for getting away from the bustle of urban life. Lenox is a small town in Berkshire County, and is a popular summer destination. Rockport is located in Essex County, about 40 miles from Boston. On the other side of Massachusetts, in Hampshire County, local is a way of life. Lenox, Massachusetts. Remember that fun is the only priority and Oak Bluffs will make achieving this easy for you. As any student of American history already knows, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was one of the O.G. Besides being a popular summer destination for the outdoorsmen, Lenox also lovely in the autumn to hike or take your bike out on the paths around Pleasant Valley Sanctuary to see the vibrant colors of the foliage. Enjoy a little slice of heaven along the coast next summer. Montague is a small town out in Western Massachusetts that has charm to spare. When we think of adorable small towns in Massachusetts, Newburyport instantly springs to mind. They established a mission for Native Americans who had earned this township as a reward for their support of the British during the French and Indian Wars. Another small town that’s nestled in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Lenox is a low-key cultural dynamo that’s surrounded by winsome scenery. Minuteman National Historic Park to hike, glimpse the North Bridge (pictured above) and enjoy a picnic lunch. Despite being a relatively small state, Massachusetts counts two of the most iconic East Coast summer beach getaways among its lengthy roster of must-visit destinations. Norfolk, a suburban, rural community in Norfolk County, is nestled in a valley along the Charles River. Salem, which is notorious for its 1692 witch trials in which more than 200 people were accused of practicing hocus pocus, casts a spell on all who visit. Updated on 9/10/2019 at 5:00 PM. Pittsfield, like many cities in Western Massachusetts, fell into economic decline at the end of the manufacturing era. Have a lovely meal at the Herb Lyceum at Gilson’s, or a cup of coffee at Blackbird Cafe. Nowadays, Deerfield has preserved its past in Historic Deerfield. Because it means more space to sprawl out on Crane Beach, fewer tourists at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, shorter waits at restaurants and the chance to explore Sandy Point State Reservation sans crowds. When we think of adorable small towns in Massachusetts, Newburyport instantly springs to mind. Great Barrington. 10. Tourists still come out to Rockport for its well-known rocky beaches. We all have those days: you're wearing your grimiest t-shirt, your hair looks like a rodent's nest, and you're just trying to get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible. Southern Berkshire's largest town is one of natural beauty, cultural wealth and historical "firsts." Combined with its convenient location, fashionable shopping district, fine restaurants and recreational opportunities, Great Barrington is and has been a favorite holiday haven for more than 100 years. With a population of 393, this sleepy spot is perfect for getting away from the bustle of urban life. A quaint New England town at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a coastal resort destination known for its beaches, harbor and artists, all of which draw in the tourism. That gives Palmer Town the best ratio of home price to income in Massachusetts. Besides the galleries, gift shops and BYOB restaurants in the harbor area, go see Motif No. A guide to the small towns of Western Massachusetts. Now a bustling suburban sprawl town, quality of life is high and the population is happy, something you’ll immediately notice during your visit. Today, Newburyport flaunts a mix of modern and old-fashioned delights. All its appeal certainly isn’t in the past. 6. Which small Massachusetts towns are the best to live in? We already discussed Martha’s Vineyard. Sign up for PureWow to get more ideas like these (It’s free!). A big part of the appeal at Stockbridge is the art colony that traditionally formed a part of the town. The mill he constructed made the highest percentage of wool for US military uniforms during the Civil War. . Perched at the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown (P-town if you’re a local or frequent visitor) is a summer hotspot. Best Small Towns in Massachusetts for an Easy Weekend Getaway. You’ll also find ice cream parlors, antique shops, scenic trails in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and a lovely boardwalk. Montague is a small town out in Western Massachusetts that has charm to spare. With Ocean Park, Circuit Avenue and Joseph Sylvia State Beach—a two-mile stretch of soft sand and shallow water that served as a filming location for the 1975 flick Jaws—plus the oldest operating platform carousel in the country, you may never even make it to Edgartown. The renowned summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, known as Tanglewood, the cultural town also features Edith Wharton's restored mansion, the Shakespeare and Company international campus, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway. 1 (pictured above) and strike out on the waterside trails in Halibut Point State Park for splendid views that extend well into New Hampshire and Maine. A town with a long US history, it was first settled in 1659 by Puritans. Stay for a few days at Hadley Meadow Bed and Breakfast, a place perfect to rest your feet after a day of hiking at Silvio O Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Rockport, Massachusetts | Halee Burg/Shutterstock. You won’t be disappointed here; there is something to please everyone! These are the least . Rowe is a small town (less than 400 people!) Walk down to the harbor to see the a red fishing shack, Motif Number 1, that has been the subject of hundreds of paintings and photographs and is still visited by aspiring painters. What the masses don’t know is their loss and your gain. If you make it to Groton in the autumn, check out the hidden gem Autumn Hills Orchard. Visit Maynard and prepare to be charmed with their shops – they even have a store called “Charmed”. Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Massachusetts. . Concord is undeniably one of the prettiest small towns in New England and perhaps best known as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War. There are restroom facilities with showers, playgrounds and picnic areas with grilling stations. It became a summer holiday destination once a famous poet, Richard Dana, moved there in the mid-1800s. These are the 50 tiniest towns in Massachusetts. Previously an industrial town, it thrived as an art colony in the 1800s - Catharine Sedgwick lived here as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne. (Sorry, that was just wicked easy.) It's a small community that has a per capita income of $69,734. Discover small towns and villages in western Massachusetts featuring country markets, scenic drives, farm stands and historic sites. Cities in Massachusetts Massachusetts Very Small Towns and Villages (fewer than 1000 residents) - Real Estate, Housing, Schools, Residents, Crime, Pollution, Demographics and More Toggle navigation Lenox is a vibrant small town nestled in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Originally a trading post, Groton is the scene of a battlefield in King Phillip’s War, one of several conflicts between the Native Americans and European settlers. But our towns and villages are also buzzing with modern energy - which comes mainly from the great people who live in them. Updated: Sep. 17, 2019, 3:19 p.m. . Afterward, abolitionism gained popularity and it became an important stopping point on the Underground Railroad. The town has long since changed into a resort destination perfect for your next mental break. Hike around the Upper Bear Swamp Reservoir or Pelham Lake, or visit Monroe State Forest. Lake Wyola is a small lake that sits in the Massachusetts town of Shutesbury. Another historic Massachusetts town, Westford is in Middlesex County and has notable ties to the Revolutionary War: Paul Revere’s son attended school here and both a bell and a weather vane cast by him reside in the town. Visit this historic town to see the first station built for the Coast Guard, the Cushing House Museum and Garden, and the Newburyport Superior courthouse, the oldest continuously active courthouse in Massachusetts. Located 50 minutes from Boston, this coastal gem has a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War. While cycling enthusiasts can bike the Norwottuck Rail Trail. Of course, you don’t have to be a scholar or have a penchant for the past to appreciate the enchanting communities scattered across the Bay State. Provincetown is famed for hosting epic Pride festivities, including its annual parade. Hadley is even connected to some of the witch hunts during those years: Mary Webster, wife to the son of one of Hadley’s founders, was tried and acquitted of witchcraft here in town! So we will do a little bragging on behalf of the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, scenic harbor cruises and the Peabody Essex Museum. Palmer Town residents pay a median price of $197,000 for homes and earn a median income of $64,651. Boxford. Be sure to try the lobster when you are here – lobster fishing is a local part of the economy. Snap some photos or maybe pick up those paintbrushes again and memorialize your trip! If you want to venture outside of town, head to the railroad bridge that crosses the Deerfield River and enjoy the peace that nature offers. Here's a list of the 10 richest towns in the Old Colony State of Massachusetts. (For the sake of clarity, it’s worth mentioning that both the town and island share a name.) Bring your skis and hit the slopes at Nashoba Valley ski area or have some ice cream at Kimball Farm. A state steeped in history, Massachusetts is home to an abundance of fascinating small towns, both on the picturesque seashore and well inland. RELATED: THE 15 MOST CHARMING SMALL TOWNS IN NEW ENGLAND. You’ll probably be able to recognize some of the lovely scenes from Rockwell paintings! You can relax at the Concord River and refuel over a meal at 80 Thoreau before continuing your exploration of this Massachusetts gem. Some terrific journalism here by the Valley Advocate, an independent paper in Western Massachusetts. While Boston has been the capital and main city since its founding, Beantown isn’t the only destination worth visiting. From March to Memorial Day, the iconic towns, villages and cities in Western Massachusetts are brimming with vivid scenery, entertaining festivals, and culinary delights. Don’t forget the quaint downtown shopping district home to many boutiques. Previously an uninhabited area of Cape Ann, Rockport gradually began forming in the 1800s due to the exportation of granite and the establishment of stone quarries. Several are in Western Massachusetts, about a two-hour car or train ride westward. There are restroom facilities with showers, playgrounds and picnic areas with grilling stations. Don’t forget Lenox in winter, either, because there are many ski resorts in the area. Visit Halibut Point State Park to see an old granite quartz, Babson Farm, before heading to Bearskin Neck, converted fisherman shacks that are now popular restaurants and galleries. Even though the Pilgrims later settled across the bay, Provincetown continues to draw people here to this day with its historical importance and appealing beaches. Discover small towns and villages in western Massachusetts featuring country markets, scenic drives, farm stands and historic sites. An artist’s colony and subsequent vacation destination for alternative lifestyle tourists, Provincetown has long promoted gay tourism. Several are within a similar timeframe by train or bus, too. An enchanting town on Cape Ann, Manchester-by-the-Sea lives up to its name with its scenic beaches and viewpoints. Concord was even the first community to ban the use of single serving plastic bottles. During the war, almost all buildings here were burned by the Native Americans. Located in Hampshire County, Hadley is small but popular with visitors because of its ideal location along Route 9. If you’re interested in getting out on the river for fishing, stock up on supplies at Maynard Outdoor Store. One highlight of this community is the Montague Book Mill, one of the most unique bookshops in the country. Take a walk along the Gibbet Hill Barn and Trails or canoe doesn’t the river at Nashoba Paddler. Stop in for an out of the way, quiet destination. Create one here. The year-round population clocks in around 3,000, but that swells to 60,000 during peak season.
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