Camping Gems - Places to Eat in Massachusetts
Boston
Mobil Four-Star Rated
Meritage
L'Espalier
Aujourd'hui
More Affordable
Zocalo
Merengue
Amherst
Baku's African Restaurant
Salem
Caffe Graziani
Worcester
One Eleven Chop House
Sole Proprietor Seafood and Spirits
Coney Island Lunch
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Camping Gems - Massachusetts
Mount Greylock
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. Rising above the surrounding Berkshire landscape, dramatic views of upwards almost 90 miles distant may be seen. Be sure to visit scenic Deer Hill Falls.
Longfellow National Historic Site, Cambridge
Not only did Longfellow live here from 1837-1882, but this home also holds the honor of being President George Washington's headquarters during 1775 and 1776. To see Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's final resting place, head to the Mount Auburn Cemetery. (105 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA, 617-876-4491)
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord
Henry David Thoreau lived at Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. His experience at Walden provided the material for the book Walden, which is credited with helping to inspire awareness and respect for the natural environment. You'll see a replica of his house, a gift shop/book store, a beach, and hiking trails. (Route 126, 978-369-3254)
Alander Mountain Loop
This is an all-day or overnight hike, but it's well worth the effort. Head to the southwest corner of Massachusetts in Mount Washington State Forest, and start your hike early in the morning. You'll see amazing views, fern forests, and incredible seasonal blooms and foliage.
Minute Man Historic Park
Head out to walk the 5-mile trail that will take you along the same path walked by the soldiers and by some of the houses that survived. This is a facinating glimpse into history and also a lovely walk. You'll also want to spend a little time at the North Bridge where the first shots were fired. (Route 2A, 781-862-7753)
Blue Hills Reservation
Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres, providing a green oasis in an urban environment. Rising above the horizon, Great Blue Hill reaches a height of 635 feet, the highest of the 22 hills in the Blue Hills chain. Enjoy the scenic views, varied terrain and 125 miles of trails.
Boston African-American National Historic Site
Begin your tour at Hayden House, which was a station on the Underground Railroad. The historic site has roughly two dozen sites on the north face of Beacon Hill. These historic buildings were homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community that, in the face of great opposition, fought the forces of slavery and inequality.
Gates Pond
This reservoir is an outdoor oasis. The pond is truly untouched, with no sign of human interference around. Head there for the scenic loop trail that circles the lake, a great place to enjoy summertime hikes or winter cross-country skiing.
Chatham
Chatham has everything you'd want in a Cape Cod village -- scenery, ocean views, and terrific seafood. Take the water taxi and watch for seals and sea birds, shop along Main Street, or stroll along the 65 miles of shore. Don't miss Marion's Pie Shop and the fresh fish for sale at the Market at Fish Pier.
Bass River Lighthouse, Cape Cod
If you're looking for picture-perfect Cape Cod, then head to the Bass River lighthouse. This charming building with the red lighthouse peak has looked out over Nantucket Sound for years and year - and it's still in operation today. |
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Camping Gems - Places to Go in Massachusetts
Cape Cod National Seashore
Explore the Seashore with its miles of beaches, towering sand dunes, biking and walking trails, and cold Atlantic Ocean water. Also in the park is the Harbor Life-saving Museum, the Marconi Wireless Station, and the Captain Edward Penniman House. If you love light houses, you'll enjoy seeing the Highland Light, the Nauset Light, the Race Point Light, the Wood End Light, and the Long Point Light as you wander through the park.
Martha's Vineyard
Take a day trip to this gorgeous island, home to so many of the east coast's rich and famous. To explore on your own, visit all the villages by hopping aboard one of the shuttle buses, rent a bike, or (for a guided tour) take one of the bus tours offered right as you get off the ferry.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts provides a broad array of hiking opportunities for both the long-distance or day hiker. The AT travels over Mount Everett in the south, Mount Greylock in the north, and through the Housatonic and Hoosac Valley's picturesque small towns.
Plymouth
Start by visiting the Harlow Old Fort House, which was built in 1677 and features furnishings and articles that will give you a better understanding of how the Pilgrims lived. To learn more about early day life in the Colonies visit the Howland House (1666) and the Plimoth Plantation, a 17th-century living history museum complete with costumed re-enactors. Also part of this living history site is a replica of the original 1620 Mayflower called the Mayflower II.
Boston
Get your visit off on the right foot by walking the 3-mile Freedom Trail that starts at Boston Commons and takes you by 16 historic sites. Along your walk you'll see the State House (1798), the Park Street Church (1831), the Granary Burying Yard where John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere are buried, the King's Chapel (1754), the Old City Hall, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House (1729), Faneuil Hall (1742), the Paul Revere House (1680), the Old North Church, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Pavilion and Monument.
Beacon Hill, Boston
Named for the iron bucket of tar which used to be lit to signal danger, this neighborhood has cobblestone streets, 18th and 19th-century townhouses and mansions, and wonderful gas street lanterns. This area was home to such notable Bostonians as Louisa May Alcott and William Dean Howells. While you're here, take note of the smaller houses of the Bay Village area homes, Stuart and Church Streets. Many of these were built as the personal homes of the craftsmen working on the homes in Beacon Hill.
Salem
Learn all about the famous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, starting at the Salem Witch Museum in Washington Square. Here you will see a show in the round that uses 13 stage sets to recreate and tell the history of this scary time. Also in Salem you'll find Nathaniel Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables, the Salem Wax Museum, Pioneer Village, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Don't miss Dracula's Castle, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Witch History Museum, or the New England Pirate Museum.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to the Sancturary for a nine-mile hike along the Charles River. The path and boardwalks carry you through estuaries and wetlands where you can watch for otters, beavers, ducks, and other water birds. (280 Elliot St, Natick, MA, 508-655-2296)
Fall River Heritage State Park
Enjoy views of Battleship Cove, home of the World War II battleship, U.S.S. Massachusetts. Here you can enjoy their Visitors Center with its exhibits on local history, the Boathouse, Fall River Carousel, and the H.M.S. Bounty, used in the filming of MGM Studios' Mutiny on the Bounty. (200 Davol Street West, 508-675-5759)
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Explore the Visitors Center, the Custom House, the Derby House, and the Narbonne House. You can enjoy a 18th-century garden, shop in the West India Goods Store, and admire a full-size replica of the 1797 merchant ship named the Friendship. (193 Derby St, 978-740-1660) |
Camping Gems - Things to Do in Massachusetts
Walk the Freedom Trail through Boston's greatest historic sites.
Build a sandcastle, swim in the ocean, and stroll the sands of Cape Cod at the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Get locked in the stocks or see a witch trial in Salem.
Hike a stretch of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Go sailing in Nantucket Sound at Martha's Vineyard.
Watch for beavers, otters, and wood ducks at the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary.
White-water raft down the Deerfield River.
Climb Mount Greylock, Massachusetts' highest peak.
Visit Concord and stroll around Thoreau's famous Walden Pond.
Head to Plymouth for the Cranberry Harvest Celebration and a tour of Plymouth Rock.
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Massachusetts
