Destination Spotlight - Boston / Massachusetts, USA

Boston, Massachusetts photo by Walter Rock

Boston	Family Fun	History & Heritage	Nature & Fall Foliage	Coastline & Beaches

History & Heritage

Whilst Boston itself possesses some of the world’s most famous landmarks and historical sites, a drive further into the state of Massachusetts is obligatory in order to fully appreciate the many other places of interest this state has to offer.

Old Sturbridge Village in central Massachusetts - a perfectly preserved 1830s settlement, is one of them. A collection of forty authentic (not replica) structures make up the village, representing living quarters and places of work. These include a Quaker meeting house, bank, country store, blacksmith shop, school and working farm. The village is inhabited by ‘residents’, who demonstrate exactly how this type of community operated. Combine a visit with a boat ride across the Quinebaug River to make an enjoyable day out for both adults and children.

Another preserved 19th Century settlement to be discovered is the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. In keeping with Shaker philosophy “Order is Heaven’s Law”, each of the 20 buildings is carefully placed by one another. The centerpiece of this impressive settlement is the huge round stone barn - the very essence of the Shaker’s work ethic with its precise joinery of roof beams and belittling support pillars. Again, actors are on hand to demonstrate the Shaker’s disciplined way of life, paying the utmost respect to their subjects by even dressing themselves in the Shaker tradition; from right side first, buttoning left to right, then stepping right foot first!

Plymouth Rock, Mount Greylock, Mayflower II

Absolutely essential is a drive to Plymouth Rock, south of Boston - a granite stone which marks the spot where sea-weary Pilgrims first set foot in America in 1620, which is also home to the Mayflower II - a full scale reproduction of the ship that brought those very Pilgrims from England to the United States. Costumed guides are on hand to provide information about this famous ship and its remarkable Trans-Atlantic voyage, offering details on her crews’ arduous journey, their navigation methods, how they managed to survive with limited provisions, and an insight into how William A. Baker went about making an exact replica of this famous vessel.

Off the coast of Cape Cod lies the globally renowned island of Martha’s Vineyard (more about the island further on); home to the African American Heritage Trail, which documents struggle for freedom. Landmarks, plaques and riveting stories all lead the visitor through the troubled history of this area, outlining the key events that helped lead African Americans towards freedom and prosperity - an inspiring part of any visit to the vineyard.

Nature & Fall Foliage

Every autumn in certain parts of Massachusetts; following a drop in temperature and fewer daylight hours, millions of trees shed their green leaves and turn a spectacular array of yellows, oranges and reds, making some of the following areas ideal with ‘leaf peepers’, who come in their thousands to see the stunning colors of the fall foliage.

Car hire is essential to take in the best spots, with a trip down Route 2 from Orange to Williamstown finding you on The Mohawk Trail - one of American’s first leaf peeping car routes. No less than 14 state parks and forests will pass you by, making this the ideal journey for any new enthusiasts. As the journey winds its way up to Whitcomb Summit, you begin to see the endless, heavenly setting of fields, farms, valleys and hills, and the indescribable collection of autumn shades, culminating at the summit of Mount Greylock, which will give first-time visitors a view of the Massachusetts foliage they will never forget.

Equally spectacular is a drive to the 100-acre Blackstone Gorge and river which cascades over Rolling Dam, past hemlocks and gigantic boulders. Visitors are able to cross the river in places by stepping across the high stones to discover the full beauty of the surrounding forests.

Similarly, Chesterfield Gorge nature reserve, surrounded by dense forests and, punctuated by the Westfield River, is equally as spectacular and popular with leaf peepers. Here it is possible to do some rock climbing and, under guidance; walk along the cliff ledges that let you look out across the Massachusetts’s countryside. But be sure not to delve too deep into its forests, as you may bump into some of the local bears or bobcats who have made this reserve their home!

Keen nature-lovers should also take in Berkshire Botanical Gardens in Stockbridge (routes 102 or 183), which displays an unbelievable 15 acres of flower beds, vegetable and herb gardens and an array of ponds.