Explore the Bay State, from rich historic sites in Boston to stunning beaches on Cape Cod to a world-class arts scene in the Berkshires, and so much more, with this essential guide from a local expert. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is pivotal in our country’s early history, and you can dig into these stories in Concord, Lexington, and other key sites. Head to the western part of the state to hear the music of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood or see a dance performance at Jacob’s Pillow. Take a ferry to explore the islands of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Sports fans will enjoy visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where the game was invented, and, of course, making a pilgrimage to famous Fenway Park. When you need a break, quench your thirst at breweries like Tree House or head to Woodman’s in Essex, where fried clams were invented. With award-winning food and travel writer Kim Foley MacKinnon as your guide, you’ll learn about the state’s must-see spots, from museums to markets and everything in between. “Whether you’re a local or visitor, you’ll appreciate the lineup in “100 Things to Do in Massachusetts Before You Die,” a new book by Boston resident Kim Foley MacKinnon that offers fun facts and top picks across the Bay State. MacKinnon’s admittedly subjective selections hit the highlights across the state, offering 100 must-do places to see or experience that are organized into five categories: food and drink, music and entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and history, shopping and fashion. Each item includes a one-page writeup full of history, background, or tantalizing facts from the well-known to the obscure. (Dorchester, for example, was home to America’s first chocolate mill, which provided the chocolate for the original Boston cream pie.) Helpful call-out boxes throughout the book offer mini roundups and interesting tips — for instance, you can get into the Isabella Stewart Museum for free if you’re name is Isabella (who knew?). The book still leans toward Eastern Mass. — less than 20 percent of the to-do items take you outside of Cape Cod and the Route 495 bubble — but you’ll find worthwhile music and cultural offerings that will draw you to Worcester, Sturbridge, Lenox, and beyond.” - The Boston Globe “Overall, it's a great list of places to things to do on a rainy day!” - The Berkshire Eagle “I love that I can highlight the places I’ve already been to and have a new list of places I want to explore. This book is perfect for both tourists planning their trip as well as locals looking for new adventures for a staycation.” - My Traveling Kids “There's a chance most readers will also discover a new site, activity, or restaurant to appreciate in the state.” - WBZ News "I love that I can highlight the places I've already been to and have a new list of places I want to explore. This book is perfect for both tourists planning their trip as well as locals looking for new adventures for a staycation." - My Traveling Kids Kim Foley MacKinnon has lived in Boston, Massachusetts, for more than 25 years. This is Kim’s fourth book for Reedy Press. Previous titles include 100 Things to Do on Cape Cod Before You Die (2022), Secret Boston: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (2020), and 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, 2nd edition (2018). Other writing credits include BBC Travel, Boston Globe, Food Network, Forbes Travel, Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, and U.S. News & World Report, among others. She is also a past president of SATW. Find Kim at www.escapewithkim.com and on Instagram @escapewithkim.