There are some things that seem to leap to mind automatically when someone mentions Massachusetts. Everything from our unique cuisine to the way we talk (or people seem to think we talk) makes us what we are, and most people immediately think of a few of the following things when they think of Massachusetts.
1. The Red Sox
Seeing those two red knit stockings instantly makes you think of the Bay State. Our state baseball team has a colorful history and an iconic home – Fenway Park.
2. The Accent
When you tell someone you’re from Massachusetts, there’s a 1 in 4 chance they’ll ask if you park your car in Harvard Yard. While most Bay Staters don’t speak with that classic Boston accent, most people seem to be unaware of this.
3. Boston
Our capital city is one of the most historic spots in the country and is filled with landmarks that most Americans will recognize from their old history textbooks. From Revolutionary War skirmishes to the Boston Tea Party, this city has seen it all. Today, Boston is a rich cultural hub that highlights the diversity of this state.
4. Baked Beans
These rich, molasses-cooked beans are a staple of traditional Massachusetts cooking. Though no one really calls Boston "Beantown," it’s true that we Bay Stater’s love a side of baked beans with our summertime cookout fare.
5. Cranberries
Cranberry jam, cranberry bread, cranberry ice cream, chocolate-covered cranberries, cranberry beer…the list of cranberry products you can find in Massachusetts is astounding. This isn’t surprising, given that cranberry bogs are a common sight here and we have a certain special claim to fame….
6. Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts and we’re not about to let anyone forget it. While this historic gathering didn’t include cranberry sauce (or even turkey), we’re proud of our history and know how to celebrate this national holiday in style.
7. The Pilgrims
Thanksgiving isn’t the only major American event to go down in Plymouth. The Pilgrims first touched down in this coastal spot, which leads many people to associate Massachusetts with our nation’s early Puritan founders. Almost child in Massachusetts remembers their first anticlimactic field trip to Plymouth Rock.
8. Cape Cod & The Islands
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are the stuff of summertime daydreams. Pretty as a postcard and packed with seaside attractions, these coastal spots are about as Massachusetts as it gets.
9. Scenic Roads
Anyone who has ever taken a road trip across Massachusetts can testify to the fact that this state is filled with gorgeous winding roads. Driving through pretty New England villages, lush state forests and seaside towns is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Massachusetts.
10. Terrible Driving
Like it or not, Massachusetts drivers have a reputation for being…erratic. While this isn’t universally true, of course, it is a fact that many Bay State drivers don’t seem to realize their car comes equipped with turn signals.
11. Clam Chowder
Thick, white broth and luscious chunks of potato and clam make this hearty soup a Massachusetts classic. You won’t catch anybody in the Bay State making this stuff with clear broth, either. Massachusetts chowder is creamy and best served in a warm bread bowl.
12. Harvard & MIT
Some of the world’s premier schools are right here in Massachusetts, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Given that our state consistently ranks number one in the nation when it comes to education, it’s clear that Massachusetts takes smarts seriously.
13. Sarcasm
We here in Massachusetts are a sarcastic bunch. While we normally mean it all in good fun, there’s no limit to our ability to inject sarcasm into everyday conversation. This can be jarring if you’re not used to the New England way, but it does keep things entertaining.
14. The Patriots
Bay Staters love to love the Patriots. Whether or not Tom Brady is indeed the G.O.A.T may be up for debate, but only outside of Massachusetts. Here, the Patriots reign supreme.
15. Fall Foliage
Of course, there’s plenty of beauty to be had in Massachusetts far away from the coast. If you grew up living in or visiting Wester Mass., chances are that rich fall foliage is what you picture when someone says "Massachusetts." We have some of the prettiest autumn colors in New England.
16. Dunkin' Donuts
It’s scientifically verifiable that Massachusetts does indeed run on Dunkin’.
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What do you think comes to mind when someone mentions Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments. For more Massachusetts state pride, check out these 14 questions you can only answer if you’re from Massachusetts.
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