Five Spots in Massachusetts We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

I’ve said it before, and I’ll state it again and again: I am so thankful to live in such a wonderful place as our beloved Massachusetts. Our state may be small, but it has so much to offer. Four beautiful seasons, rich American history, beaches, forests, mountains, culture, great food... I could go on and on. But for the sake of this article, I will narrow down my favorite things about the Bay State to a mere five. These local spots top my list of the best places to visit in Massachusetts.   

1. Berkshire Mountains

I didn’t grow up visiting the Berkshires, but I am beyond thankful that I discovered this region as an adult. I have taken numerous trips to this magnificent part of the state over the past several years, and each one was incredible. The scenery here is truly spectacular, and there are so many mountains and parks to explore. My favorite hike to date is the Race Brook Falls trail in the tiny town of Sheffield. This magnificent series of waterfalls is a truly spectacular sight to behold.

2. Boston Theater

Now that my children are a little bit older, I have rediscovered my love of theater and have had the opportunity to travel to the city to see several amazing shows. Better yet, my kids have accompanied me to these performances and have also fallen in love with the performing arts. Boston has several gorgeous historical theaters, such as the Boch Center - Wang Theatre and the Citizens Opera House, that draw in top-notch shows, ballets, and musicals. These historic venues have been painstakingly preserved and restored, and are just as remarkable as the shows they host.

3. Charming North Shore Towns

Every time I drive along the stunning North Shore coast or stop in a quaint, historic town such as Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea, or Essex, I’m forever grateful that I get to live in such a remarkable region of Massachusetts. From hidden gems such as the sprawling Crane Estate in Ipswich to the picturesque Motif #1 in Rockport, there is always something new to discover in this quintessential New England spot.

4. Cape Cod Beaches

One of my favorite things about living in Massachusetts is being within driving distance of the ocean. While the rocky beaches of the North Shore make a quick day trip for me, a vacation to Cape Cod is always a welcome treat. With over 100 public beaches to choose from, a trip to the Cape offers relaxation, adventure, and endless coastal fun.

5. Historic Boston

The history books tell us about the events leading up to the American Revolution, but here in Massachusetts, we have the unique opportunity to visit the places where all the action unfolded. As locals, it is easy to walk past attractions such as the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum or the Old North Church, and save the visit for another day, but each time you do this, you are missing out on one of our state’s most valuable resources.

What Massachusetts spots are you most thankful for? If they aren’t on this list, please tell us all about them. To make the most of your local adventures, be sure to use Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.