Newton is a city in the state of Massachusetts, situated 7 miles west of downtown Boston. Its population is estimated to be 88,923 in the 2020 U.S. Census, making it a great place to visit when in the area. The city is known for its many museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities.
Peabody Essex Museum
Founded in 1857, the Peabody Essex Museum has grown into one of the nation’s largest museums. Its mission is to engage the mind and stimulate the senses. The museum aims to do all three with a $650 million capital campaign. It will add $350 million to its endowment and build two new buildings.
As a college town, Newton offers many opportunities, including highly paid jobs and a high quality of life. This city also has a number of scenic spots nearby. Known as the ‘Garden City,’ Newton is just 20 minutes west of downtown Boston. The city is home to several historic mansions and Victorian buildings.
The Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest museum in the United States. It has been open year-round and has been collecting treasures since 1799. The museum contains treasures brought back from around the world by Salem’s early explorers. These explorers doubled Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope on their voyages, reaching Africa, the East, and Oceania.
The Peabody Essex Museum is a great place to learn about Salem’s history. Its latest exhibit explores the Salem witch trials. The museum has more than 840,000 pieces of historical art and artifacts.
Boston Common
The oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common is among the most popular places to visit in the city. It has a rich history in the fields of landscape architecture, political history, and conservation. Today, Boston Common and its Public Garden are two of the city’s most popular outdoor public spaces. Its history illuminates the conservation movement in Massachusetts and reflects the values of conservationists across the nation.
The Common has served as a public assembly area for several centuries. It has been the site of many public events, including speeches by George Washington and John Adams. It was also the site of several rallies and protests held by abolitionists in the fight to end slavery. It also served as a recruiting ground for soldiers in the Civil War. Many political leaders have spoken here, including Martin Luther King Jr., and has hosted rallies for civil rights and anti-war causes.
In addition to the common itself, Boston Common also features historical cemeteries, including the Central Burying Ground, which was recently expanded to accommodate additional gravesites. Visitors to Boston can also take a stroll down Newbury Street, which runs for eight blocks and is lined with salons, shops, and restaurants.
The park is full of activities, including a spray pool, which is perfect for little ones. In winter, the pond freezes over, making it a great place to ice skate and watch a hockey game. In addition, Boston Common is home to several historical statues and monuments.
Minute Man National Historical Park
While in Newton Massachusetts, you should consider visiting the Minute Man National Historical Park, the site of the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War. This historical park also includes the Wayside, a town that was home to three prominent American authors. You can visit the museum in the Wayside, as well as the Wayside Battlefield.
This national park has more than 970 acres and is administered by the National Park Service. It features the Hartwell Tavern, a restored 18th century tavern, and the North Bridge, a restored colonial landscape. The park is an educational experience for visitors looking to learn more about the Revolutionary War. It is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses some of the most famous artwork in the world.
The park also features Barrett’s Farm, a restored home of Revolutionary War hero Colonel James Barrett. This site was once a favorite of British regulars searching for hidden artillery and ammunition. The nonprofit Save Our Heritage of Concord recently restored this historic site and transferred it to the National Park Service.
If you’re looking for a day trip or a family outing, Minute Man National Historical Park is an ideal place to go. Open every day from sunrise to sunset, this park has exhibits and historic sites you can explore. It is also home to many species of native mammals, such as beavers and white-tailed deer.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
A few miles off of Boston lies Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a marine park that protects some of the world’s most majestic marine life. This year, the New England Aquarium is opening a new exhibit by underwater photographer Keith Ellenbogen, titled “Space to Sea: A Photographic Journey into Stellwagen Bank.” The exhibit will showcase up-close shots of the marine life that calls this sanctuary home. It will be open in the aquarium’s Central Wharf location.
Stellwagen Bank is a plateau-like underwater area extending 19 miles north to south and six miles across at its widest point. It is more than 300 feet (91 meters) deep at its southern end and nearly 600 feet (200 meters) deep on its eastern end. There are numerous shipwrecks on the island and you can explore them by subsurface diving. These dive sites offer a wide variety of marine life.
Stellwagen Bank is also the perfect place to watch whales. During the spring and summer, you can catch a glimpse of humpback whales. During this time, you may also spot harbor porpoises and white-sided dolphins.
Stellwagen Bank is located near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is separated from Cape Cod by a narrow channel of deep water. During the last ice age, the Laurentide Ice Sheet pushed the land and ocean up along the eastern shore. This pushed sediments further ahead, forming the area’s geographical features. Originally, the Stellwagen Bank was above water, but gradually subsided as post-glacial rebound began. In the 17th century, the island was noted for its excellent fishing.
Whimsy
For a taste of New York’s whimsical side, head to the famous Guggenheim Museum, located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The museum features rotating art exhibits, a free star gazing night, and cultural events. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim has been entertaining visitors for more than 80 years.
Boston Museum of Science
The Boston Museum of Science is one of the best museums in Massachusetts, and it’s a great place for children to learn about science. The museum has numerous educational exhibits, including ones examining how our bodies function. For example, you can learn how toilets flush. You can also discover the science behind park equipment.
There are also numerous fun events that take place throughout the year at the museum. The museum has over 500 interactive exhibits, including the world’s largest Van de Graaf generator, and the Omni Theater, New England’s only domed IMAX theater.
There are also a variety of animal exhibits and attractions. The Live Animal Care Centre contains over 120 animals. The museum also has a Planetarium and 4D theater. The Museum of Science has many different exhibits that appeal to a wide audience, from dinosaurs to nanotechnology.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another must-see when visiting Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1903 and named after the late art patron Isabella Stewart Gardner. The building is designed in the style of a 15th century Venetian palazzo, and it offers plenty of natural light. Its three floors of exhibitions are complemented by a garden courtyard.
For a truly hands-on experience, you can also visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The museum features a replica of the famous Boston Tea Party. The museum also has interactive exhibits and a documentary that immerses visitors in the events leading up to the American Revolution.