Massachusetts - 90 Great Things to Do in Massachusetts

Ten Great Things to Do in North of Boston/Salem/Cape Ann Massachusetts

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Artists Pick Up Hammers
to Save Revered Showroom

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The 20-year-old Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom on Ashfield Street in Shelburne Falls faced a challenge in the summer of 2009 with the retirement of two key staff members and a flagging economy. But the artists that contribute to the showroom rallied and undertook a major renovation, and the showroom reopened with a splash on October 17, 2009. In the new design of the showroom each window frames a spectacular river view and is surrounded by a bevy of beautifully displayed pots, paintings, collages, mixed media, glassware, textiles, wood work and photographs. The gallery is open to the public daily except Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Phone: 413-625-9833.

Artwork From Around the World
Presents Wonderful Gift Selections

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 82 Main Street in Northampton to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 413-582-9338.

Botanical Garden Offers
Herbal Beauty Year-Round

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Plant lovers can find a place of peaceful, studious beauty at the Botanic Garden of Smith College on College Lane in Northampton. The garden includes thousands of plants, of course, under glass in the Lyman Conservatory and outdoors in various not-so-secret gardens. There is also a collection of dried plants. There are 60,000 pressed specimens available for research in the Herbarium. The public is invited to explore the campus arboretum and specialty gardens. Open daily, year-round. Phone: 413-585-2740.

Bring Your Own Romance … and Some Matches

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This is one of New England's most popular destinations, with lots of fun shopping and holiday spirit. Yankee Candle Village on Routes 5 and 10 in South Deerfield offers a unique shopping, entertainment, and dining experience. Explore the largest selection of Yankee Candle fragrances and styles. Stroll through the Bavarian Christmas Village, Nutcracker Castle, and Home Store. Enjoy fabulous candle, home décor, and holiday shopping. Savor freshly made fudge and other sweet treats in the Fudge Shop. Dip your own candles and watch history brought to life in the Candlemaking Museum. Open daily. Phone: 877-636-7707.

Classic Structures and Natural Beauty
at Ashintully Gardens

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Ashintully Gardens on Sodem Road in Tyringhamare a retreat in the Berkshires surrounded by forested hills and traversed by a rushing stream. The gardens blend natural features – a stream, deciduous trees, and rising meadows – into an ordered arrangement with formal and informal beauty. Formal elements include Fountain Pond, Pine Park, Rams Head Terrace, Bowling Green, Regency Bridge, and Trellis Triptych. Urns, columns, and statuary ornament the garden, while foot bridges, stone stairs, and grassy terraces connect parts of the garden. A trail leads to the ruins of a Georgian-style mansion. Open June to Columbus Day, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Phone: 413-298-3239.

Farmers Market Makes a Fun Vacation Stop

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Great Barrington Farmers Market on Taconic Avenue in Great Barrington operates on Saturday mornings through October and is a great place to stop for food, treats, and even to enjoy some local entertainment. The market sells the predictable selection of local produce, along with cut flowers, baked goods, dried and fresh lavender, and bread and jams. Many market days include special programming, like a Chef Tasting, a Strawberry Day, an anniversary day on July 10 with live music, and an heirloom tomato tasting day. It doesn’t matter if you are on vacation – the market is filled with portable foods and good things to take home. Phone: 413-528-8950.

Fresh Look at Home of
Author and Horticulturist

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The Mount, which is the restored home and gardens in Lenox of writer Edith Wharton (1862-1937), will reopen in the summer of 2010 with new installations, exhibits, and special events. Wharton wrote books on architecture, gardens, and interior design, and consequently her home and gardens are a masterpiece of design. The 2010 season begins on May 1 with the unveiling of Dramatic License: Edith Wharton on Stage and Screen. Late July brings the first annual Berkshire Literary Festival to the Mount. A two-week run of “Summer,” Wharton's coming-of-age story set in the Berkshires, will be performed in late August. A visit to the Mount is an uplifting experience for readers, gardeners, and admirers of this progressive Victorian lady. Phone: 413-551-5111.

Get Lost, Find Art

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This year’s Mike’s Corn Maze at Warner Farm on South Main Street in Sunderland celebrates the iconic work of artist Andy Warhol with a larger-than-life rendering of Warhol’s famous Campbell’s Soup can, carved into the corn field, of course. So don your beret, cop an attitude, get discovered, and win a pumpkin at this art-inspired maze. Open August 5 through October 31; Saturdays and Sundays only, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day, 2010; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: adults, $9; ages 4 - 12, Phone: 413-665-8331.

Gilded Age Mansion With Stunning Gardens

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With its gracious house, magnificent gardens, and panoramic views, Naumkeag on Prospect Hill Road in Stockbridge is a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age. Joseph Choate, a leading 19th-century attorney, hired the architectural firm of McKim, Mead, & White to design the 44-room cottage, Naumkeag, which would serve as a summer retreat for three generations of Choates. With its views of Monument Mountain, its stunning collection of gardens created over a period of 30 years, its original artwork, and its shingle-style house, Naumkeag creates an unforgettable experience for visitors. Open daily May 22 to Columbus Day. Phone: 413-298-3239.

Private Poet on Display in Amherst

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Emily Dickinson was a loner, a recluse and a rogue female poet who is said to have spent much of her life hiding out at home. At the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson enthusiasts can tour that home, and the landscaped grounds that inspired so much of her poetry. Visitors can take a guided walk through the house and learn all about the poet’s idiosyncrasies, 19th-century architecture, and the Dickinson family drama. See the room where the prolific poet wrote her masterpieces and learn why, 1,800 poems later, her life and work have generated more than a century of scholarly debate. Phone: 413-542-8161.

Put the Second Amendment to Good Use

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A decidedly outdoor sport moves indoors at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center , a public shooting facility on Page Boulevard in Springfield, where shooting lanes are available for use by non-members. If you have wondered about the sport of shooting and want to give it a try, this is a place to do it. Smith & Wesson firearms and targets are available at two classrooms and other support facilities. Through the Try-A-Gun offer, any non-licensed person may use a handgun, one box of ammunition, and three targets. The facility also has a historical exhibit that focuses on the development of firearms and the the Connecticut Valley firearms industry. Phone: 800-331-0852.

Stars Over Springfield

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On the first Friday of every month from September though May, the Springfield Science Museum at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield offers public star-gazing for families from its large rooftop telescope. The program is held rain or shine. If it is overcast, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. The Stars Over Springfield observatory program features an introductory slide show on topics such as space exploration, seasonal sights of the night sky, current astronomical research, or an explanation of events such as an eclipse or the appearance of a comet. Presenters and topics vary. The programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older, but younger children are also welcome. Time: 7:30 p.m. Phone: 413-263-6800, ext. 318.

To Sit, Perhaps to Dream

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Poet’s Seat Tower in Rocky Mountain Park in Greenfield is an idyllic location for walking, bird-watching or peaceful contemplation. Poet’s Seat Tower was built in 1912 and has a long history of poets being drawn to the spot. The park currently consists of three trails which are extensions of a local and regional trail network. The local trails connect other parks, including Abercrombie Field, Highland Park and Temple Woods designated by red, blue and yellow trail markers. The regional trail, The Pocumtuck, connects Greenfield to the Sugarloaf Mountains in South Deerfield and links with the Blue trail in the Rocky Mountain Park creating a regional link to the south. Phone: 413-772-1553.

Tranquil Village

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Hancock Shaker Village on Route 20 in Pittsfieldtakes visitors back to daily life in a Shaker community, founded nearly two centuries ago. Known during its active life as the City of Peace, this historic site now hosts special activities such as watching newborn baby animals, enjoying Shaker suppers or, for kids, exploring the Discovery Room. Fun for all ages. Phone: 800-817-1137.

Unleash Your Inner Child

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This stop is a joy for anyone who loved picture books as a young child. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art on West Bay Road in Amherst collects and celebrates the art of the picture book. Much of the fun is child-oriented and interactive: there is a hands-on Art Studio; an auditorium for performances; a library for reading and storytelling; a café; and a museum shop. Bring kids and memories. Open year-round. Phone: 413-658-1100.

Art of the Final Farewell

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The ever-imaginative Heritage Museums and Garden at 67 Grove Street in Sandwich is offering an exhibit titled Art of the Final Farewell: The Gravestones of Cape Cod through October 31, 2010, that explores the fascinating gravestones on Cape Cod. Guests may explore the art of the carver through photographs and rubbings of the earliest stones of the 1600s and 1700s and learn about the development of a local carving industry in the 19th century. From there, it is just a stone’s throw to getting out and visiting these brooding pieces of art where they still lie, all over the Cape. Phone: 508-888-3300

Beach Blonde Beer on Tap at This Brewhouse

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The ancient art of beer making is on display for the curious during brewery tours every Tuesday and Friday at Cape Cod Beer, 1336 Phinney’s Lane in Hyannis. The tour is free, and children are welcome if they are supervised (must be 21 or older to sample). The business opened a new, 15 barrel brewhouse this year, and the staff is going to be proud to show it off. While you are there, taste the company’s signature Beach Blonde ale. For fans of the suds, it’s a great overture to a visit to Cape Cod. Tours are 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays, throughout the entire year. Phone: 508-790-4200.

Boardwalk in Sandwich is One
of Town's Many Attractions

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Spending a day or more in the very beautiful town of Sandwich is pure pleasure, from the standpoint of historical interest and natural beauty. Begin by strolling the Sandwich Boardwalk, which crosses Mill Creek and beautiful marshes, leading to a public beach on Cape Cod Bay. It offers scenic views from the Cape Cod Canal to Scorton Creek. In the center of town is the Dexter Grist Mill, a working, 17th-century grist mill. Built in 1654, the mill offers tours every day during the summer. Another Sandwich treasure is the Heritage Museums & Gardens, with 100 acres of gardens and trails and 1,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. Finally, don’t fail to visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, where the art of glasswork will take your breath away.

Brewster Store on Old Cape Cod

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The Brewster Store on Route 6A in Brewster was built as a church in 1852 and converted to a general store in 1866. It has served residents and visitors to Cape Cod for more than 140 years. The Brewster Store features a broad assortment of merchandise: coffee, pastries and morning newspapers, penny candy, t-shirts and sweatshirts, toys, lamp parts, kitchen gadgets, original Coke in glass bottles, books, greeting cards and many unusual gifts. Put a quarter in the old nickelodeon to hear an old time tune, enjoy the roasted peanuts, or just sit on the benches and watch the world go by. Phone: 508-896-3744.

Cape Cod Farmers Market
Brims with Local Produce

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You can be on vacation and far from your kitchen and still have plenty to enjoy and purchase at local farmers markets. The Orleans Farmers Market is open at Old Colony Way in Orleans every Saturday morning through the end of November. The market proudly states that everything sold there is grown, caught, or made on Cape Cod, with the exception of corn and apples. Try this market’s lettuces, radishes, spring onions, spinach, and rhubarb. Pick up a lobster (carefully). Treat your home garden to tomato plants, potted herbs, and handsome perennials. Also, the market sells natural soaps and skin care products. Phone: 508-255-8374.

Come See the Light

There seems to be a certain magic about lighthouses that releases the wonder in all of us. Cape Cod, land of lighthouses, is the most perfect place to revel in lighthouse lore, take pictures, listen to the horns, and imagine the days when these stewards of the coastline meant the difference between life and possible death in the Cape’s perilous waters.

Dot Dot Dash Dash

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Among the many delights of the Cape Cod National Seashore is a visit to the Marconi Station site on Marconi Station Road in Wellfleet, where, in January 1903, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi sent greetings from President Theodore Roosevelt to the king of England in the first transcontinental radio message originating from the U.S. via the most revolutionary communications device since the printing press. Phone: 508-771-2144

Grapes and Wine from Ideal Soils

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Cape Cod Winery on 681 Sandwich Road in East Falmouth is located on soil and slopes that are perfect for wine grape growing. The vineyard plants and harvests the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Grigio, together with Seyval and Vidal. Among the wines produced here are Nobska Red, White, and Blush; Regatta; and Cranbery Chardonnay. Visitors are welcome for wine tasting and sales weekends, from May 1 through December 20. Winery tours are conducted Saturdays in July and August at 2 p.m. Phone: 508-457-5592.

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

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Pilgrim Spring Trail and Small's Swamp Trail, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, are easy loop trails about one mile long, accessible off Route 6 at the Pilgrim Heights area sign in North Truro. The trails wind around a kettle swamp and marsh and offer wonderful views of Pilgrim Lake, sand dunes, the salt meadow, and the Atlantic Ocean. A stone marker identifies the site of the first fresh water the Pilgrims found. Trails are marked with information about local history and nature. This is a fine, easy walk for people of all ages, with views of typical Cape Cod landforms and living creatures.

No Telling What Nautical Oddities You May Find

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One of the town’s oldest shops, Marine Specialties at 235 Commercial Street in Provincetown occupies a 1940s trap-fishing shed on the harbor. This nontraditional shop sells army-navy surplus, ship’s salvage, nautical décor, wooden buoys, lobster pots, fishnet, glass bottles, reproduction toys, vintage license plates, sea sponges, and seashells, bulk items for artists’ collages, and 600 different knives. And shoppers can outfit themselves in leather jackets and pants, outrageous hats, vintage prom dresses, feather boas, and other oddities beneath a ceiling hung with old lanterns and a deep sea diving suit. Open year-round but times vary by season. Phone: 508-487-1730.

Sandy Trails; Quiet Marshes

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Follow Chequesset Neck Road in Wellfleet to the start of the Great Island Trail Hike. Nature trails from the parking lot lead to this wonderful peninsula: seven miles of sandy trails along the inner marshes, water and windswept dunes. The trail is 3.6 miles and easy walking, with little change in elevation. If you venture as far as Jeremy Point (the tip), be sure that the tide is on its way out, not in.

Sea Gifts, From Scrimshaw to Decoys, and More

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Collector’s World at 4100 Route 6 in Eastham is just the place to find semi-silly vacation memorabilia and gifts to take home from a trip to Cape Cod. Among the wonderful stuff at this vast shop of goodies are marine items, lighthouse and ship models, decoys, pewter and brass gifts, steins, toys, scrimshaw, weathervanes, thimbles, animal statuary, Christmas decorations, and much more. Fun, fun, fun for browsing, and gift shopping here won’t break the bank. Open: Summer, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; off-season, call ahead for hours. Phone: 508-255-3616.

Vineyard Operates Out of an 1830s Farmhouse

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Truro Vineyards at 11 Shore Rd (Route 6A) in North Truro, has been in existence since 1992 but the house and the estate date back nearly two centuries. This vineyard pioneered the art of maritime grape growing on the Cape, and its vinifera vineyard produces wine with intense flavor and lush varietal character. The vineyard opens its doors each season to wine lovers from around the world who visit the tasting room and gift shop in a restored 1830s farmhouse. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. from May to Thanksgiving. Free tours at 1 and 3 p.m. from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Phone: 508-487-6200.

Art of the World on Display in Worcester

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Worcester Art Museum on Salisbury Street in Worcester is a hidden gem that features contemporary and classic masterpieces in the vibrant city of Worcester. World-renowned for its 35,000-piece collection, WAM features must-see masterpieces spanning the globe from ancient mosaics to contemporary art. Treat yourself to a delectable lunch in the Museum Café or browse the Shop for unique gifts and mementos. This is a busy place, with many imaginative ways to enjoy the art that is at the center of it all. Phone: 508-799-4406.

Brick Is Also for Baking

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Olde Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge is a 200-acre re-creation of a 1830s New England community with more than 40 original buildings and staff members in period costume demonstrating daily life in a typical New England town of the mid-19th century. Many seasonally themed events throughout the year as well as tours and lectures. Perfect for stimulating children’s imaginations through fun. Phone: 508-347-3362

Broad Meadow Also Offers Woods, Streams, and Marshes

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Within the 400 acres of woods, fields, streams, and marsh at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary on Massasoit Road in Worcester, visitors can hike, cross-country ski, watch birds, look for 78 species of butterflies, prowl for owls, or learn to snowshoe. The lobby of the new conservation center has interpretive exhibits, including a large 3-D model of the entire sanctuary and a wall-to-ceiling map of the Blackstone River watershed. Nature-related gifts, children’s books, assorted field guides, and conservation advocacy and community resource information are available at the center, which also serves as a visitor site for the National Park Service’s Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Trails are open daily, dawn to dusk, and the Nature Center is open daily except Mondays. Phone: 508-753-6087.

By All Means, Dribble Here

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The rich history of basketball comes alive at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on West Columbus Avenue in Springfield. This state-of-the-art venue has dozens of hands-on exhibits, a regulation-sized basketball court and more than 900 artifacts on display. Phone: 877-4HOOPLA.

City of Peace for 50 Years

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Hancock Shaker Village on Route 20 in Pittsfield celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a special exhibit on Shaker culture and many events. Situated on farm, field, and woodland, the restored Village includes 18 historic buildings, heirloom gardens, 22,000 examples of Shaker furniture, crafts, tools, and clothes that depict daily life at the Shakers’ City of Peace, and spectacular hiking trails. There are daily tours, craft and cooking demonstrations, and a variety of activities for children and families, as well as a Museum Store and Shaker cuisine at the Village Harvest Café. Hours: Daily, April 3 to October 31. Phone: 800-817-1137.

Corn Maze That Qualifies as “Mega”

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Every year brings a whole new puzzle, theme, and all new challenges to guests of Davis’s Mega Maze on Redstone Hill in Sterling. This corn maze features more bridges than any other field maze in the world and the only double-decker bridge. There is more than one solution to the Mega Maze and there are several different levels of intensity at which the maze can be completed. All offer varying degrees of difficulty and a new maze experience every time you attempt them. Open through November 15, 2010. Call for schedule.Phone: 978-422-8888

Did Someone Say “Shop”?

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The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley Mall is an open- air mall that is becoming popular with area shoppers and visitors. Located at Route 146 and McCraken Road in Millbury, and very close to Route 20 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Shoppes has a megaplex cinema, many restaurants, and every big-name or boutique store you have every visited, yearned to visit, or hope to visit again. Why wait?

Fourteen Galleries; No Waiting

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The Fitchburg Art Museum on Elm Street in Fitchburghouses permanent collections of American, European, and Asian works. Fourteen galleries house a diverse collection of American and European paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics and decorative arts as well as Greek, Roman, Asian and pre-Columbian antiquities. In addition, the Museum organizes temporary exhibitions of works from other museums and private collections. There is always something new to enjoy at this treasure house of world art. Open Wednesday-Sunday, year-round. Phone: 978-345-4207.

Handcrafted Beer, Bottled in the Bay State

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The founders of Wachusett Brewery, at 175 State Road East in Westminster, ditched careers in engineering and biology to found the Wachusett Brewing Co. in 1993. Wachusett Country Ale was introduced the following year. Tours of the brewery are offered Wednesday to Saturday starting at noon. Your tour guide will give you a brief history of the brewery and walk you through the operation. Children are welcome, but may not taste beer. The tour and the tasting last for about 1 hour, and tastings are limited to two 2-ounce samples. Phone: 978-874-9965.

Help Yourself to Some Music
With Those Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

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The Pepperell Farmers Market at the town field in Pepperell is a fine place to shop for fresh produce and meats every Saturday morning from July to October. You'll also find grass-fed beef, lamb sausages, honey, local cheeses, fresh baked bagels, goat soap products, and cut flower bouquets. If you need to buy a gift for yourself or someone else, several local artists and artisans show there wares here. Also, on most market days, live music from folk to classical adds that extra bit of flavor to market day. Phone: 978-433-0162.

It’s Iconic

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Enjoy beautiful artwork and learn about the religious traditions of old Russia at the Museum of Russian Icons at 203 Union Street in Clinton. The collection includes more than 400 Russian icons and is one of the largest private collections outside Russia. The collection spans six centuries, and includes important historical paintings dating from the earliest periods of icon writing to the present. Collections include images of St. George and the Dragon, St. Paraskeva, Christ the Pantocrator, Elijah, St. Nicholas, and John the Baptist. Open daily except Mondays. The museum fills a 150-year-old former mill building. Phone: 978-598-5000.

400 Years of Boston History
on Display Via Walk to the Sea

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Boston is now home to a great, free activity that is ideal for families and people who love history, urban architecture, and the outdoors. The new Walk to the Sea is a self-guided trail that encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Beginning at the State House on Beacon Hill, overlooking Boston's ancient Common, the Walk passes among historic landmarks and skyscrapers. The walk from summit to sea, spanning one mile and descending a hundred feet, brings Boston history to life. Large panels are situated along the walking trail to guide and educate walkers.

Adams, Samuel = Great Beer

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Here’s what you might not know: Samuel Adams (1722-1802), cousin to John Adams, was a Bostonian, statesman, patriot, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Here’s what you know: some people Boston make a fine beer named in honor of Sam. If you are connoisseur of fine beers and great cities, make a visit to the Sam Adams Brewery on Germania Street in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston. Taste the special malts used to brew Samuel Adams beers and smell the Hallertau and Tettnang hops. The brewery conducts tours and tastings daily except Sundays, and also has a neat gift shop. Open year-round. Phone: 617-368-5256

American History on Display
From Many Diverse Angles

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The National Heritage Museum at Marrett Road in Lexington is an American history museum founded and supported by 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemasons. A visit to the National Heritage Museum is truly an experience in the American spirit. The exhibitions tell thrilling stories of patriotism, adventure, invention, community and dissent -- all aspects of how we as a people have worked, and played, struggled and achieved. For instance, some current exhibits describe illustrated American sheet music, teenage hoboes in the Great Depression, American decorative arts, the enchanted clocks of Gelrge McFadden, art and folk heritage in Massachusetts. Phone: 781-861-6559.

Astonishing Nature Lessons

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There is always something interesting to see and learn at the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Oxford Street in Cambridge. Classes and lectures for kids and adults on many fascinating subjects – from the source for our food to nature drawing -- are ongoing. Permanent exhibits include the Great Mammal Hall, Evolution, Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, The Glass Flowers, The Zoological Galleries, the Mineralogical and Geological Gallery. Phone: 617-495-3045

Autos, Old, Older, Beautiful and Historic

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Larz Anderson Auto Museum at 15 Newton Street in Brookline celebrates the American automobile’s contribution to the international motoring community. At age 75, the museum calls itself the home of America’s oldest car collection. The exhibit features a look back at the last 80 years, highlighting some of Detroit’s most elegant designs and amazing technological breakthroughs. Cadillac, Nash, Studebaker, Buick, design sketches, period fashion provided by Lasell College, and design concepts will shape a journey through almost a century of style and innovation from some of America’s premier automotive manufacturers. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday. Phone: 617-522-6547.

Blaschka Glass Models Charm With Compact Artistry

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One of the most famous treasures of the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Oxford Street in Cambridge is the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the “glass flowers." This unique collection of over 4,000 models was created by the glass artisan Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolph. The commission began in 1886 because the founder of the Botanical Museum, wanted life-like representatives of the plant kingdom for teaching botany. At the time only crude papier-maché or wax models were available. The parts were shaped after the glass was softened by heat. Some models were blown. Colored glass was used for many, and others were cold painted with a thin wash of colored ground glass or metal oxides. Phone: 617-495-3045.

Butterflies at the Museum

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Experience a living exhibit filled with blooming plants and free-flying butterflies in the Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park in Boston. Many wonderful species can be seen up close in a warm, quiet environment. Entrance to the Butterfly Garden is limited to a certain number of people at one time to allow all visitors to enjoy the space comfortably. Open year-round. Phone: 617-723-2500.

Charming Shops and Delicious Food

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Perhaps the most distinct feature of Boston’s Porter Square is the 46-foot stainless steel windmill-like sculpture entitled "Gift of the Wind,” but there’s more to do here than simply enjoy the public art. Get your nerd on and check out the independently owned Porter Square Books or get in touch with your crunchy side and head to Greenward where you’ll find eco-friendly treasures like hand-made jewelry and stationary made from recycled paper. If shopping makes you hungry, choose from Chinese, Salvadoran, Thai, Cambodian, or good old American cuisine at one of Porter Square’s many restaurants before trying out your new set list at the Lizard Lounge’s weekly open-mic night.

Eagle-Eye View of Boston

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The Blue Hills Reservation, off Hillside Street in Milton, covers 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham and Milton to Randolph, provides a green oasis in an urban environment. From the rocky summit of Great Blue Hill visitors can see the entire Boston metropolitan area. The Blue Hills Trailside Museum presents replicas of natural habitats, displays about Native Americans, and live animal exhibits. Phone: 617-698-1802.

Fair Trade Art Store Offers
Beautiful Furnishings for Less

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 226 Harvard Street in Brookline to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 617-277-7700.

Four Generations of American Leadership

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Adams National Historical Park in Quincy tells the story of four generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927). The park has several sites: the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the second and sixth presidents of the United States; Peacefield, including the “Old House,” home to four generations of the Adams family; and the Stone Library, which contains more than 14,000 volumes. Open to the public April through November. Phone: 617-770-1175.

Fresh Farm Products
Just a Step Out of the City

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Lexington Farmers Market on Woburn Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington offers an outdoor shopping opportunity on Tuesdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to the fresh produce you expect to find at a farmers market, Lexington offers herbs, flowers, herb-based products, meat, sheep’s milk, fresh fish, bakery produces and more and more. Occasional talks – from instance on the topic of raising chickens or ducks in your back yard– are offered. Even if you don’t have a shopping list or menu in mind, drop in for the sights and smells. You will end up taking away something delicious

From Russia With Love

Russian food, with its hearty root vegetables, is just the thing to get anyone through a New England winter. Where in the Boston area can you find the best Russian borsch, pirozhki, and caviar? What is the Russian way to drink tea and vodka? Let the Brookline Food Tour “From Russia with Love” answer those questions on this 3-hour walking tour. Taste authentic Russian specialties; learn how to make traditional Russian dishes and find out the unique Russian ingredients that can spark up your everyday meals. Visit treasured Russian food stores and restaurants: Russian Village, Babushka Deli, and Vernissage; discover “hidden” Russian food in The Fireplace and Athan’s; and enjoy interesting personal stories about their owners. Phone: 617-821-7667.

From Wall Art to Bed Pillows Fair Trade Store
Offers Unique Decorating Options

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 694 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 617-876-2414.

Hug a Tree

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In the Jamaica Plain section of Boston lies an oasis of meadows, forest, ponds, and wildlife. It’s the Arnold Arboretum, where you can find thousands of different varieties of plants, hiking and biking trails, and world-renowned horticultural collections surrounded by 15,000 gorgeous trees. The extensive bonsai collection, a cultivated herbarium, majestic snow-covered cedars and pines in the winter, and nearly 200 different varieties of fragrant blooming lilacs in May, are just a few of the reasons to spend a day here any time of the year. Phone: 617-524-1718‎.

Icon of Folk Music History Is Underground in Cambridge

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Club Passim, a brick-floored subterranean music venue at 47 Palmer Street in Cambridge is one of the nation's legendary cultural icons and epicenter of great folk and acoustic music. A place where musicians like Joan Baez, Tom Rush, Jackie Washington, Peter Wolf, Taj Mahal, Patty Larkin, Goeff and Maria Muldaur, Shawn Colvin, and Suzanne Vega cut their musical teeth. For more than 50 years, Club Passim has been known as a premier national venue presenting new and established traditional, folk, and acoustic musical performers. Check out the music schedule on the Club Passim website. Phone: 617-492-7679.

It's a Seal's Life

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The New England Aquarium on Central Wharf in Boston is now home to a new Marine Mammal Center. The naturally lit, open-air exhibit gives visitors a front-row seat to see Northern fur seals in action. The exhibit features interactive panels that let you touch fur seal teeth and see an underwater image the same way a seal does. The entire experience centers on the expanded Northern fur seal pool, where you can witness these graceful animals in action. The new enclosure gives these sleek animals plenty of room to gallop and swim and offers a shallow pool for midsummer lounging and speedy surface skimming. Thanks to the tiered seating, seal fans can get a good view of all these behaviors. Arf! Phone: 617-973-5200.

Salsa on Sundays

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Every Sunday night from 8 p.m. to midnight, The Beehive, a bistro on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End, hosts a night of Latin music and dance. With rhythmic sounds of the Latin music and dance group, Cincoson, guests can listen to the beats or dance the night away. It is a south-of-the-border vacation in the heart of South Boston. Take your dancing shoes and a hot date for some fun and hot music, on from your seat or on your feet. Phone: 617-423-0069

Shopping Like Nowhere Else

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Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is a shopping esplanade laced with charm because of the fine merchandise and the beauty of the architecture. For eight blocks, Victorian and other 19th-century styled houses spill shops and cafes onto the sidewalk. Brand-name boutiques, clothing and antique stores jostle closely with sidewalk eateries and strolling sightseers.

Warm is Good, Too

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Looking to shake off the winter cold? How about a trip to the tropics? The Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo on Franklin Park Road in Boston is kept at a balmy 72 degrees year-round. This building is home to western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, mandrills, a pygmy hippopotamus, free-flight birds and more. Both adults and kids are fascinated by these foreign creatures. Also story times and a biofacts are offered weekend in January and February. Phone: 617-541-5466.

Wilderness on Boston’s Edge

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Fells is an old Saxon word for rocky, hilly land, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation, on South Border Road in the town of Stoneham, near Boston, shows how correct that name is. This 2,060-acre landscape of rocky hills, meadows, wetlands, forests, ponds, and panoramic vistas covers parts of Medford, Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose and Malden. Walkers on the quiet hiking trails may forget how close they are to Boston. Phone: 781-662-2340

All Eyes, Look to the Stars

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Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association on Milk Street Extension on Nantucket is open for public viewing on a regular schedule year round, and for frequent special astronomical events. Climb a ladder to the eyepiece of a fine, old telescope and sample the sights of the distant heavens. You'll also have the opportunity to see a new 24-inch research telescope. The observatory’s 24-inch research telescope and operating systems, weighing over 1,500 pounds, were hoisted into place by crane through the Loines observatory dome on April 11, 2007. The first color photographs were taken with the new telescope soon thereafter. Remember, observing is weather dependent, so check the skies or call ahead. Phone: 508-228-9273.

Beaches of Martha’s Vineyard

If it is summer and you are on Martha’s Vineyard, you must, must, must get to the beach. Here is a list of the public beaches that are open to non-residents: Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach) is off Moshup Trail. Expect at 10-minute walk from the parking lot on cleared trail. Paid parking in summer. The Aquinnah Cliffs are spectacular to see and photograph, but they are fragile – do not climb on the cliffs. East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation) is on the island of Chappaquiddick. Access is from Dike Bridge and Wasque. Open to all; fee for non-members. Eastville Beach is at the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Fuller Street Beach is at the end of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown. Joseph Sylvia State Beach comprises two miles of mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The Edgartown end of this beach is known as Bend-in-the-Road Beach. Lake Tashmoo Town Beach (Herring Creek Beach) is at the end of Herring Creek Road on Lake Tashmoo in Vineyard Haven.
Lighthouse Beach is a harbor beach at Starbuck's Neck, off North Water Street near the center of Edgartown. Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach is accessible via Waldron's Bottom Road. Beach passes and memberships to The Trustees of Reservations are available. Menemsha Public Beach is next to Menemsha Harbor. Gentle beach typical of the north shore. Norton Point is three miles of barrier beach on the south shore in Edgartown at the end of Katama Road. Surf on one side with protected salt pond on the other. Oak Bluffs Town Beach is adjacent to town wharf and Steamship Authority dock. Owen Park Beach is on the harbor off Main Street in Vineyard Haven, near the business district. South Beach State Park is one mile between Herring Creek Road and Katama Road. State owned, managed by Edgartown. Rough surf, lifeguards in season. Tisbury Town Beach (Owen Little Way Town Beach) on off Owen Little Way, next to the Vine Haven Yacht Club. Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce phone: 800-505-4815.

Beaches of Nantucket

Besides its other pleasures, like great shopping and fine dining, Nantucket is blessed with beautiful beaches, and a visit to the island requires at least one (or more) full, slow-moving days at the beach. Here is a sampler, courtesy of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce. Jetties Beach is easy bike ride from town and a public shuttle service is available. Great for families, with changing rooms, playground, public tennis courts, and a boardwalk. Windsurfing, sailboat, and kayak lessons and rentals available. Beach-accessible wheelchairs also are available. Brant Point is an easy walk or bike ride. There is no lifeguard and the strong current is for experienced swimmers only. It is a scenic beach, complete with a lighthouse, and a pleasant spot to sit and watch the boats rounding the point. Children's Beach is on the harbor and an easy walk from town. With its parks, playground, picnic tables and bandstand, it is ideal for small children. Free concerts on Thursdays and Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dionis Beach is three miles by bike. Sheltered by dunes, calm waters for swimming, safe for children.
Francis Street Beach is a five-minute walk from Main Street. Calm harbor waters for swimming. Turtle climb, kayak rentals. Surfside Beach is located at the end of Surfside Road, a 2.2-mile ride on paved bike path or via shuttle bus. Good beach for families: picnics, kite flying, beach games, and surfcasting after 5 p.m. Surf can be heavy. Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available. Miacomet Beach is located at the end of Miacomet Road. Heavy surf. Cisco Beach is a four-mile bike ride to end of Hummock Pond Road. Heavy surf. Madaket Beach is as far west as you can go. Get there by shuttle bus service or a 5.5-mile bike ride on scenic, paved bike path. Heavy surf. Food available nearby. Famous for viewing sunsets. Siasconset Beach is reachable by regular shuttle service or 6-mile ride on paved bike path. Surf can be heavy. Food and restrooms available in nearby village of Sconset. Check out the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce website. Phone: 508-228-1700.

Birdwatching and Saltwater Fishing
Are the Best at Wasque Reservation

Wasque Reservation on Chappaquiddick Island off Martha’s Vineyard is a saltwater fisherman’s paradise and a superb spot for birdwatching and strolls along a beautiful shore. Popular in summer, the 1,000 acres of preserved land – including Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Mytoi, and Norton Point Beach – offer plenty of places to explore year-round. Like the herons and egrets that congregate here to fish, saltwater anglers find Wasque a fine destination for striped bass and bluefish. Hikers will find 1.5 miles of trails through rare sand barrens. Restrooms, picnic tables, bike rack, fresh water by hand pump. Open year-round, daily. Phone: 508-627-7689.

Exotic Creatures Offer Shivers at Reptile and Bird Preserve

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Exotic reptiles and birds. C’mon, you know you (or someone in your family) loves to examine these magnificent creatures. A kindred spirit is Gus Ben-David, operator of the World or Reptiles and Birds Park on Bachelder Road in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. Park residents who welcome visitors include giant pythons, an Endangered Rhinoceros Iguana; A Giant 'Pettable' Tortoise; an eight-foot Crocodile Lizard; a caiman, bald and golden eagles, fancy pigeons, exotic pheasants, and native and exotic waterfowl. Ben-David is eager to show you around and stoke your inner herpetologist. Phone: 508-627-5634.

Going to Market on the Island

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As lazy day or weekend on Martha’s Vineyard is a perfect time to wander to the West Tisbury Farmers Market , which is open on Saturday and Wednesday mornings at the Old Agricultural Hall, 1067 State Road in West Tisbury. The combination of the brightly colored floral bouquets, the scent of freshly harvested produce, the savory edibles offered and the music on Saturdays all combine to truly create a feast for the senses. Bring your children to visit the alpacas and enjoy the live fiddle music. And watch for the chance to try some more exotic treats, like wheatgrass juice and Vietnamese spring rolls. Phone: 508-693-9561.

Marine Ecosystems on Display

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The Coskata-Coatue (also known as Great Point) Wildlife Refuge off Wauwinet Road in Nantucket is a beautiful and complex ecosystem of rolling maritime dunes and beach plants, a red cedar savanna and woodland, a maritime oak forest that of gnarled, wind-blown trees, salt marsh, a lagoon, and more. People can explore the 200-acre property and join ranger-led tours of the historic Great Point Lighthouse. Phone: 508-228-5646

Mission: To Surprise and Delight

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Nantucket Bookworks at 25 Broad Street in Nantucket, declares that its mission is “surprise and delight visitors.” This is a full-service, general interest bookstore selling new books, with a small selection of out-of-print Nantucket titles. There is an extensive children's room, card room, young adult section, and Nantucket Book section. Also, you never know what kind of eclectic sidelines might wind up in the store. The store sells and accepts ABA gift cards, good for use at more than 200 participating independent bookstores across the country. Open daily, year-round. Hours vary seasonally. Phone: 508-228-4000

Revival Movement of the 1850s
Produced This Charmed Neighborhood

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The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, is a neighborhood of hundreds of colorful, ornate “gingerbread cottages” that are a delight to the eye and great fun to see and photograph. The neighborhood has its roots in the religious revival camp meeting movement of the 1850s. Members of the campground – originally a tent community -- conducted popular Bible meetings where the cottages are now.

Rural Nantucket Is Home to
This Brewer / Distiller / Vintner

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A day trip through the lovely country side of Nantucket can get a spirited boost with a stop at the family -operated Cisco Brewers, Nantucket Vineyard, and Triple Eight Distillery . In addition to its flagship product, Triple Eight Vodka, the distillery produces Triple Eight Orange Vodka, Hurricane Rum, Gale Force Gin and Notch (“not scotch”) single malt whiskey. Combining old world techniques with state of the art technology, the vineyard’s wine selections include delicious vintages that you won't find anywhere else. The owners encourage visitors to their operation, at 5 and 7 Bartlett Farm Road. Open daily, with tours by appointment. Phone: 508-325-5929.

216 Years of Wooden Boat History

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Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury is a working museum dedicated to preserving the art of wooden boat building. Lowell’s builds dories and skiffs in the time-honored tradition of seven generations of the Lowell family. Within these buildings, remnants of past work -- ancient ship’s knees, support beams, and two centuries of accumulated paint -- speak volumes of the history of the wooden boat industry. The oldest buildings are Greek Revival structures built in the 1860s. Branded into the wood of one cross-beam are annual production figures from 1897 through 1919, showing that 2,029 boats were built here in 1911 alone. Open Tuesdays through Sundays. Phone: 978-834-0050

Ahoy, Whales

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Experts at the Whale Center of New England on Harbor Loop in Gloucester study whales who live in the waters off the Massachusetts coast, especially Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge, and conduct field research their vessel Mysticete. The center also has a Visitors Center where whale lovers can learn about these marine mammals through extensive exhibits. Visitors will come away with a new appreciation for marine mammals and the threats that they face in the world today. The Visitors Center is open year-round, but days and hours vary through the seasons. Phone: 978-281-6351.

Beacons on Duty

The lighthouses of Cape Ann still serve as safety beacons for sailors, but in the present time they have become a joy and fascination for landside visitors, too. In Cape Ann alone, there are six lighthouses: “Annisquam Light, “Straitsmouth, “the Twin Lights of Thacher Island , “Ten Pound Island Light, and “Eastern Point Light

Bounty from the Sea Trade
on Display at Phillips House

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Located on picturesque Chestnut Street in Salem, the Phillips House , a Federal-style mansion, contains a family collection that spans five generations. Enjoy artifacts from near and far, hear the stories of the Phillips family, and experience more than 200 years of history in the New England tradition. Representative of the Phillips's extensive travels and interests, the collection includes artifacts as diverse as Fiji throwing clubs and African woodcarvings, as well as fine examples of early American furniture, Persian carpets, and porcelain. Open year-round, but hours vary by season. Call ahead. Phone: 978-744-0440.

Come Meet the Farmers; Browse; and Ask

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Part of the credo of the Marblehead Farmers Market on Pleasant Street in Marblehead is the belief that a farmers market is an adventure. There are always interesting and unexpected items for sale and shoppers can learn something about varieties of produce, what grows well, when, under what conditions, and how to select, store, and prepare food. Farmers are happy to answer questions - it's part of the fun. The market is open Saturday mornings through late October and it specializes in produce, beef, cheese, and medicinal herbs, baked goods, local honey and hand-crafted products like pottery, handbags, fine art, jewelry and much more.

Door-to-Door Antiques

With about three dozen antique shops, the lovely coastal community of Essex is a haven for people who have a yen to find things old, beautiful, and unique. Expert and novice antique-lovers are equally welcome. Most shops are in walking distance of each other and open daily. In particular, aim for Route 133 through town and Route 97 a scenic byway.

Easel Optional

Visit the beautiful seaside village of Rockport and Motif #1, a red fishing shack nearly covered with fishing buoys at Bearskin Neck in Rockport. The shack is one of the most painted and photographed scenes in the United States because of its beauty, composition, and lighting. Bring your appreciation; camera or paintbrushes are optional.

Go Find the Green Indoors

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Lyman Estate Greenhouses on Lyman Street in Waltham provide a flowery paradise year-round. In particular, the century-old Camellia collection brightens midwinter days with exquisite red, pink, and white flowers. Each generation of the Lyman family added its touch through the addition of the Camellia greenhouse in 1820, the orchid greenhouse in 1840, and the area now enclosing the greenhouse shop in 1930. The orchid house is home to thousands of beautiful orchids from all over the world. This is also the place to gift-shop for the gardener in your life. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday. Phone: 781-891-4882 ext. 244.

Hidden Art Gems

Start at Abbot Hall in downtown Marblehead to see the original painting of “The Spirit of 76”, then take in J.O.J. Frost’s Folk Art at the “Marblehead Museum & Historical Society. Maritime masters can be found at Salem’s Kensington-Stobart Gallery in the Hawthorne Hotel. The changing exhibitions at Montserrat College of Art feature up-and-comers.

Historic Whipple House Shows
Life of Wealth in Colonial Times

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One of many historic houses of the Colonial period in the North of Boston region, the Whipple House on South Village Green in Ipswich was built between 1650 to the early 1700s. Like many settlers of Ipswich, John Whipple arrived from England about 1638. From a family of prominent textile merchants, Whipple was a man of considerable standing in Ipswich. The house retains much of its original oak, pine, and chestnut framework and is furnished with a number of pieces from the Colonial Period. It offers a revealing look at the domestic surroundings of early New England colonists. Open seasonally from May to Columbus Day. Call ahead for hours. Phone: 978-356-2811

Marini Farm Corn Maze

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For newbies, a corn maze is an adventure where you get lost in paths through a giant cornfield. Sound like fun? It really is (mazes generally include escape routes and guides to help the truly bewildered.) Experience one of the largest and most challenging corn mazes in New England at Marini Farm Corn Maze on Linebrook Road in Ipswich.Travel ear to ear in eight acres of interactive learning and adventure. Maize Quest is great fun for families, scouts, youth groups, and birthday parties. This year’s theme is "Lost Treasure of Castle Hill," which promises to introduce guests to some of history’s most infamous pirates. Open September 11 through October 31, 2010. See website for hours and fees. Phone: 978-356-0430.

Outdoor Fun in All Weathers

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Hopkinton State Park and Reservoir on Route 185 / Cedar Street in the towns of Hopkinton and Ashland, offer year-round recreational activities, including boating, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are miles of marked trails, open field space, and a concrete boat ramp for non-motorized vessels. Phone: 508-435-4303

Sculpture Under the Sky

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Located in the home of Julian de Cordova, a turn-of-the-century merchant, world traveler, and art collector, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park on Sandy Pond Road in Lincoln focuses on contemporary and modern art by regional and national artists. On the grounds is a magnificent 35-acre site sculpture park with nearly 80 modern and contemporary works by nationally recognized sculptors. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Phone: 781-259-8355

Textile History Museum Is a Window Into History

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The American Textile History Museum on Dutton Street in Lowell tells America’s story through the art, history, and science of textiles. In the exhibit, Textile Revolution: An Exploration through Space and Time,visitors will explore the fascinating world of textiles in a fun, hands-on environment where they will spin, weave, recycle, and design. Beginning at a replica of a Savannah, Georgia-style warehouse, visitors will explore the textile story from the pre-industrial era to the important role textiles play in revolutionizing our lives through current scientific applications. American Textile History Museum holds a large collection of tools, spinning wheels, hand looms, and early production machines. Open year-round. Phone: 978-441-0400.

All That a Bustling City Could Offer

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Patriot Place , off Route 1 in Foxboro includes Gillette Stadium, home of the champion New England Patriots football team, but there is much more to the Place than football alone. The property includes 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment, along with a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the Patriots. Major retailers are represented, including a massive Bass Pro Shops store, with every little (and big) thing and outdoorsman or outdoorswoman could desire. Dining runs the gamut from basic burgers to seafood to a gourmet bistro. Phone: 508-203-2100.

Broadmoor Offers Broad Variety

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Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary on Eliot Street in Natick offers nine miles of walking trails through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook and over the marsh offers great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and sketching. To enjoy this site in the winter, bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Stroll along the edge of Indian Brook, which flows into the Charles River at the sanctuary, and look for wood ducks and signs of beavers and otters from the 110-foot-long bridge. Phone: 508-655-2296.

Craftwork with Sass

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A small, interesting museum on Oak Street in the city of Brockton, the Fuller Craft Museum displays unique craftwork, with frequent changes in the exhibits. Recent shows include glass sculpture, cloth paintings, ceramic art, wire and metal sculpture. Some recent exhibits have showcased intriguing themes, like The Perfect Fit: Shoes Tell Stories and Beyond the Embargo: Cuban and American Ceramics. Take a break stroll in the quiet solitude of D.W. Fields parks and gardens, where the museum is housed. Phone: 508-588-6000.

Cranberry Wine is a Unique Bay State Taste

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The family-owned Plymouth Bay Winery , at 114 Water Street in Plymouth, overlooking Plymouth Bay, produces cranberry and other fruit wines. The winery is located in the heart of Plymouth's historic waterfront district, close to the Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, and other historic attractions and great places to dine. The owners welcome the public for tastings, saying, “There isn't an event or holiday that cranberry wine won't serve as a warm embrace.” Open daily, March 1 to December 31. Free tastings, with no appointment necessary. Phone: 508-746-2100.

Dynamic Theater Hosts
Wide Range of Performances

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For lively, dynamic, creative entertainment of all stripes, stay tuned to the Zeiterion Theatre on Purchase Street in New Bedford. This historic performing arts center is located in a restored 1923 vaudeville house. Its programs include summer musicals; comedy, great American music, dance, global beat; special events and family fun. The 2009-10 season includes The Moscow Ballet, July Collins, Emerson and Lake, the Doo Wop 5, the Paul Winter Consort, Queen, The Hobbit, and more. Sound interesting? Check out the schedule. Phone: 508-997-5664.

Farmers Market With a Hint of Bay Breezes

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Hingham Farmers Market at 95 Otis Street in Hingham operates on both Saturdays and Wednesdays, so each week offers two occasions to review, preview, and take home some of the produce, baked goods, flowers, plants, eggs, jam with native strawberries, macaroons, zucchini loaves, granola mix, live lobsters, pesto, fresh homemade salsa, Italian cookies, vegetable plants, fresh eggs, and fresh cut flowers. In addition, some handcrafted items such as jewelry, pottery, and furniture are available. Phone: 781-856-5358

Old country Store Brings Back
Era of the Nickelodeon

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Step back in time with a visit to the Old Country Store & Emporium on Otis Street in Mansfield. Many of the sights, sounds, and aromas that our grandparents knew are here in the rambling wooden buildings. The West Mansfield Fire Barn next door now houses the Firehouse Candle Shop. The Emporium houses a restored soda fountain and apothecary shop, featuring barber shop items, fragrances, furniture reproductions, curios, cranberry glass, fine pewter, and forged brass candlesticks. The sound of the three restored nickelodeons brings back memories of an earlier time. The Barn contains organized clutter, offering shopping for the whole family. Stuffed bears, pictures, linens, braided rugs, jelly cupboards and occasional furniture, kitchen and dining room tables, hutches and lighting fixtures and gifts galore. Open daily. Phone: 508-339-8128.

Paul Revere Is Smiling

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Reed & Barton, one of America's oldest privately held silversmiths, operated a company store in one of its former manufacturing buildings on West Britannia Street in Taunton. Shoppers are charmed by the original wooden floors, the remnants of old machinery, and the discounted prices. Sterling, silver plate, stainless steel, Belleek China, Miller Rogaska crystal, Christmas ornaments, baby goods: it is all here and it is all beautiful. Phone: 800-343-1383

Sip Hearty

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Wine lovers would be well-advised to make a side trip to Westport Rivers Winery, a family-owned vineyard on Hixbridge Road in Westport. Its wines include traditional method sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Riesling and other Alsatian varietals. The winery, location an hour’s drive south of Boston and a stone’s throw away from one of New England's best beaches, Horseneck Beach, hosts many fun and education events for visitors. The winery is open daily, year round, Tuesdays-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday-MOnday, 1-5 p.m. Public yours are on Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 3 p.m. and are free. Phone: 800-993-9695.