Blog / Recreation
Bird Walks, Hawks & More in Western Massachusetts
New England Falconry, Hadley | Photo by Melissa Breor
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, actually, it's just a bird. And for anyone with avian interests, a bird sighting can be just as exciting in western Massachusetts. Given that spring is the prime season for birding in western Massachusetts, here's a few events and experiences you might not have known about.
10 Reasons to Start Making Summer Plans in Western Mass.
Pines Theater at Look Park | Northampton
As winter begins to fade into spring, it’s time to start making your summer travel plans! While you might think of the Cape or North Shore beaches when you think about summer in Massachusetts, there couldn’t be a more exciting and pleasant time to visit western Massachusetts. We’ve got everything from top-notch music festivals to relaxing getaways from the busyness of everyday life. In 2016 many of our signature events celebrate milestone anniversaries, too, making this year one not to miss. Save some dates, grab some tickets and make your reservations today!
8 Great Date Ideas in Western Massachusetts this February
Amherst Cinema | Photo by Lynne Graves
Valentine’s Day is just one day of the month (of the entire year!) and this February, there’s way too much going on that’s supremely date-worthy. Check out some of our top picks for things to do in western Massachusetts this month, whether it be with your sweetheart or your friends. Check out our picks here.
There’s a Fest for That… in Western Massachusetts
Flava Evolution at Northampton Jazz Festival | Photo by Robert E. Davis
In the tech world people say there’s an app for everything, but in western Massachusetts it seems there’s a festival (or fair or party) celebrating every interest, artistic medium, hobby, food, or even whole towns! From jazz and upcycled junk to bikes, bread and beer, there’s an event this early fall that will fit every curiosity you’ve been looking to feed. Some highlight events include the 5th Annual Northampton Jazz Festival (September 8-12), Celebrate Amherst Downtown Block Party (September 17), and the Valley Beer Trail's Übeer Festival (October 3).
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.
8 Roadside Snack Shacks Worth a Stop in Western Mass.
Creamy Delights New York Style Soft Serve, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
One essential element to any New England summer bucket list is the roadside snack shack, usually characteristic of any seaside destination. However, it’s not a phenomenon exclusive to the coast, and in fact there’s a pretty solid selection of roadside shacks in western Massachusetts giving any seaside spot a run for its money. Taste what all the fuss is about at places like Captain Jack's, Local Burgy, Scotti's Drive-In, and the Williamsburg Snack Bar.
8 Ways to Have a Beery Hoppy Summer in Western Mass.
Abandoned Building Brewery, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
We’ve said this before, but the craft beer scene in western Massachusetts has truly been exploding over the last few years. From new breweries and expanded tasting room hours to beer festivals and scavenger hunts, you won't go thirsty for local beer this summer.
6 Early Signs of Spring in Western Massachusetts
Nashawannuck Pond, Easthamtpon | by Patrick Brough
While most of Massachusetts is still covered in snow as we begin the month of March, spring really is just around the corner—Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8 and the Spring Equinox is March 20. Despite all the snow and current cold temperatures, there’s a handful of good things happening in western Massachusetts this month that remind us spring is near, like the reopening of the Emily Dickinson Museum and the spring flower shows at Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges.
Pack Your Calendars with Fall Festivals and More in Western Massachusetts
Mike's Maze, Sunderland | Photo by Lynne Graves
Are you ready for fall? Well it’s here as the chilled temps have clearly proven recently. If you’re anything like us here in western Massachusetts though, fall is your favorite time of year. While fall can be all about celebrating the harvest and Halloween, there’s also a lot going on in the arts, nature, and on a bike here. (Though we’ve certainly got the harvest festivals and haunted happenings down this year!). We have to admit, even as we were compiling this list we were overwhelmed by the number of things to do in western Massachusetts this fall. But after we took a deep breath, we grabbed our calendars and started planning fall adventures galore. We hope you’ll find something you’d like to do, too!
Therapy on Wheels: Biking in Western Massachusetts
Someone may visit western Massachusetts for the biking, but it’s the things to do in Massachusetts after you hop off your bike that will keep you coming back time after time—from great restaurants, beautiful galleries, and fun shopping to the natural landscape and a unique blend of people. Learn why this visitor comes to western Massachusetts for her "therapy on wheels."