Western Massachusetts: Summer Guide

Visit Western Massachusetts this summer if you want to be near the beach, near the mountains, have access to one of the largest theme parks in the country, visit beautiful museums, and experience kid-friendly fun when you visit Western Massachusetts this summer.

All this in Western Massachusetts? Yes!

1. Near the beach. The western part of the state is roughly the third of the state that borders New York, Vermont, and Connecticut. Drive 2 hours south of Springfield, Massachusetts, and you're on the Connecticut beach! Drive to Lake Wyola in Shutesbury, Massachusetts (30 minutes north of Springfield), and you're at a beautiful, natural lake in the mountains with a sand beach, and only a $5 parking fee, with no admission fees.

2. Near the mountains. One hour north of Springfield (the fifth largest city in New England) and your visit to Western Massachusetts places you in the Green Mountains of Vermont, which roll between the two states. your visit would not be complete without a hike in one of the many state parks in northwestern Massachusetts; towns like Adams, North Adams, Heath are all great locations to visit in Western Massachusetts this summer as well.

3. One of the largest theme parks. Agawam, holds Six Flags New England, with all the regular rides you normally visit at theme parks, and a huge outdoor water park that is perfect for summer splashing and fun.

4. Visit beautiful museums. There are the standard, major museums for your visit in Western Massachusetts, like the Springfield Quadrangle or the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, but consider two lesser-known, FREE museums: Mount Holyoke College's Art Museum and Amherst College's Pratt Museum of Natural History. The Mount Holyoke museum has an Egyptology exhibit through July 22, 2007, but even if you can't make it in time, the museums regular collection is worth viewing. The Pratt Museum at amherst College is the home of the world's largest dinosaur tracks--a sure hit with kids. Both museums are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and both are completely free.

5. Kid-friendly fun. Franklin Look Park in Northampton costs $4-5 per car to enter; the park contains a splash and spray water park (free!), playgrounds and hiking trails, covered pavillions and open picnic tables, and a 1 mile train for adults and kids ($2 for adults, $1.50 for children). The park has restrooms and changing rooms on site, a snack bar, and paddle boats for rent. Don't miss this great, inexpensive, family-friendly opportunity to get the kids outstide and have fun.

You can learn more about these specific opportunities by using internet search engines to plan your visit to Western Massachusetts this summer. Keep in mind that most larger cities and towns have standard hotels and motels, but in the smaller towns and rural areas, a Bed and Breakfast or an Inn will be a better lodging choice for your trip this summer.