Massachusetts is so rich in history that you will never be hard-pressed to find a town or city where something important happened years ago. While I love visiting landmarks and sites in cities like Boston and Plymouth, sometimes I prefer a quieter spot where I can sightsee and explore at my own pace. The kind of place where there are no big crowds, long lines, or large groups of tourists to contend with. I have discovered that when I want to visit a small historical town that is big on charm, I often travel to Marblehead.

The coastal town of Marblehead is located on Massachusetts' North Shore. It was incorporated in 1649 and has a rich military, maritime, and industrial history.  It is now an enchanting town filled with interesting museums, beautiful outdoor spaces, and great shops and restaurants.

When I visit Marblehead, I always like to spend some time wandering down the winding downtown roads and viewing the historic homes. Many of these date back to the 1700s and 1800s and are marked with plaques that tell you about the home’s original residents.

There are also many specialty shops, which are perfect places to visit on a leisurely afternoon of window shopping.

Marblehead also has some interesting museums that are worth a visit. The Jeremiah Lee Mansion, operated by the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, was built in 1768 by one of the richest merchants in the area.

Inside, you can see several examples of early American textiles and furniture. The mansion also contains its original hand-painted wallpaper.

While many people think that old cemeteries are creepy, I always find them to be fascinating glimpses into history. Marblehead’s Old Burial Hill is one of the oldest cemeteries in New England. Many of the graves here date back to the Revolutionary War and a few are even associated with the Salem Witchcraft Trials.

Scenes from the 1993 Halloween movie "Hocus Pocus" were also filmed here.

You may be surprised to find out that Marblehead has some really great spots to hike. If the tides are in your favor, you can venture out to Crowninshield Island and enjoy a remote walk with scenic oceanfront views.

Be sure to keep track of the time or you may get stuck!

Marblehead additionally has some lovely parks where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. On a visit to Chandler Hovey Park, you can visit Marblehead Light, a skeletal lighthouse dating back to 1896.

The park also has viewing areas, covered benches, and picnic tables. It is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.

Fort Sewall is another fascinating spot with amazing views. Now used as a public park, this historic fort, built in the 1600s, was originally used to defend the town of Marblehead against enemy attack.

As you wander through the park, you can read all about the interesting military events that took place here. You can also view some of the underground spaces and bunkers.

Although Marblehead is fairly easy to navigate, it may be difficult to visit all of these wonderful places in one day. If you decide to make your visit into an overnight stay, I suggest staying at The Hotel Marblehead,

a boutique hotel that was once an 1872 Victorian estate.

This place is big on style and charm.

More information about Marblehead can be found on Marblehead's official website. If you have taken a trip to this charming town, we would love to hear all about your experience. Massachusetts is filled with small towns that are rich in history. If you are looking to visit more enchanting places, I suggest also taking a trip to Wellfleet and Lenox.