MASSACHUSETTS

Attractions

ADVENTURE PARK

RAMBLEWILD

The Lorax would have a field day at this glorious outdoor course, which is set as high as 45 feet up in trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. Among the ropes, bridges, ladders, and swings, there are five levels (beginner to advanced) represented in eight courses, some of which soar over ravines by way of zip lines. 110 Brodie Mountain Road, Lanesborough. 844472-6253; ramblewild.com

ART MUSEUM

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

What’s here? How about a world-class collection of international art in a beautifully composed and intimate setting? Stroll through the light-flooded atrium into rooms displaying more than 1.8 million works—key pieces of American Impressionism and Chinese and African art—and then into collections of Rodin sculpture and Native American art, all thoughtfully chosen from around the globe by some of the region’s most respected curators. 161 Essex St., Salem. 978-745-9500; pem.org

BIRD-WATCHING SPOT

BROADMOOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Stretching out along Indian Brook and the Charles River, this Mass Audubon sanctuary is home to owls, black-capped chickadees, tree swallows, Eastern bluebirds, and more than 120 other species of feathered friends, many of which use the nest boxes scattered throughout the elaborate trail system. Back at the Saltonstall Nature Center, rotating birding exhibits are on display, and bird-watching groups gather to share the day’s biggest sightings. 280 Eliot St., Natick. 508-655-2296; massaudubon.org

COLLECTIBLES SHOP

NORTH READING COINS, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES

From china and rare books to vintage lamps, a trove of unique finds is waiting to be snapped up at this multidealer marketplace. The helpful staff can assist you in finding almost anything, and the stock is replenished daily—so your chances of discovering that next family heirloom rise with each visit. 157 Main St., North Reading. 978-664-4402; goldsilverantiques.com

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE

PLIMOTH PLANTATION

Upward of a million visitors flood into Plymouth every year to experience firsthand what life was like in one of America’s first colonies, and for good reason: Thanks to its re-creation of a 17th-century English village filled with actors and its Wampanoag Homesite (populated not by actors but by real Native Americans), Plimoth Plantation provides an immersive, 360-degree view of history. 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. 508746-1622; plimoth.org

SUMMER STOCK

BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP

In an area celebrated for top-notch regional theater, what sets this organization apart? Again and again, fans tout the highly personal experience that its stages offer. In Stockbridge, the Fitzpatrick Main Stage is an iconic 1928 venue that brings in classical productions and world premieres every summer, while the smaller Unicorn Theatre presents experimental and avant-garde work. In Pittsfield, the Colonial Theatre is the go-to for summer musicals. 83 E. Main St., Stockbridge; 6 East St., Stockbridge; 111 South St., Pittsfield. 413-997-4444; berkshiretheatregroup.org

VINEYARD

WESTPORT RIVERS WINERY

When you want a taste of why Westport Rivers is arguably the most esteemed wine producer in the region, hop into the car and spend an afternoon touring the place itself. You can sample the vintages in the wine bar and pick up a few bottles (or, OK, a case) in the abutting company store, where the staff is always ready with pairing tips and recommendations. And when the weather cooperates, bring a picnic and enjoy the resplendent seaside setting. 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport. 508-636-3423; westportrivers.com

Lodging

ADVENTURE LODGING

BERKSHIRE EAST MOUNTAIN RESORT

Cycling enthusiasts know it as the premier bike park in the region. Whitewater lovers adore it for the Deerfield River rafting. Zip-liners queue up for its 200-foot-high canopy tours. And roller coaster junkies can’t get enough of the Thunderbolt, North America’s longest mountain coaster. In winter, skiing and snow tubing come into the picture, too. 66 Thunder Mountain Road, Charlemont. 413-339-6617; berkshireeast.com

Boutique Inn The Merchant

With just 11 bright and pretty rooms smack in the middle of historic Salem, the Merchant is an unquestionably charming mix of history

(George Washington once stayed overnight, and portions of the Salem witch trials took place on the property) and modernity. Eclectic accents like funky Lucite chairs and emerald cheetah-patterned fabrics contrast with fireplaces and wooden beams, while amenities such as complimentary iPads and a bustling, cushy guest lounge up the coolness factor. 148 Washington St., Salem. 978-745-8100; themerchantsalem.com

COUNTRY B&B

SEVEN SOUTH STREET INN

Offering roomy chambers graced with fresh flowers and four-poster beds, Rockport’s much loved bed-and-breakfast is equal parts cozy and cosseting. Walk over to Old Garden Beach for the day, explore nearby Rockport Village, or just lounge around the pool for hours after polishing off breakfast. The latter is an event unto itself, thanks to such treats as peaches-and-cream Belgian waffles, scrambled egg casserole with sweet potato hash, and apple strudel French toast with bacon rosettes. 7 South St., Rockport. 978-5466708; sevensouthstreetinn.com

Family Lodging

CHATHAM BARS INN

After the tykes have had their fill of the tennis courts, the private quarter-mile beach, biking, water sports, and the on-site farm, they can jump into hands-on and educational activities galore. All summer long, the tony resort offers a slew of programs that run from pirate cruises and seal-watching to clam digging and scavenger hunts, all led by CPR-and-first-aidcertified instructors who seem to be having nearly as much fun as the kids. 297 Shore Road, Chatham. 508-945-0096; chathambarsinn.com

HISTORIC B&B

Candleberry Inn

Stroll through the heart of the Old King’s Highway Historic District and you’ll run right into this Georgian-style beauty, where the nine guest rooms feature Winslow Homer prints and poster beds, fireplaces, and 200-year-old pine floors. Loved for its epic breakfasts taken in the 1790s dining room, it’s an ideal spot from which to explore the rest of the Cape. 1882 Main St., Brewster. 508-896-3300; candleberryinn.com

Inn For Foodies

THE WAUWINET

Tucked into the quiet and breezy northeast point of Nantucket, this sprawling seaside property is where to come when it isn’t about the scene, it’s about the scenery—and the taste buds. From your seat at Topper’s restaurant, gaze across the pristine lawn to a beach sunset as