Climb, hike, skydive and ride your way through your next vacation
BOSTON – March 25, 2014 – There are two types of travelers: The loungers that sit by the pool, cocktail in hand, who view vacation as their time to relax. Then there are those who need to move. The movers seek out the next adventure, whether it is a thrill, a physical challenge or a way to experience their surroundings in action.
Sea kayak against the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, hike through the Swift River Reservation or see the state from an aerial view in a hot air balloon or helicopter. Massachusetts is the destination for active travelers looking for a new experience, hungry for their next adventure.
Greater Boston
Stand-Up Paddle board on the Charles River (Cambridge, MA)
Revel in the best view of Boston’s skyline from a stand-up paddleboard on the Charles River. After leaving Broad Canal near Kendall Square, the group will paddle underneath the Longfellow Bridge to the Boston shore. The guide will help you battle the wind and boat wakes that might present an even greater challenge on your journey. The tour continues into the Esplanade and the Storrow Lagoon while the guide will wax poetic on the history of the city before heading back to the docks. PaddleBoston.com
Bike at Night by Urban Adventours (Boston)
As the sun begins to set, the air cools, and the city begins to calm, hop on a bike to see the city of Boston in lights. Urban Adventours offers a Bikes at Night tour that allows you to tour during a time of day tourists usually do not see, focusing especially on the waterfront. Ride to Long Wharf, past the John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse, past the Boston ICA and more, while taking in breathtaking views of the evening skyline. Tours include an individually-fitted bike, helmet, water and guide for your 5-7-mile journey. Urbanadventours.com
Ride the waves on Codzilla (Boston)
Zip around the Boston Harbor at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The wind will roar, the music will blare and the waves will splash during a wild 40-minute ride. Many refer to Codzilla as a water coaster as the boat swerves, curves and rips through the Harbor. Codzilla is equipped with a state of the art sound system powering 30 marine-grade speakers to make this ride extra loud as you hold on for dear life. BostonHarborCruises.com/Codzilla
Cape Cod and the Islands
Sea Kayak on Cape Cod’s National Sea Shore (Chatham)
Discover the water trails of Cape Cod’s National Seashore, bays and tidal rivers by kayaking among seals and shore birds. Paddle through narrow channels that wind through the long grasses, past sand flats and over an ecosystem teeming with life. Learn about the surrounding marine life and the rich history of the Cape from your local guide. CapeKayaking.com
Take a ride through Art’s Dune Tours (Provincetown)
The road less traveled is a bumpy ride on the Cape. Take a tour of the peaked sand dunes on the Provincetown Cape Cod National Seashore protected lands. Wispy beach grass, dark green pine trees and deep red beach plums nestled in hollows combine to form this picturesque setting. Art will point out the “dune shacks” where famous artists and writers like Eugene O’Neill and Harry Kemp were inspired to create their art. ArtsDuneTours.com
Kiteboard on the Cape (Wellfleet)
Cape Cod’s consistent winds and long coastline make it an ideal place to develop your kite-handling skills. Kiting is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the US. The kiteboard controls the kite with a harness/handle connected by nylon lines. The board is pulled by the kite over open water quickly, zipping you along. Mastering control of the kite, air, board and water simultaneously is the ultimate challenge. Funseekers.org
Become a camping expert (Brewster)
On April 24 and 25, 2014, enhance your camping skills at the Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping workshop designed for families with little camping experience. Learn to set up a campsite, build and extinguish campfires, cook over an open fire and ride a guided bike. An evening campfire with a storyteller and a live animal program are on the agenda, as well as a fishing clinic. mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/programs-and-events/
Central Massachusetts
Canoe with Still River Outfitters (Bolton)
Channel your inner canoe with a canoe class by Still River Outfitters. Their signature QuickStart class is a brief, three-hour introduction to paddling. Students will learn about boat control, hazards and rescues. Paddle down the beautiful rivers of Massachusetts including Sudbury and Assabet River during your course. Still River Outfitters also offers white water or coastal kayaking trips, stand up paddleboarding and snowshoeing. Blog.stillriveroutfitters.com
Camp out at Lamb City Campground (Phillipston)
Nestled in the woods at the beginning of the famous Mohawk Trail stands Lamb City Campground. Stroll the grounds, swim in one of the three pools or grab your fishing gear and head for the pond. The ¼-mile pond is fully stocked with fish for catching. On Saturday nights, make your way to the rec hall for song and dance for the true summer camp experience. LambCity.com
Hike through the Swift River Reservation (Petersham)
Seven miles of trails will guide you through forest, swamp, fields and upland, all linked by the East Branch of the Swift River, the largest tributary of the Quabbin Reservoir. The reservation’s varied topography and flora support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, beaver, raccoon, porcupine, bear, bobcat and coyote, as well as numerous songbirds, owls and birds of prey. thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/central-ma/swift-river-reservation.html
Western Massachusetts
Catch an aerial view with Misty River Ballooning (Florence)
Soar over the beautiful Pioneer Valley and the foothills of the Berkshires in a whimsical hot air balloon. The balloons launch early in the morning, just after sunrise or a few hours before sunset when the wind is the calmest. Because the balloon travels with the wind, its landing site is unpredictable, but Misty River has a chase vehicle that remains in visual contact to transport you after landing. mistyriverballooning.com
Zip line through the canopy and white water raft with Zoar Outdoor (Charlemont)
Gear up for an aerial trek through the woods to the 11 zip lines, 2 sky bridges and 3 rappels suspended in the trees of Deerfield Valley. The three-hour zip line tour was the first canopy tour in New England and in MA. Next, brave the rapids as you white water raft on the Deerfield River. Beginners to advanced rafters alike are welcome, accompanied by a skilled guide provided by Zoar Outdoor. Try the Family Float Trip for a mellow float, the Zoar Gap, for a fun, but easy trip or The Dryway for a thrill. ZoarOutdoor.com
Bike through the farms of Pioneer Valley on a Mount Major Adventure (Northampton)
Bike Farm Table weekends combine the farm-to-table movement with the fun of exploring by bicycle. Ride to local farms, meet the farmers and harvest food at the peak of its season. After the harvest, a distinguished chef will create a three-course meal prepared with farm fresh ingredients. The Pioneer Valley boasts a plethora of local farms and bucolic places to ride. mountmajor.com
North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley
Jump into the sky at Skydive Pepperell (Pepperell)
Skydive Pepperell goes by the saying, “There’s only so much fun you can have on land.” Experience the ultimate thrill of soaring through the air like a superhero whether it is your first jump or your hundredth. Skydive Pepperell offers tandem skydiving or accelerated freefall training for students to become licensed divers. Skyjump.com
View the North Shore Coast from a helicopter with Now City Tours (Revere)
Fly up the Northern Coast on your way to Cape Anne while keeping your eyes peeled for harbor seals and ocean homes atop rocky cliffs. Your flight will include views of Revere Beach, Nahant, Marblehead, Beverly Harbor, Manchester-By-The-Sea and Singing Beach. Helicopters can accommodate up to 3 people at a time. NowCityTours.com
Learn to turkey hunt (Shirley)
For those who are already preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, attend a turkey hunting seminar to learn about the lives and habits of the official state game bird, gun handling, turkey calling and hunting strategy on April 12, 2014. On May 5, 2014, at the Devens South Post Military area, put your knowledge to use on a guided turkey hunt. mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/education-events/outdoorswoman-events.html
South of Boston
Take flight with Pilgrim Aviation (Plymouth)
In historic Plymouth, take a scenic flight of the South Shore. Step inside a late-model aircraft with an experienced pilot and marvel at the Plymouth Harbor and the coastline. FlyPilgrim.com
Climb to the top at Carabiner’s Climbing (New Bedford)
Scale the 65-foot indoor rock wall in southern MA. As a beginner, start with a 10-foot climb or bouldering until you are ready for belaying or climbing greater heights with a harness. Carabiners New Bedford features some of the tallest indoor climbing in the Northeast. At one time, it was largest indoor climbing facility in the country. Carabiners.com
About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates close to $1 billion in state and local taxes and $16.9 billion in travel related expenditures, supporting 124,700 in-state jobs. massvacation.com
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Simmons, Director of Communications
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
617-973-8508
or
Molly Kravitz, Public Relations Manager
Connelly Partners
Mobile # 317-919-5252 ~ Office # 617-521-5431