western massachusetts travel guide

Western Massachusetts & The Berkshires

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Welcome to western massachusetts - berkshires & pioneer valley.

Great Things to Do in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley

Sophisticated towns; music, theater, outdoor fun

The western part of Massachusetts is known at the Berkshires region, for its north-south Berkshire Mountains range, and also by its historic identities as the Pioneer Valley and the Mohawk Trail. It is a place of sophisticated small towns and college towns, great performance art and fine museums, outdoor sports in the mountains and state parks , and a vigorous antique-trading community.

Cultural life of the Berkshires is rich. Tanglewood, in Lenox, is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It welcomes world-class musicians and performers. The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington is a year-round cultural center. The Jacobs Pillow dance festival is held yearly in Becket. Stockbridge is home to the popular Norman Rockwell Museum , with original Norman Rockwell art and seasonal events. In North Adams, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) charms visitors with visual and performing arts.

With its natural beauty and lots of cultural happenings, the Berkshires region is a natural for couples ready to enjoy a romantic getaway . Among the many delightful lodgings are new boutique hotels like the award-winning Hotel on North in Pittsfield. At the same time, family friendly lodgings like Berkshire Fairfield Inn & Suites and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, which make is easy for families to get their fill of outdoor sports like hiking and skiing, along with the region’s many festivals and wonderful dining and shopping. Area resorts , like Ponds at Foxhollow, place you in the lap of luxury, with golf, spas, and white-glove service.

The city of Springfield has plenty of activity for families. The Springfield Museum complex includes art, history, and science museums along with the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden, honoring this native son’s beloved characters. Sports fans enjoy the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield has lot of ways to meet exotic animals. A bit north, in the town of Amherst, is the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Kids and families enjoy visiting the towns of Historic Deerfield in Deerfield and Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield.

Several ski areas , including Berkshire East, Jiminy Peak, and Butternut, are family-friendly and a bit less overwhelming that the big ski resorts farther north. There is white water rafting on the Deerfield River near Charlemont, with guides and rentals that welcome beginner to hard-body rafters. Several places offer zip line and canopy tours . The region has a wide assortment of state parks that welcome all kinds of outdoor activities, summer and winter.

The corner of the Berkshires region around the towns of Williamstown, Great Barrington, Sheffield, and Lenox is considered a national-caliber hot spot for fine antique shopping, driven by the collective expertise of the Berkshire County Antiques & Art Dealer Association. The Berkshires generally is a place where well-heeled visitors, creative people, and college communities come together; college towns include Williamstown, North Adams, Amherst, and Northampton. With such a dense cluster of sophisticated locals and visitors, you can be sure that interesting shopping and good dining can be found in nearly every town.

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Ultimate Guide to Western Massachusetts

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.

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Since the Gilded Age, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts (Western Mass) have provided a city escape for New Yorkers- wealthy Gilded Age tycoons built summer mansions there, and the Berkshires were inundated with wealthy socialites. There is good reason for it, too. Western MA is filled with gorgeous scenery loads of outdoor activities, and, through the years, has brought several attractions that make the allure even more powerful.

I spent the summer in the Berkshires years ago, doing an apprenticeship at the Berkshire Theatre Festival (now the Berkshire Theatre Group). I got to experience the Berkshires at their finest. I also lived in Western Mass for several years, in Hampden County, east of the Berkshires. Most recently, I visited the Berkshires and Western Mass for the first time as a tourist and was excited to see all it has to offer through the eyes of a tourist. 

What Is Considered Western Mass? 

Before I delve into all of the wonderful things that Western MA offers, let’s go through what (or where) Western MA actually is. Western Mass is anything west of and including the city of Springfield. This is a giant chunk of the state, and to say there is much to see and do would be an understatement. The counties included are: 

• Berkshire County Renowned for its stunning scenery, the Berkshires are home to charming towns, world-class art at the Clark Art Institute, and cultural landmarks like Tanglewood and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
• Franklin County Featuring the Deerfield River Valley and the Mohawk Trail, this county offers outdoor enthusiasts a range of activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing.
• Hampshire County Home to college towns like Amherst and Northampton, Hampshire County boasts a vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and a thriving culinary scene.
• Hampden County As the largest county in Western Massachusetts, Hampden County offers a mix of urban amenities in Springfield and rural charm in its surrounding towns.

How to Get to Western Mass

Western Massachusetts is easily accessible by train, plane, bus, and car. 

Flying to Western Mass

Bradley International Airport in Connecticut is about twenty minutes from Springfield and an hour to the Berkshires. The Albany, NY, airport is an hour from several Berkshire hotspots. Public transportation is available from the airport to the bus and train stations, where you can book a bus or train to your Western Mass destination. 

Springfield has an Amtrak station, which offers direct rides to several Northeast cities and connects train rides all over the US. Pittsfield, Holyoke, and Greenfield also have Amtrak stations. 

Driving to Western Mass

Major highways, such as Interstate 91 and Interstate 90, connect the region to other parts of the state and beyond.

Things to Do in Western Mass

Outdoor activities.

There are several opportunities for hiking, including Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. Mount Tom, located in Holyoke, offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley. Northfield Mountain offers 26 miles of trails for biking and hiking and special events like Hiking and Yoga, which involve hiking with breaks for yoga poses. 

Other popular hiking spots include: 

• The Berkshires  Beyond Mount Greylock, explore the diverse terrain of the Berkshires. The Appalachian Trail offers challenging hikes with stunning vistas. Consider day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures.
• Taconic Mountains Venture into the Taconic Mountains for a less crowded experience. Discover hidden waterfalls, rocky peaks, and peaceful trails.

Skiing and Snowboarding 

Western MA has its share of skiing and snowboarding spots during the winter months. You can hit the slopes at Berkshire East , Jiminy Peak , Butternut Ski , and more for some winter fun.

Kayaking, Canoeing and Paddleboarding

Loads of smaller lakes and rivers are perfect for kayaking and canoeing; of course, the Connecticut River offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. Companies like Paddle N’ Party in South Hadley have single-person and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and Hydro-Bikes available for rental. Spots perfect for paddling include Lake Wyola in Shutesbury and Aldrich Lake in Granby, which prohibits motorboats, so you’ll have a genuinely peaceful adventure. Further west, you’ll find Stockbridge Bowl, Lake Mansfield, Pontoosuc Lake, and more. 

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Western MA is chock-full of cultural and historical attractions to check out during your stay.  

You can see world-class art in a stunning setting at The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. Get a glimpse into Americana and explore the life and work of Norman Rockwell at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. You can explore Historic Deerfield , comprised of twelve preserved houses dating from 1730 to 1850, to get a real glimpse into New England life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wistariahurst , in Holyoke, is a Victorian mansion with public gardens, house tours, an art gallery, and special events throughout the year. You don’t have to head to a big city to check out some of the best up and coming art- just head to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) , in North Adams. 

How to Do a Day Trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts From Boston

Western MA is not without its choices for music and theatre either, especially during the summer months. World-renowned Tanglewood brings top performers to the Berkshires every summer and is the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra . Summer theatre includes the Berkshire Theatre Group,   Williamstown Theatre Festival , and Shakespeare and Company – all in the Berkshires. Check out a play or musical at The Majestic Theatre in West Springfield; Happier Valley Comedy provides gut-busting performances in Hadley if you’re looking for laughs.  

Dance lovers will be enthralled by performances at Jacob’s Pillow , a National Historic Landmark that delivers award-winning dance performances. 

Wellness in Western Massachusetts

The Berkshires is home to two of the most well-known wellness resorts, Canyon Ranch and Mirival, both providing guests with all-inclusive wellness by means of healthy eating, mindfulness, spa treatments, and fitness. Western MA visitors can take a yoga class at Kripalu , relax in a hot tub at Elements Hot Tub Spa in Amherst, or enjoy salt therapy at 

Things to Do in Western Mass With Kids

There is plenty to do in the area for kids, including two museums dedicated to beloved children’s authors; the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, and the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst. Thrill seakers will love Six Flags New England, young and old will love visiting Yankee Candle, and everyone will love the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield. 

Dining in Western Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts offers a diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to historic inns. Here are some of the many options you’ll find: 

The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge A historic landmark, the Red Lion Inn features multiple dining options, including the formal Daniel Webster Restaurant and the more casual Shire Tavern.

Mezze Bistro + Bar –  Williamstown Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring small plates perfect for sharing.

PUBLIC eat+drink – North Adams This industrial-chic spot offers a modern take on American comfort food with a focus on local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively, and the cocktail program is impressive.

The Book Mill – Montague  Lady Killgrew Cafe, the restaurant inside of the Book Mill, offers a unique dining experience with its cozy atmosphere and delicious menu of coffee, sandwiches, and more.

Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern – Historic Deerfield Located in the historic Deerfield Inn, Champney’s offers a charming blend of classic New England cuisine and modern flair in a cozy, historic setting.

Breweries and Wineries 

Western Massachusetts boasts a thriving craft beer scene with a diverse range of breweries offering everything from classic styles to experimental brews. The region’s rolling hills and fertile land have produced a growing number of wineries, offering a variety of locally produced wines. And, of course, in true New England fashion, the area is brimming with orchards, so the area is littered with cideries as well. Here are some breweries, wineries and cideries you’ll find in the area: 

Berkshire Brewing Company – South Deerfield   Offers a wide range of beers, including their popular Purple Haze IPA.

Northampton Brewery – Northampton   A pioneer in the Massachusetts craft beer scene, known for its consistent quality.

Abandoned Building Brewery – Easthampton   Focuses on experimental and barrel-aged beers in a unique industrial setting.

Bright Ideas Brewing – North Adams   Known for its innovative brews and vibrant taproom scene.

Barrington Brewery – Great Barrington   Offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of beers.

SmarterTravel Spotlight: Ocean Edge Resort, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Black Birch Vineyard – Hatfield  Offers a variety of wines made with grapes grown in the Connecticut River Valley.

Mineral Hills Winery – Florence   Produces award-winning wines with a focus on sustainability.

WineHaus – Granby   Offers a diverse selection of reds, whites and roses. 

Balderdash Cellars – Richmond   Known for its boutique wines made from grapes grown in the Berkshires.

Hilltop Orchards & Furnace Brook Winery – Richmond   Offers a wide variety of wines and ciders made from apples grown on the orchard.

Les Trois Emme Vineyard & Winery – New Marlborough   Produces handcrafted wines with a focus on French varietals.

Carr’s Ciderhouse – Hadley   A classic cider house offering traditional and modern ciders.

Headwater Cider – Hawley Produces handcrafted ciders using locally grown apples.

Outlook Farm – Westhampton Their cider, slow-fermented with a touch of honey, spice, or hops, offers a unique and refreshing taste experience. While primarily focused on cider, Outlook Farm also produces a small selection of wines, showcasing the versatility of their orchard’s bounty.

Where to Stay in Western Massachusetts

Blantyre – lenox.

Indulge in luxury at Blantyre, a historic estate offering world-class accommodations, including elegant suites and spacious cottages. Experience impeccable service and enjoy the estate’s extensive amenities.

The Williams Inn – North Adams/Williamstown

The Williams Inn provides a stylish and comfortable stay near MASS MoCA and Williams College. Choose from a selection of standard rooms and suites, designed with modern travelers in mind.

The Inn at Crumpin-Fox – Bernardston

Nestled in the heart of the Massachusetts countryside, The Inn at Crumpin-Fox offers a serene escape. With comfortable rooms featuring modern amenities like refrigerators and televisions, guests can unwind after a day on the golf course or exploring the surrounding area.

Hotel Northampton – Northampton

Experience the heart of downtown Northampton at Hotel Northampton. This historic landmark offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to potentially business-oriented options, ensuring a comfortable stay.

MGM Springfield – Springfield

Immerse yourself in the excitement of a casino resort at MGM Springfield. Choose from a variety of guest rooms and suites, featuring modern amenities and stunning city views.

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Things To Do in Western Mass - Attractions, Events, Outdoor Adventures & More

When it comes to travel and things to do in a new area, you don’t ask a tourist; you ask a local.  That’s why we’re here.   Explore Western Mass is created by locals who love our community and all it has to offer.  We know the best places to visit alone, as a couple, as a group or as a family.  So let’s get going and Explore Western Mass!

Attractions

Outdoor Adventure

Art and Culture

College Visits

#WesternMass

Featured Attractions

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

• Springfield, MA
• https://www.hoophall.com/

YANKEE CANDLE VILLAGE

• South Deerfield, MA
• https://www.yankeecandle.com/south-deerfield-village.html

We’re the people who grew up dreaming of being enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , so we know exactly how hard your 12-year-old’s heart is pounding when she steps onto its fabled hardwood. We grew up in households that constantly smelled of Yankee Candle goodness, to the point where even the faintest whiff of French Vanilla makes our hearts and minds turn nostalgic.

Even now as adults, we take our own children to play and explore at local farms, amusement parks and corn mazes. And we realize on every excursion just how lucky we are to live in an area that’s filled with memory-making opportunities that delight our families and friends.

So, you want to know what to do and which places to go visit when you’re in Western Mass? Let us be your unofficial tour guides.

• Love festival fun? You’ll want to put a trip to the Big E , the largest fair in the northeast, on your “Things To Do in Western Mass” list.
• Want to travel back in time to the Colonial era? Historic Deerfield is one of our favorite places to go in Western Mass when we want to combine historical exploration with the world-class goodness and flavor of Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern .
• Can Six Flags New England provide the largest THRILLS? Sure can! Six Flags New England offers more rides, slides, and attractions than any other theme park in New England. The park boasts over 100 attractions and is home to the region’s largest waterpark, Hurricane Harbor.
• Feeling like living on the edge a little? While Western Mass is filled with fun places to go and explore as a family, you can also enjoy more adult entertainment when you spend an evening trying your luck at the fantastically fun MGM Springfield Casino or taking part in a number of on-site activities like comedy clubs, golf simulators and, of course, shopping.
• Speaking of shopping, you may need to buy a little extra luggage to transport all the great deals you’re able to score during your visit. We’ve already mentioned our number one must-have, candles that will make you think fondly of your vacation each time you light them. Yankee Candle and Kringle Candle Company both produce a wide amazing scents and shopping their local flagship stores is an experience on its own. Western Mass is also home to Holyoke Mall , the area’s largest retail shopping and entertainment center, to outlet malls and to farm fresh shopping experiences that let you take the area’s unique flavor home with you.

That’s just a small sampling of the great things you can do, taste and explore in Western Mass. This area offers an abundance of riches for those who want to explore culture, art and nature.

Some of the finest and most unique museums in the country are located right here in Western Mass. While you can explore science and history to your heart’s content, we’re also particularly partial to The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum for its ability to turn us all back into wide-eyed children again for a few hours.

Ready to get into the great outdoors? We’ve got the scoop on the best places to go, whether you want to hit some of the area’s most breathtaking ski slopes, try your hand (or paddle!) at kayaking and whitewater rafting , or just drive through some of the region’s finest fall foliage.

And, many of the people who vacation here decide the area’s just about right for them or their children to spend more time here – four-ish years more, to be exact.

Western Mass should rank high on your list when it comes to exploring collegiate options and planning college visits with your young adults. This area boasts a wide array of educational options – from technical programs to private universities to one of the storied and much-lauded Seven Sisters, Mount Holyoke College .

When it comes to knowing and loving Western Mass and all it has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Let us help you find what you’re looking for and make your time spent in Western Mass full of unique and unforgettable experiences. Check out our tour planners page and get access to our variety of travel itineraries to enhance your experience.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Western Massachusetts

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When planning a trip to Massachusetts, your first thought is likely to visit the city of Boston. Of course, this is a top New England destination for tourists and residents alike, but you may also want to explore Western Massachusetts as well (or on a separate trip).

Western Massachusetts is home to the beautiful Berkshires, which boasts outdoor activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to leaf peeping, hiking, mountain biking, and zip lining when the weather is nicer. The region is filled with quaint towns to explore, with historic bed and breakfasts and luxury wellness resorts for lodging.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Western Massachusetts.

See Fall Foliage Along the Mohawk Trail

One of the best places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts is along the Mohawk Trail on Route 2, which has been known as the first official scenic road in New England since 1914. On this drive, you'll view scenery including the Berkshire Mountains, Mount Greylock, and the Bridge of Flowers . These directions  will help guide you along your drive.

Indulge in the Ultimate Spa Weekend at Canyon Ranch Lenox

Canyon Ranch Lenox , located in the Berkshires' town of Lenox, is a wellness resort that's been promising the ultimate relaxing spa weekend since 1989. While it comes with an expensive price tag, this is the type of all-inclusive experience that doesn't exist anywhere else in the area. The resort is in the former 1897 Bellefontaine Mansion, which has also functioned as a seminary and boarding school.

Included in your stay are all sorts of wellness experiences, from spa treatments to yoga classes, snowshoeing, and canoeing. You'll leave the Canyon Ranch Lenox feeling fully refreshed—and looking forward to your next visit.

Get Your Outdoor Adventuring in at the Mount Greylock State Reservation

Mount Greylock , the highest point in Massachusetts at nearly 3,500 feet, is where you'll want to go for all sorts of outdoor activities. Pick from hiking, camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hunting, and more. If you plan on camping , it's $8 a night for Massachusetts residents and $10 for non-residents.

Take the Kids to Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England is the region's largest and most popular amusement park, and it's the oldest under the Six Flags name. Located in Agawam, west of Springfield, this theme park offers everything from roller coasters and a water park to shopping and dining. Single day tickets start at $53, with several packages and passes available.

Get Nostalgic at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

Even if you don't have kids, take a trip down memory lane at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield. Theodor Geisel—aka Dr. Seuss—was a Springfield resident, and this place is an interactive celebration of his iconic children's books. The museum will take you through Geisel's life, while also offering guests fun activities like the Giant Marble Maze, Whoville with Ball Wall and Light Wall, and the Lorax Recycle Game.

Tickets are $13 for kids ages 3 to 7 and $25 for adults. It's recommended that you get yours in advance given that this has become quite the popular attraction for those visiting the Springfield area.

Take Photos at the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls

The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls has been curating beautiful floral scenes for more than 90 years. Initially started by the Shelburne Falls Area Women's Club, today it showcases a wide variety of flowers, plants, trees, and vines that are on display from early-April to late-October. What you'll see when you arrive depends on the time of year, but if you're looking for something in particular, check out the extensive list by time of year on the Bridge of Flowers website.

Go Skiing, Mountain Bike Riding, or White Water Rafting at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort

Another great destination for outdoor activities is the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont. In the winter, you have your pick of options, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. When the weather gets warmer, you can ride at the Thunder Mountain Bike Park, test your fear of heights zip lining at the Aerial Adventure Park, or go on a white water rafting adventure.

See a Concert at the Tanglewood Music Center

The Tanglewood Music Center is home to a summer fellowship program for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where talented musicians come to study and practice. The campus is on 529 acres in Lenox, and what has become a popular activity for those visiting the area is Tanglewood's annual Festival of Contemporary Music . Other concerts also take place here throughout the year; check the Boston Symphony Orchestra website for upcoming shows.

Visit The Zoo in Forest Park & Educational Center

Recently celebrating its 125 th anniversary, The Zoo in Forest Park & Educational Center in Springfield is where you'll find 735 acres of park filled with animals from North America and around the world. This non-profit is all about education, offering events and activities for all ages such as guided tours and other discovery programs.

Seasonal events include a Spooky Safari at the Zoo for Halloween and Zoo Night at Bright Lights leading up to the holidays. Other events, like Brew at the Zoo, help raise funds for the organization while providing guests with fun ways to learn.

This zoo is quite affordable, with children's tickets costing $2.50 and adults costing $5.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Also in Springfield is the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , a museum that sees almost 200,000 basketball fans each year. This Hall of Fame museum has inducted more than 400 players, and houses historic basketball memorabilia for attendees to learn about the past and present of the game.

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Things to Do in Western Massachusetts—A Perfect Day Trip + Options

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Looking for the top things to do in western Massachusetts? You’re in the right place!

Western Massachusetts often gets the cold shoulder from tourists. The eastern part of the state has so many amazing areas like Boston, the Cape, Salem, and many of the quaint and beautiful sea towns like Gloucester and Rockport.

The western part of the state is quite beautiful, too, and worth visiting. I lived there for almost ten years, between college at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and then in a town near Springfield, MA.

I enjoyed my experience there but didn’t appreciate how incredible this area was at the time. There are so many fun things to do and see in Western Massachusetts, and I really enjoy going back to visit!

I recently got to the area to see some friends, and we went on a really fun day trip! So, I wanted to write this up to share our experience and recommendations. Don’t miss these fun things to do in Western Massachusetts.

Top Things to Do in Western Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a quick list of the top things to do in Western Massachusetts, here are five that consistently rank with tourists that I can personally recommend.

• Wonder at the festive Yankee Candle Shop.
• Visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
• Get your scream on at Six Flags New England.
• Explore the Norman Rockwell Museum.
• Wander around downtown Northampton.#other

In this post, I’ll suggest a great day packed full of some of the quaint and unique things to do in Western Mass. I’ll also include a list of other fun things so you can swap out based on your interests.

One Day in Western Massachusetts Itinerary

If you only have one day to explore Western Mass, you can see an assortment of fun and interesting things in the area that make it unique and special. You may just fall in love!

I have explored many areas of this state over the years and have done several day trips over the past few years when visiting friends. This itinerary was from my last trip there, and I loved every minute of it. Here is what we did:

• Shopped and had breakfast at Atkins Farm.
• Visited the massive and fun Yankee Candle Shop.
• Enjoyed the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens.
• Explored historic Shelburne.

Some of these activities were new to me, and I haven’t seen them included in the top things to do in the area. If you enjoy stepping a little off the beaten path, this may be a great itinerary for you!

1. Atkins Farms Country Market

Yes, my friend did bring me to a grocery store—but not any old store. This is associated with an actual farm, and it’s a country-style farm store with lots of local goodness.

And Atkins Farms is a small business and locally owned, in case you want to support it.

There’s everything you’d expect in a grocery store, and most of the items are made locally.

In addition to the produce, deli counter, meat section, and typical fare, you can get jams from Stonewall Kitchen, Atkins Farms products, country staples, and more. If you’re looking for a quaint gift for a friend, it’s a nice spot to try.

They also have a bakery with great muffins, scones, and killer cider donuts. And there’s some great coffee, flavored and locally roasted. Yum.

It’s a yummy spot for a quick breakfast. There are tables where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

Atkins Farms Country Market is located at 1150 West St, Amherst, MA 01002 . It’s open daily from 7 to 7.

2. Yankee Candle

I’m dating myself, but when I was in college, Yankee Candle was a country store with one big room. Now, it’s a mega-polis of candle goodness. I’m still in awe!

Yankee Candle is simply huge, and it’s so impressive. It’s almost like the Disney of candles! You can find almost any scent you can imagine in a wide array of options, from various candle sizes and shapes to scented melting tarts, diffusers, and more.

Whoever is responsible for the layout of this shop is an artist. They masterfully display candles, gift items, and more in such a way that it’s simply stunning. Whether you want to buy or not, you’ll want to take some time to wander.

Wander through the Christmas village (all year round!) and check out Santa’s toy factory with the elves hard at work. It’s sure to be a place kids will love, and even the adult kind!

Yankee Candle is located on 16 Yankee Candle Way, South Deerfield, MA 01373 . It’s open daily from 10 to 6.

3. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

What a delightful surprise this place was! Visitors enter the gift shop with everything butterflies. Purchase a ticket and make your way to the conservatory.

First, you’ll find a room full of interesting critters, from lizards to beetles. It’s fun walking around and trying to find them in their little habitats! Some are quite crafty at hiding.

Then, you’ll enter the steamy and tropical conservatory, which houses close to 4,000 butterflies. Some are native to the area, and some are from tropical areas.

You’ll find a beautiful garden that delights visitors and the butterflies and a pond with a small waterfall with Japanese koi fish. It’s almost like you stepped into a different world and can explore the beauty while relaxing as butterflies dreamily float around you.

If you go during the late spring, summer, and early fall, you can also enjoy the beautiful outdoor garden.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is located at 281 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373 . It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 to 5, and costs $16 for adults.

4. Shelburne Falls

Shelburne, including Shelburne Falls, is one of those small Western Mass towns that really showcases the historic charm of this area. People are friendly and helpful.

The center of town is really a main street with some smaller roads off of it. You’ll find cute, small, independently-owned shops and restaurants.

In all my years of living in Western Mass, I never visited Shelburne. I’m happy to say that I’m glad I finally did!

There are some great reasons to visit Shelburne, Ma. We spent a few hours exploring this quaint small town and taking in what it had to offer.

It was very early spring when we went, so we didn’t get the full benefit of the flowers and gardens. It was still lovely, and you’ll enjoy it even more if you go a little later in the spring.

The Shelburne center is located here on a map .

Bridge of Flowers

This seasonal footbridge was built in 1908 as a trolley bridge by the Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway to deliver goods to the area. It was built as the Iron Bridge nearby had a weight limit that wouldn’t allow for train cars.

The company went bankrupt in 1927, given the increase in using trucks for freight transportation, and the bridge was closed.

Two years later, a local housewife spearheaded a project with the Shelburne Woman’s Club to create a garden on the bridge. It couldn’t be taken down as it was required for its role as a water main for the area.

It’s lovingly maintained today as a beautiful garden, including the maintenance and restoration that has been required over the years.

The Bridge of Flowers is located here on a map . It’s open annually from April 1st to October 31st. There is no cost to visit, but donations are appreciated. Don’t forget to sign the guest books!

Shelburne Falls and the Shelburne Falls Potholes

A Deerfield River dam created Salmon Falls (now often known as Shelburne Falls). At the base of these falls is one of the largest collections of glacial potholes in the world, including the largest pothole recorded.

There are over 50 glacial potholes making up this natural wonder, formed during an ice age around 14,000 years ago. It’s such an interesting spot to see, showing evidence of the erosive power of water over time.

You can walk along the grass overlooking the area, or you can even climb down to hang out on the potholes. You’ll see people climbing, napping, and picnicking during the summer when the weather is nice.

The Shelburne Falls Potholes are located here on a map . They are free to visit and accessible anytime.

Historic Shelburne Falls

The cute small town center of Shelburne Falls is worth wandering. You’ll find small shops that are locally owned and lots of small-town locals looking to strike up a conversation.

If you’re hungry, there are some good spots here. This town is straight out of an old small-town picture book. The Foxtown Diner is a good choice. It’s a totally old-school small-town diner with the typical far.

We certainly found the local entertainment when we sat down at the counter bar. An older woman who quickly announced that she was a local and regular intruded into our conversation.

Maybe not everyone would be so brazen, but we decided to go with it and had fun anyway.

Salmon Falls Gallery

Don’t miss this incredible artist enclave up the hill just off the center of town. Named for the original name of the falls, this gallery features between 70 and 90 local and regional artists.

There are some artists that maintain permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits that last for a couple of months with two or three artists each. One of my favorites is a permanent fixture, Josh Simpson. I’m a huge fan of glass, and his creations are like nothing I’ve ever seen before!

The building is incredible as well. It’s a historic building that pays homage to the grain company that was operating here. You’ll see an old elevator above the register and train tracks leading to the building.

We got to meet the director and curator, Summer Litchfield. In fact, the gallery wasn’t open yet when we visited, and she opened it for us to explore. She is a fascinating person, passionate about the history and incredible artists showcased.

Salmon Falls Gallery is located at 1 Ashfield St #10, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 .

Shelburne Museum Railroad Station and Freight Shed

Behind the Salmon Falls Gallery is a real treat—the old Shelburne Train Station. It’s now a museum and part of the Shelburne Museum.

The station was built in 1890. Exhibits include the stationmaster’s office, waiting rooms for women and men, maps, and other late 19th-century and early 20th-century items.

The museum was closed when we visited, but you can see two old train cars in stages of renovation. The train was instrumental in building this small town, so seeing the train cars was really interesting.

Other Day Trips in Massachusetts

There are a lot of really fun things to do in Western Mass. If you have more time than a day, consider some of these other great options. Or, feel free to swap some of the places above if these call to you.

• Get your nostalgia on at the Norman Rockwell Museum —Who can forget the incredible artwork of times past portrayed in Norman Rockwell’s paintings? This museum is an incredible place to walk around, and the grounds are almost as impressive as his collection of art. My friend took me here on a prior Western Massachusetts day trip. I hadn’t been here for decades, and it has expanded, making it even more impressive than the first time I saw it.
• Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame —If you’re a fan of the game, check out this non-profit organization. It got a huge facelift from the days I lived in Western Massachusetts, and it’s a must-see for many who visit the area.
• Visit Northampton —This used to be the fun hangout when I was in college, and it still is! It’s a vibrant area with incredible restaurants, galleries, and music venues. Don’t miss the historic Thornes Marketplace , which has been there forever, or the Northampton Brewery ! Go during the day or at night, and you’ll have an incredible time.
• Wander around Amherst —If Northampton is a little big for your tastes, no worries! Amherst may be more your speed. It’s a bit more quaint but has some great spots to visit. Antonios still has the best slices EVER. Check out the Emily Dickinson Museum , and make sure you buy a ticket in advance.
• Wonder at the Amazing World of Dr. Suess Museum —If you’re traveling with kids or even if you’re a kid at heart, you won’t want to skip this museum. It’s dedicated to the works of Theodor Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Suess. It’s a fun, interactive museum designed for play, learning, or even a walk down memory lane.
• Scream your heart out at Six Flags New England —If you love a good roller coaster ride or even a Ferris wheel and all the fair food you can imagine, don’t miss this amusement park!

Another great day trip is visiting the historic towns of Lennox and Lee and enjoying live music at the Tanglewood Music Center . You can add on something like visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum as well.

Which of These Top Things to Do in Western Massachusetts Will You Choose?

Hopefully, some or most of these great Western Mass activities have tempted you to plan a trip there. There are so many different itineraries you can create that showcase how amazing this area is.

The towns in Western Massachusetts all have a different feel to them, but they are consistently charming. See some of the top Western Mass attractions, then step a little off the tourist path to see what the region is really about.

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Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

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