I had a chance to sample everything Massachusetts has to offer today at the culinary loft in Soho. A few short hours from New York City and you can be in a magical place. Need a few reasons to go? Check out this list:

1.) Try a fresh oyster from Island Creek Oysters. So mellow and evenly flavored!

2.) Step into a time warp when you enter the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Decked out with Staffordshire china,  colonial pewter and authentic eighteenth-century furniture, the gorgeous sites will be sure to please. Over 100 individually decorated guest rooms span the property, with several overlooking the picturesque village and some in distinctive annex buildings of the old firehouse and Two Maple Street. RedLionInn.com

3.) Beer. (And lots of it!) Have everything planned for you with New England Brewery Tours and explore Boston’s best breweries. Check out some of the oldest and largest, like Sam Adams and Harpoon, as well as Massachusetts-only labels that serve pomegranate flavored brews. www.NewEnglandBreweryTours.com.

4.) Outdoor Adventures.  Massachusetts has so much to offer the adventure seekers! From zip line canopy tours to whitewater rafting to kayaking to rock climbing to camping. Enjoy the fresh air and relax. www.zoaroutdoor.com

5.) H.R. Zeppelin.  If you have never heard of the boutique fine handmade chocolate company, then you are missing out. Using only artisan spirits, local butters, delicate flowers and seasonal spices to craft each small batch. Special orders welcome! hr-zeppelin.com

·         Chef Michael Scelfo from Alden & Harlow, his new restaurant in Cambridge

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·         Bully Boy Distillers, Boston’s first craft distillery producing small-batch rum, whiskey and vodka

·         New England Brewery Tours, Boston, offers a unique beer experience through guided tours and tastings

·         Travessia Urban Winery, micro-winery in downtown New Bedford

·         A live vocal performance from Barrington Stage Company, the fastest growing arts venue in Berkshire County

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·         Peabody Essex Museum, located in Salem, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the country

·         Zoar Outdoor, located in Charlemont, New England’s leader in outdoor adventure offering white water rafting, zip line canopy tours, kayaking and canoeing trips

·         Tower Hill Botanical Gardens, a four-season botanic garden covering 132 acres in Boylston