Massachusetts: Historic Boston

Score: 70

"The blending of the old with the new makes Boston a unique destination. The future outlook is promising, especially with organizations, such as the Freedom Trail Foundation, that preserve America's Revolution-rich history."

"Boston is a delightful walkable city with many heritage attractions. Walking is the best way to view and visit the numerous historic sites and museums; a car would be a distraction."

"The whole North End is now a really authentic place—I thought I was back in Rome, Italy, for a minute or so."

"Scrubbed-clean historic buildings in great shape; commercial core is thriving."

"The end result of the Big Dig has been an enhancement of an already attractive area."

"Need to make interpretation relevant to the younger generation."

Massachusetts: Lowell

Score: 63

"A dying mill town has come back to life."

"Given the eleventh-hour rescue of the downtown core of mills, canals, housing, etc., Lowell should be considered a success story."

"The industrial museum is a new kind of National Park Service gem."

"Okay, okay, it is not everybody's cup of tea, but Lowell is a great place in which to discover America's industrial heritage. Lowell is being rediscovered by those forced out of expensive Boston and is developing a new edge."

Massachusetts: Salem

Score: 56

"Between ill-conceived new condo projects, crazy road projects, witch-kitsch, and the imminent destruction of some of the city's best civic buildings, prevailing stewardship practice spells doom for Salem."

"The House of the Seven Gables needs to be reinterpreted, but has potential."

"Go to Salem at the risk of traffic headaches, a boring drive from Boston through endless strip malls, and a poor overall presentation. But go anyway, for the excellent Peabody Museum and other historic sites. Just don't stay overnight."