Connect with us

Massachusetts

10 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Massachusetts

Published

on

10 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Massachusetts


From spectacular coastal scenery and Revolutionary War heritage to old colonial homes, Massachusetts is one of the most interesting states on the East Coast. Scattered across its territory is an assortment of fun destinations promising travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although famous cities like Boston get the lion’s share of tourist traffic through the Bay State, many more charming towns outside the major highways make for exciting vacation bases.

Off the well-beaten path are countless communities with unique historic and cultural allure waiting to be discovered. From mountain hamlets to Cape Cod enclaves, these lesser-known towns to visit in Massachusetts deliver memorable getaways filled with scenic beauty, entertainment, and an authentic taste of Bay State living beyond the crowds.

Deerfield

Historic Deerfield Museum Gift Shop and Bookstore in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Image credit Alizada Studios via Shutterstock.com

This Connecticut River town in Franklin County is home to interesting historical sites and museums that have allowed its heritage tourism to thrive. A visit to Historic Deerfield reveals a cluster of 12 historic home museums offering a window into 18th-century New England. The Memorial House Museum is another must-visit for history explorers in Deerfield. Opened in 1880, this quaint brick structure exhibits a vast collection of paintings, furnishings, textiles, and other artifacts sourced from around New England, presenting a rich perspective of the region’s heritage.

Deerfield’s backcountry presents ardent outdoorsmen with plenty of opportunities, thanks to nature areas like Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation. This rugged preserve beckons picnickers, hikers, campers, and nature viewers, spoiling them with panoramic vistas of the Connecticut River.

Advertisement

Shelburne Falls

The beautiful flower bridge in Shelburne Falls, Masachusetts.
The beautiful flower bridge in Shelburne Falls, Masachusetts.

A hidden gem in Franklin County, Shelburne Falls remains unexplored for many tourists passing through Massachusetts. It stands out for scenic natural attractions and a quirky small-town feel that invites exploration on foot. The few visitors who come to Shelburne Falls rush to stroll along the Bridge of Flowers. This historic footbridge connects Shelburne and Buckland and is lined with thousands of colorful flowers and shrubs, culminating in stunning scenery and a serene atmosphere. Shelburne Falls houses a friendly community that welcomes residents to experience its warmth and culture at the Hager’s Farm Market, with a chance to shop for fresh produce.

Strolling through the downtown district, travelers will notice a series of Victorian structures with unique architecture, hinting at the town’s storied past. This is well documented inside the Shelburne Historical Society, which features a variety of archives and artifacts detailing local history.

Nantucket

Downtown street in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Downtown street in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Image credit Gretchen Mystic Stock Photography via Shutterstock

While the East Coast is chock-full of charming summer getaways, Natucket’s laid-back tropical vibes last beyond the warm season. This scenic island escape off Cape Cod is known for its pristine beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and bustling restaurant scene. Beachgoers are spoilt for choice, with areas like Madaket Beach and Surfside Beach offering sandy shores and clear waters perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Nantucket’s brilliant lighthouses are not only alluring to the eyes but also offer a glimpse of the town’s maritime heritage. The Great Point Lighthouse is among the most recognized local landmarks and dates back to 1784 when it was built.

Away from the coast, Downtown Nantucket houses a rich range of attractions, from restaurants and breweries to museums. Noteworthy among these is the Whaling Museum, which delights guests with a 44-foot sperm whale skeleton exhibit.

Northampton

Buildings in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts.
Buildings in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. Image credit: AlexiusHoratius via Wikimedia Commons.

Northampton’s booming cultural landscape features an impressive mix of art galleries, performance art centers, and music venues, making it an excellent destination for culture vultures. The town hosts Smith College, which has helped elevate the local art scene with venues like the Smith College Museum of Art. Established in 1870, it has a vast collection of intricate artworks. Northampton also charms tourists with the Academy of Music, captivating them with an assortment of performances by nationally and internationally recognized artists inside a world-class venue.

Several idyllic nature areas provide outdoor lovers with the right atmosphere to enjoy the open spaces. The Botanic Garden of Smith College stands out for its tranquil environment and comes to life in summer and fall with its display of color.

Sandwich

The quaint town of Sandwich, Massachusetts.
The quaint town of Sandwich, Massachusetts.

One of the oldest towns to visit in Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, Sandwich traces its history to the 1630s when it was first settled. It harbors a range of historical markers that provide proof of its storied legacy while offering visitors a look into its past. A good example is the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, where guests can find different artifacts and memorabilia chronicling the region’s history. The Sandwich Glass Museum is also a worthy stopover for history lovers, boasting a unique collection of glassware documenting the town’s glassmaking heritage.

Meanwhile, Scorton Creek invites adventurers to spend quality time outdoors. The area features a tranquil setting with well-maintained trails for hikers and secluded fishing spots. It comes in handy for visitors looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some alone time.

Chatham

Stage Harbor at Chatham, Massachusetts in Cape Cod.
Stage Harbor at Chatham, Massachusetts in Cape Cod.

This charming Cape Cod village draws tourists with its exciting cluster of family-friendly attractions, known for its beaches, lighthouses, museums, and lovely downtown area. Chatham’s Atlantic Ocean location provides a selection of beautiful beaches popular among tourists, such as Ridgevale Beach and Harding Beach. It also harbors a couple of postcard-worthy lighthouses that have been a conspicuous sight in the town since the 19th century, highlighted by the Chatham Lighthouse. This iconic landmark was initially erected in 1808 and provides sweeping views of the Chatham Bars Inn.

Downtown Chatham is jam-packed with captivating points of interest that will take the whole day to go through. If you are a fan of retro experiences, consider taking a tour of Atwood Museum, a restored 18th-century home with archives and documents about Chatham’s colorful history.

Advertisement

Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Editorial credit: Feng Cheng / Shutterstock.com

This bustling college town in Hampshire County offers a little bit of everything to ensure all its visitors are entertained, from interesting museums and quaint art centers to fun outdoor reactions and a lively farmers market. Museum enthusiasts will want to check out the Beneski Museum of Natural History, which indulges guests in an insightful lesson. The facility hosts a vast collection of exhibits, with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Meanwhile, the Emily Dickinson Museum offers a look into the town’s past through a historic home built in the 19th century.

Those seeking an escape to the great outdoors can take advantage of the vast wilderness of Mount Holyoke Range State Park. Covering almost 3,000 acres, the nature area harbors a mixed habitat of wetlands, woodlands, and thickets, with opportunities for hikers, campers, hunters, and other adventurers.

Sharon

Sharon, Massachusetts, town center
Sharon, Massachusetts, town center

Situated less than 20 miles from downtown Boston, Sharon easily gets forgotten about with so much to see and do in the big city. However, this adorable suburb boasts a selection of interesting attractions that take you away from the crowds. It has lovely nature spaces with serene atmospheres, including Memorial Park Beach, inviting tourists to enjoy a relaxing swim or picnic. Ardent adventurers who prefer to venture into the wilderness will prefer hiking the forested trails cutting through Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Additionally, Sharon’s modest history can be explored inside the Sharon Historical Society. Although small, the facility exposes visitors to a wonderful collection of documents, archives, and other exhibits providing background to the town.

Hamilton

Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library

This charming Essex County community is known for its history and horses and entices visitors with quintessential small-town flair. Its relaxed environment features a network of outdoor spaces with various recreation activities. Among these is Patton Park, which provides a range of public facilities, including tennis courts, a playground, and walking trails. Those who want to take their recreations to the open sea can book a fishing trip on the New England coasts, courtesy of Greasy Beaks Flyfishing.

The downtown neighborhood hosts a lively bar and restaurant scene, with numerous joints acting as the ideal hangout after a long day of exploring the town. Tourists can try out 15 Walnut Tavern, which serves eclectic dishes to go with refreshing cocktails.

Rockport

Rockport Harbor, Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport Harbor, Rockport, Massachusetts. Image credit Keith J Finks via Shutterstock

Encircled by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Rockport is a spectacular spot for travelers who enjoy coastal escapades. It is home to Halibut Point State Park, a granite outcrop separating the ocean from the mainland. Standing on the platform places visitors at a vantage point to soak in stunning views of the rocky shoreline on one side and colorful wildflowers on the other side. The Rockport community has a deep appreciation for the arts, and this is evident from the numerous galleries scattered around the downtown. Art enthusiasts can stop by the Art of David Arsenault or Ken Knowles Fine Art to check out local creations.

A trip to Rockport will not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The town’s coastal setting allows travelers to enjoy sumptuous seafood served at the Lobster Pool, featuring delicacies like haddock sandwiches.

The Takeaway

While Massachusetts undoubtedly boasts world-class cities and destinations along its historic coastline, venturing further inland or seeking out the quiet Cape Cod towns rewards travelers with an authentic experience of Bay State living. Exploring these underrated towns to visit in Massachusetts exposes newcomers to fresh and unique adventures while ensuring they gain a deeper appreciation for the state’s diverse character through cultural treasures, recreational gems, and natural beauty beyond the well-trodden routes.

Advertisement



Source link

Massachusetts

Eight takeaways from Friday’s high school playoffs action, including four 1,000-point scorers – The Boston Globe

Published

on

Eight takeaways from Friday’s high school playoffs action, including four 1,000-point scorers – The Boston Globe


Find the full scoreboard here, along with everything we wrote Friday night:

Not seeing your team’s highlights in Takeaways? Here are all the ways to submit scores and stats to Globe Schools via phone, email, and social media.

▪ Cathedral senior Keyona Raines scored 15 points, including the 1,000th of her career, as the No. 5 Panthers handled No. 28 Hudson, 60-43, in the first round of the Division 4 girls’ basketball tournament.

▪ Sutton junior captain Ava Carroll netted her 1,000th career point during a 29-point effort in a 49-31 Division 4 first-round win over Easthampton.

▪ With a layup in the waning seconds of the first half, Anna Freeman became the 10th Medway player, and first since Riley Childs in 2018, to score 1,000 career points. She finished the 55-24 Division 3 first-round win over St. Paul with 17. Her father, Matt Freeman, scored 1,000 points at Bishop Feehan.

▪ Burlington boys’ basketball senior Matty Gray reached 1,000 career points during a 25-point performance in a 95-58 Division 2 first-round rout of Holliston. He reached the mark on a first-quarter layup.

▪ Falmouth boys’ hockey senior Kody Pokraka rode two assists to 100 career points during a 5-4 Division 2 first-round win over Plymouth South.

It was a chalky day, with only one significant upset: No. 22 Greater Lawrence girls’ basketball easily handling No. 11 Hamilton-Wenham, 65-45, in the Division 4 first round thanks to 13 3-pointers as a team and a combined 47 points from Serenity West (24) and Maliah Caban (23).

Advertisement

The only other lower seeds to win were No. 18 Marshfield boys’ basketball, which took out No. 15 Cambridge, 66-63, in overtime in the Division 1 first round, and No. 34 Arlington Catholic boys’ basketball, which survived No. 31 Duxbury, 64-60, in Division 2 preliminary-round action.

The finish of the night came in No. 17 South Hadley’s 61-60 win over No. 16 Madison Park. Trailing 60-59 and inbounding with 10.3 seconds left, the Tigers got an off-balance 3-pointer, but junior Noah Hambley crashed the boards and in one fell swoop secured the rebound and put it back up off the glass for the winning bucket as time expired in a boys’ basketball Division 4 first-round matchup.

The Oliver Ames boys got four free throws from Jacob Lok in the final 26 seconds to squeak past Canton, 45-42, in the first round of the Division 2 bracket. The Acton-Boxborough girls also needed overtime to complete a 53-49 Division 1 first-round triumph over Brookline.

The only overtime hockey game of the night saw the Diman boys net an equalizer in the final minute of regulation before Marlborough’s Ethan Guo supplied the heroics just 2:08 into the extra frame, propelling the No. 8 Panthers into the Division 3 second round with a 6-5 victory. Anthony Tramontozzi and Chace Lozano each scored twice for Marlborough

Caroline Arruda, Marshfield — The sophomore poured in 32 points to push the Rams to a 68-63 preliminary-round win over Westborough.

Advertisement

Gaby Bassett, Nauset/Monomoy — The senior capped her hat trick with the winning goal in a 4-3 Division 2 opening-round win over Burlington.

Brody Bumila and Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan — The seniors took control of an 85-67 Division 1 first-round victory, with Bumila providing 32 points and 14 rebounds and Webster going for 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Avery Gamble, Oliver Ames — The senior’s 3-point shot wasn’t falling, but she didn’t let that get in the way of a 34-point performance, 2 off her career best, during a 59-50 Division 2 first-round win over Bedford.

Eileen Lowther, Hingham — The junior controlled the glass, pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking six shots to go with 12 points in a 54-43 Division 2 first-round win.

Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan — The senior from Dighton delivered 21 points, 9 steals, and 5 assists as the No. 2 Shamrocks rolled to a 71-30 Division 1 first-round victory over Peabody.

Advertisement

Maura Quirk, Acton-Boxborough — The sophomore was cleaning the glass to the tune of 17 rebounds while adding 13 points in a 53-49 overtime win in the first round of the Division 1 bracket.

Senior Sophia O’Donnell made history, becoming the first St. Mary’s athlete to sign to become a Division 1 rower. O’Donnell will row for Merrimack.

Milton Academy graduate Cormac Ryan signed a two-way NBA contract with the Bucks on Thursday, making him the fourth former member of the Middlesex Magic AAU program currently in the NBA, along with The Pistons’ Duncan Robinson, Hornets’ Pat Connaughton, and Knicks’ Tyler Kolek.

Ryan, who hails from New York, was a three-time All-NEPSAC selection at Milton Academy before playing at Stanford, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. He spent the last two seasons in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue and Wisconsin Herd. He played with the Thunder’s Summer League team in 2024.

Quinnipiac junior Anna Foley, a 6-foot-3-inch Andover graduate, was celebrated for reaching 1,000 points during a ceremony Friday. She passed the mark on Feb. 12 in a 62-40 victory over Siena. A two-time All-MAAC second team selection, she’s averaging 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Advertisement

8. Basketball leaderboard

Avery Gamble, Oliver Ames, 34

Caroline Arruda, Marshfield, 32

Brody Bumila, Bishop Feehan, 32

Weston Bunnell, Stoneham, 29

Advertisement

Joe Baraky, Duxbury, 28

Zach Georges, Pioneer Charter I, 27

Kelsi Lanza, Silver Lake, 27

Josh Roux, Andover, 26

Ava Bailey, Newburyport, 25

Advertisement

Allie Danis, Newton North, 25

Angie Djoko, Danvers, 25

Noah Feldman, Marshfield, 25

Matty Gray, Burlington, 25

Jackson Hines, Arlington Catholic, 25

Advertisement

Connor Houle, Attleboro, 25

Katelyn Troilo, Mansfield, 25

Alex Ste. Marie, Manchester Essex, 24

Serenity West, Greater Lawrence, 24

Noah Bayersdorfer, Winthrop, 23

Advertisement

Maliah Caban, Greater Lawrence, 23

Josh Jenkins, Barnstable, 23

Reagan Maniscalco, Tewksbury, 23

Colin Trimble, Foxborough, 23

Eva Andrews, Needham, 22

Advertisement

Alaysia Drummonds, Foxborough, 22

Trevor Manning, Ipswich, 22

Gia Porazzo, Foxborough, 22

Sarah Powers, Wayland, 22

Ryan Tullish, Middleborough, 22

Advertisement

Chase Gara, Sutton, 21

Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan, 21

LaDainian Rodrigues, Attleboro, 21

Rex Satter, Ipswich, 21

Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan, 21

Advertisement

Aboubakar Nimaka, Malden Catholic, 20

Dylan Raffle, Milton, 20

Maeve Horsman, Oliver Ames, 18

Eva Andrews, Needham, 17

Maura Quirk, Acton-Boxborough, 17

Advertisement

Tony Dean, Stoneham, 15

Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 15

Brody Bumila, Bishop Feehan, 14

Angie Djoko, Danvers, 12

Camden Strandberg, Bridgewater-Raynham, 11

Advertisement

Avery Teixeira, Bishop Feehan, 11

Sophie Gallivan, North Reading, 10

Shannon LaMorticelli, Bishop Feehan, 10

Aboubakar Nimaka, Malden Catholic, 10

Zarah Ochi, Burlington, 10

Advertisement

Ashley Varnum, Bridgewater-Raynham, 10

Lila Polansky, Bridgewater-Raynham, 8

Duke Cherry, Malden Catholic, 7

Sophie Gallivan, North Reading, 7

Erin Reilly, Burlington, 7

Advertisement

Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan, 7

Caroline Connors, Millis, 6

Egan Gill, Bishop Feehan, 6

Rex Satter, Ipswich, 6

Marcus Tayag, Pioneer Charter I, 6

Advertisement

Rayana Laurent, Pingree, 5

Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan, 9

Reagan Maniscalco, Tewksbury, 6

Ella O’Keefe, Oliver Ames, 5

Dylan Raffle, Milton, 4

Advertisement

Ava Sicari, Burlington, 4

Rex Satter, Ipswich, 3

Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 6

Maeve Horsman, Oliver Ames, 5

Zarah Ochi, Burlington, 4

Advertisement

Gaby Bassett, Nauset/Monomoy, 3

Griff Callahan, Martha’s Vineyard, 2

Max Cronen, Monomoy/Mashpee, 2

Addy Harrington, Duxbury, 2

Jaxon Hoey, Norwell, 2

Advertisement

Chace Lozano, Marlborough, 2

Mackenna Metell, Martha’s Vineyard, 2

Christos Rogaris, Dover-Sherborn/Weston, 2

Mark Trahon, Norwood, 2

Anthony Tramontozzi, Marlborough, 2

Advertisement

Bryce Campanale, Norwell, 3

Maeve Turner, Falmouth, 3

Violet Cox, Falmouth, 2

Ryan Heidt, Martha’s Vineyard, 2

Cam Long, Norwell, 2

Advertisement

Kody Pokraka, Falmouth, 2

Bailen Darack, Martha’s Vineyard, 22

Sammie Precourt, Dennis-Yarmouth, 16


Brendan Kurie can be reached at brendan.kurie@globe.com. Follow him on X @BrendanKurie.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Massachusetts

State health officials announce two confirmed cases of measles in Massachusetts – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

Published

on

State health officials announce two confirmed cases of measles in Massachusetts – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


BOSTON (WHDH) – State public health officials have announced two confirmed cases of measles in Massachusetts this year.

The first case came from a school-aged resident who was exposed and diagnoses while out of state. This person has remained out of state during the infectious period.

The second case was diagnosed by an adult in Greater Boston. Officials say this person had recently returned from international travel with an uncertain vaccination history.

This person visited several locations. Both local and state health officials are working with the locations to identify and notify those who were potentially exposed.

Advertisement

“Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home. Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness. These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is also a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.” 

(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Massachusetts

Fire hydrants ‘buried’ in snow as crews respond to Taunton house explosion

Published

on

Fire hydrants ‘buried’ in snow as crews respond to Taunton house explosion


Several Cape Cod and South Coast communities in Massachusetts are still digging out three days after a historic blizzard buried neighborhoods in several feet of snow, complicating emergency response efforts and prompting additional state support.

Cities and towns including Brockton, Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River received outside assistance Thursday as crews continued to plow streets and clear critical infrastructure. While road conditions have improved in many areas, officials said buried fire hydrants remain a serious concern.

NBC10 Boston obtained Taunton police body camera footage that captured first responders scrambling to locate a hydrant during a house fire on Plain Street.

“Looking for a hydrant now,” one first responder can be heard saying. “They’re all buried.”

Advertisement

At one point, an officer asked a bystanders for help.

A home was burned to the ground after an explosion that left two people injured.

Officials said the home exploded after a gas leak Wednesday, leaving a family of three displaced.

The mother and daughter were treated for serious burns.

William Shivers, who helped firefighters dig out a hydrant, described the urgency.

Advertisement

“We took the shovels, and we were just banging into the snow, looking for a fire hydrant,” he said.

After locating a hydrant using a map on his phone, Shivers and firefighters were able to clear it, but he said the delay could have been worse.

Two people are in the hospital and neighbors are worried about safety after an explosion and fire reduced a house to rubble.

“Imagine how many more how many more minutes that would have been wasted, you know, shoveling, just going through the snow,” said Shivers.

The case underscores the broader challenges facing first responders across the region following Monday’s storm.

Advertisement

Firefighters in Watertown also experienced delays accessing hydrants during a fire on Tuesday.

Snow and ice presented challenges as firefighters battled flames Tuesday.

Gov. Maura Healey toured parts of the South Coast on Thursday and said the region was hit especially hard.

“This whole region, I think, was ground zero,” she said.

Healey said the state will continue deploying resources to affected communities.

Advertisement

“We won’t take our foot off the gas at all,” she said.

The governor activated the Massachusetts National Guard. Troops assisted with snow removal in Plymouth, conducted wellness checks in Duxbury and provided medical and logistical support in Fall River.

Matt Medeiros of Fall River was praised by the governor and other officials for developing an app that allows residents to report unplowed streets.

“It’s just hoping to get those resources in and everyone just staying out of the way of trucks and equipment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mansfield implemented a parking ban at 8 p.m. Thursday to allow plows to clear roads more efficiently.

Advertisement

Matthew Lawlor of WalkUp Roslindale, a nonprofit advocating for clean and safe streets, emphasized that residents also play a role in public safety.

“The fire hydrant piece of it’s essential,” he noted.

Lawlor urged neighbors to clear hydrants near their homes before an emergency strikes, while also calling on elected officials to provide some incentives.

“To the extent that people can be encouraged to dig those hydrants out as soon as they can, so that it’s not waiting until something happens,” he said.

State officials said the blizzard slowed plowing operations, contributing to the lag in sending additional help to some communities. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said it hopes to deploy its 200 pieces of equipment to impacted areas within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending