18 Things Everyone MUST DO In Massachusetts In 2016

Ring in 2016 with the biggest NYE party around. Great for families as well as adults looking to cut loose, this massive event features over 250 exhibitions and performances by both local and internationally recognized artists. And don't miss the amazing ice sculptures!

Featuring around 50 teams from all over the USA, the Boston Dragon Boat Festival is the oldest dragon boat festival in North America. It offers Asian inspired events like music performances dance, martial arts, and LOTS of amazing ethnic cuisine. Check out the arts and crafts, too!

Looking to really let your patriotism shine? Look no further than Harborfest. Boston's six-day Fourth of July celebration is the largest celebration of the holiday in the country. Over 200 daily events celebrate the birth of the nation as well as the city's nautical heritage.

An oldie but a goodie. Running the Boston Marathon is a great goal for the new year. Even if you aren't the racing type, heading out to cheer on the competitors makes for a great day. Bring lots of water, snacks, and your best cheerleading attitude.

Some days are just made for fried dough and ring-toss games. Not to mention world-class musical acts, a massive petting zoo, crafts for sale, and exciting rides. When you need all that, the Barnstable County Fair is definitely the place to be. The fair is running July 18-24, 2016.

Wear your finest lederhosen (for real, that's encouraged) and cozy up to a bratwurst or two. If you're feeling competitive, participate in keg bowling games and German chocolate cake-eating contests. If you're having trouble deciding on attending, just read that last part again.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is a 18,000 square-foot facility that includes an giant conservatory that is packed with butterflies, moths and tropical greenery. This place is open seven days a week, year-round.

Your yacht in for repairs? Don't fret. Hop on board a whale watch and spend the day communing with some of the most majestic creatures on earth. Look for tours departing from Hyannis Harbor. Depending on when you go, some tours even have a "see a whale or get your money back" guarantee.

This is the world's largest two-day rowing event. The Head Of The Charles Regatta was first held in 1965 and last year over 7,500 athletes from around the world showed up to compete. This is an exciting way to spend a beautiful day by the water, as long as you don't mind a crowd to the tune of 300,000 people!

This non-profit zoo prides itself on actually being a wildlife facility dedicated to promoting appreciation and respect for the conservation of animals and their ecosystems. Take the kids along (there's an awesome petting zoo with domestic and farm animals) and enjoy your visit with the animals knowing that you're helping helping to conserve their natural homes.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston features 132 acres of hilltop garden paradise with a panoramic view of Mt. Wachusett and the reservoir. This is an incredible spot to take the whole family, or maybe just that special someone. Pack a picnic and don't forget your camera. You'll definitely want to snap some gorgeous pics of the stunning flora.

Massachusetts has SO many small local farms and their farmers are eager to share the fruits (and tubers) of their labors. It's definitely worth exploring the markets around your area (the one pictured is in Amherst) and seeing what's in season. After all, aren't we all resolving to eat better in 2016? Why not eat tastier, too?

If you didn't check out many museums in 2015, make 2016 the year you catch a movie at the Boston Museum of Science. The Mugar Omni Theater there will blow. your. mind. This is the world's largest film format where movies are projected onto a five-story-tall IMAX® Dome screen. It wraps audiences in larger-than-life scenes of excitement and beauty. Trust me, you haven't known fear until you see a movie explosion happen literally all around you.

The Scenic Excursion Train will take you past cranberry bogs, fascinating marshes, and beautiful woodlands during a two-hour journey between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal. If you're feeling fancy (and are about 12 years old) the railroad also offer numerous dinner ride options.

There's nothing like an old-fashioned drive-in movie. Round out a summer day with a fun night at the Wellfleet Theater. There's a playground area for kids as well as retro snack bar.

Nothing tastes quite so good as a bowl full of sweet berries you picked right off the bush. Check out the many pick-your-own farms all across Massachusetts for a great time with family and friends. Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow and Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury are great places to start.

The Schooner Fame is a replica of a privateer ship from the War of 1812, offering harbor cruises, sailing trips and private charters in Salem harbor. Perfect for the history buffs and ocean-lovers among us. The Schooner Fame sails up to four times daily.