8 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Massachusetts
Massachusetts, in New England, is rich in history and glorious natural beauty. Out at the Berkshires, travelers can enjoy easygoing ski slopes, discover esteemed artistic treasures, and kick back in world-class spas. Near the northeastern corner, folks can experience the curious magic of Salem, made famous by a series of witch trials late in the 17th century. And down at Cape Cod, visitors will find New England’s most fabulous artists’ village by the sea, Provincetown, as well as an island full of postcard-ready beaches and lighthouses. Clearly, there’s a lot to see and do across Massachusetts, and we’re only scratching the surface. For some more ideas on how to craft your own ideal Bay State getaway, here are eight perfect destinations for a long weekend in Massachusetts.
Williamstown
Occupying the very northwestern corner of Massachusetts, right along the Vermont and New York state lines, is “The Village Beautiful” of Williamstown. The town easily lives up to its motto at Taconic Trail State Forest, a lovely expanse of Appalachian backcountry with trails connecting to the adjacent (New York) Taconic Ridge State Park. Then, at the north end of town, Mountain Meadow Preserve protects 240 acres of critical wetland, meadow, and forest habitat that wild animals like bears, bobcats, foxes, and deer call home.
Since Williamstown sports such a beautiful Berkshires backdrop, it should come as no surprise that this is also a very artistic town. In particular, The Clark Art Institute is a treasure trove of vintage art ranging from French Impressionist paintings to turn-of-the-20th-century American photography, while the Williams College Museum of Art has a vast and eclectic collection ranging from ancient Greek pottery to contemporary Chinese screen art. Whatever one decides to do in and around town, The Williams Inn keeps guests close to the action with a prime location in town and a snazzy collection of farmhouse-style rooms and suites.
Lenox
Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, some 49 miles southeast of Albany (New York), is the majestic town of Lenox. A key local attraction is the Norman Rockwell Museum, an institution in the legendary American artist’s hometown that houses the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell paintings and all 323 of his Saturday Evening Post covers. Another popular mainstay is Tanglewood, a wonderful open space that provides tranquil respite during the off-season, then transforms into one of New England’s premier music festivals in summer. And at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, folks can tour a lavish 1893 mansion built for the Morgan family and sign up for special events like classic tea times and spooky ghost tours.
Just outside town, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary extends over 1,000 acres and provides a tranquil and pristine natural escape into the forests and meadows along the slopes of Meadows Mountain. And for anyone who desires the ultimate Berkshires spa retreat, it’s hard to beat Miraval Berkshires, a soothing and sumptuous wellness resort offering all sorts of healing treatments at the Life in Balance Spa, along with several tasty restaurants and a stylish collection of rooms and suites.
Great Barrington
Anchoring the southern end of the Berkshires, about 130 miles northeast of New York City (New York), is the truly great mountain village of Great Barrington. During the winter season, folks can hit the slopes at two inviting ski resorts: Catamount Mountain Resort with its 44 trails across 133 acres straddling the Massachusetts-New York state line, and Ski Butternut with 22 trails across 100 acres alongside a seven-lane tubing center.
For those craving a more rustic mountain experience, the nearby Mount Washington State Forest has over 30 miles of trails across this red oak northern hardwood forest for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing (depending on weather). And at Monument Mountain to the north of town, explorers can hike to the top of this 1,642-foot summit, take in panoramic views of the Housatonic River Valley, and maybe even spot bald eagles flying above. Whatever one decides to do in Great Barrington, Prospect Berkshires makes a great “base camp” with their array of 49 cabins set by a serene lake, along with on-site dining at The Cliff House and additional amenities like Finnish-style saunas and a seasonal swimming pool.
Northampton
Situated in the Connecticut River Valley, around 46 miles north of Hartford (Connecticut), is the “Paradise City” of Northampton. Since this is a college town, one can expect plenty of culture here, from the 27,000+ works of art ranging from antiquity to the postmodern era at the Smith College Museum of Art, to the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum dedicated to the local lawyer and politician who became the United States’ 30th president in 1923. And at the nearby Academy of Music Theatre, visitors can catch everything from a smooth jazz concert to a ballet show in this well-preserved 1890 concert hall.
While Northampton offers a lot of exciting activities and attractions in town, it’s also possible to find some peace and quiet in nature, especially at Mineral Hills Conservation Area with its network of trails traversing the hilly forest. And for a lovely boutique hotel in a tranquil setting that’s also close to the action in town, one can stay at The Old Mill Inn, a former grist mill that’s now a refined retreat with cozy rooms and suites.
Sturbridge
Just 55 miles northwest of Providence (Rhode Island) is Sturbridge, a Massachusetts town steeped in all kinds of fascinating history. For one, there’s Tantiusques, a leafy woodland area where the indigenous Nipmuc tribe mined graphite to make paints, and where British Colonial rulers would later establish a larger commercial mining operation that continued well into the 19th century. (Around the woods, folks can spot remnants of these past mining operations.) Speaking of the 19th century, it’s also worth visiting Old Sturbridge Village, New England’s largest living museum and one that preserves an entire early 19th-century village with over 40 historic buildings and a calendar full of events.
Beyond the old village, Sturbridge has some more parks and public lands where old traditions remain alive and well. More specifically, Breakneck Brook is open for hiking and for hunting game like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and ruffed grouse. And at Wells State Park, visitors will find some 1,400 acres of oak-hickory forest and northern hardwood forest that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and (seasonal) cross-country skiing. Whatever folks decide to do in and around town, they can find plenty of great local hospitality at The Publick House Historic Inn, a vintage 1771 inn and tavern with 17 guest rooms furnished with period antiques.
Salem
The legendary town of Salem may be a “spooky season” favorite, but there’s no reason why visitors should limit themselves to visiting this Massachusetts town in October. After all, the Salem Witch Museum is open year-round, and it’s a great place to go beyond the lore and learn more about the real stories of the 1692 Witch Trials and the dangers of mass hysteria. Then, for a fuller view of Salem’s history and heritage, it’s worth visiting the waterfront Salem Maritime National Historical Park to experience over 600 years of New England maritime history (including multiple 18th and 19th-century historic buildings). And at the Peabody Essex Museum, folks can tour one of the nation’s oldest operating museums with a vast collection of world art housed in 22 historic buildings.
In case anyone fancies another major historic throwback, they can head over to the famed House of the Seven Gables to tour a 1668 historic mansion that later inspired local author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his classic Gothic novel The House of the Seven Gables (1851). And for a more easygoing historic treasure, one can stay at The Merchant Salem, a chic boutique hotel that hosted President George Washington in 1789, and one that now sports a posh collection of guest rooms with plenty of 21st-century amenities like LED smart TVs, USB charging outlets, and heated bathroom floors.
Provincetown
It’s about a 115-mile journey from Boston to Provincetown, and it’s one that leads to what may be Cape Cod’s most fabulous beach town. As the United States’ oldest continually-operating artists’ village, it should come as no surprise that this town is home to incredible arts institutions like the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) that showcases over 5,000 works by some 900 local artists. Meanwhile, for a different kind of artistic showcase, the Provincetown Theater hosts a variety of shows and theatrical productions year-round. And for a stunning display of natural beauty, Cape Cod National Seashore has several stunning beaches, including Herring Cove Beach on the Cape Cod Bay side of the peninsula, and Race Point Beach on the Atlantic Ocean-facing side.
Whether one’s in Provincetown for the art, the culture, or the beaches, The Ellery Hotel places guests close to it all with a prime location in the East End Gallery District. Even better, this 19-room guest house sports wonderfully beachy-chic guest rooms, high-speed internet, a guests-only spa space, and even beach supplies available upon request.
Nantucket
About 30 miles from the shores of Cape Cod lies the magnificent island of Nantucket, a coastal village that looks and feels like a fairy tale come to life. That certainly rings true at Great Point Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, a gorgeous coastal preserve at the north end of the island that also has the Great Point Light (lighthouse) that’s been illuminating the shore since the late 18th century. Shifting over to the east end of the island, Sankaty Head Lighthouse is a stunning red-striped landmark that’s been continually operating since 1850. And for some, a simply phenomenal beach day, Surfside Beach on the south end works great for surf fishing, shell fishing, and birdwatching, while Cisco Beach is a beloved surf spot that regularly gets good swells.
After a long and wondrous day exploring Nantucket’s glorious beaches, lighthouses, and other unique treasures, Greydon House is the perfect way to finish the day. Not only does this elegant hotel have stylish rooms and suites with Roman and Williams custom-designed beds, beautiful antique furnishings, and outstanding Acqua di Parma bath amenities, but it also has the delectable Via Mare Italian-fusion restaurant on site.
Experience The Full “Spirit of America” At These Fine Massachusetts Towns
Whether one’s looking for an easy long weekend or a more exciting getaway, Massachusetts offers a whole lot of amazing destinations. Out in the Berkshires, Lenox is a beautifully creative mountain town, and Great Barrington is a surprisingly great ski town. In the middle of the state, Northampton is a cool and quirky college town, while Sturbridge is chock full of fascinating historic treasures. And along the coast, Provincetown is a glorious artists’ village by the sea, and Nantucket is the island where beachy dreams come true. The Bay State never ceases to amaze, and it’s always open to travelers in need of a pleasant weekend escape.
