Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the birthplace of American independence, and that alone makes it a veritable treasure trove of historical sites, but add in the Salem Witch Trials and the Industrial Revolution, and you get a truly unique, interesting place that harbors a great deal of American history. Of course, there's much more to do on your Massachusetts vacation than just visit historical sites. Great hiking in the White Mountains, fabulous Atlantic beaches, great fishing, seasonal festivals, and a wealth of art and culture make Massachusetts a fabulous vacation destination.

It's said that the coast of Massachusetts was visited in 1000 A.D. by Norsemen, but the first permanent European settlement was made by the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620. Following that, a group of Puritans settled in at Salem and the Massachusetts Bay Colony was soon formed and grew to include towns such as Lynn and Boston. The state was originally settled by men and women seeking to escape religious persecution, and despite the groups coming over and forming settlements based on religion, intermingling was inevitable and Massachusetts soon became a place of acceptance (except for witches, of course). Today, Massachusetts continues to be a tolerant place, filled with a variety of cultures.

Massachusetts is a great state to visit for anyone who wants to see preserved remnants of early American life. All sorts of art, housing, documents, and items relating to American history are preserved with care in Massachusetts, and available to view. As a jumping point, the Freedom Trail in Boston is a great place to start. The tour let's you walk historical points such as the Bunker Hill monument, the USS Constitution, Paul Revere's house, the Boston Massacre site, the Old South Meeting House, and more along the way, all ending up at Boston Common. The tours are guided by individuals in Revolutionary War era clothing, and all the tour guides have great stories to tell about the history of Boston.

While you're in Boston make sure to check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace (pronounced FAN-OO-EEL) where the activity is just as bustling as it was in the 1700s. Quincy's Place is a famous restaurant in Faneuil Hall where the food is great and the atmosphere even better. They serve a great breakfast, but are bustling well into the night. Occasionally visitors will see performers or witness fun activities like live music, or the "Changing of the Guards" where men dressed as Red Coats re-enact British military inspections and changing of posts. Plus, you can meet the soldiers and talk to them as if they were real historic soldiers!

For the foodie in Boston, visit the North End for some fabulous Italian food, including amazing cannolis at Mike's Pastry, where the line often goes out the door and down the street! Enjoy Asian foods? Stop by Boston's bustling China Town where you can sample Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese foods! For amazing Asian breads and pastries check out Yi Soon, 101 Bakery, and Japonaise. The Porter Exchange in Cambridge offers great Japanese home-style restaurants as well as a few sushi joints, and Kaze Japanese in Boston has unique hot-pot tables where things work something like fondue. If you want some great fish, try Atlantic Fish Co. in Boston's Back Bay area. And don't miss out on the late-night Irish pubs like Kitty O'Shea and Beantown Pub.

Boston also has you culturally covered – visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston for amazing early American furniture and artwork, a great Asian artwork collection, and traveling exhibits such as Chihuly's glass exhibit. The Gardner Museum in Fenway is another great spot for some early Americana. Boston also offers a Museum of Science, and a Children's Museum for some learning fun. Being close to the coast, Boston also boasts a great aquarium – visit the New England Aquarium to see sharks, penguins, giant turtles, and more fabulous sea creatures!

Sports fans will love Boston, too! See the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park, and enjoy a true slice of Americana with popcorn, and nearly-choreographed chanting of "Sweet Caroline." Basketball fans will want to book tickets to see the Boston Celtics. And after winning the 2011 Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins are a must-see as well!

A short drive from Boston is Salem Town, which makes a fun and festive day trip. No matter the time of year, there are always great museums and exhibits open in Salem. The House of Seven Gables, the house that Nathaniel Hawthorne based his book on, is open virtually year round (with a short break in January) and lets visitors tour through the preserved house with knowledgeable tour guides to answer questions. Visitors can also see the Salem Witch Museum and Haunted Happenings, especially fun around Halloween! Don't miss out on walking around Salem and visiting Pickering Wharf, an old harbor with tons of nearby seafood restaurants.

During Halloween, Salem really comes to life. Visitors can choose from an abundance of wild museums, like the New England Pirate Museum or the Witch Dungeon Museum as well as tons of haunted houses and tours! Don't miss walking through Burying Point, the oldest cemetery in Salem where the graves date back to 1637. Being on the ocean, there are some great harbor tours and cruises available at Pickering Wharf. There's tons of great attractions in historic Salem!

If you're visiting a more interior area of Massachusetts, check out Springfield where visitors can see the Springfield Armory, the Dr Seuss National Memorial, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Of course, Springfield also boasts Six Flags New England, the best amusement park in all of New England! Springfield is also a great area to do some hiking and outdoor activities. New England boasts some amazing trails, with unique wildlife and stunning autumnal trees. Of course, if you're traveling to New England in late September, early October, don't miss out on apple picking, a favorite Yankee past time!

Historic towns like Lowell also offer some great Industrial Revolution museums, and the coast of Massachusetts means great beaches and boardwalks, with fried dough and soft serve, and lobster rolls everywhere you turn. Massachusetts has a lot to bring to the table, so come ready for fun and learning, and definitely come ready to sample some New England fare!

Traveling to Boston, Salem or Springfield? Here's a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Days Inn Salem - Starting at $60 a night this great hotel is near to the Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum, as well as the rest of Salem Town. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast - a great budget place to stay on your Massachusetts trip!
Red Roof Inn Springfield - Starting at $65 a night this hotel is on the west side of Springfield and close to attractions like Josiah Day House and Quadrangle. The hotel has complimentary Wi-Fi and coffee.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers - Starting at $99 a night this Back Bay hotel in Boston is a 3.5 star property at a great price. Near to all the great Boston attractions with a health club, fitness facility, 24 hour room service, and more! A great deal in the heart of Boston.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Sheraton Colonial Wakefield Hotel - Starting at $119 a night, this hotel is between Boston and Salem, and is a great spot to stay for visitors who want to be near to Boston without being in the city proper. Nearby attractions include Bunker Hill Monument and Fenway. The hotel has a restaurant and limited room service, plus a spa tub and sauna!
Hilton Garden Inn Springfield - Starting at $119 a night this hotel is near to all the great Springfield attractions. The hotel includes a restaurant and bar, with limited room service, an indoor pool and a fitness facility!
Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston - Starting at $159 a night this hotel is near Cambridge and close to great Boston museums.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort - Starting at $129 a night this hotel is near Boston and Salem. The hotel has a private beach, a restaurant, coffee shop and deli. A breakfast is served each morning in the restaurant and best of all this hotel has its own waterpark!
The Langham Boston - Starting at $255 a night this hotel is located right in Boston's Quicky Market! Close to everything you want to do in the city, this hotel features 2 restaurants and a bar, with 24 hour room service, an indoor poll, health club, spa tub and sauna. Amazing ratings, this 4.5 star property is THE place to stay in Boston.
Millennium Bostonian Hotel - Starting at $200 a night this elegant hotel is right on the waterfront of Boston's Quincy Market. With 24 hour room service, a bar, a restaurant, and a fitness facility, this 4-star hotel is a great deal for a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.