massachusetts nice,quaint,small towns

[ljd1010]

I think Hingham, MA is one of the prettiest New England towns I have ever see. Lots of historic well tended homes.

[julz]

Gloucester.Rockport,Salem,Newburyport

[Fordum]

Marblehead is an awesome place to live. It has paths and beaches and its a very quiet place. They also have alot of great stff downtown.

[Newdaawn]

I'm glad someone mentioned Cohasset. I would second that. I spent all of my growing up years there in the summer as that's where my grandparents lived. It is certainly quaint with a small downtown and if you are there in the summer - take in a performance at the Music Circus which hosts many well known performers - such as Tony Bennet and Chris Botti. Best to get tickets in advance. You will certainly enjoy a meal a the Red Lion Inn - right in the downtown.

[Amybcb]

I grew up in Carver (next to Plymouth) and there is a lot of history in that area. Not necessarily "the rock" but some nice old homes etc. I live in Sandwich (Cape Cod) and that is another old town (oldest town on the cape in fact). Lots of history there too, beautiful shops etc.

[LCT]

Salem (a personal favorite; history, beautiful harbor and great old homes) and Gloucester, both north of Boston. To the south, Plymouth, Duxbury and Kingston.

All of eastern MA is "old"; some towns have just preserved their history better than others. Don't get turned off by a 'tourist' spot. Once you leave the tourist-trap sections, many towns have a lot to offer.

I know you said smaller towns, but there are sections within Boston that are almost 'towns' unto themselves; don't avoid them just because they have a Boston zip code.

Have fun!