Tucked away on the Northeast coast of the continental United States is the state of Massachusetts and the coastal area of Cape Cod.
Packed with history and oozing with old world charm, this state in New England has something for everyone, whether for a short break or a longer vacation. This is a guide of things to do and see in a week-long visit.
Boston
State capital, Boston, is a relatively small city by US standards and incredibly easy to get around.
Logan airport is just on the edge of the city and easy to access by road or rail, as is the nearby port, a stopping point for international cruise liners and smaller ferries serving the numerous islands off the coast.
The land of the bean and the cod
“And this is good old Boston,
The home of the bean and the cod,
Where the Lowells talk only to the Cabots,
And the Cabots talk only to God.”A toast by John Collins Bossidy 1910 – a tongue-in-cheek mockery of New England aristocracy
Boston lays claim to a massive part of US history with surrounding towns famously home to some of the first settlers, many fleeing religious persecution in Europe.
A fascinating walking tour is the Freedom Trail Tour which takes in the numerous landmarks dating back to the American revolution along with significant burial grounds and monuments dedicated to the founding fathers.
The tour can be as long or as short as you like, with plenty of cafes and eateries en-route and the route is clearly marked and easy to navigate.
Another popular excursion is the duck tour which travels by amphibious vehicle on land and water with a running commentary describing all the sights and places of interest.
Back to school
Anyone who is anyone in the US, be it masters of industry, top lawyers, or presidents and politicians, boasts an Ivy League colleges as their Alma Mater. Harvard University is a sprawling 209-acre campus made up of majestic buildings with lush gardens, in the city of Cambridge across the river from downtown Boston. Harvard Square has a contemporary feel with trendy bars and restaurants bustling with students from around the world.
On the other side of Boston is tech-paradise MIT, another prestigious college with a more modern campus.
Accommodation in Boston can be expensive so why not consider using Airbnb where you can go self-catering for a fraction of the cost.
Witchcraft and intrigue in Salem
A twenty-minute drive out of Boston brings you to the city of Salem, famous for its 17th century witch trials and immortalised in the famous Arthur Miller play, ‘The Crucible’. My favourite book from school literature class.
Visit the witch museum and take a walk or drive out to Gallows Hill where 11 people accused of witchcraft were hanged for their alleged allegiance with Satan.
Stay right in the heart of history in the Stepping Stone Inn, next to the Witch Museum and within walking distance of some excellent eateries as well as a great tap house serving a range of artisan beers brewed on site.
The six rooms at the inn are traditionally furnished, some with four poster beds, breakfast is served in the small dining room and guests can enjoy the comfortable living room to relax and read books about the area. This family-run establishment comes complete with house cat, one of the largest I have ever seen, which greets guests with a knowing stare and loud purr.
Hollywood movie buffs will no doubt have seen, Oscar winning tear jerker, ‘Manchester by the Sea’. The town is real and a short drive from Salem, a picture postcard town on the water’s edge with luxury properties at every turn.
Cape Cod – so much more than a millionaires playground
No visit to New England would be complete without a stay on Cape Cod, a 65-mile long peninsular with quaint towns dotted along the coast.
Look at a map and many of the names will sound familiar, this area is not called New England for no reason!
Around 30 minutes down the cape is the beautiful, picturesque town of Falmouth, the main street is reminiscent of an English village, complete with churches, town hall and green spaces along with a wide range of restaurants, bars and even an Irish pub.
Walking distance from the main street and right by the ocean is the Beach Breeze Inn, possible one of the prettiest hotels I have ever stayed in. You will be warmly welcomed by caretakers Walt and Sally and more often than not, owner, Don Filiault, will also be there to say hello.
Rooms are either in the main house or in cottage style accommodation by the swimming pool. The property has been lovingly cared for by Don and his team and every room has its own unique feel and is exquisitely decorated. Some rooms have views across the Vineyard Sound where in the morning you can gaze upon Martha’s Vineyard rising through the sea mist.
Early risers can enjoy complimentary pastries, and hot drinks are available to serve yourself throughout the day and night. The inviting communal kitchen/dining room is a great place to chat with friends new and old or find out more about the area from the genial hosts.
If you prefer self-catering, the Beachside Village has rooms with kitchenettes take a look here
For lovers of marine life, nearby Woods Hole is home to the Oceanographic Institute where you can take a tour of the facility and learn about the sea life native to the area.
Martha’s Vineyard – stunning beauty
A 30-minute ferry ride from Woods Hole will take you to millionaire’s playground, Martha’s Vineyard, a 96 square mile island, popular with wealthy New Englanders and famously frequented by US presidents from John F Kennedy to Barrack Obama.
Avoid the high cost of taking a car over and rent one at the port on arrival. The island is easy to drive around with plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or shop for gifts. One of the prettiest towns on the island is Edgartown, with its clapboard houses, typical of the area, picket fences and pretty fishing port.
At home with the Kennedys
Back on the Cape, heading south from Falmouth is Hyannis, famously home to the Kennedy family. Pay a visit to the JFK library and try to catch a glimpse of the vast compound where Jack and Jackie lived with other members of the famous clan. I must confess I am pretty obsessed with the stories of the Kennedys and on the ferry to Nantucket I nearly tipped myself overboard trying to grab a selfie with the Kennedy compound in the background!
Nantucket Island
A ferry from Hyannis Port is the quickest way to get to Nantucket island, an hours ride across the water.
They say in Nantucket, the millionaires mow the lawns of the billionaires, such is the extent of the wealth on this tiny island with cobbled streets lined with historical buildings.
Nantucket is formerly famous for its whaling industry where men (and some women) spent years at sea in dangerous conditions hunting the majestic creatures whose flesh was more valuable than precious metals.
The Nantucket whaling museum is well worth a visit and boasts one of the largest collections of scrimshaw in the world.
If you are looking for conveniently located accommodation, the Roberts Collection guest house, is made up of three buildings sharing a pretty courtyard overlooked by porches where guests can relax after a day of sightseeing.
Provincetown – a warm welcome guaranteed
A trip to Massachusetts and Cape Cod would not be complete without a visit to the cape’s furthest most point, Provincetown.
A haven for the LGBTQ community, this quirky town is bustling with life and the main street boasts a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
The waters off the coast of Provincetown are an important route for whales and thousands of people flock to the area in spring and autumn to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
Another cool place to visit is the Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot-tall tower, built in 1907 to commemorate the arrival of the first pilgrims in the 1600s and the signing of the Mayflower Compact in the nearby harbour.
A total of 116 steps and 60 ramps take you to the top of the tower where the views across the town and out to sea are fabulous.
The Crowne Point Inn and Spa is a great place to stay, just back from the busy main street and with an on-site luxury spa.
Breakfast is included and includes a good selection of delicious food including made to order hot food cooked by the friendly chef.
Also included is a fun wine and cheese party each evening which is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy delicious nibbles and quality wines.
Massachusetts and Cape Cod offer a surprise around every corner and do not disappoint. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, avoiding the harsh east coast winters and taking advantage of the spectacular colours and the changing landscape.
Photography enthusiasts will be blown away by the endless photo opportunities and history buffs will relish in the wealth of places to visit.
If you are looking for something completely different from your trip to the USA, Massachusetts and Cape Cod must be on your bucket list.
