MGM Springfield and So Much More!
New England is a blend of dozens of unique attractions. Known for being a “triple threat” destination, this area is bursting with top attractions that are easy to access and come at a reasonable dollar value. If you are looking for things to do in Western Mass, check out the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, the Springfield Museums or the Yankee Candle Village. Collectively these attractions bring in millions of visitors annually. Other events and places that draw in many visitors include quintessential college towns, big events such as The Big E and Bright Nights and other sporting events and craft fairs.
It doesn’t stop there! August 2018 will bring the grand opening of the MGM Springfield. This will include an expansive state-of-the-art entertainment complex in the heart of the city that will be perfect for those adults get togethers, family reunions or even bachelorette and bachelor parties. This is going to give Las Vegas a run for their money. Experience high caliber shows, best-of-the-best dining experiences and of course lavish shopping and casinos all in Western Massachusetts.
You are bound to have endless adventures here and thanks to the convenient location, your dreams can be endless! Located at the Interstate 90 and 91 junction, Western Massachusetts is known as the “Crossroads of New England.” Boston and New York City are two major city options nearby if you’re looking for a quick vacation within the vacation. Our train and major bus line allow you to have it all! While you are traveling, transportation should be the least of your worries. Vermont and Connecticut are also in reach. If you’re looking to travel by air, the
Although Western Massachusetts is home to almost one million people, the area is surrounded by endless wilderness. Take your family hiking on the trails, roam the rolling hills or bring out your adventurous side with the waterways you will find. Don’t let the casinos and “Vegas-esque” life fool you here. Western Massachusetts bound to be a great destination for a family vacation.
Family-Friendly!
Don’t leave your kids at home when you are planning this vacation. At MGM Springfield, the staff will have no shortage of activities for the young ones running around the resort area. Kids will have access to a movie theater, classic New England candlepin bowling alley, restaurants and more than a dozen retail outlets (for those looking to find a new outfit). There will also be activities to partake in no matter the season including a farmer’s market with local produce in the summer and an ice skating rink during the winter months.
Next door to MGM Springfield are four world-class museums AND the new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum along with the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. This is sure to be fun for the kids and a jog down memory lane for the adults. Read on below to find out more on these historical museums. If you are an adrenaline junky and are looking to hop on a roller coaster with your kids, Six Flags New England in Agawam is the place to be. With a huge array of rides for all ages and the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, you are sure to have a days’ worth of fun all in one place. Dining available. Let’s not forget that the park magically transforms during the holidays for the annual Halloween Fright Fest festival and Holiday in the Park during the winter.
The first of the four world-class museums in the Springfield Science Museum. With real-life dinosaur tracks and fossils, a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex model and a surround-sound Jurassic Theater experience, you dino lovers will be in heaven. Next is the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History which showcases a wide selection of history from the Connecticut River Valley. Check out the Indian Motorcycle Collection which is the largest collection of Indian-built cycles in the world. Another stunner to check out is the Firearms Collection which includes more than 1,600 firearms. Finish off at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum to get your days’ worth of exploring in.
Not too far away is the Springfield Armory National Historic Site which was the powerhouse of industrial manufacturing of military firearms. Known as America’s first armory, established by none other than George Washington in 1794, it operated for 174 years until the year 1968.
For those basketball fanatics out there, you are officially in basketball country. This popular sport was invented right here in Springfield. How cool is that? Visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to follow the footsteps and history of this beloved sport. Renovations and upgrades are currently being done to this Hall of Fame to exemplify the exhibits and create more immersive and hands on activities. If you are more into Volleyball, head on over to Holyoke to check out the Volleyball Hall of Fame as this game was also invented here.
Ever heard of the brand Yankee Candle? Well, in South Deerfield you can experience this worldwide brand at whole new level. Take a day trip to the Yankee Candle Village which was constructed from a quaint roadside store in 1983. With over 200,000 candles on display (yes, you read that right) and over 200 distinctive fragrances, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Bring out your crafty and create a candle that is personalized just to you! The Yankee Candle Village is a sure-fire day of fun for all ages.
Couples Retreat
Grab your honey and head our way. Whether you prefer staying in an upbeat high-rise hotel or an intimate and laid back bed & breakfast, there is sure to be an accommodation that will please your liking. This is bound to be a couples retreat full of memories that will last a lifetime. If you are planning your trip for May, July or September, you are in for a treat. The world renowned Brimfield Flea Market arrives and makes it mark. This is some antique shopping that you won’t want to miss out on. Hundreds of quiet acres and meadows are transformed overnight to bustling antique marketplaces. This is a true bucket list experience you won’t want to miss out on with your plus one.
If you and your spouse are history buffs, there are a handful of additional museums we think are sure to catch your eye. The Museums10 group features 10 fantastic places, seven of them located in the college town of Amherst. Start with the Emily Dickinson Museum and experience her homestead and where most of her life was lived. The successful illustrator and writer of many children’s books, one of them being The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle, resided in Northampton for thirty years which now holds a museum to recognize his work. Next door to the Eric Carle Museum is the Yiddish Book Center and other nearby places including Smith College Museum of Art, Mount Holyoke College Art Museum and Historic Deerfield. We predict you could be leaving this vacation feeling very educated and rich with antiques.
Shout Out to the Outdoors
When you are looking to indulge in nature, Springfield is perfect location. Known for being “The City in the Country” there are thousands of acres woodlands that will make for memorable family fun. Take part in summer activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, whitewater rafting or if you are vacationing in the winter months Berkshire East is a downhill ski area that is perfect when you are looking to hit the slopes. This ski area also transforms into a rope and zip line course and a huge mountain roller coaster in the summer months. Of course, for those wanting to hit the links, there are various golf courses in Springfield that are picturesque.
So, as you are sitting there and pondering about “where should we vacation with the family?” consider visiting Western Mass. With a vast array of activities for both the adults and kids, you are bound to have a successful vacation where the kids are begging to come back once you leave. Western Mass welcomes you with open arms!