Last updated: April 21, 2024

I love that I was able to take nine days and explore New England. While that’s definitely not enough time to thoroughly visit Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, it was enough time to get just a taste to know I want to go back!

My main goal while in Massachusetts was to visit Salem and see all 15 National Park Service sites, but only had time for 13 (and I barely got those in!). Not to mention Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Oh well… I guess I’ll have to go back, darn it. 😉

Massachusetts

First, let’s learn a little bit about Massachusetts. It was founded in 1620 by the pilgrims of the Mayflower. While it is the seventh smallest state, it’s the most populated of New England, and Boston (the capital) is the most populated city of New England. Some of my interesting finds about Massachusetts are as follows:

• Nicknames: The Bay State (official), The Pilgrim State; The Puritan State, The Old Colony State, The Baked Bean State
• Motto: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty
• Bird: Chickadee and Wild Turkey
• Animal: Tabby Cat, Boston Terrier (to name a few)
• Beverage: Cranberry juice
• Insect: ladybug
• Dance: square dance

Boston, MA

You can’t visit Massachusetts without seeing the city of Boston. There is so much history as indicated by the statutes throughout the city. While you’re out strolling along, stop by Starbucks and see steam come out of the buildings teapot, eat some clam chowder at an Irish pub, and stop by Bostons most instagrammable spot, Graffiti Alley! When you’re ready to grab a bite and turn in for the night, opt for the ultra trendy Hotel Studio Alston and enjoy some Latin food while enjoying the outdoor dining fire pit. Read on for the deets. 😉

Hotel Studio Alston (Boston, MA)

Ok, so Hotel Studio Alston, where have you been on my life? I highly recommend this reasonably priced, safe, and freakin’ adorable hotel! It’s trendiness was right up my alley. We stayed three nights and had dinner in their Latin food restaurant which was overpriced but super yummy.

Starbucks Steaming Teapot

Ok, so what is the big deal? First, I’ll always treat myself to a Chai Tea no matter where I am. Second, this Starbucks store is a bit unique in that it has actual steam coming from the building teapot every few minutes. It caught my eye and I liked it so much I gave it some real estate on my blog. That’s all there is to say about this. If you’re going to get Starbucks, make your stop here.

Randomness throughout the City

Just have your camera ready and take photos of anything that catches your eye.

The Black Rose

I simply had to eat clam chowder while in Boston, so we stopped an Irish pub, The Black Rose. They have a wide variety of food options, but most importantly, they had clam chowder and it was absolutely yum. Highly recommended!

I want to reiterate that 3 days was not enough time for Massachusetts. Spend at least four or five. I really wish I could have visited Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Nantucket and the Boston Harbor Islands. Like I said, I’ll be back.

In Conclusion

If you get the opportunity to visit Massachusetts, take it! Here’s the list of things I recommend for your reference (even though I didn’t get to go do them all!).

Adams National Historical Park

Boston African American National Historical Site

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston National Historical Park

Cape Cod

Frederick Law Olmsted National Historical Site

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historical Site

Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historical Site

Lowell National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park

New Bradford Whaling National Historical Park

Salem Martine National Historical Site

Saugus Iron Works National Historical Site

Springfield Armory National Historical Site

Graffiti Alley

Martha’s Vineyard

Nantucket

If you know of something I should do next time I’m there and it’s not listed below, let me know in the comments below (for real, I legit want to know!).