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Western Massachusetts

Hampshire County

Blog / Swimming

Most Instagrammable Spots in Hampshire County

Mill Buildings in Easthampton
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…

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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!

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3 More New England Waterfalls to Visit in Western Mass.

Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield | Photo by R. Cheek
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.

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Date: Aug 12, 2015 | Posted by: vincejackson | Category: Explore, Recreation, Fishing, Hiking, Parks, Picnic Area, Swimming

8 Roadside Snack Shacks Worth a Stop in Western Mass.

Creamy Delights New York Style Soft Serve, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
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.

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6 Things to Add to Your Mid-Summer Bucket List

Chesterfield Gorge | Photo by Lynne Graves
Chesterfield Gorge | Photo by Lynne Graves

Can you believe July is already half over? As the summer months continue to slip away, here are a few things to add to your things to do in Massachusetts summer bucket list, from sidewalk sales to swimming holes, Shakespeare to rock music and more!

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