Massachusetts

Massachusetts is an Indian term that roughly translates as ‘at or about the Great Hill’; however, it will be forever known for its role as the ‘Birthplace of the American Revolution’. It’s where Paul Revere made his midnight ride, Ben Franklin penned Poor Richard’s Almanack, and enough tea to fill 18.5 million teabags was dumped in Boston Harbor as a tax protest. From the moments the first shots rang out at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, or at least Boston, became The Cradle of Liberty, unless, of course, you were accused of witchcraft.

Today, Massachusetts has the highest family income of any state and more history than you can shake a decapitated pumpkin at. There’s also plenty of outdoor recreation, including a fine collection of state parks where you’ll find hiking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, and of course, the Cape Cod National Seashore.