Related Sponsors

Check Out a Favorite Vacation Area of Massachusetts

Home » Massachusetts » Massachusetts A One to Three Day Itinerary » Check Out a Favorite Vacation Area of Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts

While most of Eastern Massachusetts is highly populated, Western Massachusetts, as a whole, is rural. In fact, the west of Massachusetts is probably the most rural of the state; the Berkshires are located there - the western border of the state, formed by the Appalachian Mountains.

Because of the rugged terrain and relatively small numbers of people living in Western Massachusetts, the area is well known for its diverse cross country skiing opportunities - opportunities that are unmatched anywhere. From quaint mountain lodges to classy Berkshire mansions and farms, the country in Western Massachusetts is absolutely gorgeous terrain to explore, especially if you're on ski slopes or back country tracks. Most areas also welcome snowboarders and snowshoers. Decide how long you'd like to ski and where, and you can probably purchase a package that will include your resort or lodge, skiing, and possibly more - all for one low cost.

Boston

The city of Boston has incredible historical significance not only for New England but also for the entire United States. Most of the early residents of Boston were Puritans, and their emphasis on public education and independence shaped what Massachusetts itself and the United States would become. Not only was the Boston Tea Party one of the major events to begin the War of Independence, but even in the mere space of greater Boston, there are also located 62 colleges.

The city is now an exciting area to live and visit and a great stop on a short vacation. They have a culture that is unique to that area of the United States including a specific dialect and accent that have often been called Boston English and Boston slang. They also love their regional foods, which focus largely on seafood and dairy products. Among sites of interest in and around Boston are the Frog Pond in the Boston Common, Back Bay, Freedom Trail, Esplanade Park, the Boston Public Library (oldest library in the US), the John Hancock Tower, and more.

Martha's Vineyard

The Vineyard's pleasant summers and plentiful beaches make it a favorite vacation spot for many tourists, including famous individuals like the Clintons, Bill Gates, James Taylor, and Princess Diana. (However, the Islanders have a local custom that celebrities are to be treated just like everyone else, and paparazzi are not allowed.) Many celebrated movies have also been made on this paradisiacal part of Massachusetts.

Six towns comprise the Vineyard - Tisbury, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah - and they each have exciting annual events, such as Edgartown's 4th of July fireworks and Oak Bluffs' Monster Shark Tournament. Some scenic locales to check out include Menemsha Harbor (breathtaking location of the sunset on the island), Edgartown Lighthouse, Katama Bay (perfect for kayaking), The Flying Horses Carousel, Martha's Vineyard Ferry Dock, Beach Chop Lighthouse, and more.

Cape Cod

The island of Cape Cod, north of Martha's Vineyard, is divided into four sections - the Upper Cape, the Mid-Cape, the Lower Cape, and the Outer Cape.
• The Upper Cape. This is the portion of Cape Cod that is nearest the mainland of Massachusetts. The most commonly used ferry to Martha's Vineyard is also located in the Upper Cape.
• The Mid-Cape. Many breathtakingly beautiful Cape Cod beaches are located here.
• The Lower Cape. This is the narrowest part of Cape Cod, and it is comprised of lovely scenery and incredible sunsets.
• The Outer Cape. Some of the highest ranked American beaches, including the Coast Guard, are located on the Outer Cape. It is also believed that the Pilgrims originally landed on Eastham's Nauset beach, not Plymouth Rock.

In addition to its historical distinction as the landing site of Pilgrims, Cape Cod now holds the honor of being a top tourist destination in the United States. Though the island actually has a steady population of 230,000, their tourist population increases dramatically between Memorial Day and Labor Day (which demonstrates clearly that it has to be a wonderful place to spend your one to three day vacation!). Many businesses even open and close based on when the tourists will be on the island, during the comfortable New England summer. Fun things to do while visiting include experiencing some of the Cape products, like the shellfish, lobster, and cranberries, or to go whale watching.

Next Page:

Related Massachusetts A One to Three Day Itinerary Articles