Massachusetts

More than 170 art, history and sporting museums, including excellent colonial "living history" museums:

Plimoth Plantation

in Plymouth,

Old Sturbridge Village

in Sturbridge, and

Hancock Shaker Village

in Pittsfield.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and exhibits in Gloucester, Provincetown and Nantucket harken to the days when fishing and whaling were a vital industry.

Springfield Massachusetts Armory National Historic Park, the site of which was selected by George Washington himself. From 1777 until Robert McNamara's controversial decision to shut down the Springfield Armory during the Vietnam War, the National Arsenal led to innumerable military and industrial innovations, including interchangeable parts.

Over 50 theatres and performing arts centers. Northampton, Cape Cod, Rockport and Gloucester have thriving artist colonies and numerous galleries. In addition, Northampton is a LGBT mecca.

Numerous historical sites and monuments

as Massachusetts played a central role in the American Revolution. Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord gives a taste of what times were like when America was born.

For history buffs, Taunton is a small city filled with well-documented archives, preserved historical sites, and an extensive chronology of notable history dating back nearly 400 years. This includes within the city: many significant historic firsts, innovations, national and/or regional leading center of industries, former prominent residents, numerous high-profile political visits/public speeches ex.: pioneers, U.S. presidents, civil rights activists, etc., war-related events, unique range of architectural structures, special industrial production Civil War artillery, Olympic medallions, the White House's silverware, etc., recent filming site of several popular 'Hollywood' movies, and the list just goes on and on... Do make sure to visit the city's Old Colony Historical Society and Museum.

For decades, artists have migrated to Provincetown on Cape Cod and Northampton in the Pioneer Valley. Now both are full-blown artist colonies, home to numerous galleries and performance venues. Unofficially, they are the two LGBT capitals of Massachusetts. Both places are renowned for their liberal attitudes, great shopping, restaurants, and unique atmospheres. "P-Town" features beautiful beaches while "NoHo" features mountains, rivers, and streams.