5 CUTE TOWNS TO VISIT IN MASSACHUSETTS
Where to go when you want a staycation in the Bay State!
By Olivia Chamberlain
If you’re like me and live far away from BU, you’re probably already thinking about spring break plans. While I would love to see my family this spring break, I’ve also been researching places close to Boston that I can visit. If you’re like me and aren’t sure whether to stay in-state or go back home, here are some cute towns to visit in Massachusetts that might help you make up your mind!
Nantucket
While Nantucket is known for its beaches, it may still be a bit too chilly in the spring for a beach day. However, there is so much more to do! One option is to take a visit to a lighthouse! Head to Sankaty Head Light for spectacular beach views, or hike to the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge for a long nature walk to see a multitude of animals that you’d definitely never see in Boston, out in the wild. One of the more famously niche locations to visit is the Whaling Museum, where you can travel back in time to the first candle-making factory in Nantucket. This museum is almost a century old, and houses many exciting exhibits!
Cape Cod
The Cape is a popular summer destination in Massachusetts, and offers many fun activities! From more lighthouses to the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, you will truly experience the best nature views that Massachusetts has to offer! If you’re a fan of history, then you have to pay a visit to the Heritage Museum and Gardens, where you’ll find antiques, art, and gorgeous gardens to walk through. The Cape’s beach is about 40 miles long, so there is plenty to explore!
Provincetown
Just a ferry ride away, Provincetown is the center of eclectic art and culture, located at the top of the Cape. Visit the heart of P-Town, also known as Commercial Street, for a myriad of art galleries and restaurants. If you’re an art fanatic, then the Provincetown Art Association and Museum is the place to visit. The PAAM has many diverse exhibits and sculptures, and is a great way to support local artists in Provincetown!
Salem
This is a Massachusetts favorite that I’ve personally been waiting to visit! Salem, known for its historic witch trials, is an especially exciting place to explore in the fall. However, there are many other elements to this historically rich town, a history you can explore during the many tours that Salem offers, highlighting the town’s past and present. They even offer Salem Food Tours, which includes tastings at locally-owned shops and restaurants, as well as diving into Salem’s spice trade history.
The Berkshires
If you prefer mountains to beaches, then the Berkshires are for you. If you’re looking for a quick trip, South Berkshire is filled with everything you want: antique shops, great food, a multitude of hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Bash Bish Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state, is easily accessible through a creek-side hiking trail. The Berkshire Botanical Garden is a must-see, housing over 3,000 different plant species. After this year’s historic winter, I think we could all use a walk through a beautiful garden full of flowers.
Winter is hitting the BU campus pretty hard right now, so I’m definitely looking forward to all of these endless possibilities with spring break right around the corner! In the meantime, there are many other cute towns around Boston to explore! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you have so many out of state options to choose from! Stay safe and bundle up, Terriers!