More Than Academia in Massachusetts College Towns

What other than ‘pahkin’ ya cah in Hahvahdyahd’ is there to do in Massachusetts? As the college-bound flock to sit in thelecture halls of Harvard and MIT, this New England state has more to offer thanr-less accents, Ivy League schools and Beantown. 
Cambridge, Amherst and Northampton, Worcester,New Bedford, Salem, and North Adams and Williamstown are brimming with culturalevents and attractions not just for student populations, but also for travelerswho want to experience the Bay State.

Boston Harborfront

From art exhibitions in Peabody to restaurants in Gloucester to historicalmuseums in Concord, whether it’s an ocean view or ski resort you seek,residents and visitors alike can find worthwhile entertainment, activities anddiverse nightlife.


Cambridge
You’re hard-pressed to look upon the Charles River without seeing a crew rowingin unison from one of Cambridge’s universities. The town is only a few minutesfrom the heart of Boston and two of the premier education and researchinstitutions in the entire world. However, it’s not university life – but thevibrant culture – that makes up the identity of Cambridge.

Harvard Square, named for the school that populates its center, is a hub forall activities. With 90-plus restaurants, one not to miss is Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage, anationally acclaimed joint that pampers meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Over75 stores and independent boutiques, with wares ranging from music, clothing,books, crafts and jewelry, qualify this block as a bona-fide shopping center. Findinga place to stay is no trouble, with more than 15 lodgings located in HarvardSquare.

History buffs will take to Cambridge’s variousRevolutionary War monuments and tributes, including the Longfellow House, whichonce served as George Washington’s headquarters. Thespians can visit any of severaltheaters, which show movies, live productions, and art galleries, showcasingwork from artists around the world. Alternately, enjoy the sights of one ofAmerica’s oldest cities along a tour of the Charles River.


Amherst and Northampton

Dormitories of University of Massachusetts

Northampton Skyline

Amherst and Northampton are liberal arts enclaves and the perfect destinationsoutside of the big city. Situated only nine miles apart in WesternMassachusetts, these two towns are home to Hampshire, Smith, Mount Holyoke,Amherst, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, which draw studentsfrom around the U.S.

Pristine wilderness surrounds the two towns and makes Amherst and Northampton agreat destination for hiking, swimming, biking, and river paddling and strawberrypicking. UMass runs a transit service between the schools and their surroundingcommunities, making travel quick and painless.

Though the scenery draws many, Amherst and Northampton have lively downtowncultural scenes complete with bookstores, cafes, pubs, all varieties of livemusic, and ten museums within easy reach. Broadway shows and dance troupes areoften hosted at UMass Amherst. Restaurants ranging from Thai and Chinese toMexican and African keep visitors well-fed.


Worcester
Situated in central Massachusetts, Worcester is at the crossroads of NewEngland’s major cities and has much to offer those passing through. ClarkUniversity, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, College of the Holy Cross,Assumption College, Becker College and Worcester State University all lend thecommunity a distinct college feel.

The American Hockey League’s Worcester Sharks call the DCU Center home, andwhen they aren’t on the ice, the arena hosts concerts and road shows. TheWorcester Art Museum boasts more than 35,000 art pieces spanning more than5,000 years of human history. Higgins Armory has one the largest and oldestarmor collections in America, including jousting outfits.

Union Station, Worcester

With more than 250 restaurants, Shrewsbury Street and Canal District are ahaven for meal seekers. Shrewsbury Street also features various shops, givingvisitors the chance to peruse clothes, crafts, and jewelry. Worcester hostsBroadway shows at Hanover Theatre and has great places for hiking, biking, androwing.


New Bedford
Home to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and its nearly 10,000students, New Bedford is the epitome of a college town.

Residents and visitors enjoy concert series, plays and musicals at theZeiterion Performing Arts Center. Dweezil Zappa, son of the legendary artistand composer Frank Zappa, leads “Zappa Plays Zappa,” which features renditionsof his father’s music. Other shows during the summer include the musicalHairspray and an Al Green concert.

Architecture enthusiasts will love the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, a restored Greekrevival mansion with beautiful gardens that take up an entire block. Museums onwhaling and glass provide other excellent ways to spend a day while boutiqueshops and lovely cafes can be found along walking tours of the city. NewBedford’s culture and attractions make it a great spot for people of any age.


Salem
About 20 miles north of Boston sits Salem State University. At 10,000 studentslarge it’s well known for its nursing program, and students have the benefit ofliving in a an area that draws residents from around the Bay State toexperience the town’s history and charm.

American Colonial Home, The House of the Seven Gables

Salem gained much of its fame from the notorious witch trials that took place duringthe late 17^th century, and today that history lends itself tothe most festive Halloween celebration in the country. Visitors can relive thetrials through observing reenactments, films, walking tours, and museums. The PeabodyEssex Museum features the work of famous American photographer Ansel Adams andother artists. Salem also hosts a series of festivals throughout the summer.These festivals celebrate maritime history, the 4^th of July andjazz music. Salem’s identity as a coastal town is commemoratedthrough various activities and can be seen in the captains’ mansions that linethe streets. Visitors can tour ships, sail on schooners, and walk aroundmuseums filled with treasures and artifacts.


North Adams and Williamstown
Situated in the Berkshires, these two towns offer scenes of breathtakingbeauty. North Adams is home to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, whichoffers a variety of academic pursuits, while Williamstown houses WilliamsCollege, one of the best liberal arts schools in America. Though best known fortheir education centers, it is the other attractions that make North Adams andWilliamstown truly special.

Autumn is best spent in North Adams and Williamstown, which are rife with hikingand running trails and offer unparalleled foliage viewing. Summers in theBerkshires are just as enjoyable, though, as mild air and lush green hillsprovide a perfect pastoral backdrop to any outdoor excursion.

Boy Drawing in Gallery at Clark Art Institute

North Adams and Williamstown offer a range of indoor and fine art attractions.Of particular interest are the international display at The Williams CollegeMuseum of Art and the Clark Art Institute and one of the largest Americancenters for contemporary visual and performing art at The Massachusetts Museumof Contemporary Art in North Adams. Quaint shops and restaurants provideservice to passersby who need a bite or a drink. The North Adams andWilliamstown area is an ideal destination for any travelers who appreciatenature, fine arts, and tasty cuisine. and 
For more information on Massachusetts and its college towns please visit The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) massvacation.com/college. Special thanks to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for the photos.

contributed by Julie Callahan via FamilyTravelForum