Updated Oct 20, 2023

Here Are The Top 11 Christmas Towns In Massachusetts. They’re Magical.

Discover the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts, each offering unique holiday events and festive activities.

Updated Oct 20, 2023

Written by

Updated Aug 9, 2024

How This Small Massachusetts Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Northeast

Northampton, Massachusetts, is a vibrant town known for its arts, music, and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit spot in New England.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by

Sophia

This town in Massachusetts is quietly becoming one of the coolest spots in New England. Though it's far from the state's main urban center, Northampton, Massachusetts has a vibrancy and spirit all its own. Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County and it's the perfect place to go for great food, amazing music, fascinating attractions, and a generally awesome time.

Northampton is an artistic, musical, and cultural (and countercultural) hub that buzzes with life. It's also one of the most charming towns in Massachusetts.

alt — DenisTangneyJr/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

The town has a number of nicknames, including "Hamp" and "NoHo." It’s also known as "Paradise City" after singer Jenny Lind called it "The Paradise of America."

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

This bohemian spot is home to Smith College and a large community of artists, academics, and political activists. Not to mention a good helping of hipsters.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Smith College Museum of Art or Michelson’s Gallery on Main Street, which includes work by John Lennon and Leonard Nimoy, not to mention a Dr. Seuss exhibit that’s fun for kids and grownups.

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Honestly, there are so many things to do in Northampton that'll keep you busy for the entire duration of your stay.

Head to the Iron Horse Music Hall on Center Street for incredible local and international talent. Some groups skip Boston entirely and head straight to the Iron Horse.

You can also catch an awesome big-name show at The Calvin Theater on King Street.

Once you’re ready to head outdoors, check out the Northampton Bike Trail or the Norwottuck Rail Trail. They’re both excellent ways to take in the beauty of the area.

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Visitors looking to spend some time outside should also head to Look Park. This park features a zoo, mini golf, tennis, train rides, picnic areas and playground, a small waterpark for kids and a duck pond with paddle boats for all ages.

Strolling downtown is a great way to experience Northampton as well. Pick up some reading material in the Raven Used Books shop and don’t forget to stop by Sweetie's Fine Chocolate for candy and chocolate sold by weight.

Save time to browse in Turn It Up! for great new and used CDs and vinyl.

Northampton is an incredibly special place and should be on everyone's "to visit" list.

Have you ever visited Northampton, Massachusetts? If not, what are you waiting for? Plan a visit and book a stay at this beautiful home in Northampton's Smith College Neighborhood for a weekend getaway.

For more incredible Massachusetts small towns, check out our list of some of the other cool communities across the state.

Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Updated Aug 9, 2024

The One Massachusetts Town That’s So Perfectly New England

Marblehead, Massachusetts, is a historic coastal town known for its colonial-era homes, charming downtown, and scenic harbor views.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by

Sophia

"New England" means different things to different people, but it's easy to agree that coastal charm, easy elegance, and history define the region. Many Massachusetts towns offer all three of those elements, but Marblehead is a place that truly embodies the beauty and picturesque quality that draws so many visitors to the state year after year. Read on to learn why Marblehead is one of the most quintessentially New England places as well as one of the most charming small towns in Massachusetts.

Visiting feels like stepping back in time to a quieter, simpler age.

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Marblehead is one of the most charming coastal towns in Massachusetts with about 19,800 residents and immeasurable charm. It’s located 18 miles north of Boston, but feels worlds away from the urban sprawl. Marblehead is famous for its time capsule feel; it has retained the quaint, narrow streets and beautiful buildings that were the pride of its first colonists in 1629.

Marblehead, MA has nearly 300 surviving colonial-era homes – the most of any town in the country.

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

The staggering volume of historic buildings and preserved structures makes walking through Marblehead’s old neighborhoods one of the best reasons to visit.

For Marblehead things to do, there are so many quaint shops and restaurants downtown.

Head to the Old Town district to find colonial homes, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques clustered together in an old-fashioned Main Street setup. It’s a quick jaunt to the harbor from downtown, and you’ll get to stroll past many old sailors’ homes.

Local businesses matter, and chain stores are harder to find.

F.L. Woods, a nautical supply shop turned clothing store, has operated out of the same building on Washington Street since 1938. Other Marblehead businesses have also been around for generations. There's something special about buying an outfit off the same rack as your great-grandparent once did.

The daytime views are as pretty as a picture...

Painters and artists of all kinds flock to Marblehead during the summer, making it a great place to swap ideas and soak up some creative inspiration.

But the sunsets over the harbor blow everything else out of the water.

Something about the rows of bobbing sailboats framed against the glowing clouds makes Marblehead Harbor an ideal place for taking in the last rays of the day.

Marblehead transforms into a holiday wonderland every year.

Annual events like the Marblehead Christmas Walk celebrate the spirit of the season, and the whole town puts on an incredible holiday show each year. From the seashell-bedecked wreaths to the twinkling lights adorning the masts of ships in the harbor, Marblehead is one of the best Christmas towns in the state.

Great seafood is the norm.

Marblehead has a long history of seafaring, fishing, and working in harmony with the ocean. Restaurants like The Barnacle, a perennial favorite among locals and travelers alike, celebrate that connection with delicious fare straight from the water.

In fact, it's not unusual to find the catch of the day being peddled straight off the boat.

alt — Flickr/Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Head down to the Marblehead wharf for the chance to load up on the freshest fish and shellfish available.

Old Burial Hill is one of the most scenic places around.

alt — Vishrut Sundararajan/Google Reviews

Marblehead keeps its past close and is proud of its place in American history. Like many Massachusetts towns, Marblehead contributed greatly to the American Revolution and the Civil War. Old Burial Hill cemetery has been taking in Marblehead’s dead since 1638, and many of the original settlers of the town are buried on this scenic hill overlooking the harbor.

Marblehead is known as the birthplace of the American Navy.

So many of Marblehead's sailors became involved in the Revolutionary War that scholars generally agree that they were the forerunners of the country's naval force.

It's basically a sailing mecca.

At some points in the summer, over 2,000 boats are moored in and around Marblehead harbor. There are several yacht clubs that operate out of Marblehead, and the waters around town are lousy with kayakers and boaters.

The beaches range from rugged and dramatic, to calm and manicured.

Check out family-friendly Devereaux Beach, or nearby Dane Street Beach for an amazing time by the water.

Famous writers, politicians, and athletes have all called Marblehead home.

Horror and fantasy writer H.P Lovecraft was profoundly inspired by Marblehead. Describing his first visit to the town, Lovecraft wrote: "...the most powerful single emotional climax experienced during my nearly forty years of existence. In a flash all the past of New England—all the past of Old England—all the past of Anglo-Saxondom and the Western World—swept over me and identified me with the stupendous totality of all things in such a way as it never did before and never did again. That was the high tide of my life."

It's hard not to be inspired by the historic charm and coastal allure of this beautiful Massachusetts town.

It's the kind of place that demands a second visit. And a third.

What are your favorite charming small towns in Massachusetts? Do you think that Marblehead is perfectly New England? Let us know! In the meantime, check out this Massachusetts lighthouse road trip that is dreamily beautiful.

Visiting Marblehead and need a place to stay? Check out the beautiful Harbor Light Inn located in Marblehead's Historic District.

All Stories

Nature

Waterfalls

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in Pennsylvania Almost Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Hike past a beautiful creek, over a fairy tale footbridge, and to a beautiful hidden waterfall at Raccoon Creek State Park.

by Beth Price-Williams

on Sep 13

Nature

Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Hiking Trail in Missouri Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Step away from the crowds and enjoy some solitude in nature when you explore the Tcha-To-Ga Nature Trail near Blue Springs, Missouri.

The Best Pumpkin Rolls in Arkansas Comes from this Charming Small Town Café

Do you dream about pumpkin treats? If so, this fall head to Three Sisters Cafe in Eureka Springs to enjoy one of the best pumpkin rolls in Arkansas.

by Melanie Johnson

on Sep 13

Fluffy pumpkin roll with layers of cream cheese icing on a table with beautiful fall decor.

State Pride

History

The Fascinating Taco Bell Hiding in Arizona That’s Been Left Vacant for Years

Left to ruin the abandoned Taco Bell in Arizona stands as a decaying masterpiece amidst the forgotten desert landscape.

by Chris Dodge

on Sep 13

An abandoned Taco Bell building with striking white walls and a wooden-bordered roof.

Experiences

Activities

Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Attractions And Activities In Hawaii

Here are 15 of the best activities, experiences, and things to do in Hawaii in the fall.

by Trent Jonas

on Sep 13

Here Are The Top 11 Christmas Towns In Massachusetts. They’re Magical.

1. Attleboro

2. Rockport

3. Sturbridge

4. Marblehead

5. Taunton

6. Somerville

7. Newburyport

8. Stockbridge

9. Deerfield

10. Boston

11. Provincetown

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

How This Small Massachusetts Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Northeast

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

The One Massachusetts Town That’s So Perfectly New England

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in Pennsylvania Almost Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

The Stunning Top-Secret Hiking Trail in Missouri Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

The Best Pumpkin Rolls in Arkansas Comes from this Charming Small Town Café

The Fascinating Taco Bell Hiding in Arizona That’s Been Left Vacant for Years

Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Attractions And Activities In Hawaii