Traveling through the towns surrounding Boston is like leafing through the different eras of a history book. The area is filled with legends of resolute minutemen, grizzled sea-captains, dour Pilgrims, and unfortunate “witches,” all of whom have left their mark on the forests and fields of Eastern Massachusetts.

History books, however, don’t allow you to smell the musket smoke on Patriot’s day or the scent of corn cakes smoldering on the fire of a Native American encampment. Simply put, folks here know their past, and specialize in bringing it alive for visitors better than anywhere.

The vast majority of the state’s population lives within reach of I-495, which describes a lazy semi-circle around Boston. Within that ring lie bedroom communities full of commuters to the city, crumbling old mill towns that once played a part in fomenting the Industrial Revolution, and small hamlets that have—so far—resisted the encroaching sprawl of the city.

Recently, the Boston area was declared the most expensive place to live in the country, and it’s easy to see why—there just simply isn’t anywhere to put new housing. Where open space does exist, it is jealously guarded by those residents hoping to preserve the rural character that adds to the area’s historic appeal.

For the most part, however, you won’t see the density of the area manifest itself in strip malls or the runaway development that has ruined many an American city. Even though the residents here are computer engineers and office drones, you can still imagine that stern-faced minuteman emerging from their doorways.

The Best of Eastern Massachusetts

• Witch Trials Sights
• Hammond Castle
• Minuteman National Historical Park
• Walden Pond State Reservation
• Worcester Art Museum
• Plimoth Plantation