Mia
Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Well, you’re in for a treat, whether it’s endless outdoor adventures, dynamic cities, or delectable dining.
For the most part, traveling in Massachusetts is an easy endeavor, but it helps to know the local quirks and conventions. From navigating the local streets to understanding the local lingo, here are 13 things you need to know before you go.
Baseball And Ballet Tickets Must Be Booked In Advance
If you want to attend a major concert or a major sporting event, you need to prepare ahead of time. This includes performances at Tanglewood and other Berkshire summer festivals, as well as most professional sports events (particularly Fenway Park games) and the Boston performing arts. Getting your tickets a month ahead of time will provide you with the best choices and the lowest price.
Plan Ahead And Book A Table For Dinner (And Perhaps Lunch, Too)
If you’re a fan of seafood, your trip to Massachusetts wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the state’s top eateries. Don’t forget that if there’s a specific restaurant you’re dying to try, chances are good that a lot of other people feel the same way.
Most restaurants recommend making a reservation a week or two in advance for a weekend dinner, but the trendiest spots in Boston may need bookings months in advance.
Bring An Umbrella And Your Shades
The climate of Massachusetts is well known for its instability. It changes constantly throughout the day and even during the hour. You should always have an umbrella with you, regardless of the forecast on your phone.
Even in the middle of summer, especially close to the seaside, you may experience a cool spell. You may expect to see snow at any time from April to October.
Sometimes the weather can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities during the day. If this is the case, and you want to stay indoors during the hot afternoons, you can always turn to Massachusetts sportsbooks online.
With a variety of sportsbooks available online, visitors can place their bets on a range of sporting events from the comfort of their hotel room or any other indoor space. From basketball and football to soccer and hockey, Massachusetts sportsbooks offer a diverse range of sports to bet on. In addition, visitors can take advantage of the many bonuses and promotions offered by these sportsbooks, which can make their betting experience even more rewarding.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking to try your luck, Massachusetts sportsbooks online can be an excellent option for those looking for a fun and exciting activity during their trip. With the convenience of online betting, visitors can enjoy the thrill of placing bets on their favorite sports without having to brave the hot sun outside.
Race History Matters
Massachusetts was the very first state to legalize slavery in 1641 and the first to outlaw it in 1783.
Boston is complex. Boston is known for its hostility toward people of color, particularly black people, despite its liberal leanings.
In liberal America, harassment and racist insults are prevalent. Despite 1970s initiatives to integrate schools, it is currently a “majority-minority” city with segregated schools.
White guys controlled power until recently. Michelle Wu became Boston’s first female and minority mayor in 2021, after Deval Patrick was the state’s first black governor (2007–2015).
Smoke Responsibly
Tobacco goods are 21 in Massachusetts. Any “workplace,” including restaurants, bars, hotels, and public transportation (including taxis), prohibits tobacco products.
Only licensed smoking bars are exempt. Most public parks and beaches prohibit smoking, although local laws differ.
Again, 21-year-olds can buy and carry up to one ounce of marijuana. However, public marijuana use—smoking, vaping, and edibles—is illegal.
Cannabis is prohibited in parks, beaches, walkways, and roadways. Marijuana, like alcohol, is illegal to drive with. Massachusetts lacks cannabis cafés.
Honor The New England Patriots’ Reserve
Bay Staters are not known for their friendliness toward strangers, either on the street or in the grocery checkout line. Don’t take it personally. People are kind enough, without the small talk.
Don’t be shy about approaching a local for assistance; the vast majority will go out of their way to assist you. They may not be interested in hearing about your grandkids, though.
Refrain From Making Fun Of The Speaker’s Accent
A Boston accent is a dialect spoken in Boston and the rest of eastern and central Massachusetts. The r sound is omitted in the middle or at the end of syllables (such as in pahk the cah), and a ‘r’ sound is added to words that finish in a vowel (such as in excellent ide-er) to create the distinctive local accent.
Although not as common as it once was, this accent is nevertheless rather common, especially among lower-income Irish Americans. The Boston accent might seem peculiar to you, but it’s quite normal in Boston and the rest of Massachusetts. When you hear it, try not to laugh at it, imitate it, or even make a comment.
Drop A Tip
Did it occur to you that in the United States, waiters and bartenders have much lower hourly salaries because they depend on tips from clients to make up the difference? So, although the standard minimum wage in Massachusetts is $14.25, the “tipped” minimum wage is just $6.15.
That’s why it’s standard practice to leave a 20% tip for decent service and a 25% tip for exceptional service when dining out or ordering a drink. It’s how they make a living.
Although they aren’t earning wealth working as baristas or cashiers and certainly deserve a tip, this is not true for those who would keep a tip jar on their counter.
To Conclude
Traveling to Massachusetts can be an unforgettable experience if you keep a few things in mind. With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can make the most of your trip and create lasting memories.
