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.
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Shelburne Falls
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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Amherst
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
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
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. 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.
A Massachusetts police department is mourning the death of one of its own after an officer was struck and killed while attempting to assist a broken-down driver on a highway.
The Uxbridge Police Department has hung black bunting above its main entrance as it receives condolences from across the Bay State following the incident early Wednesday morning.
The crash unfolded at about 12:45 a.m., when the officer was trying to help a motorist in the northbound lanes of Route 146, a main artery in the Worcester County town that borders Rhode Island.
Authorities identified the fallen officer on Wednesday afternoon as Stephen Laporta, 43, of Uxbridge. The Massachusetts State Police is investigating the crash.
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“This is a devastating loss for our department and our community,” Police Chief Marc Montminy said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Gov. Maura Healey has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of LaPorta.
“I am heartbroken over the news of Officer Stephen LaPorta’s passing,” the governor said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the public’s safety first – and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Authorities closed Route 146 for hours after the crash, with investigators working the scene. The icy, frozen road reopened around 10 a.m.
Uxbridge First Holy Night, a community organization, offered its condolences to the department via social media, saying the loss is also felt “across our entire town.”
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“Our officers are more than public servants — they are neighbors, friends, parents, children, and family,” the group stated. “When one of our own falls, we all grieve together.”
“Uxbridge is a close-knit community,” it added, “and in moments like this, we lean on one another. May we surround this family and our police department with compassion, strength, and support in the days ahead.”
Police departments from across the region sent cruisers to participate in a procession that accompanied a vehicle carrying LaPorta’s body to a medical examiner’s office before daybreak.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association described the officer as a “fallen hero” and the death as “heartbreaking news.”
“Another police officer killed in the line of duty. This time in Uxbridge,” the association stated in a social media post. “The officer was involved in a motor vehicle crash while attempting to assist a motorist on Rte. 146 early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family and the entire Uxbridge Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.”
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State Rep. Mike Soter, whose Central Massachusetts district includes Uxbridge, said his “heart sank” when learning of the death.
“This is so close to home,” he said in a Facebook post. “May GOD watch over this officer’s family and his fellow officers today as they need our strength as a community. May the officer’s memory be eternal always!”
In June 2024, the Uxbridge Police Department celebrated LaPorta’s promotion to full-time patrolman.
“He may seem familiar to you all because Ofc. LaPorta has already been actively serving our wonderful town as a full-time Dispatcher and working part-time patrol shifts,” the department stated in a Facebook post. “He has put in the work to switch his role up and come to the patrol side full time! Let’s give him a warm congrats Uxy!”
Uxbridge Police Department (Herald file photo)
Massachusetts fire officials are warning bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that sparklers and other pyrotechnic devices pose a serious fire risk and are illegal to use without professional licensing, following a deadly New Year’s Eve fire in Switzerland that killed 40 people.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine sent a notice Tuesday to businesses across the state reminding them that sparklers — including so-called “cold spark” pyrotechnics often marketed for celebrations — are prohibited unless businesses have the required licensing, certification, and permits, according to a statement from Davine’s office.
“This includes small sparklers that have been sold as novelties or party favors to accompany champagne bottles, which are believed to have caused the New Year’s Eve fire that claimed 40 lives,” Davine said in the statement.
The warning comes after investigators said sparklers likely contributed to a New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that injured more than 100 people in addition to the dozens killed.
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The notice was distributed to local licensing authorities by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and shared with restaurant owners statewide by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Davine said.
Separately, the state Department of Fire Services issued a notice to a Florida-based company, King of Sparklers LLC, after sparklers it allegedly sold online were recovered by Fall River fire inspectors at a local establishment, the fire marshal’s office said. Officials said shipping such products into the state violates state law and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Code.
Fire officials said sparklers burn at temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and throw off sparks capable of igniting decorations, furnishings, and other flammable materials. Even after they appear extinguished, sparklers can remain hot enough to start fires, officials said.
Davine pointed to a 2022 incident in Dracut, where the improper disposal of illegal sparklers sparked a three-alarm fire that displaced nine residents.
Sparklers are classified as fireworks under state law, meaning their possession, sale, and use require professional licensing and certification, the Department of Fire Services said.
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Davine said the tragedy in Switzerland echoed memories of the 2003 Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., which killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others. The fire prompted sweeping safety reforms in Rhode Island as well as Massachusetts.
The Rhode Island fire was sparked during a concert when a band’s pyrotechnics ignited the sound-proofing foam near the stage, and the flames licked their way up the wall. It took a moment for the crowd to realize what was happening, but within 90 seconds after the fire ignited people stampeded toward the front entrance and were crushed, the Globe reported.
“The tragic fire in Switzerland has a chilling similarity to the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island, which led to numerous safety reforms in Massachusetts bars and clubs,” Davine said in the statement Tuesday. “We just want to help these businesses keep their patrons and staff safe.”
Rhode Island State Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin also recalled the Station nightclub fire in the wake of the Swiss blaze.
“It’s almost eerie to think about it — the similarities between the two,” McLaughlin told WPRI-TV this week. “It was something I never thought I’d see again.”
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Nick Stoico can be reached at nick.stoico@globe.com.
Seatbelt usage in Massachusetts increased in 2025 for the third consecutive year, “marking the state’s highest seat belt usage rate on record,” officials said in a release this week.
The annual Massachusetts Safety Belt Observational Study found belt usage rate of 85.53 percent among the state’s drivers last year, up from 84.36 percent in 2024 and 80 percent in 2023, according to the Healey-Driscoll administration.
The increase in seatbelt usage last year corresponded with a lower rate of fatal crashes, with 342 reported in the state in 2025 compared to 364 in 2024, said a statement from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security on Monday.
“We know that seat belts save lives, and it’s so important that seat belt usage continues to increase every year in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, in the statement. “We’re grateful for the hard work of our partners in transportation, public safety and local governments to enhance safety on the roads for us all.”
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The governor’s words were echoed in the statement by her number two, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
“Whether you’re a driver or passenger, one of the most important things you can do to protect your safety is to buckle your seat belt,” Driscoll said. “This study shows that we’ve made progress in increasing the safety of road users.”
The annual study is required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the statement, which said seat belt usage in Massachusetts has increased by more than 10 percent since 2015.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, and wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest steps we can take to protect ourselves and the people we care about,” said Gina K. Kwon, the state’s public safety and security boss, in the release.
“When drivers and passengers buckle up every time, they help prevent serious injuries and make travel safer for families and communities across the Commonwealth,” Kwon said.
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Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com.
