Massachusetts Botantic Garden Named The Best In The U.S.

Congratulations to The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill for being voted the best in the country! So, where do you find this top spot? The local gem is located in Boylston, MA and features 171 acres of beauty. Breathtaking scenery, hiking trails and so much more is right around the corner, so be sure to visit the Massachusetts Botanic Garden, named best in the U.S.

The #1 ranking was the result of a Travel Awaits reader poll. Travel Awaits is a website that focuses on travelers over the age of 50. Grace Elton is the New England Botanic Garden CEO and she told WBZ-TV, "It means that we are so important to our community and our community here in central Mass. and in the New England region really, has chosen us for this recognition."

Elton went on to rave about the plant collections at the New England Botanic Garden. They have phenomenal and well maintained hiking trails, plus classes and fun events for nature lovers. The CEO added, "We have a great youth group and we want them to come here and do a nature walk and an activity and do a science based art craft."

It's a great way for all ages to connect with the beauty that surrounds us and be a part of Mother Earth. The Massachusetts Botantic Garden was named best in the U.S. Find out more about their programs and visiting hours, HERE.

We have so much to discover right in our own backyards. Here are a few of the most underrated New England attractions:

Every state in our neck of the woods has the big attraction they're most known for. But what about the underrated attractions in New England?

A while back, Yahoo News published this: The 50 Most Underrated Attractions in Every State. They laid it out like this:

Classic tourist attractions may have their charms, but they come with a huge drawback: sooo many crowds. From fascinating museums to gorgeous scenery, these destinations are just as interesting, but off the beaten path—even for locals.

So their list, basically, is the antithesis of this list I put together last year: The Biggest Tourist Traps in New England.

Now, there are two main camps here when it comes to the storied American tradition that is the tourist trap. In one camp, you have the haters. They will avoid these roadside snares at all costs, refusing to give over one red cent to see The World’s Largest Gummy Bear Collection or Swampie’s Swamptacular Snake and Gator Land.

Then there’s the rest of us. Those of us who enjoy a bit of out-of-the-ordinary. Those of us who enjoy traveling off the beaten path. And, much like the Tourist Trap list, I think this list of underrated attractions in each of the six New England states will have a bit of appeal. Because, as the folks from Yahoo News pointed out: who wants to navigate crowds when you can see super cool stuff that doesn't involve that hassle?

Again, I'm focusing on the attractions in our own big backyard here. If you want to see what else there is to see in the other 44 states, you can get that full list right here. No matter the season, it's always a good time to get out, hit the road, and explore.

Center Church-on-the-Green

A secret crypt under a church? Cool!

Seashore Trolley Museum

Something offbeat to see in Kennebunkport.

The Mapparium

You've no doubt heard of it, but have you visited yet?

Cathedral of the Pines

In Rindge, N.H.

Providence Athenaeum

So. Many. Books.

The World's Only Dog Chapel

"It's a good cry."