Top Reasons to Go to Massachusetts

The Countryside: Rolling hills, dense stands of forest, open pastures, even a few mountains.

Early American History: Visit preserved villages, homes, and inns where memories of Colonial history and personalities are kept alive.

Summer Festivals: Watch renowned dance companies perform against the Berkshire mountains backdrop at Jacob's Pillow or have the Boston Symphony Orchestra accompany your lawn picnic at Tanglewood in Lenox.

Under-the-Radar Museums: Western Massachusetts has an eclectic collection of institutions, from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

College Towns: The Pioneer Valley is home to some lovely academic centers: Amherst (University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, and Hampshire College), Northampton (Smith College), and South Hadley (Mount Holyoke College).