Massachusetts Vacations
Don't Narrate History-Live it!

From the sandy beaches of the Massachusetts coastline to the breathtaking fall foliage and snow covered ski trails, the best time of year to visit this four season state will depend upon your family's interests.  But when traveling with children you simply can't pass up the opportunity to experience American culture come to life in this richly historical state.  Follow this historical timeline to find the top five historical spots to tour with the family on your trip to the Commonwealth. 

Cape Cod: Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II

What better way to learn about the beginnings of America than to experience the landing of the first permanent settlers and walk through the village created out of steadfast dreams?

Begin this wonderful trip back in time, November 9, 1620, aboard the Mayflower II, a floating, full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower where you can fully appreciate the courage of the original settlers and the sacrifices they made to come to this new world, through costumed role players who eagerly recount their adventure.  Explore Plymouth as it was in the 17th century as you wander through the recreated coastal village alongside costumed settlers going about their daily lives. Experience the vast differences between two cultures as you explore the Wampanoag Homesite where modern day Native staff practice and preserve traditional skills and speak about the history of the Wampanoag people. 

Mayflower II is located on the Plymouth waterfront while the Plimoth Plantation is located 3  miles from downtown Plymouth. Combination tickets to visit both locations are $24.00 per adult, $14.00 children 6-12, and children under 5 visit for free.

Plimoth Plantation is open March 26-November 27, seven days a week.

For more information visit: http://www.plimoth.org/

Salem: The House of the Seven Gables

Infamous for its seventeenth century witch trials, Salem has a rich history to explore including The House of the Seven Gables which should be a stop on your tour of Salem.  Built in 1668, New England's oldest standing mansion was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book of the same name.  There are many special events during the year inviting you to become part of the town's history.

General admission includes guided tours of The House of the Seven Gables, a visit to The Nathaniel Hawthorne House, The Counting House, the Colonial Revival Gardens, and the Waterfront and is open year round.

Adults $12.00, children 5-12 $7.25.

For more information visit: http://www.7gables.org/index.htm

Boston: Boston Freedom Trail

Fast forward in history about 100 years after the first settlers of Plymouth to the Colonial settlers about to wage their war for freedom.  This tour of the important points along America's quest for freedom can be seen by car, trolley or boat but if the weather permits, this is a wonderful walking tour.  Starting from Boston Common a red brick or painted line takes the visitor to 16 historical sites including the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House.

Many guided tours are available.  See site for prices and tour information.

For more information visit: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

Charleston: Old Ironsides-USS Constitution

If you can't do the complete freedom trail, make the 15th stop along the trail one of your priorities.  You are invited aboard the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat after two centuries.

Several times a year the ship makes a turnaround cruise which is open to the public.  Since space is limited, the passengers are selected by a lottery which can be entered by visiting the official navy website.

The USS Constitution is open April 1-October 31, Tues-Sun 10:00-5:50; Nov 1-March 31, 10:00-3:50.

Free 30-40 minute guided tours are given daily by active duty sailors.  The last guided tour is at 3:30 but visitors may take self-guided tours up until sunset.

For more information visit: http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/

Sturbridge: Old Sturbridge Village  *A Must See*

Fast forward another 50 years after the American Revolution to take a stroll through a rural New England Village set in the 1830's.

The heart of this authentic 200 acre community, which is abuzz with activity, is the expansive town common which includes shops, houses, stores and meeting houses all of which the visitor is encouraged to explore.  Once you have spoken with a few of the friendly townsfolk, you can meander through the countryside over a covered bridge along rambling country roads to pop in on real working farms.

The magic of this setting lies not only with its authentic buildings that even smell of history, but in the experience of becoming part of a real working town.  The townsfolk never come out of character as they go about their daily routines, happy to stop their task at hand to explain exactly what it is they are doing.  Old Sturbridge Village is a living, breathing, history lesson that no child, or adult for that matter, should miss.

Located in scenic Sturbridge, in the western part of the state, the village includes more than 40 structures including restored buildings brought from across New England as well as some authentic reconstructions.

Adults $20.00, children 3-17 $5.00

For more information visit: http://www.osv.org/