The Bay State has plenty of popular attractions from Boston’s Freedom Trail to Sturbridge Village to Plimouth Patuxet Museums and more. But there are many corners and places you may not have visited yet. Here is a list of some of the most fascinating hidden gems in Massachusetts, one for each month of the year. We hope this list gives you ideas for new-to-you places to explore!!

January: Brattle Book Shop, Boston

9 West St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Rob Faulkner from Leeds, United Kingdom/Wikimedia Commons
One of the country’s oldest and biggest used bookshops resides in Boston. Brattle Book Shop has three floors —- two for used books and a third level where you can find antique and rare books. Additionally, there is an outdoor lot with more incredible books for sale. This is the perfect place to spend some time indoors on a cold January day. To learn more, visit the Brattle Book Shop website.

February: Spite House, Boston

4 Hull St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
Rhododendrites/Wikimedia Commons
There is a skinny home in Boston that was allegedly built as a spite house. If you don’t know what a spite house is, it’s a house that’s built to spite a neighbor. The case with the spite house in Boston, it’s a story of sibling rivalry at an extreme. Legend has it that two brothers inherited a plot of land from their father’s estate. One brother went off to fight in a war and while he was gone, the other brother built himself a large house on the land. When the one brother returned from war, he, out of spite, built a tall, 10-foot-wide house to obscure his sibling’s view. Certainly one of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts that was meant to stand out!

March: National Streetcar Museum, Lowell

25 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA 01852, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Known as trolleys, streetcars have been a popular mode of transportation for well over a century. Learn about the history and how they helped shape the city of Lowell. You can learn more on the National Streetcar Museum website.

April: Author’s Ridge, Concord

248 Bedford St, Concord, MA 01742, USA
Lorianne DiSabato/Flickr
Whether or not you enjoy works of literature by the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, or Louisa May Alcott, a visit to Author’s Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is one for the books (so to speak). Not only can you see the final resting spots for some of America’s most notable authors, but you’ll get to enjoy the scenery of the gorgeous cemetery. Head to the Visit Concord website to learn more about one of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts.

May: Modica Way, Cambridge

Richard B. “Rico” Modica Way, Richard B. “Rico” Modica Wy, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Lee Wooten/Flickr
There’s an alley in Cambridge where you can view graffiti. Not only that but it is covered by a covering of colorful plastic that may remind visitors of stained glass. This artistic alleyway is a perfect backdrop for taking photos.

June: Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge

9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, USA
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
Did you know that Norman Rockwell lived in the town of Stockbridge and created many of his famous works of art here? Head to Stockbridge and peruse a museum that is filled with his art. Additionally, you can see his art studio which is open seasonally starting May 1 each year. To learn more, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum website.  

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July: Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls

Bridge of Flowers, 22 Water St, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
FFM784/Wikimedia Commons
Once upon a time, a trolley bridge was built to connect the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. Eventually, it was shut down, only to be reopened again as a pedestrian bridge filled with blooming flowers. The Bridge of Flowers is quite a spectacular sight! 

August: Great Island, Wellfleet

Chequessett Neck Road, Chequessett Neck Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
takomabibelot/Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away on the bay side of Wellfleet is Great Island, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This nature preserve offers hiking and unparalleled water views. It’s also never too crowded here and the perfect place to spend time exploring some of the best of nature in the area. 

September: Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd, Sutton, MA 01590, USA
Ornoth/Flickr
For some of the most fascinating rock formations in the state, a trip to Purgatory Chasm is in order. Take the kids for a day of exploration! You’ll also want to take a picnic in order to maximize your time here. Visit Mass.gov for more information.

October: Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, Salem

Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery, 217 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Visit the Witch City in October for some Halloween fun. But when you come here, spend some time at Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery especially if you’re a fan of horror and monsters. This unique museum in Massachusetts is filled with spooky fun!

November: Ponyhenge, Lincoln

Ponyhenge, 47 Old Sudbury Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Jenn Forman Orth/Flickr
One of the strangest roadside attractions in Massachusetts happens to be a rocking horse graveyard in Lincoln. Dubbed "Ponyhenge," its origins are mysterious but it’s well worth a stop to see it in person.

December: National Shrine of our Lady of LaSalette, Attleboro

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703, USA
Heartlover1717/Flickr
Tucked away in the city of Attleboro is a Roman Catholic community that comes to life during the holiday season. A must-visit in December, LaSalette’s property is decorated with an abundance of lights that will guarantee Christmas spirit to anyone who visits. Visit the National Shrine of our Lady of LaSalette website to learn more.

 

Have you visited any of these Massachusetts hidden gems? What do you think are some of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

If you are eager to explore more than one hidden gem in a month, consider this hidden gems road trip through Massachusetts. We have mapped it out so that in just a few hours, you’ll see plenty of lesser-known places. When you’re ready to hit the road, don’t forget the all important road trip snacks. You need to be properly fueled for your adventure!

 

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More to Explore

The Best Hidden Gems In Massachusetts

Katie Feldkamp | December 07, 2023

Where are some of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts?

When a place is as popular as Cape Cod, it may feel like every detail about the location is already known. But alas, here are some Cape Cod, Massachusetts hidden gems that are worth the visit:

  • Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet
  • Bearberry Hill in Truro
  • The Godfrey Windmill in Chatha
  • Coonamessett Farm in Falmouth
  • Grays Beach Boardwalk in Yarmouth

 

What are some restaurants that are hidden gems in Massachusetts?

While it’s great to have your go-to restaurants when you’re feeling hungry, sometimes it’s fun to go off the beaten path and try somewhere new. The next time you’re making plans to dine out, consider trying one of the following restaurants that are hidden gems in Massachusetts:

  • Carl’s Steak Subs and Burritos in Waltham has a unique family history and subs you have to taste to believe!
  • Jack’s Hot Dog Stand has been in business in North Adams since 1917. With history like that, you know it’s going to be good.
  • Vic’s Waffle House in Tewksbury is known for serving up hearty and homemade breakfast stapes.

For more information on these and several other places, check out this article on restaurant hidden gems in Massachusetts.

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