Destination attractions things to do in massachusetts

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

If youre looking for a great place to visit C whether for vacation or just a one-day jaunt C youll find none better than the state of Massachusetts. Steeped in New England culture and tradition, The Bay State offers an abundance of tourist attractions that are sure to please even the most discriminating traveler. If youre unfamiliar with the territory, here are a few ideas for some must see sites as you explore this beautiful northeastern state.

Salem has long been known for the hysteria that culminated in the infamous Witch Trials, which took place in 1692. A visit to Massachusetts wouldnt be complete without a visit to the Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers. Among the numerous notables that youll see as you tour the museum are Col. John Hawthorne (the Witch Trials judge) and Tituba (one of the accused witches of Salem). In addition to the more conventional museum sights, there are also interactive activities for visitors, such as gravestone rubbing and maritime knot-tying. During the month of October, the museum is one of many members of Haunted Neighborhood C a spooky Halloween tour that includes several witch-related sites and activities. A gift shop is on the premises for those who care to purchase a local souvenir.

The Titanic Museum, located in Indian Orchard, is dedicated to sharing the history of the ill-fated luxury liner through a variety of exhibits and related collections. Some of the many displays that youll see include an intricately detailed model of the ship C which rises to nearly 9 feet in height; a variety of artifacts belonging to the ships passengers; a bronze bell from the MacKay-Bennett (the ship that harvested most of Titanics victims); a menu from the ships dining room; letters and postcards that were written by passengers during the journey prior to the tragedy; a rivet punching from the hull of the Titanic and a great deal more. Special events are also offered. Please note that cameras are not allowed in the museum.

The Bridge of Flowers is the #1 attraction of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. This unique floral display was originally used as a trolley bridge from 1908 to 1928, but was revamped into a literal bridge garden in the ensuing years. There is no charge to stroll across the bridge, but donation boxes are located at the ends in order to aid in its care and upkeep, which is currently the responsibility of a paid gardener and assistant, as well as a number of volunteers. A casual stroll across this beautiful structure will offer many photo opportunities and, if youre interested in the varieties of plants that inhabit the bridge, there are a number of markers along the way which designate particular plantings. Youll find flowers from spring through fall, appropriate to the season, providing the motivation to return again and again.

For those of you who are interested in the unusual, theres a place for you in Dedham, Massachusetts. The Museum of Bad Art C located in the basement of the Dedham Community Theater C is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the worlds worst art. Among the Portraits, Landscapes and Unseen Forces Collections, youll find strange, gruesome or just plain awful artwork proudly displayed for all to see. From an earless dog to a scowling old woman sitting on a chair in the middle of a field, these paintings have to be seen to be believed. Many are truly a challenge of the creative thinking process, as youll see when you try to discern their meanings. If youre into bizarre art forms, or just want to see what all the fuss is about at the Museum of Bad Art, this is definitely a tourist attraction that will tickle your fancy. Admission? Free C of course.

Fudge lovers everywhere will definitely want to make a stop at Aunt Leahs Fudge, located in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Boasting over 30 unique and scrumptious flavors from which to choose, Aunt Leah decided to give fudge-making a try one day, and the rest is history. Among the numerous varieties of fudge, youll find Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Chocolate Nut Supreme, Vanilla Macadamia Nut and Cappuccino. For a more localized treat, try some of Aunt Leahs chocolate cranberries C in milk or dark chocolate, which are available in regular or Low-Carb. In addition, her confections can be packaged in specialty boxes appropriate to a particular occasion, such as weddings, baby showers, etc. Theres even a Fudge of the Month Club, for true Fudge-aholics.

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, in Fall River, is the original Borden home, which has been turned into a B&B and museum of memorabilia from the Lizzie Borden murder trial. Folks can take a tour of the macabre museum and actually stay the night in one of the Borden bedrooms C one of them being the actual murder scene of Abbey Borden, Lizzies step-mother. Included among the artifacts are rather disturbing photographs of the crime scene, the actual skulls of Mr. & Mrs. Borden C showing the death blows to their heads - locks of the victims hair and tags which were used to label the contents of their stomachs. During your stay, youll witness a re-enactment of the crimes and, after spending the night in one of the many bedrooms, will enjoy a re-creation of the actual breakfast that the family ate on the morning of the murders. Theres also a gift shop on the premises, with numerous gifts and novelties that are appropriate to the events.

The Basketball Hall of Fame C located in Springfield C has three floors of exhibits which are dedicated to the game and its notable players, teams and coaches. Within the environs of this massive structure, youll see items that are related to a number of inductees which date back to the 1950s and on to present day. Included among the Hall of Famers are Chuck Hyatt, Pat Page, Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Bobby McDermott, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, as well as numerous others who have joined the ranks through the years. The facility is large enough to take true basketball enthusiasts a couple of days to make the complete tour, but it can be done by those who are less avid in approximately two hours. Special events are also scheduled regularly, and there are two specialty gift stores on the premises: The Basketball Hall of Fame Specialty Gift Shop and The Reebok Theme Store.

Youre never too old to enjoy Six Flags Amusement Park, in Agawam, Massachusetts. If youre a thrill-seeker, then this park is the one for you. Boasting a variety of bone-chilling rides, this is a massive park which will take at least a full day to thoroughly appreciate what it has to offer. Among the many rides for the more daring are Time Warp, Double Trouble, Scream, Mind Eraser and Superman Ride of Steel. Of course, there are rides that are somewhat tamer in nature, such as Shipwreck, Colossus, Blizzard River and Tomahawk. When youre in need of a rest from the excitement of the rides, theres a plethora of game windows and eateries that are available throughout the park. To add to the entertainment, there are special events, such as concerts, shows and festivals that take place on a regular basis.

Massachusetts is chock-full of tourist attractions and special activities for those who have the time, energy and inclination to visit them. Of course, there are numerous beaches and special tours that are offered throughout the state C and you havent had a true New England vacation until youve been to Marthas Vineyard and Cape Cod.

For more information on Massachusetts attractions, contact the Department of Tourism or your local travel agent.