5 Reasons to Visit The Bay State

     Something that was on my list of 25 before 25- and honestly something that I wasn’t so sure was going to happen- was moving back to Massachusetts.

     Don’t get me wrong- It isn’t as if I didn’t enjoy my time in Connecticut. ‘Connecticutians’ are a very friendly bunch, and we made more connections here than any other state in such a short period of time. But moving back to Massachusetts was a personal goal for a few reasons, mainly because of graduate school and the desire to be around both our extended families. 

     You certainly don’t have to live in Massachusetts to discover what makes this state so unique. In celebration of a successful move, here’s five reasons why you should put "The Bay State" on your travel list.

5 Reasons to Visit the Bay State

5. A Rich History

     I’m no history buff, but even I have a smitten appreciation for the saturation of history that surrounds me on a daily basis. The past permeates the present in Massachusetts- from creepy stone walls in the middle of the woods, to the inconvenient roadways that began decades before my parents were born. Churches are how they should be- big and proud with a tall steeple and a bell that rings though the town. The history that lies beneath these seemingly simple things are often overlooked.

      Of course there are the obvious historical places- From Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims first set foot to the Boston Tea Party and the beginning of the American Revolution. You can visit Walden Pond while checking out Lexington, Concord, and the Paul Revere House. Simply put, the history here is endless.

 
4. The Food

     If you happen to be hungry while thinking about Mass, your mind may wander to Boston baked beans- or even better, Boston Kreme Pie. But, if you are a seafood fan, Massachusetts is the place to be! Massachusetts is wells known for its love of clams- especially Clam "Chowda" (delicious in a bread bowl, if you don't mind the extra carbs).  Fried seafood restaurants are literally everywhere along the coast and on Cape Cod. Not to mention our love for lobster, haddock, and sweet corn. Ever eaten a Cape Cod Potato Chip? You're missing out!

3. Boston

     Whether it’s hanging out in the oldest park in the country or following the Freedom Trail, shopping on Newbury street or paddling down the Charles River, there's always something to do in Boston. Grab some Dim Sum in Chinatown, or watch a soccer game in Little Italy. To avoid the stress of traffic and parking I love to take the train in and bike around the whole city!  It's quicker, easily doable, and it frees my mind so that I can truly enjoy my surroundings.

     One of my favorite places in Boston is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Built in 1742, the only original part of the building today is a weathervane on the roof. Although Faneuil Hall still holds meetings, today it is better known for its shopping, delicious food, and entertainment. Faneuil Hall itself is surrounded by stores and street vendors, while behind it Quincy Market has some of the best Clam Chowder anywhere. Street artists perform acrobatic feats and draw large crowds all week.

2. Provincetown

     If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape, there sure couldn’t be a better place for it than P-town. Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, P-town is a highly GLBT community that is both eccentric and oddly family-oriented. From sex shops to candy stores, whale watching to shows that will either "blow your mind or scar you for life", there is certainly something for everybody in this town. There is no such thing as wrong here. Street performers pick a side of the street and sing songs, perform magic, or transform in to unusually decorated statues. I’d like to say that the open-mindedness that permeates through out this town is what Massachusetts is all about.

1. Autumn

    It may seem a bit odd that the number one reason to visit is a season, but in Massachusetts Autumn can not be ignored. The night air is refreshingly crisp, and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.  Massachusetts is Apple Country, and there are countless orchards where you can pick the apples right off the tree which drinking freshly spiced apple cider. When I think Autumn, I think Massachusetts.

     Halloween is no joke. If you want the ultimate Halloween experience, there is nothing like Salem, where Halloween is celebrated all month long. Take a Trolley tour, trick or treat with the Mayor, or even join a witch circle on Halloween night.

     Autumn is a free experience in Massachusetts. Unless you’re raking leaves, You’ll end the crisp fall day with your soul a little lighter.