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Massachusetts Town Contains The Longest Name In The U.S.

Author Jeff Gorra

We’ve heard of the funniest town names in every state. But did you know that there’s a town in Massachusetts that is home to the longest name in the country?

In a state filled with characters and places named after historical events, Massachusetts also has this flag to fly high in the air. Towns like Lynn or Hull are examples of one-syllable towns containing just four letters, that you will find up and down the Bay State. However, in Webster in Worcester County you will find this incredible spot.

Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg

No, my fingers did not get stuck to the keyboard, nor did I go on a typing rampage. In total, that would be 49 letters long and 14 syllables. Often, it is found shortened to Lake Chaubunagungamaug (just 21 letters). Furthermore, in this more modern era, it was rebranded and often referred to as Lake Webster (how lazy).

This lake in Massachusetts with the extremely long name is quite large. It takes up over 1,440 acres.

“The popular, but inaccurate, translation of the lake name is: ‘You fish on your side, I fish on my side, and nobody fishes in the middle,'” the Webster Lake Association explains.

In addition, The Travel explained that this lake has an abundance of fish. They said, “The fish in the lake include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redbreast Sunfish, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, White Sucker, and landlocked Alewife.” The shoreline area is largely residential and is conducive to your typical watersport activities.

The Travel also reported how New Zealand is the country that owns the longest name in the world. As for Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg, there are popular social media spots in Webster that flaunt signs with this lake name on it, if you’d like to see it for yourself.

New England: 4 Of The Best Places For A Weekend Getaway

As much as I love my south shore area of the Northeast, sometimes there is nothing better than a quick pause. We are fortunate in New England that there are so many great options that are a short drive away. It’s not hard to embark on that perfect weekend getaway escape.

With summer coming to a close and the hustle and bustle of all the fall activities kicking into overdrive, here I will look at some of the best places for a weekend getaway in New England based upon all of those I have visited.

What Do You Look For In A Weekend Trip?

Many factors can be considered when nailing down that perfect two-day plan. We, of course, are graced with all four seasons of the year, so depending upon when you are traveling, different activities may be available to you. Then again, perhaps you don’t want any activities at all.

Food options are important to me. However, I don’t make trip plans based around what place has the best restaurants. I tend to lean towards exploring the local area in hopes of tripping across a local gem.

Driving distance is another thing I heavily weigh. Although I don’t mind the occasional long road trip, my preference is to maximize my time on a weekend adventure. Therefore, time in the car is ideally under four hours. Cost is always a factor.

Lastly, I must preface this list by stating I am an outdoorsman. A good book or movie can certainly do the trick. I always opt for great ocean waves, a rope swing, or mountain over an extra hour of sleep.

In recent years, I have been to each of the places on this list over various months of the year. They each have their own unique characteristics. Their common bond is that they are all great destinations for a New England weekend getaway.

  • Wellfleet, Cape Cod

    Cape Cod is an obvious location. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, there is perhaps no place that is more popular in Massachusetts. To me, it’s about finding that specific corner of Cape Cod that is right for you. You can camp or find cottages along Cahoon Hallow Road that will enable amazing trips to the beach. Trekking those sand dunes, hitting the three-foot waves (yes, sometimes there are shark warnings), and then getting food at the Beachcomber while listening to the great live music, is my perfect day.
    The pounding surf breaks on Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, Cape Cod.

  • North Conway, New Hampshire

    There is never a bad time to visit this charming town. You can ski Cranmore in the winter. Hike, hit the waterfalls, or visit Storyland in the summer. Either way, you will be graced with some amazing local restaurants. In fact, North Conway flies under the radar as one of the best pizza towns in New England. The hotels like Eastern Slope in accommodate any season, and are right in the middle of town where all the bars, restaurants and stores are. This weekend getaway is probably the least “quiet” but has the most amount of options at your fingertips.

    Sunset along Route 16 in Conway, New Hampshire.

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Woodstock, Vermont

    The river that runs through Woodstock has a way of speaking to you. It’s serene but can also provide a thrill of pushing you down stream. It’s calming to provide that fresh water cleanse to rid yourself of all that comes with the lights on the city. Lastly, the various rope swings scattered around the town provide a liberating rush. From the climb up the rocks to the swing, to the plunge, you focus on nothing but the joy of that ride. Ramunto’s Brick Oven and Brews is also an essential stop upon each visit.

    Taken in the Taftsville village of Woodstock, Vermont.

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Sebago Lake, Maine

    Lake life just hits differently. Depending upon where you go around Lake Sebago you get the feeling that nowhere else on the planet exists while you there. Frye Island has the magic of no public cars, local watering holes, and the ability to bike incredible dirt roads. There’s a history there to learn about and local taps to enjoy. It’s common to see jet skiing or pontoon boating anywhere you look within the glistening waters. Furthermore, certain towns offer that one and only general store that has everything you can imagine, from household cleaning supplies to steaks to grill for dinner.

    Dock at Lake Sebago, in Maine at sunrise with trees in the background.

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
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