3 Quaint Spots

by Riya Haria

Photography courtesy of Tom Whitten on Creative Commons on Flickr

Cape Cod

Think sandy beaches and endless whale watching. It is the Hamptons of New England, filled with tiny boutiques, authentic local restaurants, and endless nights with star-filled skies. The protected Cape Cod National Seashore is 40 miles of sand, water, and greenery, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a scenic way to enjoy the 22-mile stretch of national parks. Before you leave, make sure to stop and see the historic Pilgrim Monument, a commemoration of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in America. How to get there: By Air - 30 minute flight from Boston, MA By Sea - 90 minutes from Boston, MA By Car - 1 hour from Boston, MA By Train - 90 minutes from Boston, MA By Bus - 2 hours from Boston, MA

Martha’s Vineyard

This island is a safe haven with a lighthouse by the beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Martha’s Vineyard encompasses mansions and boutiques and provides a luxurious getaway. Visit Aquinnah Cliffs, which were carved by glaciers millions of years ago and are now one of the area’s most-visited tourist sites. Make sure to also snap a photo in front of the picturesque Edgartown Lighthouse. How to get there: By car - 2 hours from Boston, MA By Sea - 1 hour

Nantucket

Famous for its New England architectural community planning, Nantucket is 14 miles south of Cape Cod and is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is filled with artifacts and is definitely worth a trip. Jethro Coffin House – the only surviving structure from the island’s original settlement – is not to miss. Another historic sight, Brand Point Light, was the second lighthouse built in colonial America. How to get there: By Air: 45 minute flight from Boston, MA By Car: 3 hours