DESTINATION NEW ENGLAND NUCLEUS

Majestic Massachusetts Is An Atlantic Anchor

BY ALYSE TATUM

Although it’s one of the smallest states in the country, Massachusetts is big on fun for visitors. The state is filled with activities, culture, scenery, history and much more. From art colonies to historic landmarks and beaches, group travel planners will find activities to engage all their customers in one of the nation’s oldest states. Come along to explore the small but mighty state of Massachusetts and uncover some of its hidden gems.

The Berkshires

In the west of Massachusetts is Berkshire County, often referred to as the Berkshires. This county is made up of 30 towns and two cities. Though it is most widely known for outdoor adventures, the Berkshires has a very strong cultural scene as well.

“What sets the Berkshires apart from other travel destinations is the combination of access to outdoor recreation and to see world class shows, go play and dance, and see the largest contemporary museum in the country,” said Lindsey Schmid, senior vice president of tourism and marketing for 1Berkshire. “There’s a variety of activities for any traveler.”

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts is located in Adams, Massachusetts. Visitors can view myriad rotating exhibits along with permanent pieces by artists from around the world.

ArtWeek Berkshires, a 10-day festival celebrating all forms of art all across Berkshire County, made its post-pandemic return in September 2022. The fete comprised over 100 events, including open studios, live performances, poetry readings, painting demos and gallery openings.

For travelers who love outdoor activities like hiking, this region is definitely the ideal destination. Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington has one of the area’s easiest trails with a breathtaking 59-foot split waterfall at the end. However, this is a very popular, high traffic site. Trekkers could also opt for the less known Hoosac Range near North Adams, which has trails with gorgeous sunset views and hikes that range from easy to hard.

“More main hiking trails were overused during the pandemic,” Schmid said. “So we suggest to travelers that some of our smaller, less known trails could be visited more.”

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Boston

Formerly dubbed the “Athens of America,” Boston is an East Coast metropolis with innumerable activities, events and eateries.

The city is a sports powerhouse. Its five professional teams — the Celtics (basketball), Bruins (hockey), Red Sox (baseball), Patriots (football) and Revolution (soccer) — have all won national championships within the past decade.

Aside from athletics, Boston is also lauded in the culinary world for some of its staple dishes. Travelers can head to Mr. Dooley’s for authentic Boston baked beans. They can also weigh in on the citywide debate about who makes the best cannoli by trying the treats at both Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry. For something more upscale, Menton, located in the Four Point neighborhood, may be more fitting. Many people speculate that this modern fine dining eatery would be a Michelin star restaurant if there were a Michelin guide for Boston.

Naturally, no group should visit Boston without visiting Griffin’s Wharf, the site of the historic Boston Tea Party in 1773. This event is cited as the first major act of rebellion by colonists toward Great Britain, which eventually led to the formation of the United States.

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Plymouth

One cannot mention Plymouth without also mentioning Plymouth Rock, one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the United States. It is known worldwide as the landing point for the pilgrims in 1620, though seeing it in person may be a bit underwhelming.

“The significance of Plymouth Rock is more impactful than the actual site,” said Brian Logan, director of communications for See Plymouth. “While the National Monument to the Forefathers is as grand as it is important. At 81-feet tall, it’s the largest granite monument in the United States.”

Designed by Boston sculptor Hammatt Billings, the National Monument to the Forefathers shows human figures representing the virtues of faith, morality, education, law and liberty.

Like most regions in Massachusetts, Plymouth County includes many communities: 26 towns and the city of Plymouth. Starting at the Plymouth Visitor Center, groups can take a self-guided tour using Action Tour Guide, a virtual guide using audio, maps and a book, to lead themselves through the city while stopping at sites like a Mayflower replica, Plymouth Rock and a statue of Chief Massasoit, where they will learn about the true relationship between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.

“We also have a great free mobile app called See Plymouth,” Logan said. “It’s available for your Apple or Android phone, and it can be used to make planning your trip even easier.”

SEEPLYMOUTH.COM