10 Things Massachusetts Patch Readers Suggest Visitors Check Out

BOSTON — Massachusetts is a state with plenty to offer. From the North End's Italian restaurants, the beaches of Cape Cod, the historic Freedom Trail and more, there's a lot to do in the Bay State — so much that a visitor might get overwhelmed.

So Patch asked its Massachusetts readers to lend a hand, and boy did they deliver! Hundreds made suggestions for the undecided tourists.

Readers' ideas included places all over the state from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. Check out 10 of their best suggestions below:

1. Freedom Trail - Boston

The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile long path through downtown Boston, was by far the most popular suggestion from Massachusetts Patch readers. The path may be short, but it's packed with history of the United States' early years and the American Revolution.

Along the trail between Boston Common and the Bunker Hill Monument, visitors pass 16 historic sites, including the Paul Revere House and the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party was planned.

2. North End - Boston

Boston's North End has been a hub for Italian Americans since the 19th Century — and their traditions continue to this day with the neighborhood's restaurants, bakeries, cafés and shops.

When visiting the North End, make sure to check out Hanover Street, as it has many of the area's best restaurants, including Arya Trattoria and Carmelina’s. Thatcher Street also has the famous Regina Pizzeria.

And when you're done filling up on delicious Italian food, safe some room for an espresso and a pastry. Caffe Vittoria and Caffe Paradiso are great options right on Hanover Street.

3. Whale Watching - Gloucester, Plymouth, Cape Cod, More

Several Patch readers suggested visitors go on a whale watch, and from personal experience, I have to agree. Taking a boat trip off Cape Cod, Gloucester, Plymouth or any of the other coastal communities in the state makes for a fun day seeing some of the largest mammals on the planet.

The most common whale sightings off the Massachusetts coast are humpback whales, which can grow up to 55 feet long. But if you're lucky, you might see some other species too, including Minke whales, right whales and the massive Finback whale. Finback whales can grow up to 70 feet in length.

Some of the more popular whale watch services include Plymouth Whale Watching, Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises.

4. The Berkshires

The city and beaches aren't the only things Massachusetts has to offer. Take a trip out west on the Mass Pike, and you'll find the Berkshires, a part of Vermont's Green Mountains that extend into western Massachusetts.

The area is filled with quaint communities that give visitors an opportunity to get in touch with nature. There's plenty of places to camp, hike and even a river perfect for white water rafting.

For hiking, Mt. Greylock in Adams is a great choice. At 3,491 feet, it's the highest peak in Massachusetts. Several trails go to the summit, including part of the Appalachian Trail. October Mountain State Forest in Lee is another great option. It offers 16,000 acres of hiking trails and has lots of good spots for camping and fishing. If white water rafting is more your speed, head to Charlemont, where several companies offer rafting trips along the Deerfield River.

5. Fenway Park, Boston

Fenway Park was another popular pick among Massachusetts Patch readers and for good reason. The home of the Boston Red Sox is the oldest active ballpark in all of Major League Baseball.

There's nothing in baseball quite like the 37-foot wall in Fenway's left field, the Green Monster. It makes for not only a cool site, but an advantage for hitters. What would normally be a fly out in another ballpark often turns into a double at Fenway.

And since seats were added atop the wall, it's become one of the most sought after places to sit for fans and one that requires attention. If you're lucky, a home run will get hit over the wall, and you might just go home with a souvenir.

6. Cape Cod

Beaches, lobster rolls and clam chowder — Cape Cod offers some of the best in all these classic Massachusetts pastimes. The Cape, spanning from the Bourne and Sagamore bridges all the way to Provincetown, offers plenty to do for the entire family.

First is the beaches. There's plenty to choose from throughout all Cape Cod's 15 towns. One of them, Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, made Dr Beach's list of the top 10 beaches in the United States.

For seafood restaurants, there's also a lot to choose from. Great places to get New England classics like lobster rolls and clam chowder include the Raw Bar in Mashpee, The Flying Bridge in Falmouth and Spanky's Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon in Hyannis.

7. Massachusetts Breweries

The craft beer scene in Massachusetts exploded over the last few years, and several Patch readers gave recommendations on which ones to try.

Medford Patch reader Ian Lavery suggested Tree House Brewing Company in Charleton, though it also has locations in Deerfield and Sandwich now too. Some other great places to get a brew include Jack's Abbey Craft Lagers in Framingham, Night Shift Brewing in Everett and Notch Brewing in Salem.

8. John F. Kennedy Museum, Hyannis

The John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis offers visitors a chance to learn more about America's 35th president. The museum offers several exhibits not only commemorating Kennedy's political history, but also his ties to Cape Cod. Kennedy spent many summers with his family on Cape Cod, so the museum offers a unique opportunity to peek into the former president's private life.

9. Visit Salem in October

Salem has some of Massachusetts strangest history, including the Salem Witch Trials. Between February 1692 and May 1693, officials accused more than 200 people, primarily women, of being witches. And somehow, 3o people were found guilty, and 19 were publicly executed by hanging (14 women and five men). The Salem Witch Museum offers tours and explains the history behind the trials.

Specifically, Patch readers say you should check out Salem in October. Because of the history with the witch trials, Salem tends to go all out for Halloween, and there's usually plenty of haunted houses and ghost tours to check out.

10. Charles River Boat Tour, Cambridge

Patch readers recommended the Charles River Boat Tour for tourists, but some believe even locals are missing out on this sight-seeing cruise along the river. Peabody Patch reader Kelley DeJoy described the tour as "something that those of us already in Mass. should do."

The tours are run by the Charles River Boat company. They involve a 70-minute, fully narrated cruise along the river and features cultural sights in Boston and Cambridge. Sights include Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park, Boston University, Harvard University, M.I.T. and more.