Hidden Massachusetts

Small but dense with local - and national - interest, the East Coast state is rich with Founding Fathers' history, classy modern culture and spools of serene nature beyond the ever-popular leaf-peeping trails

- By Kathy Arnold. Photographs by Alamy and AWL

Ask most Americans about Massachusetts and they talk about Boston, Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. And its leading role in the founding of the nation: the Pilgrim Fathers' landing 400 years ago and the start of the American Revolution. But there's much more to this state than history.

At only 240km wide, Massachusetts may be one of America's smallest states, but few places are denser with things to see and do. Its Atlantic coastline is a natural playground, with broad sandy beaches and every kind of water sport. To the west, the rolling Berkshire Hills are perfect for hiking, biking and communing with Mother Nature. In between is farmland, with back roads leading to picture-perfect villages. Think cosy taverns, historic homes and the white spire of a church spiking up to the deep blue sky.

Massachusetts has long been on the foodie map. The bounty of farmers' markets ranges from orchard fruits to 100 types of artisan cheese. Beer and cider fans can compare and contrast the 80 craft breweries and cideries. As for seafood, that comes straight from the briny. Stop at a 'clam shack', a simple seashore eatery, for lobster, clam chowder and corn on the cob. But save room for ice-cream - the home-made variety. Slurp fresh peach, good old-fashioned vanilla, 'Sea Turtle' and 'Deer Tracks'.

And you're never far from a museum, art gallery or living history attraction. Some are world-famous; others are smaller, telling a local tale. Wherever you are in Massachusetts, there's something special close by, just waiting to be discovered.

HIGHLIGHTS

THE BERKSHIRES