Boasting of summer’s arrival the trees are green, beaches now open, and the shorts and tee-shirts have been taken from storage. Whether you have an afternoon or an entire day, a summer drive through the beautiful Massachusetts roadways is the perfect way to see more of the Bay State and learn about its history. To get out of your usual grind without spending bundles on a vacation check out the following Massachusetts scenic routes:

North-western corner of Massachusetts are the Mohawk driving trails. Three popular routes within the Mohawk driving trails include: Mouth Greylock – approximately 26 miles, Mohawk Trail – approximately 55 miles, the combined Mt. Greylock/ North Berkshire route – approximately 33 miles, the combined North Bershire/ Mohawk Trail route – approximately 53 miles, and the Mohawk Trail/ Pioneer Valley route – approximately 55 miles. Along the Mohawk driving trails are many attractions including the bridge of flowers where over 500 varieties of annuals and perennials are planted and maintained throughout the summer season. For more information on the scenic routes through North-Western Massachusetts visit the Mohawk Trail website.

For a wonderful view and aversion the Mass Pike, Jacobs Ladder Trail is a fantastic drive and a National Scenic Byway. This drive winds through parts of Western Massachusetts like the Mohawk trails however takes a few twists and turns of its own. Enjoy original 19th-century architecture in Lee Center or along the way a restored railroad station from the 1840s, an Italiante Grange Hall, two mill villages, and churches that remain the tallest building in town. For additional information about this scenic drive visit the Jacobs Ladder Trail website.

For drivers residing closer to Southern Massachusetts the beautiful drive along the Cape Cod Route 6A may be a perfect trip. Cruising through some of America’s oldest villages the Cape Cod route travels through: Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, and Brewster. If you’re into history, many of the homes along this route are listed under the National Register of Historical Places. If you’re not so interested in the Route 6A’s historical pit stops you may stop by Sandy Neck and Sandwich Town Beach, perfect for a leisurely  swim or to soak in a few rays. For the more adventurous and outdoorsy Nickerson State Park is a perfect pit stop along this calming drive. For more information about the Cape Cod route 6A read up about it on the Travel Guide of America website.

Those living closer to the eastern coast will want to take a drive through the Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byway. The Byway holds a plethora of historic seaports, colonial farms, village centers, and architecture. About 24 miles in length this would make a perfect evening drive and opportunity to learn more about local history. At one end of the Essex Byway is Gloucester, the large fishing community popularized in the movie “The Perfect Storm” and at the other the town of Newburyport, a historic trade and shipbuilding port. For more informaiton about this historically rich drive visit the Go-Massachusetts website.

Happy driving!