Plimoth Plantation
New England’s first English settlement is re-created at this living history museum. Costumed interpreters show how the Pilgrims, as well as the native Wampanoag tribe, lived all the way back in 1620. Also available are tours of the Mayflower II, a replica of the Pilgrims’ famed vessel.
137 Warren Ave., Plymouth,
508-746-1622, plimoth.org

Stone Zoo
Not only can you view snow leopards, Mexican gray wolves, Canada lynx, jaguars and more at this facility just a few miles north of Boston, you can indulge in the Ales & Tails beer tasting event on September 19.
149 Pond St., Stoneham,
617-541-LION, stonezoo.org

MASS MoCA
A 13-acre campus in the Berkshires crafted from historic 19th century mill buildings, this visual and performing arts complex hosts Dwight Yoakam, Punch Brothers and more at the FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival September 18–20.
1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams,
413-662-2111, massmoca.org

deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
Situated just 20 miles west of Boston is the largest sculpture park in New England. In addition, the museum hosts a fine permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits by a diverse array of contemporary artists.
51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln,
781-259-8355, decordova.org

Provincetown
Located at the end of Route 6 at the tip of Cape Cod, this resort town is a popular summer destination for its mix of dining, shopping, culture, beaches and cruises. Enjoy all that and more without the pre-Labor Day crowds by hopping in a car or on a bus or ferry to this dune-side paradise. Upcoming events include the Afterglow Alternative Performance Arts Festival September 14–20 and the 10th Annual Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival September 24–27.
ptowntourism.com

Old Sturbridge Village
Journey back to 1830s New England by traveling 60 miles west along I-90. On September 19 & 20, enjoy beer from about a dozen regional craft breweries along with handmade goods at the Craft: Artisan Beers and Trades event.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge,
800-733-1830, osv.org

Salem Witch Museum
Take a closer look at the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692—as well as how the perception of witches has changed over the years—at this renowned museum in seaside Salem just 25 miles north of the Hub.
19½ Washington Square North, Salem,
978-744-1692, salemwitchmuseum.com

Canobie Lake Park
This historic amusement park just off I-93 across the New Hampshire border is open weekends in September and features the Halloween-themed Screeemfest, complete with a haunted corn maze, beginning September 26.
85 N. Policy St., Salem, N.H.,
603-893-3506, canobie.com

Peabody Essex Museum
Salem is also home to the oldest continuously operating museum in the U.S. A mix of art, historic objects and maritime treasures brought back during the city’s 19th century heyday as a center of international trade, the collection at the Peabody Essex Museum is truly unique. Beginning September 19, check out the Strandbeest (“beach animals”) exhibit of kinetic sculptures by Dutch artist Theo Jansen.
East India Square, Salem, 866-745-1876, pem.org

Minute Man National Historical Park
The battlegrounds of the initial conflict of the American Revolution are preserved in this area about 20 miles west of Boston. Relive the events of April 19, 1775 across various sites, including the North Bridge where the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired.
Visitor Centers: 250 North Great Road, Lincoln and 174 Liberty St.,
Concord; 978-369-6993, nps.gov/mima