The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chatham, Massachusetts to North Adams, Massachusetts

The Bay State has a lot to offer, and traveling from Chatham to North Adams encompasses some of the state's unique and breathtaking views. The drive will take approximately three hours and 45 minutes, covering a distance of 199 miles. The route offers a mix of coastal and mountainside scenery, with Upton sitting right in the middle. Here are the best things to do on a road trip from Chatham to North Adams.

Stop 1: Visit the Cape Cod Lighthouse

The first stop on the trip is the iconic Cape Cod Lighthouse. The picturesque lighthouse stands on the Cape Cod National Seashore, drawing visitors to its sandy beaches and impressive landscape. The lighthouse dates back to 1797 and has undergone massive restoration over the years, giving it its impressive appearance. Visitors can climb the lighthouse, explore the museum and enjoy the beautiful view from the top.

Fun fact: The Cape Cod Lighthouse was the first American lighthouse to receive a Fresnel lens, a powerful tool used to project a beam of light far into the horizon.

Stop 2: Walkthrough Battleship Cove

As the trip moves inland, Battleship Cove in Fall River strikes as a must-visit for history buffs. The cove is home to the world's largest collection of warships and naval exhibits, including the USS Massachusetts and the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Visitors can take a walk through history, exploring the different exhibits that give a glimpse into wartime life. There is also an audio tour available, which provides a detailed explanation of the different artifacts and history showcased in each exhibit.

Fun fact: The USS Massachusetts had the highest kill rate of any battleship during World War II, striking fear into the hearts of enemy soldiers.

Stop 3: Go Kayaking on Lake Cochituate

Upton marks the halfway point on the road trip and offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to take a break from driving. The town boasts the stunning Lake Cochituate, which covers about 625 acres. Visitors can rent kayaks and pedal boats to explore the serene waters, enjoying the stunning scenery as they go. It's also a great spot for picnics and fishing, making it an ideal stop for nature enthusiasts.

Fun fact: The lake is named after a sassy Indian who was nicknamed Cochituate because he often demanded "water" from visiting Englishmen.

Stop 4: Explore the Yankee Candle Village

After roughly two hours of driving, the trip reaches South Deerfield, home to the Yankee Candle Village. As the name suggests, the attraction dazzles visitors with its vast collection of candles and scents, including the world's largest candle, standing at 22 feet tall. Beyond the candles, the village boasts a charming setting, with impressive landscaping and light displays illuminating the village's charming atmosphere. There are multiple shops and cafes to explore, making it an ideal spot for families and anyone looking to indulge in some retail therapy.

Fun fact: The original Yankee Candle store started as a humble homemade candle operation in the founder's garage.

Stop 5: Visit MASS MoCA

The final stop on the trip is the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), situated in the beautiful city of North Adams. The museum spans an area of 250,000 square feet and is home to an extensive collection of art, ranging from digital exhibits to large scale sculptural installations. The site is so vast that visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend several hours exploring. The museum also features a range of events throughout the year, from concerts to film screenings.

Fun fact: The museum occupies a massive space that, in the 1800s, housed Arnold Print Works, a textile mill that churned out bed linens, towels, and more.

Conclusion

From the coastal view of the Cape Cod Lighthouse to the mountainside artistry of MASS MoCA, the Chatham-to-North-Adams road trip offers something for every type of traveler. In total, the trip takes roughly three hours and 45 minutes, covering almost 200 miles. So pack some snacks and some comfortable shoes, because this road trip is one for the books!