8 Beautiful Places in Massachusetts Beyond Boston

You can tour historic homes around the world, but you can’t go much farther than the velvet rope across the doorway to see many period-decorated rooms within. This is not the case at The Mount, the mansion and gardens designed by American author Edith Wharton in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Not only can you fully enter the rooms here, but you’re invited to use the replicated furniture within and truly experience what a literary icon’s daily life was like here. Take a poke around the library, one of Wharton’s favorite rooms, and see what (and who) inspired the words that have inspired so many since.

Outside, the formal gardens are a bit simple, but no less refined than the rest of The Mount, and well worth a stroll. For an even deeper dose of high culture, check out Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home, and Shakespeare & Company, both also in Lenox.

There are plenty of castle-like homes and buildings across the country, but few resemble the real medieval masterpieces strewn across Europe. Hammond Castle is an exception, and you’re welcome to explore its many fascinating rooms in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Now a museum, this hodgepodge of architecture contains castle elements from multiple centuries and was custom built to house the massive art and artifact collection of successful inventor John Hammond Jr. in the 1920s.

Today, you can also explore exhibits on the life of Hammond and his many inventions. However, the house itself remains the main attraction, despite the priceless collection within. Get ready to live your wildest historical fantasy—there are more gothic arches and thick red curtains than you can count.

Deerfield’s Mount Sugarloaf may not be the tallest point in the state, but its dramatic cliffs and relatively easy ascent draw plenty of visitors looking for reasonably accessible views of the surrounding Connecticut River Valley.

There are two summits here, interchangeably called Mount Sugarloaf by various entities, and you can hike either one for similar views, but the south summit is more developed. Seasonally, the south summit can be reached entirely by vehicle if needed, but you can hike it year-round (it should only take about an hour in clear conditions). In season, step into the observation tower atop the south summit for an even higher view of the landscape.

Martha’s Vineyard has long been a popular getaway for the society set, but one neighborhood in particular warrants a visit from everyone.

The Oak Bluffs area is positively overrun by fanciful Victorian cottages decked out in vibrant collars and drowning in gingerbread detail on every surface, from porches and trellises to window frames and roof trim. All told, there are 318 of these spectacles in this neighborhood alone, making it a wonderland of fairy tale fantasy that’s as engaging for kids as it is impressive for adults.

No mere shopping street or small group of preserved historic homes, Old Sturbridge Village is an entire 1830s town reborn to its original splendor.

The largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, stroll the streets and paths among 40 original buildings dating back nearly 200 years, all with a bucolic New England backdrop that’s equally evocative in all seasons. The past lives on here with costumed historians recreating the scene of a once bustling village, while heritage breed farm animals roam the fields and pastures surrounding the shops, mills, bank, church, and school.

Whichever aspect of early American village nostalgia appeals to you most, you’ll find it here. Plus, you don’t have to be a history buff to love it: the village itself is a splendid setting for a leisurely stroll, and the 200-acre property also includes nature trails, gardens, and riverbanks for simply appreciating nature on a beautiful day.

The entire Town Square Hall Historic District in Sandwich exudes the slow charm of yesteryear, but the most idyllic scene can be found at the Dexter Grist Mill. This 17^th-century mill is among the most photographed landmarks on all of Cape Cod and is still operable, producing corn meal sold in cloth sacks that you can bring home as a functional souvenir (recipes included!).

Surrounding the mill are the quiet Shawme Pond, stately Town Hall, and plenty of Colonial houses. Be sure to walk the short distance to Hoxie House to tour the authentically restored 1640s home that remains the most famous in Sandwich, crowning the picturesque district from its perch above the pond.

Jump right in for a dip at Walden Pond right outside of Henry David Thoreau’s famous one-room cabin.

Depending on the season, it may be too cool to actually want to swim here, but the pond is ringed by a 1.7-mile hiking path that’s charming year-round. In warmer months, you can enjoy the calming waters of this glacial kettle pond by boat or paddle board – you’ll need to bring your own equipment as there are no rentals within this state reservation.

The original location of Thoreau’s cabin is marked along the pond path and the hearthstone of his self-constructed cabin remains in place, but you may have trouble reaching it in winter months. The more popular replica, complete with a Thoreau statue, is located by the reserve’s parking lot, and will give you an even greater understanding and appreciation of his two years here.

If your time at Walden Pond State Reservation piques your literary curiosity, pop over to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, also in Concord, to ogle the gorgeous property that was both home to the author and the setting of Little Women.

All of Cape Cod’s shorefront is designated as a national seashore park and you’d have no trouble locating dreamy vistas anywhere along the peninsula. However, Race Point Beach is a must-stop for quintessential seaside beauty. During the day, stroll the wide sands stretching from dunes to shore and be sure to round the point to admire the romantic Race Point Lighthouse, dating to the mid-19^th century.

Admittedly, it’s a considerable walk across the sand to reach this point, so if you’re not up for the moderate exertion, consider acquiring a permit for driving on the beach (you need to get these in person from the permit station) or taking a guided tour around the cape with Art’s Dune Tours. If you choose the latter, opt for the sunset tour for the most vibrant views, and add on a bonfire experience – Race Point Beach is one of the most popular beach bonfire spots on Cape Cod.