Essential Tips for Visiting Massachusetts
Planning a trip to Massachusetts? 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.
Planning Your Trip to Massachusetts
Plan in Advance for Cultural Events and Sporting Games
Whether you’re a culture vulture or a sports fan, you’ll need to plan in advance to get tickets to the big show or game. This applies to summer festivals and Boston performing arts, as well as most professional sporting events, particularly games at historic Fenway Park. Therefore, for the best seats and prices, consider purchasing your tickets at least a month in advance.
Make Reservations for Dining
Dining out in Massachusetts is sure to be a highlight of your trip, especially if you savor seafood. Keep in mind that if you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant, other patrons do too, so reserving in advance for mid-range and upscale dining options is prudent.
It is advisable to book a week or two ahead for weekend dinners at most establishments, while the most popular restaurants in Boston may require reservations several months in advance.
Pack for Varied Weather Conditions
Weather in Massachusetts is notoriously variable, fluctuating from day to day and even hour to hour. Thus, regardless of what your weather app indicates, you’ll appreciate having an umbrella in your bag just in case. Cool weather is always a possibility, even in summer and especially along the coast. Snowflakes can even surprise visitors anytime between April and October.
Health and Safety in Massachusetts
Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Services
Dial 911 in case of emergencies. In many cities in Massachusetts, residents can dial 311 to get information about municipal programs or facilities or to report non-emergency problems.
Acknowledge the State’s Racial History
The Commonwealth’s legacy of race relations is marked by contradiction. For instance, Massachusetts was the first state to recognize slavery as a legal institution in 1641 and the first to abolish it in 1783. Boston, in particular, has a complex reputation regarding race, often perceived as inhospitable toward people of color, especially Black individuals.
Smoking and Cannabis Regulations
The legal age for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products is 21 in Massachusetts. However, all tobacco products are prohibited in “workplaces,” which include bars, restaurants, hotels, and public transport. The only exception is designated smoking bars that possess a special license. Additionally, while adults aged 21 and older can legally purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana, using it in public places remains illegal.
Etiquette in Massachusetts
Respect New England Reserve
In Massachusetts, it is not customary to greet strangers on the street. This might seem unwelcoming, but Bay Staters are generally pleasant; they simply do not engage in small talk with random people. However, locals are often willing to assist with questions or directions.
Avoid Mocking the Boston Accent
The Boston accent is distinctive and characterized by dropped “r” sounds in the middle or end of words (e.g., “pahk the cah”). While it may sound strange to outsiders, it is a normal part of life in Massachusetts. Additionally, it’s wise to learn the correct pronunciations of town names like Gloucester (glau-ster) and Worcester (wuh-ster) to ensure a respectful experience.
Learn Local Terminology
Massachusetts has its own charming regional terms that might confuse newcomers. For instance, residents refer to a drinking fountain as a “bubbler,” and a milkshake is called a “frappe.” Understanding these local expressions can enhance your experience while visiting.
Understanding Tipping Culture
Servers and bartenders in Massachusetts depend on tips to supplement their income due to lower base wages for tipped positions. Therefore, it’s customary to tip around 20% for good service, with 25% being an appropriate amount for exceptional experiences.
Driving Etiquette in Massachusetts
Bay Staters have a reputation for aggressive driving behavior, which includes running red lights and executing questionable U-turns. Hence, if you drive in Massachusetts, you should remain defensive and stay aware of local driving quirks. If possible, avoid driving in Boston due to heavy traffic and complicated street layouts.
Using Public Transportation
If you’re not driving in Boston, you will likely be using the subway, known as the T. This public transport system can get crowded, especially during peak commuting hours. Therefore, be sure to respect local etiquette: stand on the right on escalators, let passengers exit before boarding, and always offer your seat to those in need.
Respect the Boston Red Sox
Bostonians are passionate about their Red Sox, who have created a legacy of triumph since breaking an 85-year World Series drought in 2004. Therefore, it is wise to show respect toward the team and its fans while visiting Massachusetts.
