What better way to celebrate a new year than planning out some amazing day trips? These next 12 months are filled with weekends just waiting to be crammed with awesome activities and destinations. Here are our picks for the top places to visit in Massachusetts this year.
1. Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park, Littleton
This epic snow tubing park has everything you need to make some serious snow day memories. Located in Littleton, the park offers 18 wide tubing lanes and tube rentals are included in the price of admission. Click here to learn more.
2. Green Briar Jam Kitchen, East Sandwich
You can learn to make your own jam and sweet spreads at this adorable cottage and nature center. The Green Briar Jam Kitchen is America’s oldest jam kitchen so they have plenty of experience turning novice jam-makers into pros. It’s the perfect unique day trip for anyone with a sweet tooth. Click here to learn more.
3. The Garment District, Cambridge
The Garment District is a unique thrift shop where you can sift through a massive mountain of clothing and purchase by the pound. With specials like $1/lb Fridays, you can easily build an entire outfit for less than ten bucks. Click here to learn more.
4. Frank Knowles-Little River Reserve, South Dartmouth
Frank Knowles-Little River Reserve is a hidden natural gem. This reserve features a cool suspension bridge that will take you over a ravine filled with beautiful plants and greenery. Don't forget to explore the park's long boardwalk and many trails. Click here to learn more.
5. Whydah Pirate Museum, West Yarmouth
One of Massachusetts' newest museums is all about our piratical past. The Whydah Pirate Museum is centered on the infamous Whydah, a pirate vessel that sank off the coast of Wellfleet in the early 1700s. You can explore a full-scale replica of the ship and learn all about what life was really like as a pirate. Click here to learn more.
6. Boston Common Frog Pond, Boston
USA Today just named this famous Boston landmark as the best skating rink in the country, and we couldn't agree more. Work off some of those holiday calories with an afternoon of gliding on this beautiful rink. Click here to learn more.
7. Belkin Family Lookout Farm Orchard Train, Natick
Belkin Family Lookout Farm is one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country. They offer over 180 acres of fruit trees and pumpkin patches, and the best way to take it all in is on their special rubber-tire orchard train. The free ride will take you through the trees and drop you off to pick your own fruit. When you're done, just hop on the train and head back to the farm. Click here to learn more.
8. Altitude Trampoline Park, Billerica
This amazing indoor playground is fun for all ages. Whether you want to take the kids here to work off some energy or are looking to plan a bouncy date with someone special, you're sure to have more than a few laughs at this trampoline park. Click here to learn more.
9. Tunnel Bar, Northampton
Tunnel Bar is one of Northampton's newest and coolest nightlife spots. This speakeasy-style bar serves classy cocktails and delicious meals in an old underground pedestrian tunnel. It's a classy spot to soak up a little old-fashioned ambiance. Click here to learn more.
10. Hidden Hollow, Sandwich
This whimsical playground is located at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. It features a huge, two-story treehouse for kids to play in along with a plethora of unique activities. Kids can build houses out of giant Lincoln Log style rods, make forts out of flowing fabrics, play with wooden blocks and color outdoors. Click here to learn more.
11. Middlesex Fells Reservation, Stoneham
The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a city dweller's dream come true. With beautiful trails that wind through wild forest and the old mill town of Haywardville, you're likely to forget that Boston is just a short drive away. Click here to learn more.
12. Amtrak's Fall Foliage Train
Technically this train is Amtrak's Downeaster route, but it's an amazing fall foliage train ride. Sit in the Great Dome Car for spectacular panoramic views of the changing leaves as you travel between Brunswick and Boston with plenty of stops in between. Click here to learn more.
13. French King Gorge Riverboat, Northfield
Hop aboard the Quinnetucket Riverboat for a river cruise unlike any other in the state. Operated by Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, this cruise will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the region. You'll glide under the French King Bridge and through Barton Cove on a 1.5-hour journey down the Connecticut River Valley. Click here to learn more.
14. Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls is one of the most naturally beautiful towns in the state. With attractions like the blossoming Bridge of Flowers, a spectacular trolley museum and the famed Shelburne Falls glacial potholes, this place is a nature lover's dream. Click here to learn more.
15. Colby Farm Sunflower Fields, Newbury
Visit the magnificent sunflower fields of Colby Farm in early September for a spectacular display of blooms unlike anything else in Massachusetts. These fields are open to the public, though you may want to check out Colby Farm's shop to pick up some fresh veggies, fruits and baked goods to enjoy on the drive home. Click here to learn more.
Visiting just a few of these spectacular spots in 2018 is sure to make this year your best and brightest yet. While you’re at it, check out our picks for the top restaurants to eat at in 2018.
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