Escape To These 10 Hidden Oases In Massachusetts To Find Peace And Quiet

If you don't mind heading to Martha's Vineyard for your dose of relaxation, the Mytoi Japanese Gardens are totally serene and peaceful escape. Wander the quiet paths and pause on the delicate footbridges to admire the flowers and pond. (41 Dike Rd, Edgartown)

Okay, this isn't a specific location, but that's just because there are so many beautiful natural spots on the Johnny Appleseed Trail that it's hard to choose just one. Explore Leominster State Forest Hiking Trail in Westminster, hike Jacob's Hill, or just wander the roadside beauty in towns like Hubbardston and Lancaster.

Dunn State Park is a public recreation area that is filled with hidden natural nooks in which to get pleasantly lost. It covers 132 acres, and includes the lovely 22-acre Dunn Pond. (289 Pearl Street, Gardner)

Just a peaceful and quiet woodland retreat. It includes Wallum Lake, which used to be an important source of local ice back before refrigerators were commonplace. The paths formerly used to drag ice out of the forest are now beautiful walking trails. (107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas)

Tower Hill may not be the most "hidden" of these hidden gems, but it's so lusciously lovely that we had to include it. There's nothing like strolling through a blooming field of daffodils or sitting under a massive rhododendron bush to soothe your soul. This 132-acre botanical garden also offers incredible views of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir. (11 French Dr, Boylston, MA)

Nothing says "peace" like a peace pagoda! This site was meant to commemorate the 150,000 civilian deaths that resulted from the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII, and it's an utterly serene and lovely place to wander and meditate. All are welcome at the pagoda. (100 Cave Hill Road, Leverett)

And you thought Plimoth Plantation was just pilgrims and history lessons. The Plantation actually has a spectacular array of gardens and paths to explore. The 17th-century English Village even features gardens that are filled with edible plants and herbs of the variety the original settlers would have used. (137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth)

This delightful little pond is bordered by Nonotuck Park, which makes it the perfect place for a land and water outing. It's a great spot for picnics, and the park even has a playground for the little ones. (1 Daley Field Road, Easthampton)

Despite being a historic farm and pasture, this quaint spot is actually totally open to the public. You can wander the carefully maintained paths to a peaceful salt marsh, check out the crops during growing season, or spend some time lounging on the banks of Little River. (520 Smith Neck Road, South Dartmouth)

This place is a like a fairytale forest come to life. With its massive windmill, waterfalls and flowering fields, Heritage Museum & Gardens is one of the best places to get away from it all on Cape Cod. Check their website to see what's in bloom before you go, and make sure you're ready for total relaxation. (67 Grove Street Pine And Grove Streets Sandwich, MA)