You'd be hard pressed to find someone whose childhood wasn't magically touched by the world of Dr. Seuss. Whether it's a whimsically-illustrated storybook, a film, or a particular rhyme, the works of this author are nothing short of brilliant. And today, you can pay tribute to this playful collection of work with a visit to the Wonderful World Of Dr. Seuss Museum in Massachusetts.
Seuss in Springfield just opened this past weekend to honor the life and works of Springfield native Theodore Seuss Geisel. As you can imagine, the collection is every bit as magical as it sounds. Take a look:
The first-ever Dr. Seuss museum has opened at 21 Edwards Street Springfield, MA 01103.
As soon as you step inside, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of color, illustration, and fascinating history about the author of it all, Theodore Geisel.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 - 5 and on Sundays from 11 - 5.
For more information on the Wonderful World Of Dr. Seuss Museum, you can visit the official website. Would you plan a visit to this magical display? Share your thoughts with us!
Are there attractions in your town that you have passed up because you thought they were just for tourists? There are plenty of these in my city of Salem, Massachusetts, as well as in my old stomping grounds of Boston. When I lived in the city during my younger years, I guess I was too busy frequenting other establishments to be overly concerned with history. Unfortunately, I never took full advantage of my surroundings and failed to visit many of the significant sites scattered throughout the city. Fast forward several years, and my teen is now studying the Revolutionary War in school. Being older and wiser, I decided that now is the time to immerse ourselves in history by visiting some of the iconic local landmarks located only miles from our home. This past summer, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum was the first stop on our history bucket list.
On a sunny day in July, we boarded the Red Line and rode the T to South Station. The Tea Party Museum is located right on Griffin’s Wharf, just a quick walk from the MBTA station. I bought tickets online in advance, so we were able to join our tour group upon arrival. We quickly found ourselves transported to December 16, 1773, as a period-clad guide handed us character role cards and led us into a replica colonial meetinghouse. My daughter and I found seats on the bench and took on the personas of angry colonists, as we listened to the words of our enthusiastic leader, Samuel Adams, who led us in a heated town meeting filled with plans for revenge against the British.
When the meeting concluded, it was time to do some “damage.” Our history lesson continued as our guide led us out to the wharf, and we boarded the replica 18th-century tea party ship. Once onboard, we learned even more about the Sons of Liberty and the history behind the historic tea party. We were also given the opportunity to throw replica boxes of tea into the harbor. This was definitely a highlight of the visit! I felt like such a rebel, as I hoisted the block overboard and listened to it make a satisfying splash when it hit the water below.
A woman with a pink hat throws a replica box of tea off a boat into the Boston Harbor at The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum in Boston.
We finished destroying the tea and headed back inside the museum, where we enjoyed some interesting 3D exhibits and viewed artifacts linked to the time period. The whole experience was so fun and educational, I’m really not sure why I waited so long to visit!
By the time we finished the tour, it was nearing lunch, and our stomachs were starting to rumble with hunger. We made our way to the museum’s snack bar (which sells soups, sandwiches, beverages, and sweets) and purchased some lunch. And because a day at the Tea Party Museum wouldn’t be complete without sampling some tea, we each bought a cup - an endless cup, to be exact.
We grabbed our tea cups, chicken salad sandwiches, and New England Clam Chowder, and headed into the adjoining Abigail’s Tea Room, where we chose a table with water views and easy access to the room’s tea station. There were five teas available to try, and each represented a historic flavor tossed overboard on that historic December night. In between trips to the tea station, we savored our food, debated our favorite tea blends, and enjoyed some of the tea room’s old-fashioned board games. It was like truly taking a trip back in time.
A quick stop at the museum's gift shop rounded out our museum visit. We jumped back on the T with a little bit more knowledge and another wonderful family memory. Now onto our next adventure!
Have you visited the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum? If so, please tell us all about your adventure. If you are wondering where to learn about the Boston Tea Party and would like to find out more info about visiting the museum, head to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum website and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Facebook page. You can purchase tickets to the museum through Viator. For more fun and unique things to do in Boston, visit the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Did you know that the sport of basketball got its start right here in the Bay State? That’s correct, this popular recreational activity was invented in the Massachusetts city of Springfield over 130 years ago! Since then, basketball has become one of the most popular sports in the country as well as the world. A game of this magnitude definitely deserves its own museum, and what better place to build one than the city where it all started? If you are a sports fan, you will absolutely want to visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.
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Local Only In Massachusetts readers recently ranked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as one of the best tourist attractions in the state, and for good reason. This place is amazing!
Naismith was a graduate student and instructor at Springfield College. On a quest to find a competitive game that could be played indoors during the wintertime, he came up with the concept of basketball!
The museum is a wonderful place to spend a day at any time of year. Whether you are a huge sports fanatic or just enjoy learning a bit about history, you will definitely find something that piques your interest.
The museum consists of three floors of basketball fun. Learn all about the inductees and view favorite players’ memorabilia such as jerseys and shoes (some of these are gigantic)!
It's amazing how the sport and equipment have changed throughout the years! I recommend also taking some time to view the films in the museum’s cinema.
Another popular exhibit among guests is the broadcast desk! Try your hand at giving a TV sports update!
After learning so much about basketball, you will probably be in the mood to play some too! Head to the museum’s “Court of Dreams” and show off your skills!
The museum also has several places for you to stop and eat when you get hungry. There is a burger bar, a tavern, and a Subway. A stop at Cold Stone Creamery for a sweet treat is the perfect way to end your visit!
Have you visited this wonderful museum? If so, what did you enjoy most about your experience? Further information can be found on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame website and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Facebook page. If you are staying overnight in Springfield, I have the perfect Airbnb recommendation to complement your trip! The Boston Sports Themed Oasis For Eight is a fun sports-themed rental that is located right across the street from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While you are in Springfield, you should also pay a visit to the nearby Wonderful World Of Dr. Seuss Museum.
