Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of United States. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west and New Hampshire and Vermont to the north. The capital as well as the largest city in Massachusetts is Boston. The name Massachusetts comes from the local Native American Narragansett dialect which means “by the Blue hills”. It is nicknamed the “Bay state” for its numerous bays (inlets of the sea) in the area.
Boston Logan International Airport brings in millions of people from all over the world every year. Boston is located the mouth of Charles River, the longest river in Massachusetts. Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales gather every summer on feeding grounds in Cape Cod Bay. Visitors can also join cruises to Stellwagen Bank to watch Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Fin Whale and White sided Dolphins.
The weather in Massachusetts varies widely in the Eastern and Western sections. The Berkshires in the west have very cold winters and cold summers. The average January (winter) temperature is around 22°F and the average July (summer) temperature is 71°F. The coastal areas are warmer than the rest of the state. Boston receives an average rainfall of 42 inches annually. April through October is a good time to visit this state.Massachusetts is one of the most prominent states in the history of USA. The enchanting beauty of this state brings millions of visitors to Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Hyannis each year. The western and central regions of the state are filled with rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. The world famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University are two of the top universities in the country.
Plymouth Rock is a legendary part of the history of USA. Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod is where the Mayflower pilgrims landed in 1620, as the first settlers in America.
Boston is a difficult city to drive in. So it is best to get a shuttle to the hotel from the airport and find a guided tour to see the best attractions in the area. Boston’s freedom trail starts at the Boston Common and allows you to visit the Paul Revere House, statue of Benjamin Franklin and the site of the Boston Massacre.
The Boston Public Garden is the oldest botanical collection in the USA and is famous for its swan boats which may be used for leisurely cruises in summer. Arnold Arboretum is a beautiful 265 acre park with four thousand types of trees, wild flowers and other exotic flora and fauna.
Museum of Science, Boston Common, John F Kennedy Presidential Library, Fenway Park, New England Aquarium and the USS Constitutional Museum are other attractions where the adults as well as children can have a grand time.
Massachusetts has its share of breathtaking and exciting outdoor activities at numerous National parks and forests including Adams National Historic Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Boston Harbor Islands, Cape Cod National Seashore, Essex National Heritage Area and Minute Man National Historical Park.
