Massachusetts in the winter

[sfmphotog]

I'm going to be in Massachusetts over the holidays (~Dec 20 - Dec 28) and am looking for some good scenic locations to shoot winter landscapes. I just purchased Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Guide online and am hoping that will give me some ideas. I'll be staying about 15 miles outside of Boston and willing to drive.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Scott

http://underpressurephoto.com

[BlasR]

Go to

North Shore
Massachusetts
Rock Port, MA .  

Go place to see birds

I'm sure a person with the name EricM

He can give you better info, he was born in the winter of 1913, so he know all about winter here

hold on Dec 20 to the 28.  what year?

Please make sure you don't tell me will be next year or 2011.

[size="2"][/size]send me a check

[Adam L]

I live in MA.  

15 minutes outside of Boston means you'll need to travel to find pretty landscape shots.   If you've never been to Cape Cod and can handle a 90 minute drive you must go to the outer cape (Orleans or beyond) for some of the nicest shorelines in the state.  The light on Cape Cod is magical this time of the year.  There is a bird sanctuary in Wellfleet on the bay side that has stunning views.  I would bet that their trails are maintained in the winter so you can walk out to the salt marsh.  They have built walkways over some of the marsh area which also add interest to shots.  

The dunes in Truro are also unbelievable - they have a lighthouse that photos well.

http://www.capecodonline.com/  This link is to their local paper and may contain gems of info if you search enough.

I totally agree with the North Shore.  Rockport is a bit of a tourist trap but just outside of town you'll find nice spots to photograph.  Just before Rockport is Gloucester.  Gloucester is the north shore fishing town which may offer some nice images of the fishing industry, not exactly landscapes but still photographic.   Magnolia has some of the nicest shorelines and huge mansions.   A bit further north is Plum Island - another wildlife sanctuary.

Assuming your West of Boston and need a short trip shoot, the Quabbin Reservoir is surrounded by smaller lakes that may also offer some nice views.  There is nothing here that I consider 'stunning' but still some lovely spots.

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/...n_reservoir.htm

Some other considerations near Worcester (Quabbin) is a drive on Rt 2 which has the best photo opportunities during the fall season - you'll need to research where to stop but I suspect there are tourist maps that could direct you to some nice locations.

The Berkshires - Western MA -  are beautiful but plan on a 2 hour drive each way.  Stockbridge is the home of Norman Rockwell and this town has made every effort to fit into this picture.   It's hard to pinpoint a single spot in the Berkshires as there are plenty to choose from.

[sabatia]

Agree with other posters that the Cape can be stunning in winter. My favorite place in the National Seashore is Great Island in Wellfleet, miles of beaches, dunes, woods, and quietude. Also stunning are the high dunes of Provincetown around the Race Point Visitors Center.

Best winter birding in the state, other than eagles at Quabbin, is Plum Island on the North Shore.

And just to add one: Right outside Boston is the Blue Hills Reservation. Great Blue Hill, all of 600 feet high, has a spectacular view of Boston, the Boston Harbor Islands, and the surrounding region. Half-hour hike from the parking lots to the summit. Also on the summit are two great stone towers, one to climb for the views and the other housing the oldest continuously operating weather station in America.