Too often the residents and industry professionals of the commonwealth’s capital city find themselves thinking of Boston as the Hub of the Universe in truth, rather than in self-mocking jest. Even the concept of “Greater Boston” doesn’t capture the many marvelous cities and towns in our fair state.

All of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns are interesting and unique in their own ways, as Banker & Tradesman highlights in the weekly By the Numbers feature. (This week: Did you know Great Barrington was the inspiration for Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”? True story.)

But it is the state’s so-called Gateway Cities – a group of 26 midsized cities that anchor regional economies – that are the home of some of the most inspirational and innovative projects in the news today.

Earlier this month reporter Steve Adams featured the renewed vigor of Framingham as it pursues zoning changes to enhance the downtown area, and this week, contributor James Sanna brings readers the story of Dave Piscatelli, a Lowell firefighter and developer who is converting the last abandoned mill into high-end housing.

A theme runs through these stories: born-and-bred natives – and some plucky newcomers, too – are quietly picking up the pieces of the recession and rebuilding their hometowns into vibrant, bustling, interesting places to live, work and play.

There’s a lot more to Massachusetts than what is contained in the Boston city limits. Why not take a trip to explore some of it this summer? You might just find your new favorite restaurant or your next home – or another story of the fortitude and endurance of Massachusetts’ residents.