As a drive-to destination, Western Mass is a quick road trip from Connecticut, Rhode Island and upstate New York. The area offers a multitude of attractions and open space that appeal to families and couples alike, all within a three-hour drive of major metropolitan areas.
If you’re planning your next trip, here are just a few of the don’t-miss destinations to consider.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”https://difhosting1.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sem-dusk-hero-1.jpg” image_width=”375″ image_height=”250″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Main Attraction”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1678719869387{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]As a world-class casino and resort, MGM Springfield has been drawing visitors to Western Massachusetts since opening its doors in August 2018. The property, located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, also houses a Regal movie theater, a bowling alley, an indoor Top Golf location along with a high-end steakhouse, Italian restaurant, sports bar and food hall. The gaming floor also features several cocktail lounges, nightly entertainment and the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay a few days at the MGM Springfield Hotel – the region’s only AAA four-diamond rated hotel.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider margin_top=”40″ margin_bottom=”40″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”https://difhosting1.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/15-seuss-5-9-197-mm-1-scaled.jpg” image_width=”375″ image_height=”250″][mk_image src=”https://difhosting1.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kobe_exhibit-1-scaled.jpg” image_width=”375″ image_height=”250″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”One-of–a-kind Experiences”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1695834041024{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Families with kids (of all ages) can get a full dose of fun and nostalgia at The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, where Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was born. On the first floor, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and games like The Giant Marble Maze and the Lorax Recycle. The second floor offers a glimpse into the personal life and work of Dr. Seuss with recreations of his studio and living room, never before publicly displayed artworks, and more.
Not far from the Dr. Seuss Museum, sports fans can head over to “Hoop Hall,” aka the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Interactive exhibits include a the Kobe Bryant Experience, TNT’s Inside the NBA, Players Gallery, Coaches Gallery and much more. In the summer, the Hall of Fame hosts “60 Days of Summer,” a series of daily events that include various appearances, autograph signings, magicians, trick dribblers and jugglers, mascot days and giveaway days. The extra experiences are free with museum admission.
The magic continues at the Yankee Candle Village Store in South Deerfield. This is more than your favorite candle store at the mall; it’s an entire destination in and of itself. Visitors experience Christmas every day at the Bavarian Village, where they can shop for ornaments and festive scents — and it snows indoors. Top off the trip with a sweet treat like homemade fudge or a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, but don’t leave without visiting the Wax Works, where you can make your very own custom candle as a keepsake.
About half an hour north of Springfield, the magic continues at Yankee Candle® Village in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. Far more than just a candle store, it’s one of New England’s favorite day trip destinations for the entire family. Visitors experience Christmas every day in the Bavarian Village where they can shop for ornaments and festive fragrances — and it even snows indoors! Become a candle maker for a day in our Make Your Own Candle area in Wax Works or create your one-of-a-kind signature fragrance at our NEW Candle-Making Bar – both recently reopened! Top off the trip with a sweet treat while enjoying our homemade fudge, and don’t leave without visiting Hillside Pizza and Powder Hollow Brewery for the perfect day trip! We are taking special precautions to ensure a safe and worry-free shopping experience (masks required). Visit YankeeCandle.com/Village to learn more. Now exit 35 on Interstate 91.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider margin_top=”40″ margin_bottom=”40″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/12″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”https://difhosting1.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zip_1959-scaled.jpg” image_width=”375″ image_height=”250″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1678719469416{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Western Mass is home to some of the finest fall foliage, but the natural scenery is also ripe for a windows-down drive, photography adventure or zip-line canopy tour during spring and summer as well. The temperate climate means welcoming weather most of the year for campers, cyclists and hikers alike.
If you really want to get moving, Western Mass is one of the best places in New England for whitewater rafting, kayaking and rock climbing. Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont offers instructional clinics and activities with accommodations for adventurers of all abilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider margin_top=”40″ margin_bottom=”40″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1678719507850{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Are you ready to start planning your next trip? Visit Explore Western Mass to connect with hotels, dining options, events and even more great attractions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=”https://difhosting1.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/holyoke-overview.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” enable_3d=”true” speed_factor=”0.5″ video_color_mask=”#004f6b” video_opacity=”0.8″ js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”96″ padding_bottom=”96″ section_id=”subscribe” el_class=”difFullHeight” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Best of Western Mass” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2300b2ba”][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1510243760717{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Exclusive info and promotions sent directly to your inbox monthly.[/vc_column_text]
