Greater Springfield

Relive the history of basketball at the Basketball Hall of Fame, where three levels of exhibits and fun celebrate inventor Dr. James Naismith and his game. Lose your breath at Six Flags New England, the largest theme amusement park in the area. Or visit museums that pay tribute to the legends behind children's books - the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden. Stroll along Main Street in Northampton, a laid-back college town with a vibrant arts community and an eclectic selection of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. Science, history, art, and the starry sky are all on view at the Quadrangle Museums, located adjacent to each other and making it easy to enjoy all four in a day.

Franklin County

Hike the 25 miles of trails in the Northfield Mountain Recreation Area or, by whitewater, raft the Deerfield River. Later, unwind with a stroll through 330-year-old Historic Deerfield or a visit to Poets' Seat Tower in Greenfield for spectacular nature trails and views. Get up close to nature at the butterfly pavilion at Magic Wings. Enjoy an afternoon at the flagship Yankee Candle store, where the fudge is homemade and the candles are hand-dipped…by you!

The Berkshires

Meander through the grounds and see the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell illustrations at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. See the avant garde at MASS MoCA, which houses the largest contemporary arts center in the country and then be sure to go to The Clark in Williamstown, home to Sterling and Francine Clark’s extensive art collection. Let nature embellish the sounds of Tanglewood in Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To get your fill of dance, the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, the oldest if its kind in the country, showcases modern, ballet, and jazz dancing in a charming New England setting. It's all drama all summer long at the Berkshires Theater Festival and Williamstown Theater Festival, where actors of renown return every year. Other performing arts venues you should not miss are Barrington Stage and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield and the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington. If it is Shakespeare you are after be sure to get tickets for Shakespeare & Company.

To enjoy some of the area’s heritage be sure to visit Hancock Shaker Village fascinatingly recreates a Shaker community, replete with buildings, furniture simple furnishings. Beauty knows no bounds at the Mount Estate & Gardens in Lenox, the house and classical gardens designed by author Edith Wharton. For more exploration, the 11.5-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail runs through the Hoosic River Valley, providing picture-perfect views of Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts highest peak and if you visit in the winter be sure to take some time to Ski the Berkshires, it is a great way to get outside with the entire family. No trip is complete without a bit of shopping so before you hop on the MA Pike in Lee be sure to take some time to enjoy Premium Outlets.

Mohawk Trail

Now State Route 2, the Mohawk Trail was the first scenic automobile route in America. Its 63 miles of quaint specialty shops and attractions still make it quite a destination. See the Hail to the Sunrise Monument, which commemorates the origins of the trail, or cross the Bridge of Flowers, a flower-covered old trolley bridge, on your way to the trail's highest point, Whitcomb Summit.

Find Lodging for Western Massachusetts

More Discoveries