For a comprehensive experience of Boston's importance in early American history and culture, visitors should explore the areas directly outside of the city's limits. The gorgeous gold and red colors of the leaves in autumn make up for the cold weather, and as long as you dress in layers, you will be comfortable and happy exploring the beauty and history of the Greater Boston area.
Self-proclaimed "witch city," Salem is a place of magic, which stems from its historical significance and mythical atmosphere, both of which are on display at its museums and stores. October is a particularly busy time for the city as tourists visit all month long for Halloween-themed events, but certain attractions such as the Salem Witch Museum, which hosts an informative and colorful show about the Salem Witch Trials, and the Jonathan Corwin House, the only surviving Salem witch trial location are open to the public through November.
Salem Witch Museum
Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-1692
salemwitchmuseum.com
The Jonathan Corwin House
310 1/2 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-8815
witchhouse.info
Stop by the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion for a tour of the house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The House of Seven Gables" and then visit the author's childhood home, located next door. Both buildings overlook the bay and provide a scenic spot for lunch.
The House of Seven Gables
Turner-Ingersoll Mansion
115 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-0991
7gables.org
While you are in the harbor area visiting the House of Seven Gables, take a stroll down the road and learn about Salem's prominent maritime history by visiting the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which encompasses several seafaring attractions.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
160 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-740-1650
nps.gov/sama
Art, culture and architecture lovers should take time to browse the collections on display at the Peabody Essex Museum, which features pieces from New England and around the globe. The Peabody Essex Museum houses many collections, some seasonal and some permanent, so be prepared to spend a good portion of your day browsing.
Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
161 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-9500
pem.org
Baseball season comes to a close in the fall, and Boston Red Sox fans crowd the stadium area to cheer their team onto the post-season. Try to fit in time for a game during the regular season, which usually ends in early October, as tickets to post-season games are expensive and difficult to acquire.
Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
617-226-6666
boston.redsox.mlb.com
No matter what NFL team a person roots for during the regular season, football fans visiting or living in the greater Boston area during the fall should try to catch a New England Patriots game. If you do not enjoy stadium food, go to Patriot Place before or after the game and dine at one of the many restaurants or fast food joints.
New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
One Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA 02035
508-543-1776
patriots.com
Early American colonists, the soldiers responsible for first battle of the American Revolution and great thinkers of the American Renaissance have all contributed to the history of Concord. Concord proudly exhibits its role in shaping American culture and history through its many museums and tours. The Concord Museum is open throughout the year, and while certain showrooms display items that are a part of its permanent collection, the museum, like the country it represents, is ever changing and periodically introduces new galleries.
The Concord Museum
200 Lexington Road
Concord, MA 01742
978-369-9763
concordmuseum.org
While in Concord, literary enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to The Old Manse, which Transcendentalist writers such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller frequented. The stately home has now been transformed into a museum, which is as educational as it is entertaining.
The Old Manse
269 Monument St.
Concord, MA 01742
978-369-3909
thetrustees.org
