Best Classic Attractions in Massachusetts | 2014 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. BEST SMALL-TOWN ART MUSEUM: STERLING & FRANCINE CLARK ART INSTITUTE, Williamstown Opening expanded facilities on July 4 this year following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the world-class Clark is home to European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. (The French Impressionists are a special focus.) In addition to a redesigned original building, brand-new facilities include a visitor and exhibition center with dining area, gallery space, family and community program rooms, and a reflecting pool. 225 South St. 413-458- 2303; clarkart.edu BEST THEATRE: SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY, Lenox To quote the Bard himself, “the play’s the thing” at this dynamic complex with three theater spaces, including the tented Rose Footprint that approximates Shakespeare’s first London stage. Each season’s mix of Shakespearean and contemporary drama is distinguished by the company’s fierce commitment to the spoken word in all its emotional complexity. 70 Kemble St. 413-637-3353; shakespeare.org BEST LITERARY HOME: LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, Concord You’ll be forgiven if you think of this as the home of the March, not Alcott, family. Louisa May Alcott placed her classic Little Women here, and the house has been little changed since she penned her novel at the small table between two windows in her bedroom. 399 Lexington Road. 978-369-4118; louisamayalcott.org BEST NAVAL SHIP COLLECTION: BATTLESHIP COVE, Fall River Located on Mount Hope Bay, this floating museum of preserved U.S. Navy ships makes it possible to imagine the day-to-day life of seamen aboard a World War II–era battleship, destroyer, submarine, or PT boat, similar to the one commanded by John F. Kennedy. 5 Water St. 508-678-1100; battleshipcove.com BEST JAM: GREEN BRIAR JAM KITCHEN, East SandwichFor a true taste of Cape Cod, sign up for an adult or family jam-making workshop in this 1903 kitchen, where cooks stick to the tried-and-true recipes of founder Ida Putnam. You’ll be able to savor the strawberries of June or the peaches of August all winter long. 6 Discovery Hill Road. 508-888-6870; thorntonburgess.org BEST CAROUSEL: FLYING HORSES CAROUSEL, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard Kids can indeed grab for a ring as they ride one of the horses on this 1876 carousel—built by Charles W. F. Dare—relocated from Coney Island to Martha’s Vineyard in 1884. This National Historic Landmark — self-proclaimed as “America’s Oldest Platform Carousel”—proves that simple fun never goes out of style. 15 Lake Ave. 508-693-9481; mvpreservation.org