MASSACHUSETTES
Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lays the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is the 7th smallest, but the 14th most populous and the 3rd most densely populated of the 50 United States. Massachusetts features two separate metropolitan areas: Greater Boston in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west.
Whether you’re looking to take in some culture, get in touch with nature, or visit points of historical interest, there are countless colorful things to taste, see, and do in Massachusetts.
Capital: Boston
Best Time of Visit:
If we only consider the weather issue, then the best time to visit Massachusetts is undoubtedly spring – April, May, June or late-summer and early fall – September, October.
Then again, it all depends on what you value most. Massachusetts is an all year round destination, with attractions for many tastes.
Min Days Required: 8 days
Places of Interest:
1. Boston
Take two parts of history, an immense measure of national pride, a whole slew of high-powered financial institutions and an exuberant student population – that’s Boston, capital of Massachusetts. One of America’s oldest cities, Boston is where the American Independence struggle began and the city is replete with monuments and memorials.
Places of Interest – An Abbreviated Freedom Trail, Institute of Contemporary Art, Back Bay, Charles River Esplanade, The Redsox Fan, Harvard Yard, Jamaica Pond, The Boston Public Library.
2. Cape Cod
Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula located on the Eastern most portions of Massachusetts. It is a well-traveled tourist and vacation area, featuring miles and miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries and many four star restaurants. The area is also very popular amongst antique enthusiasts and people who enjoy bed and breakfasts. Many opportunities exist here for golf, fishing and other outdoor activities. The town of Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims.
Places of Interest: Shining sea bikeway, Cape Cod national seashore, Race Point beach, Wellfleet Aubudon Sanctuary, Pirates Cove, Great Island Trail
3. Salem
4. Cambridge
5. Nantucket
6. Provincetown
7. Plymouth
Climate:
The climate of Massachusetts is a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Massachusetts receives about 50 inches (1016 mm) of rain annually, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, slightly wetter during the winter.
Summers are warm with average high temperatures in July above 80 °F (26.7 °C) and overnight lows above 60 °F (15.5 °C) common throughout the state.
Winters are cold, but generally less extreme on the coast with high temperatures in the winter averaging above freezing even in January, although areas further inland are much colder.
The state does have extreme temperatures from time to time with 90 °F (32.2 °C) in the summer and temperatures below 0 °F (-17.8 °C) in the winter not being unusual.
Currency: US Dollars
Things to carry:
Summer: If you’re going to be walking around to see some of the outdoor Massachusetts tourism attractions, you’ll want to start with packing sun screen and sunglasses.
What to pack may also include t-shirts, shorts, sandals, a hat to block some of the sun’s rays and comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. At night, you may want to include a windbreaker or type of light jacket
Spring and Fall : Comfortable sneakers, jeans, a t-shirt and a warm fleece that’s both breathable and windproof. If rain is in the forecast and your plans include walking through the streets of Boston, make sure to pack a sturdy/windproof umbrella or some type of rain gear like a poncho or raincoat.
Winter: Dressing in layers with waterproof and windproof clothing is the way to go. Sneakers are not preferable. Warm/waterproof gloves and a winter hat. As most of the body heat leaves through your head, it’s important to keep your winter hat on.
How to get there:
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Air:
The easiest way to get into Eastern Massachusetts is through Logan International Airport in Boston.
The easiest way to get into Western Massachusetts is through Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is 12 miles south of Springfield (and equidistant to Hartford, Connecticut.)
Other regional airports include Worcester, Manchester, Providence, Chicopee (Springfield), and Albany.