A cornerstone of American history, the Bay State is home to scenic beauty and vibrant cities that are your little oasis for all visitors. From the American Revolution in Concord to the Witches of Salem, there are many attractions for all those who want to explore and delicious foods to savor. Beyond its historical importance, Massachusetts features a diverse landscape between its shorelines, cranberry bogs, and rugged coastline.
From charming boutiques to artisan shops, unique shopping experiences highlight the rich culture and creativity of its lively communities. Whether you’re drawn to natural splendor, colonial charm, or the distinctive blend of past and present, Massachusetts is filled with thriving local businesses.
Concord
Located just outside of Boston, Concord is a city known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. Its important role in the Revolutionary War, combined with its local charm, makes it a preferred destination. Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, Monument Square, The Colonial Inn has been a locally owned establishment since 1716.
Originally a depot for the Minutemen during the Revolutionary War, the building has served many different purposes over the years, including a boarding house and a small hotel named after one of its notable residents, Henry David Thoreau. Today, the Colonial Inn is a historic boutique hotel and tavern surrounded by historical and literary monuments.
These include the Old North Bridge, where the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired and the American Revolution began, Orchard House, where Luisa May Alcott lived and wrote Little Women, and Authors Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where the legendary authors who built the rest of the American canon. Visitors can also go to West Concord Junction, named for the two railroad tracks that meet there, and walk through a historic, functional and eclectic downtown.
Local spots like Nashoba Brook Bakery and Club Car Cafe offer breakfast and lunch options for those looking to stroll around the area or need a quick pick-me-up. Additionally, Artscape hosts a community of artists who use the space to display their pieces and purchase them at public art exhibition openings.
Salisbury
Salisbury, on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, is more than just a coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean. Originally settled by the Pentucket tribe, Salisbury was settled in 1638 and remains a farming community to this day. It was not until 1866 that the community built Beach Road through Great Marsh, gaining access to the town’s 5 miles of beach.
Visitors can purchase local produce and beef at Bartlett Farm, one of the oldest family farms in the United States, established in 1659. Pettengill Farm has been a mainstay in the community since 1792 and is a family-owned flower farm specializing in cultivation. annuals, perennials and unusual shrubs.
Salem
Salem, famous for its connections to the Salem Witch Trials and the award-winning “Hocus Pocus,” has a thriving tourist culture beyond its spooky history. Shops like Nocturne and Witch City Wicks Candles & Gifts are some of the many local businesses that have embraced the historic facets of Salem. Restaurants include Harbor Sweets, which offers homemade sweets, and A&J King Artisan Bakers, known for its breakfast and baked goods. For a hearty meal and a pint of regional favorites, visitors can head to Flying Saucer Pizza Company and Dire Wolf Tavern.
Newburyport
Home to a rich maritime heritage, Newburyport offers tourists award-winning restaurants and shopping, national attractions like the Custom House Nautical Museum, and a vibrant beach and boating community. Small businesses have pioneered Newburyport’s tourism and hospitality, single-handedly creating the lifestyle coined by the community.
There are a variety of stores to peruse, including Soak and Shoreline, two complementary stores owned by the same location. Soak is known for its luxury bath products and has expanded from its original wall of soaps to fragrances, bath bombs and beauty products. Shoreline, specializing in pajamas and loungewear, opened in the neighboring space to accompany Soak. Nauti Pearl is a women’s jewelry and clothing boutique that dabbles in home decor and antiques.
Nantucket
Nantucket, an island off the coast of Cape Cod, is a favorite of those who spent their summer vacations in Massachusetts. Its cobblestone streets are lined with local restaurants, ranging from family-owned and caught seafood at The Nantucket Lobster Trap to Dune, and its fluid menu includes seasonal local produce, fish and meats from regional farms. Nantucket is filled with a variety of local boutiques, including Grace Geier, where the owner carefully selects items individually for the store, and Icarus+Co, which features wearable sculptural jewelry made by local artists. Nantucket is truly a unique place.
SturbridgeEdit
Sturbridge is home to Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum that recreates life in rural New England from the 1790s to the 1830s. This interpretation of living history draws many visitors to the area. Sturbridge offers many outdoor experiences but also has a wide variety of local traders. Places like Twiddle T’s Pottery sell homemade pottery and specialize in stoneware, while Ox & Yoke Mercantile offers unique village-made crafts and designs that combine old-world charm with contemporary use.
Bolton
Founded in the 18th century, Bolton is a town steeped in agriculture, with a community that takes pride in its farms, apple orchards and local businesses. Nashoba Valley Winery is a distillery, brewery and restaurant widely regarded as a local diamond in the rough. J’s Restaurant in Nashoba Valley is considered one of the ten “Best Winery Restaurants in America.” Open year-round, the hilltop orchard is an exceptional destination for visitors looking to experience a state-of-the-art restaurant, distilling facility, brewery, winery and gift shop. Bolton Bean is a community icon with products that are all locally sourced. They serve roasted coffee, espresso, and teas that can be paired with your coffee sandwiches. Bolton Orchards, originally a 200-acre peach orchard, has expanded to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Bolton Orchards, locally owned since the late 19th century, built a farm stand in 1945 and has only improved its operations.
Massachusetts is a testament to American history, culture, and natural beauty. The Bay State offers a captivating journey for all visitors, from its pivotal role in the American Revolution to the allure of the witch trials. Its thriving local businesses invite travelers to enjoy delicious cuisine, browse shops, and appreciate the state’s rich heritage. Massachusetts leaves a lasting mark on its guests.
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