Before Exploring Massachusetts by Drone Read About the Brief History of the Bay State
Massachusetts, also known as “The Bay State,” was founded in 1788. Officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state has a rich history. Prior to the arrival of English colonists in the late 17th Century, indigenous peoples inhabited the area for over 10,000 years. In fact, the state is named after the Massachuset Tribe. “Massachuset” is derived from the Algonquian language and translates roughly to “near the great hill,” referring to the Blue Hills just south of Boston.
The Bay State is home to many historical sites, including but not limited to: Plymouth Rock, the 1620 landing site of the Mayflower; the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first of the American Revolutionary War; the infamous Salem Witch Trials; and Walden Pond, the inspiration for Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
Massachusetts Today
Massachusetts has long been one of the top-ranked states in both education and healthcare. More recently, it has established itself as one of the the top manufacturers of technology in the United States.
In addition to its historical sites and leading industries, Massachusetts boasts a wide range of landscapes. The Bay State is home to over 1,500 miles of coastline, 3 million acres of forest, and over 1,000 mountain peaks. Whether it be sun-soaked beaches, snowcapped mountains, or peaceful wooded trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Because of present restrictions brought by the pandemic and the uncertainty of what the future may hold, the days of immersing oneself in the intricacies of new destinations may seem like a thing of the past. Fortunately, the capabilities of drones and the sights and sounds they capture have made it possible to experience new locations from within the safety and comfort of one’s own home. Moreover, drones provide us with the opportunity to view the places that we are familiar with in an entirely new way. Whether you are a Massachusetts native or a tourist seeking to visit for the first time, exploring the Commonwealth by drone allows for a unique and awe-inspiring trip through the state.
Enjoy Massachusetts by Drone: begin in Boston
As the state’s capitol, Boston is not only the most populous city in Massachusetts but that of the entire New England area. The city is home to many United States firsts, including the first subway system, the first public beach, the first lighthouse, the first university, and the first chocolate factory.
Boston’s colors are a true representation of New England. From the cold and snowy days of winter, to the beautiful and warm colors of autumn, @mediabymarvin captures them all.
Boston is home to Logan International Airport; because of this, many areas are off-limits to recreational drone pilots due to their proximity to controlled airspace. However, there are still many great sites to fly your drone in the greater Boston area.
Harsh New England winters carry many inconveniences, especially in commuter cities such as Boston. It is rare that we are able to step outside of our daily lives and responsibilities to appreciate the beauty that comes with the changing of the seasons. Captured by Jovan Tanasijevic, this video conveys a more peaceful perspective of a snow-covered Boston. Experience the city at the beginning of a rare autumn snowstorm.
Moody Boston Snow Storm by Above Summit
Cape Cod & The Islands
An estimated 5.2 million tourists pack their bags and head to Cape Cod and The Islands each year–here’s why.
Cape Cod
Credits to Ben Skaar
If you’re in need of a hearty dose of summer, look to Cape Cod, the hook shaped peninsula on the east coast of Massachusetts. Termed “The Cape” by many locals, it is a popular summer destination consisting of the 15 towns of Barnstable County. The area is adorned with over 130 beaches, quaint seaside towns, art galleries, and over 114 miles of bike trails (with more in the works). It is safe to say that regardless of one’s interests, The Cape offers the epitome of summer leisure.
Besides the stunning beaches and many trails of the area, The Cape has much more to offer. Marvin Greenbaum, a photographer, physician and explorer captures this moments within his work dedicated to the The Cape area. In one of this photographs Marvin exposes the sasumunueash farms. Native Americans name of what today is known as Cranberry, also called as Cape Code most important fruit by Cape Code Life magazine. Due to its soil and climate, the Cape Code area has more than 200 years history of growing Cranberries. Some of these farms exist even today and are accessible for visitors trough Cranberry Tours. If you are drone pilots confirm with you tour guide on any specific instructions before your flight.
It is important to mention the local dedication on nature preservation and connection with the ocean. The local community in collaboration with Mass Audubon, a non-profit organization dedicated on protecting the nature in Massachusetts managed to place under conservation very large areas of the peninsula. These protected areas help the local flora and fauna to become resilient on the number of visitors, global warming effects and pollution. These protected areas are accessible for visitors, and required special attention.
If planning to visit The Cape, book your trip ahead of time. Whether through hotels or private rentals such as Airbnb, there are plenty of options for lodging suitable for all budgets. It is important to note the presence of the army base, checking the no fly zones is obligated. Staying on Cape Cod is a great option for those looking to embark on day trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket as it provides an affordable alternative to many of the costly hotels on the islands.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard by Drone. Credits to GM Lifestyle
Martha’s Vineyard is often referred to as a summer colony, and for good reason. While the island welcomes visitors year round, its population skyrockets from roughly 17,000 to nearly 200,000 during the summer months. Tourists and seasonal residents alike flock to the island to enjoy its relaxing beaches, unique shops, and stunning landscapes.
Among the most visited areas of the island are the Aquinnah Cliffs, a breathtaking stretch of clay cliffs carved by glaciers millions of years ago. Many areas of the cliffs remain virtually untouched to this day. The Aquinnah cliffs are part of the Wampanoag Reservation and are therefore under special environmental protections. Consequently, many areas are off-limits to tourists. With this in mind, we turn to aerial footage to provide an otherwise unobtainable experience of Aquinnah.
Martha’s Vineyard is also popular weeding destination The island offers stunning sceneries for weeding ceremonies on the sandy beaches, in the historic downtowns or the artistic up island landscape. This can be great summer work and travel destination for many drone photographers and videographers joining the local event teams or providing solo services.
With so much what to offer, the island have great accommodations for all. For those who like the convenience of being in town, checkout the historic Harbor View Hotel with stunning view of Edgartown’s lighthouse or the Summercamp hotel with view on the Harbor in Oak Bluffs. If you prefer staying in resorts and near the beach, visit Winnetu Oceanside Resort. For more options you can always visit TripAdvisor and read about their new products.
Nantucket
The Town of Nantucket is composed of three islands: Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and Muskeget.
Nantucket
Nantucket Island, settled in 1659, was once the whaling capital of the world and one of the wealthiest communities in America. Today, the island is one of the most expensive summer destinations in the United States and hence relies heavily on its tourism industry. Despite the cost, tourists continue to converge on the island to appreciate its spacious beaches, renowned cuisine, high-end shops, and historic landmarks. The entirety of Nantucket Island has been deemed a Historic District. In addition, 45% of the its land now permanently preserved open space. This mix of highly trafficked tourist spots and conservation lands yields the perfect medley of nightlife and nature.
Tuckernuck
The Island of Tuckernuck lies east of Nantucket and exists completely off of the electrical grid. Home to only 40 private residences, Tuckernuck is often a destination for Nantucket residents looking to escape the summer crowds. If you are looking explore the island of Nantucket and still be able to return home to a quieter place to rest your head, consider renting one of Tuckernuck’s private residences for your stay.
Muskeget
Muskeget, the easternmost island of the Town of Nantucket, has been privately owned since its purchase in 1949. However, erosion in recent years has caused the island to reshape and move to the east. As a result 1/3 of the island now controlled by the Town of Nantucket. Due to conservation restrictions put in place in 2009, Muskeget has become the largest gray seal breeding colony in the United States. It is an important site for the rebuilding of the once decimated gray seal population in the States. In recent years, drones have become a key tool for scientists to monitor and document this growth.
On your journey to discover Massachusetts by Drone, combine the trip to Nantucked with a few stops on the Cape Code or Martha’s Vineyard. The close proximity of these destinations makes it very convenient and affordable to combine. Some of the hotels offer duel Nantucket and Vineyard combined trips as special offer too.
The Berkshires
Each year, tourists flock to New England to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking autumn foliage. Western Massachusetts, particularly the Berkshires, boasts some of the best locations to view this yearly natural show. Whether you are a Massachusetts native or a tourist looking to visit the state, drone footage allows us to view the breathtaking foliage from an entirely different perspective.
The Berkshires are home to a vast array of hiking trails. Whether you are a beginner or an avid trail junkie, there are trails suited to any experience level. In addition to the multitude of easy-access trails, the Berkshires hosts a 90 mile sector of the Appalachian Trail, dubbed the “grandaddy” of long-distance hiking trails in the United States. At 3,491 feet (1,064 meters), Mt. Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts and a top destination for seasoned hikers traveling the state. If you are not conditioned for the trek, worry not; an 8 mile drive to the summit allows access to its stunning views. Better yet, you can experience the majestic birds-eye view from the comfort of your own home.
Explore Massachusetts by Drone: Rules and Regulations
Outside of regulations set forth by the FAA, Massachusetts does not have many state-wide policies regarding the recreational use of drones. However, most all ski-resorts and similar facilities prohibit the flight of drones over their properties without written consent from the owner. In addition, many towns and cities have their own policies in place regarding the use of drones, so it is best to research the specific laws of the area in which you intend to fly your drone in order to avoid any unwanted issues.
Looking to explore more destinations? Check out these captivating views of Budapest and Switzerland! Visit The Drones World for more drone related content.