If you’re always looking for things to do throughout the year, why not discover some of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts? To help you get started with exploring places that are lesser known and off the beaten path, we’ve put together this handy list of some of the most fascinating and incredible attractions throughout the state – one for each month of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover some of the lesser-known places around the Bay State in 2023!
- January - Winter hiking at Holland Glen Conservation Area, Belchertown
Michael Marley/AllTrails Start the new year off with a hike at Holland Glen Conservation Area in Belchertown. This isn’t an ordinary hike - it’s extraordinary because it leads to a waterfall. If it’s cold enough when you visit, the waterfall may be frozen. The lightly trafficked trail is 1.1 miles and is also rated as moderate. Find out more about this road trip that includes this Massachusetts hidden gem. Holland Glen, Belchertown, MA 01007, USA
- February - Mapparium, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Boston
Chase Elliott Clark/Flickr Take a virtual trip around the world at Mapparium, a one-of-a-kind exhibit located inside The Mary Baker Eddy Library when you spend time at one of the ultimate Massachusetts hidden gems. While the library itself is a gorgeous work of architecture, the Mapparium is perhaps its most stunning feature. The stained glass globe was built in the 1930s and portrays the map of the world as it was back then. Best of all, you can walk inside it! Learn more by reading about one of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts. . 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- March - The Snug, Hingham
samuel casad/Google The month of March is synonymous with the incoming spring season and St. Patrick’s Day. Therefore, why not celebrate the month at one of the most fun hidden places in Massachusetts? Located in Hingham Square, The Snug offers traditional Irish fare, pints of your favorite beer, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. Take a look at this article to learn more about additional one-of-a-kind Massachusetts hidden gems . 116 North St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
- April - Hebert’s Candy Mansion, Shrewsbury
Hebert Candies/Facebook For over 100 years, Hebert’s Candies has been known for its chocolates. When a Tudor-style mansion was purchased as its permanent home, it then became known as the Candy Mansion. Offering some of the best-handcrafted chocolates and sweets, this is the go-to confectionary for many residents in central Massachusetts. It’s especially popular during the holidays. If you celebrate Easter, you will find chocolate bunnies, homemade jelly beans, and more to fill a basket for the holiday. Read more about one of the tastiest and best-hidden gems in Massachusetts. 574 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA
- May - Heritage Museum & Gardens, Sandwich
Heritage Museums & Gardens/Facebook Located in Sandwich, Heritage Museum & Gardens is home to 100 acres of gorgeous gardens, including its Bulb River (pictured here). Take a lovely stroll and soak in the welcoming sights of spring! Read more in our previous coverage about one of the best little-known places in Massachusetts. 67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
- June - James P. Kelleher Rose Garden, Boston
Shi Hyeon Kang/Google Like a secret garden in the middle of the city, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of many spectacular little-known places in Massachusetts. Filled with 1,500 rose bushes, tall hedges, a fountain, statues, and trellises, you may forget that you’re in Boston for a moment when you visit. Read to learn more about one of the little known places in Massachusetts. 73 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- July - Mytoi Japanese Garden, Chappaquiddick
Petrina W/Google Mytoi Japanese Garden is a serene 14-acre botanical garden located on Martha’s Vineyard’s Chappaquiddick Island. You’ll experience the serene atmosphere as you stroll along pathways through gardens filled with both exotic and native plant species. Read more about one of Massachusetts hidden gems. Mytoi Japanese Garden, 41 Dike Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA
- August - Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
Gabrielm199/Wikimedia Commons If you’re looking for a peaceful beach with views and some excellent beachcombing, head to Wingaersheek Beach. This little-known place in Massachusetts is a 0.6-mile stretch of sand located along the Annisquam River in Gloucester. Discover more about this is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
- September - The Jenney Interpretive Centre, Plymouth
The Jenney Interpretive Centre/Facebook Housed in a historic Plymouth home built in 1749, The Jenney offers tours and education about the impact the Pilgrims had on the country. You can learn quite a bit of early American history here. You’ll discover more about Plymouth too. 48 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
- October - Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain
Frank Reynolds NH/Google As the month of Halloween, October is the time to visit spooky spots like haunted houses and cemeteries. The 275-acre Forest Hills Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery and a hidden gem in Massachusetts that is more beautiful than it is spooky. Nonetheless, it’s a peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the stunning grounds, sculpture garden, and arboretum. To learn more about this cemetery on the outskirts of Boston, take a look at this article about one of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts. 95 Forest Hills St, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- November - Eyrie House Ruins at Mt. Tom State Reservation, Holyoke
KTBNY/TripAdvisor Reachable by hiking, the Eyrie House Ruins are a hidden historical gem that is hauntingly beautiful. Once a luxury mountain hotel that catered to the wealthy, Eyrie House began its decay following a fateful fire. To learn more, read about one of the most scenic little-known places in Massachusetts. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
- December - Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn, Spencer
Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn Page/Facebook With the holiday season in full swing in December, why not visit a store that’s completely dedicated to Christmas? From floor to ceiling, Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn is packed with Christmas decor. Learn why this shop is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts.. 1 Northwest Road, Spencer, MA 01562, USA
Have you visited any of these best-hidden gems in Massachusetts yet? What are your favorite lesser-known places around the state? Tell us in the comments! if you’d like to have an adventure while visiting hidden places, check out this Massachusetts road trip too.
Michael Marley/AllTrails
Start the new year off with a hike at Holland Glen Conservation Area in Belchertown. This isn’t an ordinary hike - it’s extraordinary because it leads to a waterfall. If it’s cold enough when you visit, the waterfall may be frozen. The lightly trafficked trail is 1.1 miles and is also rated as moderate. Find out more about this road trip that includes this Massachusetts hidden gem.
Holland Glen, Belchertown, MA 01007, USA
Chase Elliott Clark/Flickr
Take a virtual trip around the world at Mapparium, a one-of-a-kind exhibit located inside The Mary Baker Eddy Library when you spend time at one of the ultimate Massachusetts hidden gems. While the library itself is a gorgeous work of architecture, the Mapparium is perhaps its most stunning feature. The stained glass globe was built in the 1930s and portrays the map of the world as it was back then. Best of all, you can walk inside it! Learn more by reading about one of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts. .
210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
samuel casad/Google
The month of March is synonymous with the incoming spring season and St. Patrick’s Day. Therefore, why not celebrate the month at one of the most fun hidden places in Massachusetts? Located in Hingham Square, The Snug offers traditional Irish fare, pints of your favorite beer, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. Take a look at this article to learn more about additional one-of-a-kind Massachusetts hidden gems .
116 North St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Hebert Candies/Facebook
For over 100 years, Hebert’s Candies has been known for its chocolates. When a Tudor-style mansion was purchased as its permanent home, it then became known as the Candy Mansion. Offering some of the best-handcrafted chocolates and sweets, this is the go-to confectionary for many residents in central Massachusetts. It’s especially popular during the holidays. If you celebrate Easter, you will find chocolate bunnies, homemade jelly beans, and more to fill a basket for the holiday. Read more about one of the tastiest and best-hidden gems in Massachusetts.
574 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA
Heritage Museums & Gardens/Facebook
Located in Sandwich, Heritage Museum & Gardens is home to 100 acres of gorgeous gardens, including its Bulb River (pictured here). Take a lovely stroll and soak in the welcoming sights of spring! Read more in our previous coverage about one of the best little-known places in Massachusetts.
67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
Shi Hyeon Kang/Google
Like a secret garden in the middle of the city, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is one of many spectacular little-known places in Massachusetts. Filled with 1,500 rose bushes, tall hedges, a fountain, statues, and trellises, you may forget that you’re in Boston for a moment when you visit. Read to learn more about one of the little known places in Massachusetts.
73 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Petrina W/Google
Mytoi Japanese Garden is a serene 14-acre botanical garden located on Martha’s Vineyard’s Chappaquiddick Island. You’ll experience the serene atmosphere as you stroll along pathways through gardens filled with both exotic and native plant species. Read more about one of Massachusetts hidden gems.
Mytoi Japanese Garden, 41 Dike Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA
Gabrielm199/Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach with views and some excellent beachcombing, head to Wingaersheek Beach. This little-known place in Massachusetts is a 0.6-mile stretch of sand located along the Annisquam River in Gloucester. Discover more about this is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts.
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
The Jenney Interpretive Centre/Facebook
Housed in a historic Plymouth home built in 1749, The Jenney offers tours and education about the impact the Pilgrims had on the country. You can learn quite a bit of early American history here. You’ll discover more about Plymouth too.
48 Summer St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
Frank Reynolds NH/Google
As the month of Halloween, October is the time to visit spooky spots like haunted houses and cemeteries. The 275-acre Forest Hills Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery and a hidden gem in Massachusetts that is more beautiful than it is spooky. Nonetheless, it’s a peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy the stunning grounds, sculpture garden, and arboretum. To learn more about this cemetery on the outskirts of Boston, take a look at this article about one of the best hidden gems in Massachusetts.
95 Forest Hills St, Boston, MA 02130, USA
KTBNY/TripAdvisor
Reachable by hiking, the Eyrie House Ruins are a hidden historical gem that is hauntingly beautiful. Once a luxury mountain hotel that catered to the wealthy, Eyrie House began its decay following a fateful fire. To learn more, read about one of the most scenic little-known places in Massachusetts.
125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn Page/Facebook
With the holiday season in full swing in December, why not visit a store that’s completely dedicated to Christmas? From floor to ceiling, Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn is packed with Christmas decor. Learn why this shop is considered one of many hidden places in Massachusetts..
1 Northwest Road, Spencer, MA 01562, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hidden Gems in Massachusetts December 15, 2022 Marla S. What are some of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts? In addition to visiting some of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts, take a look at some of the most unique things to do in the state too.
Joseph Allen Skinner Museum, South Hadley Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston The Museum of Bad Art, Somerville The Skinny House, Boston Martini Junction, Needham O’Reilly Spite House, Cambridge
Discover more about these and other unique little-known places in Massachusetts in this article. Feel free to check out this road trip that’ll take you to some unique Massachusetts hidden gems too. What are some of the most magical places to visit in Massachusetts? Some of the magical places to visit in Massachusetts include the following destinations.
Hammond Castle, Gloucester Garden in the Woods, Framingham Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls Santarella Gingerbread House, Tyringham Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
To learn more about these magical places to visit in Massachusetts, take a look at this road trip itinerary. If you’re looking for a magical place to stay, check out this vacation rental in Massachusetts too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hidden Gems in Massachusetts
December 15, 2022
Marla S.
What are some of the most unique things to do in Massachusetts? In addition to visiting some of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts, take a look at some of the most unique things to do in the state too.
Joseph Allen Skinner Museum, South Hadley Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston The Museum of Bad Art, Somerville The Skinny House, Boston Martini Junction, Needham O’Reilly Spite House, Cambridge
Discover more about these and other unique little-known places in Massachusetts in this article. Feel free to check out this road trip that’ll take you to some unique Massachusetts hidden gems too. What are some of the most magical places to visit in Massachusetts? Some of the magical places to visit in Massachusetts include the following destinations.
Hammond Castle, Gloucester Garden in the Woods, Framingham Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls Santarella Gingerbread House, Tyringham Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
To learn more about these magical places to visit in Massachusetts, take a look at this road trip itinerary. If you’re looking for a magical place to stay, check out this vacation rental in Massachusetts too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
In addition to visiting some of the best-hidden gems in Massachusetts, take a look at some of the most unique things to do in the state too.
- Joseph Allen Skinner Museum, South Hadley
- Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston
- The Museum of Bad Art, Somerville
- The Skinny House, Boston
- Martini Junction, Needham
- O’Reilly Spite House, Cambridge
Discover more about these and other unique little-known places in Massachusetts in this article. Feel free to check out this road trip that’ll take you to some unique Massachusetts hidden gems too.
What are some of the most magical places to visit in Massachusetts?
Some of the magical places to visit in Massachusetts include the following destinations.
- Hammond Castle, Gloucester
- Garden in the Woods, Framingham
- Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls
- Santarella Gingerbread House, Tyringham
- Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington
To learn more about these magical places to visit in Massachusetts, take a look at this road trip itinerary.
If you’re looking for a magical place to stay, check out this vacation rental in Massachusetts too.
