Massachusetts has been settled since 1620 and s rich with historical sites, fascinating architecture and 400 years’ worth of sensational stories. Since life was largely lived on foot centuries ago, the state’s most historic areas tend to be extremely walkable. Groups can stretch their legs, learn something about Massachusetts history and culture, or maybe even catch a glimpse of a ghost on a walking tour. Best of all, walking tours are good for groups of nearly any size.
Educational nonprofit Boston by Foot (www.bostonbyfoot.org) has been leading award-winning walking tours of Boston since 1976. Its regular jaunts include historical tours of venerable neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill and the Back Bay, a circuit of literary landmarks and Heart of the Freedom Trail, focusing on significant sites from early American history. The organization is happy to offer customized tours, and themes available upon request include Art Deco architecture, the life of Ben Franklin, great women of Boston, and most of the city’s neighborhoods.
Everyone gets into the Ivy League on the Harvard Tour (www.harvardtour.com). This popular tour of the venerable Cambridge institution is led by Harvard students who provide a theatrical take on the university’s 400-year history. Groups will see dozens of historic buildings, including Memorial Hall, the Harvard Lampoon and Sever Hall, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods, all brought to life with little-known anecdotes from centuries past. Remember, it’s pronounced “Hahvahd.”
Infamous as the site of the 1692 witch trials, Salem has been a tourist destination since the early 20th century. One of the best ways to see this fascinating city and put its storied past into context is on a group tour with Salem Historical Tours (www.salemhistoricaltours.com). Tour options range from an introductory Salem 101 stroll through the historic district to a cemetery tour that includes the second-oldest burial ground in the U.S. to ghost tours and, of course, the 1692 Witchcraft Walk.
Explore the creepy side of Cape Cod in Barnstable Village with Haunted Cape Cod (www.caiprs.com). The Haunted and History Walking Tour takes groups along Old King’s Highway to stops such as Cobb’s Hill Cemetery, Barnstable Tavern & Restaurant and the Old Jail for stories of its creepy past and current haunting. The “Ghost Hunter’s Walking Tour” is led by professional ghost hunters who encourage groups to bring their cameras and recording devices to try to capture proof of specters at stops like Crocker Tavern and Barnstable Court House.