Western Mass has an abundance of activities, explorations and adventures to offer – from our urban cultural centers to the pure majesty of the region’s lush outdoors. You’ll never get bored in Western Mass!

LET’S GET OUTDOORS!

During the season with more sunshine each day, it’s time to enjoy some of amazing outdoor activities including…

There’s nothing like the surge of the rapids, or like the teamwork and camaraderie you’ll build with your boating partners. There are three terrific options in our area to explore:

• Crabapple Whitewater  – experience thrilling adventures on the Deerfield and Millers Rivers catering to all levels of rafters.
• Berkshire Whitewater – featuring varied rapid class level trips along the Deerfield River, including Fife Brook and Monroe Bridge Dryway, as well as a more relaxing Afternoon Float.
• Zoar Outdoor – great for teamwork and/or stress relief, since nothing promotes teamwork quite like paddling together down a Class III rapid and stress relief intrinsically comes from being outside and focusing on the river.

These two Explore Western Mass partners have something available for everyone’s personal tastes and preferences:

• Zoar Outdoor  – Prefer staying on the water, consider kayaking with guides ready to help you explore local lakes and rivers. Want to learn to kayak? Click here for info on “Learn to Kayak” day (May 4). Prefer the air over water, no worries… they offer a one-of-a-kind zipline experience with a 3-hour canopy tour consisting of 11 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, and 3 rappels that whisk you through a breathtaking landscape high above Deerfield River Valley.
• Berkshire East  – your destination for all things adventure including zip line canopy tours, downhill mountain biking, the combination alpine slide and roller coaster – Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster (opens 5/25), and the suspended challenge course Aerial Adventure Park (opens 5/26) featuring elevated wooden platforms, rope cargo nets, bridges, ladders, short zip lines, and more.

In Western Mass you’ll find hundreds of miles of trails, many of which will take you through quaint towns, along riverbanks, and up mountains to take in sweeping views. Choose your level of difficulty and enjoy the scenic beauty of this spectacular part of Massachusetts with MANY options including these: 

• Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center – peaceful hikes and a spot to commune with nature featuring 26 miles of trails.
• Robinson State Park – a 1,000-acre state park that follows the course of the Westfield River, you can hike (or bike or walk) the park’s 20 miles of paved roads and trails.
• Mt. Tom State Reservation – at just over 1,200 ft. tall, Mt. Tom has a long history of being a ski area, hotel (Summit House), amusement park and more, but now it’s home to hiking galore, plus walking and biking (or if you’d like, you can even a drive up for scenic views).

For more wilderness exploration, check out our Western Mass 2023-2024 Visitors Guide list of State Forests or the Western Mass Scenic Byways website.

INDOOR MUST DO TOO!

We all know Western Mass weather doesn’t allow us to spend every day outside. That’s no problem though, since we live in a region rich with indoor experiences like our amazing museums, go-karting, gaming, or a show – there is no shortage of amazing indoor options to explore. Let us share one specific recommendation. 

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the largest Mass. symphony outside of Boston, with over 80 musicians from New England and Canada, is truly a hidden gem. And with only a few performances left in the season, we don’t want you to miss out. 

• Bugs Bunny at the Symphony (May 4) – a pairing of the brilliant, iconic Looney Tunes projected on the big screen while their original classically-infused Carl Stalling scores are played live by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
• Magic & Glory – SSO’s Season Finale (May 18) – Mozart’s Overture to his opera The Magic Flute transports us into a magical world filled with hidden meaning, symbols and trials. Pure orchestral music (without a story or words) is free to be interpreted by each listener in a personal way and changes in perspective and meaning depending on our time, culture, and experiences. 

Explore Western Mass this spring!!  Come with the family, friends or as a couple. Western Mass is waiting for you! For great rates on overnight accommodations, click here.  

Learn more about upcoming events and must-see attractions here:  Explore Western Mass website, Instagram or Facebook.