According to abbreviationfinder, Massachusetts is located in the eastern United States, between Vermont and New Hampshire (north), Rhode Island and Connecticut (south), New York (west), and the Atlantic Ocean (east). The state is divided into no less than thirteen regions, of which Boston & Cambridge, Bristol & Plymouth Counties, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Nantucket Island and Central Massachusetts are the best known.
The Northeast of the USA is a region of extremes. The area has an extreme continental climate, with an almost tropical summer and heavy snowfall and cold temperatures well below freezing in the winter. Temperatures can be between -40°C and +40°C in summer and winter! In autumn it is surprisingly warm, when the mercury hovers around 25°C. At night, however, the temperature can drop to freezing.
Best travel time
Autumn is the best time to visit this area, as the Indian Summer erupts in full force. In Massachusetts, the discoloration line arrives around mid-October; by the end of October all the leaves have fallen.
Flora and fauna
The east of the state is characterized by coastal nature, with wide beaches and rugged cliffs. The west, known for its Indian Summer, consists of wooded hills. The mighty maple with its distinctive leaves is most common here, next to birch, larch, oak and eastern hemlock. Yet it is not only the trees that provide the necessary atmosphere. What many people forget is that ivy of all types provides a large part of the color of the environment, as do the many types of wild flowers and ferns. Animal life is as varied as the leaves on the trees. The area is home to white-tailed deer, bears, squirrels, moose, skunks, wolves, raccoons, bats, and gray foxes. Whales and seals can also be seen off the coast.
Main cities
According to countryaah, the state capital is Boston (PHOTO ABOVE), in addition to larger cities such as Worcester, Lowell and Springfield.
Boston Harbor Islands NPA
The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is located in Boston Bay, near the harbor of the city of the same name. The area consists of several islands and peninsulas, many of which serve as public recreation areas. However, some are so small that they have become suitable refuges for wildlife. This area is protected by the Boston Harbor Island Partnership. It also includes the Boston Harbor Islands State Park, which is managed by the Massachusetts Association.
Among the attractions that the park offers are beaches, numerous hiking trails, and Fort Warren, which is a reminder of the American Civil War and is located on Georges Island. Not one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions, however, is the nearly 100-foot-tall Boston Light on Little Brewster Island. It was built in 1716, making it the oldest lighthouse in the United States. It has welcomed ships arriving in Boston Harbor for several centuries.
The original building was destroyed by British soldiers in 1776, but not long after that – in 1783, a new lighthouse was built on the same spot, which guards the coast here to this day. Although the Boston Harbor Light is the oldest lighthouse in the country even with its architectural transformations, it was the last on the entire North American continent to be automated. This happened only in 1998, and until then a human crew was normally operating here. Even today, however, the three-man coast guard takes turns at the lighthouse.
Georges Island and Spectacle Island can be reached by ferry from Boston or Quincy during high season. Ferries shuttle back and forth between the islands, making it possible to reach islands such as Hull and Hingham not only on weekends, but also during summer weekdays. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the islands from Boston Harbor, and in no time you will be in the middle of beautiful and untouched nature from the busy city center.
Nature
Autumn in New England is a spectacle. Lower temperatures and shorter days mean that the stately trees in this region shed their billions of leaves. But not before the forests give away an unparalleled color show, from juicy green to the most dazzling variations of yellow, brown, red and orange. Several beautiful trails run through Massachusetts, including The Berkshires, North Shore and The Mohawk Trail – through fourteen State Parks! – deserve special mention. Don’t forget the beaches around Cape Cod National Seashore and Martha’s Vineyard.
Boston
Colonial grandeur in the 21st century. With its historic downtown, top entertainment offerings and the prestigious schools of Harvard University and MIT, it is truly the capital of Massachusetts.
Historic Route 1
One of the oldest roads in America – Historic Route 1 – runs partly through Massachusetts. With cities and towns like Boston, Salem and Newburyport along the way and a beautiful combination of rugged coastline and charming countryside, this is one hell of a ride.
