Well - Summer is in Full Swing, and I have been way too busy with work. But lucky for me Glenn and Sharon have been busy lining up contact and acquiring some really cool swag for our Very First Massachusetts Heartland Chapter Rally.
Below is a very detailed list of activities that are in the area, the NW corner of Mass is a beautify location, especially in the early fall.
25 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Meander along the Mohawk Trail
One of the oldest designated tourist and scenic routes in the country, the Mohawk Trail traces its
roots to the post glacial age. While the peoples of the northeast had neither the wheel nor the horse,
they created many footpath trade and travel routes throughout New England. One of the most heavily
traveled - and one of the most famous today - was the path call the Mohawk Trail.
The Mohawk Trail has gained a world wide reputation for its scenic beauty, both natural and man-made.
It carries on its ancient trade route heritage via the many unique shops, inns and villages that
line its path. The Mohawk Trail truly is a "highway of history." Stretching from the Massachusetts-
New York line to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River, is the actual 63 mile East-West highway.
Reminiscent of early American life, the Mohawk Trail provides the traveler of today with well over 100
attractions; country inns, gift shops and public and private camping areas nestled amid the seasonal
changing beauty of the Berkshire Hills and Connecticut Valley.
The Eastern States Exposition
The Big E – as it’s known - is billed as "New England's Great State fair". It is the largest agricultural
event on the eastern seaboard and the sixth-largest fair in the nation. The Big E is inclusive of all six
of the New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
Vermont. Each of the New England states is prominently represented at the fair. Located in The
Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the Big E is held every autumn in West Springfield,
Massachusetts. Open Sept. 18 – Oct. 4 It has EVERYTHING! 1305 Memorial Ave, West
Springfield, MA
17th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
There's something for everyone in the family at this scent-sational festival. Enjoy the bounty of
amazing, regional artists, farmers and organizations. Relax and Celebrate life with stellar music and
entertainment on two solar powered stages and throughout the rolling fields. Gain inspiration with
over sixty inspiring presentations and activities, plus exhibitor demos, fabulous kids art and nature
activities, and garlic games galore all weekend long. Travel the garlic globe with celebrated local
chefs demos, energize your life with incredible workshops in the renewable energy and healing arts
tents. Held at Forster's Farm located at 60 Chestnut Hill Road in Orange, Saturday, September 26
…10:00am - 05:00pm
Old Deerfield Craft Fair
Old Deerfield Craft Fairs are held on the front lawn of Memorial Hall Museum in June and September.
Each fair has 200+ craft exhibitors from 18+ states with colorful displays and crafts demonstrations.
Kemp-McCarthy Museum of the Rowe Historical Society
The Rowe Historical Society owns and operates the Kemp-McCarthy Museum. The museum has an
extensive collection of local artifacts and antiques. Highlights of the collection include antique quilts,
19th century dolls, period costumes, china and glassware, sleighs, furniture, photographs, cookware,
tools, farm implements and an original 19th century hearse. The Kemp-McCarthy Museum also has
many valuable photos and literature from the Davis Mine, the Hoosac Rail Tunnel, and the Yankee
Atomic Electric Company.
Arthur A. Smith Bridge
The original Arthur A. Smith Bridge was a single lane bridge built in 1868 which served as a main
crossover for the North River in the western portion of the town for 120 years. The bridge was named
for Civil War Union Army veteran Arthur A. Smith whose land was the site of that first bridge.
Replaced in 1951 by another wooden structure, it in turn was removed in 1991 to dry land by oxen
team in preparation for an extensive restoration. The 99 foot bridge was added to the National
Register of Historical Places in 1983. Fully restored in 2007 it is open for pedestrian traffic. From Rt. 2
on the east side of the Deerfield River, take Rt. 112 north to the section of Colrain known as
Lyonsville, turn left on Lyonsville Road and you will see the bridge.
Bissell Covered Bridge
Just a few hundred feet north on route 8A in the center of Charlemont is the newly rebuilt 92 foot
Bissell Covered Bridge, the third bridge on this site. The original bridge that crossed Mill Brook was
built about 1840 and was replaced in 1951. The current bridge, which reopened in May of 2009 after
two years of construction, replaces the old bridge which had been closed to vehicular traffic in 1995.
The site of the bridge was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 2004. It took several
years of discussion with the residents of Charlemont and state engineers before it was agreed to do a
restoration of the bridge rather than demolish it and erect a modern concrete and steel bridge. As a
compromise the new bridge has some special added support and guardrails, but to the casual
observer the new wooden covered bridge maintains the character of the two preceding bridges at this
location.
High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in the Town of Shelburne
The High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is owned and maintained by the Massachusetts Audubon
Society. It is arguably the most beautiful 586 acres in the Region and is accessible year round. On an
extensive trail system, High Ledges boasts a large inventory of native plants and wildflowers and is a
haven for naturalists, photographers, and everyone who appreciates scenic views and unspoiled
terrain. Among them, 20 species of Orchids and 30 species of ferns. Wildflowers many of them rare
are best viewed May through September. October features fantastic fall foliage views of the Village of
Shelburne Falls, the Deerfield River valley and Mt. Graylock. When winter snows carpet the
sanctuary you can navigate the trails on snowshoes. The sanctuary is open all year dawn to dusk.
Visitors are requested to comply with regulations such as: No pets on or off leash. Don't pick any
plants. For a complete list of these regulations plus directions contact the Massachusetts Audubon
Society: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. There is a small admission fee for non-members:
$3.00 for adults, $2.00 for children and seniors .
Explore Deerfield’s History
Deerfield was the northwestern most outpost of New England settlement for several decades during
the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It was the site of intertribal warfare and several Anglo-French
and Indian skirmishes during its early history. Visit the many museums in town too.
Mohawk Trail State Forest
A clear, cold river cascades through Mohawk Trail State Forest along a rocky streambed. One of the
most scenic wonderland areas in Massachusetts, the state forest offers visitors a taste of real
wilderness in a rustic setting. Over 6,000 acres of mountain ridges deep gorges and tall old-growth
trees support a diversity of plants and animal life. 56 wooded campsites are available seasonally,
and six overnight log cabins are available year-round. Discover miles of rivers and streams for
excellent trout fishing, a swimming area, and a day-use picnic area. The state forest is located along
and named for the Mohawk Trail a historic Native American foot path that connected the Connecticut
and Hudson River Valleys. Sections of this route are open for hiking today as the Mahican-Mohawk
Trail. The forest is open May through mid October from sunrise until sunset. A $5.00 fee per vehicle is
charged for parking.
Crab Apple Whitewater Inc.
Crab Apple Whitewater is New England's largest Whitewater outfitter. Established in 1983, the
original family still owns and operates all trips daily. Great service with a personal touch is their
family's guarantee for your adventure with Crab Apple. On the dam-controlled Deerfield River, Crab
Apple runs full day and half-day river trips from Mild to Wild. Raft trips are all guided by a great staff of
guides who love the river and look forward to showing their guests the majesty of a river trip's
scenery, wildlife and excitement. Self-guided, half-day trips in inflatable kayaks called "Funyaks" are
also very popular. Eight miles of river and small rapids at your own pace through the Berkshires is a
great way to spend an afternoon.
Natural Bridge State Park
Discover a geologic wonder at this 48 acres park. Examine the only naturally formed white marble
arch and man-made white marble dam in North America, and tour an abandoned marble quarry. The
"natural bridge" for which the park is named, according to geologists, is 550 million years old bedrock
marble, carved into an arch by the force of glacial melt water over 13,000 years ago; one of the best
places in New England to demonstrate the effects of glaciation. The bridge spans rushing Hudson
Brook as it twists and tumbles through a steep 60-foot deep gorge. This site was an active
commercial quarry from 1810 to 1947, producing coarse-grained white marble used in local buildings
and cemeteries. From 1950 to 1983 it was a privately owned and popular roadside tourist attraction
off the Mohawk Trail. Natural Bridge became a state park in 1985, to preserve its unique geologic
features. In the summer months, knowledgeable park interpreters are on hand to explain the natural
forces that created the bridge and its more recent human-related history. There is a ¼ mile walkway
above and through the chasm, and a 0.5 mile wooded walking trail. The park is open from Memorial
Day - Columbus Day 9am - 5pm. Parking fee is $2.00.
Poet's Seat Tower
From almost anywhere in Greenfield, look east for a view of the town's favorite landmark - Poet's
Seat Tower. From its lofty perch atop Rocky Mountain on the ridge that forms the eastern boundary
between Greenfield and the Connecticut River, the tower commands a near 360-degree view of the
lush Pioneer Valley. Poet's Seat Tower sits on a 190 million year old (early Jurassic period) 150-foot
thick basalt lava flow overlooking the Franklin County shire town of Greenfield and the Connecticut,
Deerfield, and Green River valleys.
The Basketball Hall of Fame
The NEW Bigger, Better, Bouncier Basketball Hall of Fame includes 40,000 square feet of interactive
exhibits, multi-media activities and basketball programs on three levels.
Susan B Anthony Birthplace Museum
Although Susan B. Anthony lived in Adams for only the first six years of her life, she was greatly
influenced by the beliefs and aspirations of her hometown Quaker community. Her great-grandfather
was a pioneer settler here and one of the founding members of the East Hoosac Meeting. Anthony
devoted the greater part of her life seeking justice as an abolitionist against slavery and as a
suffragette for the rights of woman to vote. Her inner light guided her through the darkness of this
world. The gift shop at the Birthplace Museum house many gift items, which are made by local
female artisans of the Berkshires. These unique gifts include handmade jewelry, pocket books, bibs
and potholders, quilts and much more; perfect for this holiday season. They also sell a large variety of
books for children and adults about the suffrage movement, as well as many other topics. 10:00 am -
4:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday and Monday, Sunday 11:30 am - 4:00 pm It is a "must See" when
visiting the Northern Berkshires. Admission: $6.00 Adult / $4.00 senior citizen $3.00 Student / Free
children 6 and under.
The Bridge of Flowers
The Bridge of Flowers is the only one of its kind in the world. Built in 1908 as a trolley bridge across
the Deerfield River, between the towns of Shelburne and Buckland, the 400-foot, five arch concrete
span was abandoned with the passing of the trolley line 1928. Antoinette and Walter Burnham's
vision of transforming the structure into a flower bridge became a reality in 1929. The project was
spearheaded by the Shelburne Falls Woman's Club and is still under their leadership through the
Bridge of Flower Committee. Over 500 varieties of annuals and perennials are planted and tended by
local volunteers who work with the head gardener and her assistant to ensure continuous blooming
throughout the season.
The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum
A fun time of trolley car rides, pump car rides and more for the entire family!
Visit the operating museum, located near the Historic Bridge of Flowers .
West End Pub
In Shelburne Falls, head outside, there's riverside dining overlooking the Bridge of Flowers.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park
The Heart of the park is the Visitors Center Museum. Several beautifully restored buildings that were
once used to store freight and commodities surround a cobblestone courtyard at this former railroad
yard. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This urban park uses
historical artifacts and exhibits to bring to life the controversial and danger-filled construction of the
Hoosac Tunnel, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. The tunnel was dug 4.75
miles through Hoosac Mountain, linking Massachusetts to Albany, NY. 200 men lost their lives
building the tunnel, which is still being used today. An audio-visual presentation takes visitors back in
time, where the sounds of dripping water, pickaxes against stone, explosion, and debates re-create
the hardship and heroism of the tunnel's construction. Programs and exhibits on history, science,
culture and environmental are offered regularly to the public. Visitors Center hours: Open 10am-5pm
day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days. Admission and parking is free.
Magic Wings
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens consists of a 14,400 square foot facility that includes
a 4,000 sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation. Walking into the
conservatory on a cool day is sheer joy. It is a peaceful sanctuary for all who enter.
Yankee Candle Flagship Store
Here at the Deerfield Village store is where you'll find 400,000 candles in over 200 different famous
Yankee scents. It's a unique, entertaining world of New England charm, fairy tale fantasies, and
hands-on, interactive candle making that's fun for every age The flagship store draws 3 million visitors
per year and is one of the largest tourist attractions in the state, second only to the Freedom Trail. It
offers visitors not only the greatest variety of Yankee Candle scents available, but also a unique
atmosphere with a variety of interactive exhibits and a Candle Making Museum. Open Daily 10-6
Avery & Sons General Store (1861)
If you can't find it at Avery & Son then you don't need it! This is an old school general store. You can
buy a great steak, some outdoor clothing, hardware, kitchen, camping, and home improvement
supplies all in this one store. This is a one of a kind place not to be missed on your Mohawk Trail
drive. Main Street, Charlemont
Hail To The Sunrise
A monument in Charlemont, Massachusetts. The monument features a prominent statue of a
Mohawk Indian and a reflecting pool. It is a major feature of Mohawk Park, a roadside park located
beside Massachusetts Route 2, the Mohawk Trail.
The bronze statue depicts a Native American man in traditional wardrobe looking eastward with his
arms extended. He faces the direction of the rising sun and is said to be greeting the Great Spirit. The
casting stands upon a large boulder. A tablet in the shape of an arrowhead at the base of the statue
reads: "Hail to the Sunrise - In Memory of the Mohawk Indian." The pool is lined with 100 inscribed
stones from various tribes and councils from throughout the United States.
The Emily Dickinson Homestead
The Dickinson Homestead, where Emily spent all but 15 years of her life, was mentioned frequently in
her intensely idiosyncratic and strikingly modern poetry. Devoted Dickinson readers visit the
Homestead and The Evergreens, the Italianate home built next door by Emily's brother Austin
Dickinson, to walk today where Emily walked and to see what Emily saw.
Plan Ahead
Tell Kevin, Glenn & Sharon that you are having such a great time at this 1st Annual Massachusetts
Chapter Rally that you just can’t wait to sign up for next year’s … and we already have a great
location in mind! More about that at the Rally.
And I want to thank Glenn and Sharon for all the detailed research on the area and the compliation of this list; I knew when we decided on the location that there was a lot to choose from ( can there be too much ) but even I was suprized with the list.
Looking forwared to Some Camping!
