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April 2020
All In This Together
"We're all in this together" seems truer than ever, as Massachusetts and the entire world respond to the COVID-19 global health crisis. All of us support the Commonwealth's extraordinary efforts to keep us healthy and safe until the crisis passes. Until that time, we invite you to visit our Virtual MA page to enjoy a selection of virtual tours, interactive sites and beautiful imagery of Massachusetts. You can get daily updates and new information about COVID-19 Massachusetts at mass.gov. To get up-to-date alerts sent directly to your phone, text COVIDMA to 888-777. Stay healthy and safe.

For more on what to see + do in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com.
Featured Region: Greater Boston
The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a #VirtuallyBoston campaign to bring museum experiences and live performances directly to people's digital devices. Through blogging, social media posts, and via a dedicated webpage, the GBCVB is promoting a virtual experience that brings users to listings of online events, podcasts, webinars, gallery tours, live-streamed concerts, homeschooling tutorial tools, and so much more. During this difficult period, when so many of our cultural institutions cannot draw the foot traffic and performance attendees that they need to survive, our hope is that we can augment digital traffic to keep these institutions front-of-mind and encourage virtual visitors to eventually become in-person visitors. Please share your events with us and use the hashtag #VirtuallyBoston over social media channels.

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Cape Cod
Bring Cape Cod right into your home! Click here for a growing list of virtual experiences offered by many Cape businesses, from Facebook live enrichment opportunities with Cape Playhouse and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to virtual marine life tours with Cape Cod Learning Tours. You can also immerse yourself in our stunning beauty through Cape Cod videos and photos. And remember that hopping on a bike is one of the best ways to enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of Cape Cod - whether you are taking a mountain bike trail through marshland and forests, a ride on our scenic byways, or a cruise down one of our dedicated paved trails.

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Greater Springfield
Western Mass is conveniently packed with state forests, parks, river walks, bike trails and more! It's the "social distancing capital" of Massachusetts and luckily Mother Nature is on our side this year (for the most part)! Check out Downtown Springfield's Fresh Paint Mural Tour, The Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden at the Springfield Museums or take a stroll through Springfield's Forest Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the country, designed by the same man who designed New York's Central Park. There's no better time to Explore Western Mass and connect with nature.

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Hampshire County
Keep calm and...enjoy Hampshire County from the comfort of home! Follow @othersidema on Instagram for peaceful nature shots, tantalizing foodie pics, funky local art, and more. Missing this side of MA? Check out what our local businesses are doing to keep you engaged virtually. Photo: Chesterfield Gorge, Image courtesy of @drivinmissdavis.

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Johnny Appleseed 
Spring is a great time to enjoy the great outdoor "museums" and "concert halls" of Johnny Appleseed Country! North County Land Trust has an array of conservation areas where you can listen to the cacophony of spring peepers, take an evening "owl prowl" in search of nocturnal inhabitants, or marvel at the beauty of early wildflowers. Paddle a canoe on the Nashua River, looking for painted turtles and busy beavers. Hike up Wachusett Mountain and bask in the beauty of a New England sunset. Nature awaits your visit!

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Martha's Vineyard 
When we get the all clear, the Vineyard will be here for you!  Spring is awakening, bringing island beauty into focus -verdant meadows, beach roses, Vineyard wildflower lanes and clean crisp breezes that bring to mind sailboats, surfers, kite-flyers, and cycling in breathtaking vistas. Give yourself a treat and imagine the day coming soon when you can unfurl your beach blanket, unpack your picnic and stick your toes in the sandy beaches beneath sapphire skies, sway to buzzes of music, laughter, happy voices.  We'll look forward welcoming you to our shores very soon! 

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Mohawk Trail Region
The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown offers an unparalleled experience of art in nature on its 140-acre campus. In these days where social distancing is a foremost concern, a walk across the Clark's grounds offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the profound natural beauty of its pastoral setting with ample access to abundant fresh air. The Clark offers easy walking paths and more adventurous walking trails that allow visitors to explore the woodlands and meadows in this pristine Berkshire setting. Trail guides are available on-site and there are ample points of interest - natural and man-made - that dot the campus.

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MetroWest

MetroWest is home to countless beautiful walking and bike paths, why not explore them all? The MetroWest Visitors Bureau has a full list here.  If the rainy days have got you down, Plaster Fun Time will send the fun to you with "ship-to-home" kits available on their website. Many MetroWest libraries are now offering online services and programming. Check out Framingham Public Library's calendar of online story times! 

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Nantucket Island

Nantucket's legendary April features a million daffodils strewn across our greening island! Get outside - explore Coskata Coatue, Tuppancy Links and Middle Moors for Nantucket's stunning trails, serene conservation lands and beaches await. Take a self-guided architectural tour of famous island buildings; cycle 32+ miles of paths radiating from downtown; kayak or sail waterways; take pictures, bring easels to paint unfolding spring beauty. Order picnics to take on hikes, drives or bike-trips; or stroll Sconset's Bluff Walk.

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North of Boston
Heritage at Home is a way to connect, inspire, and engage with Essex County in a new and meaningful way. It is important to experience the cultural, natural, and historic resources in the heritage area - even through social distancing. Now is your chance to get outside and explore nature or learn about this historic area online. You can find all the resources you need at HeritageatHome.org.

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Plymouth County

Pilgrim Memorial State Park: This waterfront park, home to historic Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II museum (soon to return to State Pier for the Plymouth 400 Inc. Commemoration), draws more than 1 million visitors each year. You'll also find fantastic views of Plymouth Harbor and monuments from its location at 79 Water Street in Plymouth. Also visit the National Monument to the Forefathers - Plymouth County's "Statue of Liberty." Pilgrim Memorial State Park is open sunrise to sunset. Free on-site parking is available. Metered parking is available on streets along the park. Photo by Kindra Clineff.

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Southeastern Mass

A causal stroll through Parsons Reserve in Dartmouth is the perfect way to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. Parson's Reserve is known for the beautiful daffodils that bloom yearly. Since the 1960's, These flowers have been blooming from mid-April to early-May. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to hike up a short hill to get to these lovely buds. The 32 acres of land, part of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) makes for a perfect spring spot.
 
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The Berkshires

Nature is calling from the hills of The Berkshires in Western MA, where outdoor enthusiasts can traverse hundreds of scenic
miles through dense forests, rolling hills, lush meadows, and wetlands full of wildlife. Stroll family and pet-friendly trails recommended by Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) - use their mobile app to help navigate your adventure. MA Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers easy to strenuous trails and plentiful opportunity to view critters. Want to "hike" or "bike" virtually? Check out "The High Road" by BNRC and this gallery by Bike Berkshire North. Photo Credit:  Derek Hansen, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Lenox, MA.

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ents and information for The Berkshires.
Greater Merrimack Valley

The Merrimack Valley is filled with hidden gems if you're looking to get out and get some fresh air this month! The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, which spans across 8 communities is a 25 mile route that is open to non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking, and rollerblading. With various access points throughout 8 communities, its scenic path is open year round with a number of public parking options available.    

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Greater Merrimack Valley.  
Central Massachusetts

Spring is here and Central Mass offers an endless array of trails and outdoor adventures! Connect with nature by navigating one of the many hiking destinations located in the region, including dog-friendly excursions! No need to leave your home to go on a learning adventure. Take a virtual tour of the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton or explore the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum located in Worcester. Small businesses in Central Mass. are creatively connecting with consumers. Discover the many retailers, breweries, restaurants and cultural attractions offering delivery, curbside, virtual, gift cards and online experiences. Small businesses make our community special and need your support more than ever! Learn more.

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Franklin County
Franklin County Views Worth The Visit! There is no better time to be out in nature, away from the crowds. Whether you are a hiker, walker or just want to take a day drive, you can safely take to the rolling hills and meandering river valleys of western Massachusetts. Here are eight transcendent views to start you off. 

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Regional Tourism Councils  
   
Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism