Best Classic Attractions in Massachusetts | 2015 Editors’ Choice Awards

There’s a lot to see in do in the Bay State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in Massachusetts.

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST OLD-TIME BASEBALL WAHCONAH PARK, Pittsfield (1919) Watching the Pittsfield Suns is like going back to the future, or in this case, the Futures League for college players. Organized baseball has been played in Pittsfield since 1892 (and college ball since 1859), and Wahconah Park itself—one of the last remaining parks with a wooden grandstand— dates from 1919. 105 Wahconah St. 413–445–7867; pittsfieldsuns.pointstreaksites.com HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST MODERN ARCHITECTURE GROPIUS HOUSE , Lincoln (1938) Bauhaus simplicity and efficiency dovetailed neatly with New England traditions, so when former Bauhaus director Walter Gropius built his home in 1938, the radical architecture wasn’t completely out of place. Revolutionary in its use of innovative materials, this boxy home has become a classic seven decades later. 68 Baker Bridge Road. 781–259–8098; historicnewengland.org BEST DRIVE-IN MENDON TWIN DRIVE-IN, Mendon When the Mendon Drive-In opened in 1954, outdoor screens around the nation trembled at the sight of Them, a race of giant ants spawned by a radiation accident. Mendon added a second screen in 1998 and is now an enduring reminder of a nostalgic era of American car culture — and the double feature. 35 Milford St. 508–473–4958; mendondrivein.com BEST WHALING HISTORY NEW BEDFORD WHALING NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, New Bedford Until the discovery of petroleum, New Bedford lit the nation’s candles and lamps and greased the wheels of industry with whale oil. The museum recapitulates the history, but the city’s buildings also tell the tale. See the church where the seamen prayed, the wharves where the vessels set sail, the counting house and the Custom House, and a mansion where whaling merchants lived in luxury. 33 William St. (Visitors’ Center). 508–996–4095; nps.gov/nebe BEST AFTERNOON TEA DUNBAR TEA SHOP, Sandwich Afternoon tea is the most civilized of meals. At this tearoom in a Colonial-era carriage house, finger sandwiches, extravagant pastries, and scones are served on Blue Willow china,along with a pot of freshly brewed tea. In nice weather, you can opt for a table on the outdoor patio. Afternoon tea: from $15. 1 Water St. 508–833–2485; dunbartea.com