As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Massachusetts satisfies the vacation needs of the historian, the outdoor enthusiast, the beach lover and the arts aficionado. Don't forget to take the Freedom Trail walk in Boston. In the North End, visit the famous Old North Church, but take time to enjoy the fabulous local restaurants. This is Boston's Little Italy, home to authentic Italian food and the best cannolis in Massachusetts. During the summer, you can enjoy sailing and concerts in Charles River Park. On July 4th, don't miss the famous Boston Pops concert, complete with fireworks. Stroll down Newbury Street and explore the trendy boutiques, restaurants and beautiful people. It's hard to tell where Boston ends and Brookline begins, but this stunning town, with its Victorian architecture, is definitely worth a visit. Coolidge Corner has been described as a cleaner version of New York's Upper West Side, complete with great restaurants, bookstores and shops. Traveling to the west of Brookline, you'll find Newton, an upscale Boston suburb which is characterized by its green spaces, spectacular upscale architecture and huge shopping malls. Although, within the last decade, Cambridge has been greatly gentrified, a visit to Harvard University is well worth the effort. Escape the modernization by staying at a Cambridge Inn or bed and breakfast. Who knows, the owners might be able to tell you some great stories about Cambridge's past. Somerville is to Cambridge as Brookline is to Boston. It's hard to tell where one place ends and the other begins. Nonetheless, Somerville is a residential area, so if you want to escape the noisy party atmosphere of the student areas, this is the place to stay. Come summer, Massachusetts residents, as well as visitors from all parts of the globe, flock to the beaches of Cape Cod. Each town has its own unique personality. Whether you visit Wellfleet, South Yarmouth, West Falmouth, you'll find pristine beaches, amazing seafood restaurants, and, in some towns, an exciting nightlife. If time permits, take the ferry and spend a day or an overnight in Nantucket. However, for pure excitement, nothing can compare with Provincetown. Affectionately called 'P-Town,' this is Cape Cod's gay country. Interpret this in either the modern or traditional sense of the word. Artsy, campy and wonderful, Provincetown is a must-visit location. For a more serious and mellow exploration of the arts, head to the mountains of the Berkshires, and stay at a restored manor in Great Barrington. Or, if you prefer your arts by the sea, choose the towns that populate Cape Ann. While shoes are no longer made in Rockport, it has become a popular artist community. The film, The Perfect Storm was shot in Gloucester, which boasts some amazing seafood restaurants. However, every seafood lover should pay a visit to the Clam Box in Ipswich.