The Pioneer Valley has always been a second home to me. My roots go back to Western Massachusetts on both sides. (On my dad’s side, they stretch back to the 1600s.) As a kid, I’d go on picnics on top of Mount Tom and spot dinosaur tracks along the Connecticut River. Later, I went to Smith College in Northampton, finding my tribe, but I also bounced around neighboring college towns like Amherst. Over the years, I’ve watched the Pioneer Valley evolve into a series of artsy hubs, with cool indie businesses sprouting up along main streets and farm-to-table restaurants opening on every other block.

Explore the charming beach towns of Cape Cod, including quaint seaside inns, tasty seafood, and scenic trails.

Whether celebrating Pride Month or not, Provincetown offers LGBTQ-friendly culture, beautiful scenery, and next-level dining.