Massachusetts Destination Named A Best Memorial Day Getaway
One of the most anticipated holiday weekends of the year is rapidly approaching. If you don’t have travel plans yet, Conde Nast Traveler put a list together to help you out. They named a Massachusetts destination as one of the best Memorial Day weekend getaway spots.
Conde Nast Traveler assembled a collection of scenic locations around the country that are accessible and convenient as a quick decision trip. Each place has a nature-driven, adventurous tone to it. This enables you to combine relaxation and activity during the first long summer weekend. The best part is, they note that there is still time to book these Memorial Day escapes.
Cape Cod
Though there are plenty of reasons to travel over the canal in colder months, Memorial Day weekend is when much of Cape Cod opens for the season. “Late May marks the beginning of Cape Cod’s whale watching season, and wildlife enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to set out in the sunshine and try to catch a glimpse of migrating humpback and finback whales,” the article highlights.
Many restaurants in the quaint towns have begun to open their doors as well. Specialty lobster rolls establishments, clam shacks, and oyster bars are ready to serve. In addition, many Cape Cod national seashore beaches are open year-round. With promising looking weather, you can also grab a bike and head out along the 26-mile paved bike paths dedicated to bike or rollerblade activity.
Lastly, Cape Cod has plenty of public golf courses that offer a perfect blend of unique scenery and fresh Cape air. Some even have lodging accommodations.
What Else in New England?
If you want to look outside of Massachusetts, Maine was also highlighted in Conde Nast Traveler’s list. It mentions Acadia National Park as an ideal place for a trip. Furthermore, Maine has miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, where you catch waves to surf and fish to eat.
The start of summer is almost here. Are you still looking for plans to make to kick things off? Check out this Massachusetts destination that was named one of the best spots for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.
Massachusetts Lighthouse Named One Of The Most Beautiful In The World
What do Porto, Portugal, Crete, Greece, and Scituate, Massachusetts have in common? They all have historic lighthouses. In fact, in Trips To Discover’s recent guide, they named Old Scituate Light, along Massachusetts’ south shore one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.
The 1800’s
This landmark dates back to the year 1810. “Congress voted to build a lighthouse at the harbor, and the light made of split granite blocks with a house attached and was activated the following year (1811),” Trips To Discover explains. It was the 11th lighthouse in the United States upon completion. It cost $4,000. Shortly after, Captain Simeon Bates, his wife and nine children lived at the house. Bates was the first keep of this lighthouse.
“Because mariners complained that the light could not be seen from far enough away to make proper heading adjustments, the U.S. Government added fifteen feet in height to the tower in 1827, mortaring red brick on top of the granite blocks,” Scituate’s Historical Society explains.
The 1900’s
The town of Scituate acquired the lighthouse from the government in 1916 for $1,000. Fourteen years later, a new lantern room was built at the top. 1994 marked one of the most memorable events in Old Scituate Light’s history as it was relit, making it visible from the sea for the first time in 134 years. Three years prior, it had been relit to be seen on land only.
Present Day
Old Scituate Light is a very popular south shore attraction. Every day people can be seen taking pictures of this lighthouse. Select dates are released each year that detail when it will be open to the public. Walkways along the water’s edge surround it for guests to explore the area. One of this destination’s most notable elements is the attached cottage. That remains a private residence that is the lightkeeper’s cottage.
While many tourists travel to the south shore of Massachusetts for the beaches and boating, stopping by one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world is also a site worth seeing.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
