It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 21st to visit is none other than Massachusetts, abbreviated MA. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Massachusetts, The Bay State, is visitor friendly.
Visit state # 21 – Massachusetts
| State Motto | Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” |
| State Flower | The mayflower |
| State Bird | Black-cap Chickadee |
| State Gemstone | Rhodonite |
| State Capital | Boston |
| Famous Foods | New England clam chowder, fish & chips, Boston baked beans, apple cider donuts, lobster rolls, scallops, Boston cream pie, fried clams & more |
Massachusetts, one of the six New England States, is officially a commonwealth. The state borders Vermont and New Hampshire to the north, Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, and New York to the west. To the east, the state is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Though mainly called the Bay State, Massachusetts also goes by other nicknames including The Codfish State and The Old Colony State.
Massachusetts has a rich history. The Wampanoag, the Mohegan, and the Mohican were three main tribes that inhabited the area. The land, which was part of the original US territory, was settled by the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. By the mid-18th century, the Massachusetts Bay Colony played an important role in independence from Great Britain. Boston is known as one of the oldest cities in the United States. Massachusetts was admitted to the Union on February 6, 1788, as the 6th state.
Boston, the state capital, is known for its top sights, many of which are historical. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long red-brick path through the city that passes by 16 significant historical locations and winds from downtown’s Boston Common through the North End to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Learn stories of the American Revolution as you explore some of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Along the way, see the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel and Burying Ground, Old State House, Site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, and more. Go on a guided tour to gain history and knowledge or go solo and enjoy a self-guided audio tour.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy a baseball game at historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Boston is also a hub of intriguing museums and attractions to include the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and others. There are also wonderful parks to visit such as Public Garden, Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway, Boston Common, The Esplanade, Franklin Park and more.
Boston is a great starting point for your trip to the state. Enjoy a daytrip from the vibrant city with round-trip ferry and island tours to beautiful Martha’s Vineyard. This Massachusetts island is so delightful that you’ll want to go repeatedly. Martha’s Vineyard sits in the Atlantic, just south of Cape Cod and is beloved for its charm, New England summers, harbor towns, beaches, lighthouses, bed & breakfasts, downtown and restaurants, and even contains rich farmland. Boston is also less than one hour from Salem, Massachusetts, a city known for its role in the 1692 witch trials, in which locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. Visitable sites include the Salem Witch Museum, The Witch House at Salem, Peabody Essex Museum, The House of Seven Gables, Salem Maritime National Historical Site, and other intriguing destinations. There are also unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants to enjoy in the town. A trip there is a must, especially for those who enjoy colonial architecture, pirate and witch history, and an eclectic vibe.
Up next: Michigan