Blog / Parks
5 Reasons to Make Hampshire County Your Fall Getaway Destination
Valley View Farm, Haydenville
Photo by Lynne Graves
We're more than pretty leaves and crisp breezes. Find out why fall is our favorite season.
Most Instagrammable Spots in Hampshire County
Mill Buildings in Easthampton
Photo courtesy of @alcides_coop
In Hampshire County, we’re known for our scenery. And unlike other places that are famous for one beautiful thing or another, we really run the gamut. We have mountaintop views and swimming holes. Waterfalls and the winding Connecticut River. There are farm fields, bike path bridges, botanical gardens, and historic buildings. The old saying goes — if a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound? Updated for the digital age — if you didn’t post it on…
The Relaxing Side of Hampshire County: Part Two
Lilly Pond, Goshen
Photo by Lynne Graves
Welcome to the Relaxing Side of Hampshire County, where people come from far and wide — to feel good. Need to rejuvenate? We’ve got a yoga class for that. Seeking a good sweat? Our recreation options are endless.
More Reasons to Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Notchview Cross Country Ski Area
Lynne Graves Photography
Everyone knows a New England winter brings ice and snow, but here we say “winter is coming” is best followed by an exclamation point and feel that adding an extra layer of cozy to brave it for an amazing outdoor experience is always worth it. The winter’s wind seems milder this year, just one more excuse to discover even more outdoor reasons to love winter in Western Massachusetts. Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing Being located in the Connecticut River Valley, our wooded terrain…
5 Outdoor Reasons to Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Photo by Lynne Graves
Anyone who truly loves a New England winter knows that some of the best things about this unruly season involve going outside. Since we are already having quite a snowy winter, this is the perfect year to discover some outdoor reasons to love winter in Western Massachusetts.
22 New Things to Check Out in Western Massachusetts
Hitchcock Center for the Environment | Photo by Jessica Schultz
With the return of the school year and the changing of seasons among us, we’re heading into one of the best times of the year in Western Massachusetts. As you plan your fall visits to Hampshire County, be sure to consider adding some of these new places to eat, learn, shop and explore as well as events to your itinerary!
How to Spend a Weekend in the Hilltowns of Western MA
William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Cummington | Photo by the Trustees of Reservations
When you visit Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts, the bustling downtown destinations only make up half the equation. There’s so much to discover beyond our city lines, particularly in the Hilltowns of western Hampshire County—Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Planfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington. This part of Hampshire County is home to Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program and countless other artists finding inspiration…
8 Unique Drop-In Fitness Classes to Try this Summer in Western MA
Vortex Dance & Fitness Metal Yoga | Photo by Shaina Mishkin on MassLive.com
If you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine this summer and try something new even while you're traveling, there’s plenty of unique options in Hampshire County in western Massachusetts! There are weekly drop-in group cycling rides, hooping classes, and certainly no shortage of daily classes at our yoga studios and even a handful of unique classes in famous gardens, breweries, and more. For the more adventurous and experienced, there’s even aerial yoga at the local circus training studio!
Share Your Best of Western MA
This summer on your Instagram, share awesome pictures of the the places you've been (or want to go!) in Western Massachusetts. Tag your photos #gowestMA for a chance to be featured on the @VisitMA Instagram and massvacation.com blog. Additionally if you're sharing any pictures of destinations and places in Hampshire County, tag #othersidema and you'll be entered into a contest for a $100 Downtown Northampton giftcard!
3 More New England Waterfalls to Visit in Western Mass.
Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield | Photo by R. Cheek
Last month Boston Magazine published a list of 21 amazing New England waterfalls, and well, we felt a little left out in the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts. Be sure to add these three Trustees of Reservations properties to your waterfall list: Glendale Falls in Middledfield, Chapel Brook in Ashfield and the Chesterfield Gorge.