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Where Culture, Nature, and History Meet
Massachusetts invites international travelers to explore a region where innovation meets tradition, just a short ride from Boston. From walkable downtowns to vibrant nature preserves, MetroWest offers immersive experiences across 19 towns that are off the beaten path, yet just 30-60 minutes from Boston Logan Airport (and with hotels that are a fraction of big city prices).
Art and culture thrive here. The Danforth Art Museum in Framingham’s Centre Common Cultural District anchors the creative scene with regional exhibits and engaging programming, while three other state-designated Cultural Districts offer small galleries, artisan studios, boutiques with handcrafted wares, historical museums, and live performance venues in the towns of Natick, Franklin, and Marlborough, providing authentic connections to local talent.
MetroWest is also rich in historical attractions. Hudson’s stunning American Heritage Museum offers one of North America’s best collections of antique planes, tanks, armored vehicles and automobiles, and traces World History from World War I to the present through immersive multi-media exhibits and living history events. The Wayside Inn, the oldest inn in America, and its Grist Mill are beloved landmarks with many literary and historic connections. In Franklin, visitors can explore the nation’s first public library, established with books donated by Benjamin Franklin himself, a testament to the region’s commitment to learning and progress.
Outdoor adventure awaits around every corner. Visitors can explore Garden in the Woods in Framingham, a living collection of native wildflowers and plants, or cycle scenic stretches of the Assabet River and Upper Charles Rail Trails. Eight state park recreation areas include hiking and mountain biking trails, walking paths, and lakes for fishing, boating and swimming. Both Hopkinton and Cochituate State Parks even offer onsite boat rentals, making it convenient for visitors.
In Hopkinton, travelers can stand at the legendary starting line of the Boston Marathon, an iconic global event that begins here every April and symbolizes determination and endurance. Walking the Marathon’s route reveals a series of bronze sculptures, each representing individuals that made their mark on the race throughout history.
From the high-energy challenges of Level99 in Natick—a unique take on escape rooms and mental puzzles that visitors love—to the hidden-door allure of Less Than Greater Than, a speakeasy tucked behind an ice cream shop in Hudson, to the many farms and farmers markets that encourage farm-to-table dining, MetroWest invites visitors to play, explore, and uncover the unexpected.
MetroWest offers a fresh take on New England, from culture, nature, and hands-on experiences. It’s more than a place to visit, it's a place to truly explore.
Learn more here.
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