Over the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Massachusetts with some of my best friends. The couple of months it took to plan were grueling, but ultimately it was worth it–even after an eight-hour car ride in a fifteen-passenger van.
Since we spent time in Amherst, we were able to tour the magnificent college town. They had small book stores with countless varieties of stories on their shelves. There were adorable little parks with elegantly crafted sculptures. But, the best thing Amherst offers for a literary buff? Why, the very house that Emily Dickinson lived and wrote in. Our group had the chance to be in her bedroom where she penned some of her most famous pieces. If that wasn’t amazing enough, we then packed ourselves back into that van and headed for Concord. There, we also had the chance to tour Ralph Waldo Emerson’s home. We were able to not only learn about him, but his extraordinary family as well! Seriously, more of his personal life should be taught alongside his writings. After that, we made our way to Louisa May Alcott’s home to see the place that inspired her to write Little Women.
We couldn’t leave Concord without going to the breathtakingly beautiful Walden Pond. The group hiked to where Henry David Thoreau’s cabin once stood. A few brave souls dove into the pond to cool off on the nice, spring day. Of course, we even went to where the Revolutionary War started. Massachusetts has such a rich history and there is something for everyone to see.
For our last day, we went to one of Massachusetts’ most well-known towns: Salem. As someone who knows a lot about the Salem Witch Trials, this was an unforgettable experience for me. I can’t express just how intense it is to walk through the memorial that honors the lives lost during the trials. It’s like everything around you disappears. There’s no sound from the other tourists around you. Not even the obnoxious chirping birds can disturb you. All you can feel is the torment these victims faced at the ends of their lives. It’s something people need to encounter for themselves. After you’ve paid your respects, its time to experience the vibrant life of Salem–from the art, to the music, and even the food. Oh, and the pop culture! If you are a fan of Hocus Pocus, then you could visit some of its filming locations, like Town Hall. Also, be sure to stop in for a bewitching picture with the statue of Elizabeth Montgomery. It was built to honor her for the time she spent in Salem while filming an episode of the classic television series, Bewitched.
Massachusetts is a historically vibrant location. With its stunning scenery and lively culture, it is a wonderful place for anyone to visit. So, if you ever get the chance, get there!