The 12 Best Hidden Gems In Massachusetts To Visit In 2023, One For Each Month Of The Year
By Melissa Mahoney|Updated on December 16, 2022(Originally published December 12, 2022)
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
If you’re always looking for things to do throughout the year, why not discover some of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts? To help you get started with exploring places that are lesser known and off the beaten path, we’ve put together this handy list of some of the most fascinating and incredible attractions throughout the state – one for each month of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover some of the lesser-known places around the Bay State in 2023!
1. January - Winter hiking at Holland Glen Conservation Area, Belchertown
Start the new year off with a hike at Holland Glen Conservation Area in Belchertown. This isn't an ordinary hike - it's extraordinary because it leads to a waterfall. If it's cold enough when you visit, the waterfall may be frozen. The lightly trafficked trail is 1.1 miles and is also rated as moderate. Find out more about this road trip that includes this Massachusetts hidden gem.
2. February - Mapparium, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Boston
Take a virtual trip around the world at Mapparium, a one-of-a-kind exhibit located inside The Mary Baker Eddy Library when you spend time at one of the ultimate Massachusetts hidden gems. While the library itself is a gorgeous work of architecture, the Mapparium is perhaps its most stunning feature. The stained glass globe was built in the 1930s and portrays the map of the world as it was back then. Best of all, you can walk inside it! Learn more by reading about one of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts. .
The month of March is synonymous with the incoming spring season and St. Patrick's Day. Therefore, why not celebrate the month at one of the most fun hidden places in Massachusetts? Located in Hingham Square, The Snug offers traditional Irish fare, pints of your favorite beer, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. Take a look at this article to learn more about additional one-of-a-kind Massachusetts hidden gems .
For over 100 years, Hebert's Candies has been known for its chocolates. When a Tudor-style mansion was purchased as its permanent home, it then became known as the Candy Mansion. Offering some of the best-handcrafted chocolates and sweets, this is *the* go-to confectionary for many residents in central Massachusetts. It's especially popular during the holidays. If you celebrate Easter, you will find chocolate bunnies, homemade jelly beans, and more to fill a basket for the holiday. Read more about one of the tastiest and best-hidden gems in Massachusetts.
Located in Sandwich, Heritage Museum & Gardens is home to 100 acres of gorgeous gardens, including its Bulb River (pictured here). Take a lovely stroll and soak in the welcoming sights of spring! Read more in our previous coverage about one of the best little-known places in Massachusetts.
Like a secret garden in the middle of the city, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of many spectacular little-known places in Massachusetts. Filled with 1,500 rose bushes, tall hedges, a fountain, statues, and trellises, you may forget that you're in Boston for a moment when you visit. Read to learn more about one of the little known places in Massachusetts.
Mytoi Japanese Garden is a serene 14-acre botanical garden located on Martha's Vineyard's Chappaquiddick Island. You'll experience the serene atmosphere as you stroll along pathways through gardens filled with both exotic and native plant species. Read more about one of Massachusetts hidden gems.
If you're looking for a peaceful beach with views and some excellent beachcombing, head to Wingaersheek Beach. This little-known place in Massachusetts is a 0.6-mile stretch of sand located along the Annisquam River in Gloucester. Discover more about this is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts.
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9. September - The Jenney Interpretive Centre, Plymouth
Housed in a historic Plymouth home built in 1749, The Jenney offers tours and education about the impact the Pilgrims had on the country. You can learn quite a bit of early American history here. You'll discover more about Plymouth too.
10. October - Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain
As the month of Halloween, October is the time to visit spooky spots like haunted houses and cemeteries. The 275-acre Forest Hills Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery and a hidden gem in Massachusetts that is more beautiful than it is spooky. Nonetheless, it's a peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the stunning grounds, sculpture garden, and arboretum. To learn more about this cemetery on the outskirts of Boston, take a look at this article about one of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts.
11. November - Eyrie House Ruins at Mt. Tom State Reservation, Holyoke
Reachable by hiking, the Eyrie House Ruins are a hidden historical gem that is hauntingly beautiful. Once a luxury mountain hotel that catered to the wealthy, Eyrie House began its decay following a fateful fire. To learn more, read about one of the most scenic little-known places in Massachusetts.
12. December - Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn, Spencer
With the holiday season in full swing in December, why not visit a store that's completely dedicated to Christmas? From floor to ceiling, Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn is packed with Christmas decor. Learn why this shop is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts..
Have you visited any of these best-hidden gems in Massachusetts yet? What are your favorite lesser-known places around the state? Tell us in the comments! if you’d like to have an adventure while visiting hidden places, check out this Massachusetts road trip too.
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Best Hidden Gems in Massachusetts
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