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Old North Bridge, Concord, MA: This location is where the “shot heard around the world” began the American Revolution and where Ralph Waldo Emerson sat and was inspired to write “Nature”.

Travel · November 2022 · Massachusetts

Discovering Massachusetts: A Journey through History, Nature, and Charm

Words and photographs by Matt Dea

We should all make a point to get away from the grind and to recharge our batteries. My wife and I had the opportunity to take a vacation to Massachusetts to experience the colorful fall foliage, rich history of our country, and some island life. Our stops included Boston, Salem, Concord, Plymouth, and Martha’s Vineyard. I know this post deviates from my typical Blog posts and photography styles that you normally see here, but I would love to share some of our favorite moments from our trip.

Granary Burying Ground, Boston: The final resting place for many Revolutionary War patriots: Paul Revere, the five victims of the Boston Massacre, and three signers of the Declaration of Independence (Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine)
Granary Burying Ground, Boston: The final resting place for many Revolutionary War patriots: Paul Revere, the five victims of the Boston Massacre, and three signers of the Declaration of Independence (Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine)
Beacon Hill, Boston: Tastefully decorated homes for Halloween in the Beacon Hill area.
Beacon Hill, Boston: Tastefully decorated homes for Halloween in the Beacon Hill area.
Fenway Park, Boston: A fantastic tour of the ballpark. A quote from American sports columnist, George Vecsey, sums up the way I feel, “I love Boston. I love Fenway Park. I love Red Sox history. But in no way am I am Red Sox fan”. I’m a forever SF Giants fan.
Fenway Park, Boston: A fantastic tour of the ballpark. A quote from American sports columnist, George Vecsey, sums up the way I feel, “I love Boston. I love Fenway Park. I love Red Sox history. But in no way am I am Red Sox fan”. I’m a forever SF Giants fan.
Boston Public Library, Boston: A glimpse through a library reading room window
Boston Public Library, Boston: A glimpse through a library reading room window
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston: A view of the architecture overlooking the gardens
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston: A view of the architecture overlooking the gardens
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Boston College, Newton, MA: Beautiful fall foliage surrounding the stunning campus buildings
Boston College, Newton, MA: Beautiful fall foliage surrounding the stunning campus buildings
Fort Sewall, Marblehead, MA: A cold and cloudy New England day
Fort Sewall, Marblehead, MA: A cold and cloudy New England day
Concord, MA: I love the aesthetic of these homes
Concord, MA: I love the aesthetic of these homes
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA: This cemetery is where some of America’ greatest historical authors and thinkers such as Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and Alcott are buried.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA: This cemetery is where some of America’ greatest historical authors and thinkers such as Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and Alcott are buried.
The Old Manse, Concord, MA: My wonderful wife with the Old Manse house in the background. There is so much amazing history to this house. I encourage everyone to read about it!
The Old Manse, Concord, MA: My wonderful wife with the Old Manse house in the background. There is so much amazing history to this house. I encourage everyone to read about it!
Old North Bridge, Concord, MA: This location is where the “shot heard around the world” began the American Revolution and where Ralph Waldo Emerson sat and was inspired to write “Nature”.
Old North Bridge, Concord, MA: This location is where the “shot heard around the world” began the American Revolution and where Ralph Waldo Emerson sat and was inspired to write “Nature”.
Walden Pond, Concord, MA: Where Henry David Thoreau stayed for two years and was inspired to write his book “Walden”.
Walden Pond, Concord, MA: Where Henry David Thoreau stayed for two years and was inspired to write his book “Walden”.
Mayflower II, Plymouth, MA: This is a replica of the original Mayflower.
Mayflower II, Plymouth, MA: This is a replica of the original Mayflower.
Edgartown Harbor Light, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: One of the most picturesque New England lighthouses
Edgartown Harbor Light, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: One of the most picturesque New England lighthouses
Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: A harbor sunset sky
Oak Bluffs Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: A harbor sunset sky
Lambert’s Cove Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: A place where you can find fall foliage and a white sand beach all in one.
Lambert’s Cove Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA: A place where you can find fall foliage and a white sand beach all in one.
Lambert’s Cove Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Lambert’s Cove Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

As I’m closing out this blog post, I feel so blessed for opportunities like these to travel, explore, and experience. If you find yourself wanting to go on a tour of Massachusetts (I highly recommend it!) and need some recommendations, I hope my photos can inspire you. For those who have visited or originally from Massachusetts, what is/was your favorite thing about it?

Alrighty now… vacation is over and time for me to go back to work!

If You Go

See

  • Granary Burying Ground, Boston
  • Fenway Park
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Old North Bridge, Concord
  • Walden Pond
  • Mayflower II, Plymouth
  • Edgartown Harbor Light, Martha’s Vineyard