Southwest of Gloucester and Rockport and easily driven via rental car is the town of Salem. Known for its torrid history of witch hangings, Salem also houses the 'House of Seven Gables' homestead, made famous from the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Children and adults will enjoy climbing the narrow staircase of Hawthorne's birthplace. There is also a nearby pirate museum, witches dungeon and home of the presiding judge of the witch trials. In August, Salem provides 'Heritage Days,' a celebration of the infamous time period.
Tourists can enjoy the mock trials and reenactments of the transcripts from the time period.
Cambridge is home to Harvard and provides another thorough look into history. The Fruitlands Museum is the setting that depicts the utopian society started by Branson Alcott, father of Louisa May Alcott. Travelling further south, a family could enjoy the history and culture of the capital of Massachusetts, Boston. Stroll the downtown 'Freedom Trail' and literally walk through four centuries of history, architecture and other interesting amusements. For those who love ducks, Boston Common offers swan boat rides that allow weary travellers a chance to rest and enjoy fellow ducks, geese and swans who beg for nuts and bread.