Ask most Americans about Massachusetts and they talk about Boston, Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. And its leading role in the founding of the nation: the Pilgrim Fathers' landing 400 years ago and the start of the American Revolution. But there's much more to this state than history.
At only 240km wide, Massachusetts may be one of America's smallest states, but few places are denser with things to see and do. Its Atlantic coastline is a natural playground, with broad sandy beaches and every kind of water sport. To the west, the rolling Berkshire Hills are perfect for hiking, biking and communing with Mother Nature. In between is farmland, with back roads leading to picture-perfect villages. Think cosy taverns, historic homes and the white spire of a church spiking up to the deep blue sky.
Massachusetts has long been on the foodie map. The bounty of farmers' markets ranges from orchard fruits to 100 types of artisan cheese. Beer and cider fans can compare and contrast the 80 craft breweries and cideries. As for seafood, that comes straight from the briny. Stop at a 'clam shack', a simple seashore eatery, for lobster, clam chowder and corn on the cob. But save room for ice-cream - the home-made variety. Slurp fresh peach, good old-fashioned vanilla, 'Sea Turtle' and 'Deer Tracks'.
And you're never far from a museum, art gallery or living history attraction. Some are world-famous; others are smaller, telling a local tale. Wherever you are in Massachusetts, there's something special close by, just waiting to be discovered.
HIGHLIGHTS
THE BERKSHIRES
This story is from the February/March 2022 Issue 219 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February/March 2022 Issue 219 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
