11 Little-Known Towns In Massachusetts
Did you know that the first railroad in America, the first telephone call, and the first battles of the American Revolutionary War all occurred in the magnificent state of Massachusetts? In a land whose name means 鈥渁t or about the Great Hills,鈥� Massachusetts is a place of many great discoveries and inventions like volleyball and basketball. But little did you know that there are a number of little-known towns in Massachusetts that are as spectacular and dynamic as the big cities in the state. You might have heard of the town of Salem, but there are things there you do not know about. You might have heard of Provincetown鈥檚 connections to the Pilgrims of The Mayflower, but you may not know the whole story. So this year, give yourself an opportunity to know all about the little-known towns worth visiting in Massachusetts.
Salem
History is often filled with needless tragedies, and the unassuming town of Salem, about 25 miles away from Boston, has made its tragic mark in the annals of history for due to the Salem Witch Trials from 1692 - 1693. One can pay their respects to the dozens of condemned and hanged women of the Salem Witch Trials at the Charter Street Cemetery/Old Burying Point, and you can learn how to avoid the misconceptions of the past at the Salem Witch Museum. More of Salem鈥檚 eerie and bewitching landmarks can be found along the Salem Heritage Trail, such as the Witch House, the Bewitched Statue, and the Salem Witch Village. Other than the themes of witches, you can also find a replica of The Friendship, an old ship, in addition to touring the Hammond Castle Museum and the Pioneer Village. So if you are curious to see this infamous site in Massachusetts, you might want to first pick a place to spend your days and nights like The Cove at Salem, Hawthorne Hotel, and The Hotel Salem.
Rockport
Rockport, around 30 minutes from the notorious Salem, is a beachgoer's getaway from the big cities of Massachusetts. This town is where one of many pristine destinations beside the Atlantic Ocean for which places like Cape Ann鈥攑articularly beaches such as Front Beach, Back Beach, Garden Beach, and Pebble Beach鈥攑romote a number of activities for you to try out for free. The Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses, one of three historic lighthouses in Rockport, happens to be the only lighthouse with fully operational multiple lights on the East Coast of the US. There are over 30 or so art galleries located at the Rockport Art Association and Museum for you to see the beauty of Massachusetts鈥� artistic sceneries. There are plenty more activities to savor in Rockport, but the first thing you ought to do is to book a room in one or Rockport鈥檚 lavish lodgings like the Lighthouse Lane Cottages, Rockport Inn & Suites, or The Emerson Inn by the Sea.
Concord
Long ago, the Nipmuc Native Americans once had a town called Nashawtuc about 20 miles from Boston, a name which meant 鈥渂etween the rivers鈥� as a reference to its location near Sudbury River and Assabet River. However, when settlers from Europe established a more permanent residence in the area, they renamed the town Concord, and it became one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. The town is renowned for the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which is the final resting place for American Transcendentalists like Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. You might fancy exploring the Hapgood Wright Forest, the Thoreau Cabin Site, and Walden Pond State Reservation which these same Transcendentalists got their inspirations for their works.
When the American Civil War started around the year 1775, Concord was one of the first places to experience a battle in that war. Daniel Chester French, a famous sculptor who created the Abraham Lincoln Statue at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., created the minuteman statue one can find at Concord鈥檚 Old North Bridge. No need to worry about accommodations in Concord, not when you are staying in welcoming abodes like the Concord鈥檚 Colonial Inn, North Bridge Inn, or Residence Inn.
Lenox
The Berkshires are similar to the Shire in The Lord of the Rings鈥攈ills shining with the serene senses of springtime. And the town of Lenox is one of many laidback and tranquil destinations within the Berkshires. Lenox is so grand and peaceful a retreat that even the Boston Symphony Orchestra often spends their vacation in the town, specifically in a compelling complex called Tanglewood. At a garden called The Mount, one can find the home of a Pulitzer-prize winning author named Edith Wharton, who wrote the seminal masterpiece The Age of Innocence. There is also the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide array of animal species who also enjoy the calm harmony of the Berkshires. Lenox will have you feel as lazy and carefree as a child, especially in lackadaisical lodgings like the Apple Tree Inn, Brook Farm Inn, or The Whitlock.
Northampton
Northampton, praised by a number of vacationers for being 鈥淧aradise City,鈥� is certainly a 25-minute-away retreat from the city of Springfield. Once called Nonotuck from an Algonquin word for 鈥渕iddle of the river,鈥� Northampton has been the site of several battles in a diverse list of wars due to its strategic position along the Connecticut River. From King Philip鈥檚 War in 1675 - 1676 and all the way to Queen Anne鈥檚 War in 1702 - 1713, Northampton has withstood many perils and predicaments in times of conflict. Furthermore, in the American Civil War, Northampton abetted in the concealment of Sojourner Truth, David Ruggles, Frederick Douglas, William Lloyd Garrison, and other members of the abolitionist movement.
Whether you are ascending to the summits of Mount Holyoke and Mount Tom Ranges or learning more about the land and its history at the David Ruggles Center and the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum鈥攖he latter, specifically, about President Calvin Coolidge鈥攜ou will not be disappointed by Paradise City鈥檚 heavenly attractions. Not even paradisical establishments like the Hotel Northampton will make you feel anxious and unwanted in the beautiful small town of Northampton.
Westford
Do you long for the simple and splendid ambiance that only a small town in Massachusetts can provide? Then, travel about nine miles from the city of Lowell and into the remarkable small town of Westford. You will absolutely adore Westford鈥檚 humble charm and attitude whether you are attending the Apple Blossom Festival in May or the Strawberry Festival in June. Take selfies or groupies of the mysterious Westford Knight at Westford鈥檚 town square, and partake in recreational skiing opportunities at the Nashoba Valley Ski. You might also want to go exploring at both the Stony Brook Conservation Land and the Great Brook Farm State Park. Either way, you should certainly relax and refreshen yourself for a new day of adventure in one of Westford鈥檚 fine accommodations like the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center.
North Adams
Close to where the states of New Hampshire and New York meet, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent small town of North Adams. Where science and history come alive at the North Adam Museum of History and Science, and where one can stand on the highest peak in Massachusetts, the Mount Greylock State Reservation, you will be captivated by North Adams鈥� memorable landmarks and landscapes.
The Hoosac Tunnel connects North Adams and other towns in the Northern Berkshire with the state of Florida for those wanting to go through the Hoosac Mountain. Meanwhile, destinations like Windsor Lake and Windsor Dam are great places for you to go trekking. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) celebrates the annual FreshGrass Festival in the ides of September. And splendid establishments like The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA will keep you satisfied and safe in your dreamy evenings at North Adams.
Provincetown
Most people presume that the Pilgrims aboard The Mayflower first landed in Plymouth Bay in 1620 and helped establish a lasting community in Massachusetts and the first Thanksgiving. In truth, however, The Mayflower first landed on a Wampanoag and Nauset community in Cape Cod that would one day be called Provincetown. The Pilgrim Monument and the Provincetown Museum elaborate on this historical fact, while the Provincetown Art Association and Museum celebrates the inclusivity and artistry of both Massachusetts鈥� local artisans and the LGBTQ++ community.
Beachgoers will absolutely fall in love with the Cape Cod National Seashore for its dunes and sandy beaches, and you can always take scenic photographs of the land from atop a few of Provincetown鈥檚 lighthouses like the Race Point Lighthouse, Wood End Lighthouse, and the Long Point Light Station. For those of you wanting to make a pilgrimage to Provincetown, you should first book a room at either the Admiral鈥檚 Landing, Ainsworth Cottages, or Anchor Inn Beach House.
Hudson
Lounging on the Assabet River, the quaint town of Hudson was a pivotal settlement for the success of the American Revolutionary War and American Civil War. Out of the Assabet Woolen Mill came the wool needed to cloth American armies, and out of the Hudson Armory issued the weaponry that gave America鈥檚 armies their victories. One can learn all about the different battles fought in Hudson at the Felton-Smith Historic Site and the American Heritage Museum. You might also be interested in seeing the more peaceful and modern landscapes around Hudson such as the Marlborough-Sudbury State Forest, the Danforth Falls Conservation Area, and the Assabet River Rail Trail. Only 23 miles east of the city of Worcester, let Hudson鈥檚 historic anecdotes amaze and astound you in your journey throughout Massachusetts.
Amesbury
About 30 miles away from Salem and on the Merrimack and Powwow Rivers, the underrated town of Amesbury was also another epicenter for witch hysteria in the 1600s鈥攁lthough there are no documented records or landmarks identifying the individuals who were condemned for witchcraft. The town was settled in 1642 and was part of Salisbury, a neighboring town beside Newburyport, and was so named after the city of Amesbury in England. John Greenleaf Whittier, an abolitionist poet, once lived in Amesbury, and many of his works showcased the natural allure and charm of the town. Travelers can now take scenic boat tours through the oldest continuously operated boat ship in the US, Lowell's Boat Shop, or even see vintage carriages at the Amesbury Carriage Museum. You can even take scenic strolls through Woodsom Farm Park and the Amesbury Town Forest. Aim to be merry in the town of Amesbury this 2024 and in the new year.
Newburyport
Newburyport is an amicable small town on the banks of the Merrimack River. Located on a barrier island called Plum Island, Newburyport hosts a plethora of festive events such as the Topsfield Fair, the oldest county fair in America since 1818, which starts on September 29 and ends on October 9, and the Yankee Homecoming Event on July 27 to August 4. Newcomers to Newburyport can busy themselves with a number of panoramic spots, such as the Plum Island Lighthouse and Newburyport Harbor Light. Additionally, historic landmarks like the Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm give you a glimpse into agricultural habits in the 1690s when gallivanting through the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. Last but not least, fine lodgings like the Compass Rose Inn, Clark Courier Inn, and Garrison Inn Boutique Hotel will make you comfortable and satisfied with the impeccable services that Newburyport provides.
At or about the Great Hill of Massachusetts鈥攎ainly the Berkshires鈥攜ou may stumble upon towns you did not know existed or towns that you might have big assumptions about when, in fact, you barely know the whole history and attractive tidbits concerning these little-known towns. From historic battlefields like Northampton and Concord to quaint and laidback retreats in Lenox and Rockport, these towns exemplify the innovative spirit and playfulness from a state where basketball and volleyball, and the telephone were created. Open your mind and rethink your opinions regarding the little-known small towns in Massachusetts.
