The farm also offers a variety of other activities such as corn mazes, petting zoos, and live music concerts. Tickets are $20/individual or $60/group of four. Experience Category Any. The first place I visit is Boswells Books. had a lot of fun at a DSO show here earlier this month. 15 Best Hikes in Massachusetts: Waterfalls, Mountains & More! OH MY! When you visit the museum, you will get to see several exhibits that showcase the work of Eric Carle and other artists. This trail is an ideal way to enjoy nature, explore local history, and get some exercise in the process. Here are 12 must-do activities that will make your Pioneer Valley adventure unforgettable. This narrated boat trip on the Connecticut River highlights the natural history and legacy of the area. Book a white water rafting trip with Zoar Outdoor Adventures. These have included everything from indie rock concerts to experimental theater performances to film screenings and lectures. Learn how your comment data is processed. Here I am with Alex and Bell of Wanderlust Marriage and Yadira and Yaimani of The Two Riveras. Springfield is the birthplace of Theodore Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss. ), I think the museum is most appropriate for older children and teens with an interest in art and illustration. If you are not much of a kayaker, but you enjoy a good bike ride, take a leisurely stroll down one of the many bike paths that meander throughout Hampshire County. There are many restaurants and cafs that will be sure to provide a little variation to your appetite. The garden also boasts a range of medicinal plants and herbs that are used in research and teaching as part of the Botanical Medicine and Ethnobotany programs. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the museum's many exhibitions, galleries, and outdoor sculptures. The Gateway will host 4th of July fireworks at 10pm on Tuesday during a . Forty Bands. Weekend Events Pioneer Valley Family Fun Events This Weekend SHARE ON: NJ 05/13/2016 One of the things my family is always on the hunt for is something to do together on the weekend. KNXV - Phoenix Scripps. Rhode Island. Recent shows have featured artists like James Turrell, Laurie Anderson, and Sol LeWitt. The Mohawk Trail is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing along the way. I'm pleased to be offering this new weekly series offering you what I think is the best of the best Pioneer Valley Family Fun happening each weekend. Event Contains. Yucca Valley, California No matter how you choose to explore the Mohawk Trail, be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pioneer Valley. expand your horizons, spark more joy, and learn new things in the fox cities. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable seat, sit back and relax as I take you on a tour through the many adventures to be had in Western Massachusetts. In addition to shopping, the Yankee Candle Village also offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Touching the butterflies is prohibited, but they can touch you. The Cross-over Trail is a steep, rocky path that offers scenic views of the Holyoke Range and the Connecticut River. One unique mountain I love hiking through is the Mount Tom State Reservation. Providence River Boat Company Tours, Boating, Boat Charters "Tour guide/boat captain was very knowledgeable and personable! With plenty of scenic spots along the way, the trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, jog, or walk. Simply let go and relax while drifting along in a unique U-shaped body of water off the Connecticut River. Save the date for the Worcester's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration WHEN: Thursday, June 29th (Rain date: Friday, June 30th) WHERE: East Park 47 in Hadley, and they are just one of many dairy farms that make up the farming community in Western Mass. I enjoyed learning about the early days of the game, as well as checking out memorabilia like Shaqs massive shoes, seeing how my wingspan measures up against players like Yao Ming, and shooting some hoops. June 1 - June 30 Wistariahurst Museum, Exhibit Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA Wistariahurst Museum Presents: Smithsonian Poster Exhibition Exploring Essential Role of Pollinators in the Natural WorldMay 18th-June 30th, 2023, dawn until dusk. Let's explore this historic site and learn more about its significance. Whether planning some day trips from a local area or coming from afar you will not be disappointed. It is home. Enjoy a train ride through the park, get a work out on the paddleboats, play a few rounds of mini golf, or just enjoy the playgrounds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I'm Brianne, a Boston-based travel blogger who is "working to see the world" by balancing a career with a life of travel. Vermont and New Hampshire are not the only New England skiing states. It is also a well-known arts and entertainment town. June 30 - 1pm In Person Adrian Dantley 2 time NBA Scoring Leader Buy Tickets July 5 - 1pm In Person Danilo Gallinari NBA Power Forward Buy Tickets July 13 - 1pm In Person Ashley Joens Dallas Wings Guard Buy Tickets July 18 - 1pm In [], Our half-day guided Float Trip is the perfect introduction to rafting for folks who want to dip a toe in the water before taking on our Zoar Gap trip or for groups with children as young as 5 years old. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. After a long day of hiking, I will stop by. Fans of all ages can view memorabilia of their favorite athletes (be sure to check out the footprint of Shaq), enjoy some great hoops activities, and even shoot some hoops on the main floor center court. The Academy of Music Theater hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year, ranging from live music concerts to Broadway-style productions. Savor locally-made wines and smooth craft beers while you picnic on the grounds of a gilded-age mansion. With its unique ecosystems, lush forests, and breathtaking views, this sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the Pioneer Valley. At the Springfield Museums Quadrangle there is an entire sculpture garden dedicated to Dr. Seuss and some of his most loveable characters. The theater's rich history is evident the moment you enter the grand lobby, which features a magnificent chandelier, elegant marble staircases, and intricate molding. Looking for cultural and family friendly activities? I would enjoy feeding the ducks and geese, and exploring the ponds in the woods. The Northampton Farmers Market, held every Saturday from April to November, is one of the largest and most popular in the area, with over 80 vendors selling everything from artisanal nut butters to homemade pasta. It's a great day trip for families, couples, or solo hikers looking to explore the great outdoors. This world-renowned contemporary art museum is the largest of its kind in the country, boasting over 250,000 square feet of exhibition space. There is plenty to enjoy in the Franklin County region of the Pioneer Valley in every season. At one point, more than 5,000 women were employed. Learn more about this annual event on our Facebook page. One unique mountain I love hiking through is the, 15 Best Lakes in Massachusetts You Have To Visit(2023), If you are not much of a kayaker, but you enjoy a good bike ride, take a leisurely stroll down one of the many bike paths that meander throughout Hampshire County. Comedy: Christine Hurley MGM Springfield Time Mar 29 45 mi 12.5 mi 8:00 am Center for Women & Community's 50th Anniversary Silent Auction Fundraiser Virtual 32Auctions 30.6 mi 8:30 am You can also make your own candles or dip your hand in wax as a keepsake. Plan B, a local upscale burger chain, has a location in Springfield where tasty burgers are the name of the game. 7 11am-7pm (click for all dates) Volume One's Food Truck Friday Phoenix Park Eau Claire Food & Drink Every Day until Jun. The view stretches out for miles in every direction, with the Pioneer Valley and the Connecticut River winding their way through the landscape. Visitors can also visit the museum gift shop, which offers a variety of books, toys, and artwork for children and adults alike. In Northampton, Fitzwillys serves pub fare in the city environs. Our kids especially like the A2Z Science and Learning Store where you may even sign up for a Yo-Yo class. What you encounter is an iconic New England farming village set on the shores of the Connecticut River. The Smith College Botanic Garden is spread across more than 125 acres of open gardens, arboretums, greenhouses, and conservatories. The Magic Wings Conservatory is a large living butterfly house in the Valley. From homemade ice cream enjoyed at Flayvors of Cook Farm during the summer to challenging your nerves on a hunted hayride at McCrays Farm in the fall, there is so much to enjoy while visiting a neighboring farm. The Eric Carle Museum is also located in the Pioneer Valley. Okay, so I dont know many or any bookstores that have resident cats, but this one certainly does. (You can read what Wanderlust Marriage had to say about, Springfield is the birthplace of basketball, and today fans flock to the. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Things to Do in Western MA: Pioneer Valley The 'City Life' of Hampden County Urban Park Adventures One of my favorite childhood memories I can recall is visiting Forest Park in Springfield with my grandparents. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Pioneer Valley, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. What else: There is no shortage of burger and bar eats nearby check out Maxs Tavern, Samuels and b Springfield. As much as I love living in Boston, I also love getting out of the big city from time to time and experiencing what the rest of New England has to offer. Events and Festivals. So, pack your bikes, hit the trail, and enjoy an unforgettable journey through the Pioneer Valley! Be on the lookout for nesting Bald Eagles! This festival is a perfect combination of a handmade craft fair and a farmers market. The farm is well-known for its Honeycrisp apples, which are some of the most delicious apples available. When my biggest decision of the day is trying to figure out which restaurant to go out to eat, that is when I know I am enjoying myself. Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre. The theme park is open seasonally and I can dare to say that I have been on the Batman coaster with my legs dangling into space! From cream puffs to deep fried Oreos, from the Maine baked potato to the buttered lobster roll, one certainly needs a hardy appetite before attending the Big E. There is plenty to fill ones plate with here in Hampden County. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Good thing I visited the Springfield Museums by myself because I spent nearly four hoursexploring room after room of treasures spreadthroughoutthe four-museum complex. Annual Events. One of the most captivating attractions in the area is the Deerfield Village. Boston rightly gets much of the attention due to its lively, friendly scope of activities. The Green River Festival is a summer event held for one weekend every July hosting music concerts, local food, a craft fair, and a variety of activities that include a nighttime hot air balloon glow. Kids of all ages will have fun at this theme park on thrill rides, family rides, or kiddie rides. . The Pioneer Valley geographically centers around the Connecticut River and Springfield is her flagship city. Apr 1 Local Vocal Chord Bowl #12 Amherst Regional High School Mar 31 The Slambovian Circus of Dreams The Shea Theater Apr 7 - Apr 8 ROAR! Carnival to benefit Melha Shriners, Springfield, MA 6/2/16 - 6/5/16 l Daylight hours until 6:00 PM l Eastfield Mall, 1655 Boston Post Rd. The largest gallery displayed Carles prints you were encouraged to try and find the personal touches, like his kids initials, hidden throughout his works while the other two galleries displayed the work of other childrens book illustrators, including Louis Darling, who illustrated 12 of Beverly Clearys early books. Plan a visit to this historic site and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the colonial era. They host local cuisines from around Western Mass, provide energy saving demonstrations, and entertain visitors with live music. The museum is set within a sprawling complex of historic factory buildings, which have been thoughtfully repurposed and transformed into a dynamic hub of art and culture. Whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting the area, be sure to check out these culinary events for a true taste of the region. This Weekend. Additionally, the farms store offers fresh baked goods, cider, and farm-fresh produce which makes for a perfect autumn day. Maine Windjammer Cruise: the Magic of the J. enVision Hotel Boston Everett Review: My First Staycation, Hotel Northampton Review: A Hampshire County Gem. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This makes for a funky, artsy, and diverse downtown setting. Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Detroit Tigers. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Attractions, Events, & Things To Do in Western Massachusetts. Of the four museums that comprise the Springfield Museums, the only one I didnt get to was the Wood Museum of Springfield History, so thats on the list for next time! Everyone loves Dr. Seuss. In addition to its impressive collection of contemporary art, MASS MoCA regularly hosts a diverse range of cultural events and performances. 10 Most Charming Small Towns in Massachusetts, If the weather forces you to stay indoors, take a drive over to, If you enjoy fall festivals, my favorite one to attend is the, Hungry? Outdoor Activities. 47 attracts hundreds of visitors every year at the largest outdoor flea market. Along the way, you may spot deer, foxes, and other wildlife. Read kid friendly reviews of Pioneer Valley Hotels. Along the way, you'll see cascading waterfalls, tranquil pools, and plenty of wildlife. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The Two Riveras always know where to go for good eats, and they raved about Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield and Burgundy Brook Caf in Palmer. The Yankee Candle flagship store is located in the Pioneer Valley. Thanks, Alex! The hour-long trip takes you on a 10-mile loop between North Adams and downtown Adams in . Children can enjoy the Bavarian Christmas Village, a miniature village that features a train ride, a carousel, and other festive attractions. It showcases the culture and way of life of the people who lived in this region during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many markets also feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and other family-friendly activities. 10:30 AM. The Happy Valley gift store is an exquisite place for a one of a kind present. Shoot some hoops at the Basketball Hall of Fame, 5. One favorite is the "Pioneer Valley," a cluster of three counties that sits about two hours west of Boston. Sunday, Jun 25 Within 45 miles 2023 Tremendous Teacher Nomination Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC | Glastonbury, CT 12:00a Unfettered River Valley Co-op | Northampton, MA 8:00a Cars and Coffee at Birdhouse Coffee Birdhouse Coffee | South Windsor, CT 8:00a Dairy Crawl Barstow's Dairy Store and Bakery | Hadley, MA 8:00a