Let’s face it. We missed a lot last year. Rightfully so during a global pandemic! But Massachusetts is open for business and now is the time to come back to Western Mass and do all the things you missed last year. Here are some ideas:

Six Flags New England
New England’s Thrill Park didn’t open at all last spring and summer and boy did we miss it! Super Girl SkyFlyer was ready to go last year but this is the season when thrill seekers can finally enjoy the park’s newest thrill ride! All 60 rides are open now and the Hurricane Harbor water park is soon to follow. There’s timed ticketing so get online and reserve a time for your next trip to Six Flags New England!

Yankee Candle Village’s Wax Works
This interactive area within the candle company’s flagship store includes wax hand-making stations, custom make-your-own candles and dip-your-own candles. Kids love it but so do the young-at-heart! While you’re there, check out the rest of this 90,000 square foot candle and gift superstore. Save room for Hillside Pizza and a pint from Powder Hollow Brewery both located on-site.

Live Music
This was a tough one! A summer without live music is something we never want to experience again so get out there and enjoy live music at places like Uno’s Riverfront Summer Concerts where there’s live music every night of the week! Also, the Springfield Business Improvement District presents live music at various eateries in their district this spring. MGM Springfield will get back into the live music scene with a series of concerts on their plaza beginning in June. For jazz fans, the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival is expected to be back in Court Square on August 14^th!

Indoor Entertainment
Trampoline parks, movie theaters and other forms of indoor entertainment were closed for most of last year but they’re back in business! Check out Springfield’s own Bounce Trampoline for ‘open bounce’, laser tag and more bouncy fun for the whole family. Holyoke Mall has a host of indoor fun options including Billy Beez, Round1 Bowling & Amusement, Altitude Trampoline Park and All in Adventures Escape Room! If your idea of indoor fun includes watching movies while sipping on a cocktail, check out Regal Cinemas at MGM Springfield.

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement
In September, Enshrinement returns to the birthplace of basketball with the Class of 2021 set to be honored on the 14^th at the MassMutual Center. This annual weekend is known for potential hoop star sightings all around the region and there are affordable tickets to the ceremony on sale now!

The Big E
Make your hotel reservations now because The Big E is back from September 17 – October 3! Machine Gun Kelly and Brad Paisley are already confirmed and more entertainment will be announced this summer. Fair food, rides, games and shopping will all be back in full force so make your plans early!

Of course, no visit to Western Mass would be complete without The Springfield Museums & Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, zip lining and rafting with Berkshire East, Crabapple Whitewater and Zoar Outdoor and all of the other great attractions in Western Mass!

If you missed getaways in general, plan to stay a few days and enjoy our local restaurants while you’re in town. Our hospitality community is committed to keeping you safe with enhanced cleaning and safety procedures! See you soon in Western Mass!