Marblehead 'Perfectly New England,' Magazine Says

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead is "one of the most quintessentially New England towns in the state," writes Only in Your State.

Marblehead's coastal setting, shops, seafood, sailing history, and beaches — among other features — were highlighted in the magazine's recent story, "The One Massachusetts Town That’s So Perfectly New England."

"Marblehead is a place that truly embodies the beauty and picturesque quality that draws so many visitors to Massachusetts year after year," the magazine wrote.

Here are the aspects of Marblehead Only In Your State cited:

• "Visiting feels like stepping back in time to a quieter, simpler age.
  
• Marblehead has nearly 300 surviving colonial-era homes – the most of any town in the country.
  
• There are so many quaint shops and restaurants in Marblehead’s downtown.
  
• Local businesses matter, and chain stores are harder to find.
  
• The daytime views are as pretty as a picture...
  
• ...but the sunsets over the harbor blow everything else out of the water.
  
• Marblehead transforms into a holiday wonderland every year.
  
• Great seafood is the norm.
  
• In fact, it's not unusual to find the catch of the day being peddled straight off the boat.
  
• Old Burial Hill is one of the most scenic places around.
  
• Marblehead is known as the birthplace of the American Navy.
  
• It's basically a sailing mecca.
  
• The beaches range from rugged and dramatic, to calm and manicured.
  
• Famous writers, politicians and athletes have all called Marblehead home."

Only In Your State: The One Massachusetts Town That’s So Perfectly New England

Also this year, Marblehead was ranked among the happiest places in Massachusetts and Marblehead High School was ranked among the best high schools in the country.

Photo credit: Henry Zbyszynski/Flickr