What’s The Rush?

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Header Photo: Swan Boats, Boston, photo by MOTT

By Phyllis M. Cahaly, CMD, Director of Partnership Marketing, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

When does a vacation start? Is it when you are sifting, swiping, and reading through travel options to decide where to go and what you want to do? Maybe it’s when you actually board the plane, train, or bus, fill the gas tank, or cross over a state line. Whenever your vacation starts one thing is for sure – you’ve had to make decisions and meet deadlines to make it happen. So now, take a breath, relax, and let’s slow it down a bit as we welcome you to slow tourism in Massachusetts.

You may have heard about the slow tourism trend over the last few years where visitors are taking more time to explore one destination for a deeper and more enriching understanding of its culture, assets, and offerings. It’s hikes and bikes and walks, sunrises and sunsets, spas and salons, art classes, birding, golfing, window shopping, or just reading at the shoreline or on a porch. It’s a journey along the road less traveled and in Massachusetts those roads are filled with charms and treasures not to be missed.

“Slow travel is an approach to travel that gets off the beaten path and really focuses on hidden gems and local culture and food and music,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). “I think slow travel is a more emotional way to engage with destinations. It’s just a way to slow down and not do as much as humanly possible in a trip but to prioritize quality over quantity.”

You can read about more Massachusetts slow tourism ideas at Boston.com, review the amazing list below organized by region and check out our website at VisitMA.com for details – remember to enjoy the journey!

Greater Boston

Take a 15-minute ride on The Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden. These iconic boats have been pedaling around the lagoon since 1877.

Then promenade along the walking paths around the lagoon, under the willow trees and over the Boston Public Garden Foot Bridge, once the world’s shortest functioning suspension bridge. Be sure to stop and watch the many artists along the route.

For the ultimate window-shopping experience, stroll along Boston’s Newbury Street. This premier shopping destination covers eight blocks of high-end retailers and boutiques.

Stop by the Brattle Book Shop, one of America’s oldest and largest used book shops. You’ll find two floors of general used books, a third floor of rare and antiquarian books, and an outdoor sales lot.

Discover the beauty of native plants in a naturally dramatic landscape, magical botanic garden just west of Boston at Garden in the Woods.

North of Boston

Historic Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, founded in 1875 reflects the importance of this city’s contributions to the fishing and artistic communities. Wander among the works of Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Home, Edward Hopper, and other artists.

Follow the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway up to Gloucester and take a walk along the working waterfront to see lobstermen pulling up traps.

Linger in the galleries of the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. Take time to delight in the creativity, cultural understanding, and innovation of this unique museum.

Reflect at the Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial. This 8’ bronze statue of a fisherman dressed in oilskins stands braced at the wheel on the sloping deck of his ship.

Meander over the North Bridge in Concord, famously known as the location of the “shot heard ‘round the world” and the beginning of the American War.

Get close-up to beautifully preserved antique quilts in America from contemporary to modern at the New England Quilt Museum, Lowell.

South of Boston

Take time to reflect at the National Monument to the Forefathers, Plymouth – this 81’ awe-inspiring monument was built to honor the 102 passengers of the Mayflower.

Coles Hill Buriel Ground, Plymouth is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the first cemetery used by the Mayflower It overlooks Plymouth Rock and its iconic portico. A statue of Wampanoag Massasoit Sachem or Ousamequin stands footsteps away.

Pleasant and peaceful Brewster Gardens, Plymouth is a popular destination for history explorers as it encompasses the original garden plot that was granted to Elder William Brewster in 1620.

In New Bedford, celebrate Slow Art and major exhibitions at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and linger over the photography collections.

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the 1.5-mile path of the Quequechan Trail which lies along the Quequechan River. This old train line is a combination of paved trail and wooden bridges.

Cape Cod & The Islands

Cape Cod truly is “The Golf Coast!” More than 27 public and 15 private courses run through practically every town on Cape Cod, many with stunning ocean backdrops.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in South Wellfleet provides 1,183 acres of peace and unmatched beauty on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. This is the perfect place for bird watching and walking widespread trails.

Historians and antique lovers alike will adore a slow scenic ride along Cape Cod’s Route 6A, known as Old King’s Highway. This east/west roadway on the northern side of the Cape. This 62-mile stretch comprises the largest contiguous historic district in the United States.

If you’re an early riser who loves the serenity of a picturesque sunrise, then find your way to the Edgartown Harbor Light in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard Island. The original lighthouse was built in 1828 and its storied history is on virtual display at the Martha’s Vineyard online Museum: Treasured Beacon: The Edgartown Lighthouse.

Beautiful Nantucket Island slows things down naturally since over half of the island is zoned for conservation. You can take it all in by bicycle and travel over more than 12 bike paths covering 32 scenic miles.

Take your time cracking a lobster, dipping mussels and clams into buttery broth, or ordering up your favorite seafood to go for a picnic. Seafood restaurants abound on the Cape and Islands.

Central Massachusetts

At the New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, MA, wandering is always welcome. Enjoy this natural paradise year-round in the heart of Massachusetts.

Saddle up with Cornerstone Ranch, Princeton, MA, for leisurely horseback riding adventures for everyone. Happy trails await and you can take a riding lesson, a wagon ride, sleigh rides in winter, or even a pony ride for the kids.

Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, Hardwick, MA, located on a quiet country road winding around the Quabbin Reservoir, produces 21 award-winning wines including premiums, heritage series, and fruits like Baystate Blueberry, Apple Pie, and Sweet Strawberry.

Since 1925, contemporary artists and artworks from the historical collections at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA, have been inspiring creativity and learning opportunities to visitors. Innovative year-round programs like Yoga in the Galleries and Youth Artmaking Workshops engage participation.

It will take you some time to pronounce Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (yes, that’s the real name) or better known as Webster Lake in Webster, MA, home of the Nipmuc Indians. Tour the lake aboard the Indian Princes Historic Paddle Wheel Boat or just take a relaxing swim or kayak on the water.

Western Massachusetts

Luxurious spa treatments and reflective retreats await you in the beautiful Berkshires. Miraval Resorts and Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA and Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, West Stockbridge, MA, all offer an inspiring, enriching and transformative experience.

Step back in time with a visit to the Glacial Potholes and Salmon Falls, Shelburne Falls, MA, located along the Mohawk Trail. View the largest selection of ancient glacial potholes in the country.

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, Springfield, MA, began its journey in the 1800s to inspire and educate about the natural world. This 735-acre woodland is home to over 225 native and exotic animals.

Gedney Farm is tucked away in the timeless village of New Marlborough in the Berkshires. Turn over your wants and needs to the staff as you relax and enjoy expert chef-created locally sourced and seasonally inspired foods.

The Chesterfield Gorge, Chesterfield, MA, is a dramatic 166-acre rock canyon along the Westfield River. A laidback day of catch-and-release fly fishing awaits you at this historic landmark which still has stone abutments from a historic 1762 bridge.

TOPICS: Berkshires, Boylston, Chesterfield, Edgartown, Fitchburg, Gloucester Concord Cape Ann, Hardwick, Lenox, Martha's Vineyard, Mohawk Trail, New Bedford, New Marlborough, Old King's Highway, Plymouth, Princeton, Salem, Slow Tourism, South Wellfleet, springfield, Wellfleet, West Stockbridge