Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, Boston

The second public spectacle on Brattle Street is none other than the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, rocking its whimsical blue wash, and nestled a half-mile west of the Longfellow House. Although it's a tad off the beaten path, this house, with roots dating all the way back to 1690, offers an up-close-and-personal peek into the wild world of colonial Cambridge.

What sets it apart, besides its enchanting hue, is its architectural evolution – it started life as a sturdy, post-medieval farmhouse, went through an awkward teenage phase, and eventually blossomed into the graceful Georgian mansion it is today. Inside, you'll find rooms sporting the rather expected period furniture such as fancy writing tables and regal canopy beds, but the tour guides are the real showstoppers, unveiling secret panels, revealing centuries-old wallpaper, and exposing the original foundations to keep things thrilling.

Tip:
Keep an eye on the website for special events, including the public art installation that might just pop up when you least expect it.