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Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

If you’re looking for something different this summer, head west!
During the past couple of weeks, we’ve been spotlighting some of the best areas around the Bay State for a summer getaways, day trips, and adventurous experiences. Today, we’ll continue just that in providing some more advice on which spots and excursions will make your trip memorable for years to come.
The Greater Springfield area is known for its rich historical traditions and dazzling scenery. The towns of Springfield, Westfield, Holland, Sturbridge, and Brimfield offer quaint antique shops, world-class art galleries, sumptuous cuisine, and countless outdoor pursuits, all set against a beautiful pastoral backdrop.
Where can I rest my head?
Springfield Marriott, 2 Boland Way, Springfield, MA 01115: Ideal for Massachusetts family vacations, business trips, and leisure travel, the Springfield Marriott is conveniently located near the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, the Dr. Seuss Memorial, the MassMutual Center, and other area attractions. The Springfield Marriott also offers several dining options, including the eclectic Currents Restaurant and Champions Sports Bar. To book a room, click here or call 413-781-7111.
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 01144: This summer, experience the newly renovated Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. As Springfield’s largest hotel, they’re conveniently located in the heart of the city, just minutes away from the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, and Eastern States Exposition. To book a room, click here or call 413-781-1010.
Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105: Located on the grounds of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Hilton Garden Inn is just minutes from downtown Springfield and other major local attractions. The hotel is attached to a Chicago UNO Grill, along with five other award-winning restaurants. To book a room, click here or call 413-886-8000.
Publick House Historic Inn, 277 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566: Located right off Route 131, the Publick House Historic Inn beckons with cozy beds, homemade food, and gorgeous scenery. This historical lodging also has two restaurants to serve the patrons that fill its 92 guest rooms and six private suites. Oh, and the complimentary coffee and pastries that accompany all accommodations don’t hurt, either. To book a room, send an email or call 508-347-3313.
Heritage Hill Bed and Breakfast, 110 East Brimfield Road, Holland, MA 01521: Heritage Hill Bed and Breakfast was a farmhouse during the 1800s, but since then, it’s been updated to serve its inhabitants more comfortably. The property is set on 26 idyllic acres, replete with flower gardens and a trout-abundant river. Heritage Hill is also located less than five miles from Old Sturbridge Village and the Brimfield Antique Show. For reservations, send an email or call 413-245-4141.
Nathan Goodale House Bed and Breakfast, 11 Warren Road, Brimfield, MA 01010: Built in the Victorian Italianate style during the 1850s, the Nathan Goodale House opened as a bed and breakfast in 2001. Visitors will be treated to its tall windows, which provide a great view of the surrounding area, and its attractive pine-board floors. Wireless Internet is available. To book a room, send an email or call 413-245-9228.
What if I’d like to sleep outdoors?
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, 30 River Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park can accommodate you with cabins, space for your RV, or a place to camp outside. The campground boasts a pool, a hot tub, and a waterslide in the Aqua Center. Nightly entertainment and daily activities will keep you busy and happy at Yogi’s, which also hosts a petting zoo and live musical performances. For reservations, click here or call 508-347-9570.
Partridge Hollow Camping Area, 72 Sutcliffe Road, Monson, MA 01057: Partridge Hollow is located right in the midst of the Brimfield State Forest, ensuring that its campers get to see some of Massachusetts’ most pristine scenery. The campground offers a swimming pool, a playground, an arcade, various sports, and all of today’s modern amenities. To ask about booking, send an email or call 413-267-5122.
Village Green Family Campground, 228 Sturbridge Road, Brimfield, MA 01010: After a recent redecoration by Mother Nature, Village Green is back on the upswing. This campground sits smack dab in the middle of the Pioneer Valley, providing convenient access to the Brimfield Antique Show, historic Sturbridge Village, and other local attractions. Village Green features sports, contests, modern bathrooms, and a country store. To make reservations, send an email or call 413-245-3504.
What can I do around there?
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , 1000 West Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105: At the Basketball Hall of Fame, all levels of the game are represented under one roof. The entire game of basketball comes together in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball. From Dr. James Naismith’s invention of basketball in 1891 to the modern game, the mission at the Basketball Hall of Fame is to provide the finest experience possible. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to nearly three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. For a glance at the Hall of Fames upcoming events, click here.
Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103: Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums is comprised of five world-class museums; the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts., the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and the Museum of Springfield History. The Museums Association is proud to be home to the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, a series of full–scale bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss’s whimsical creations, honoring the birthplace of Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. For a glance at all that there is to offer, click here.
Hyland Orchard and Brewery, 199 Arnold Road, Sturbridge, MA 01518: Hyland Orchard and Brewery offers fun for the entire family through its various activities. Apple picking, wagon rides, live music, beer, and wine tasting are just a few of the activities that will ensure a good time for all visitors. To check the schedule for upcoming special events at Hyland, click here or call 774-200-1909.
Amelia Park Children’s Museum, 29 South Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085: Amelia Park Children’s Museum opened its doors in 1997 and has been a forum for fun and education ever since. The museum houses a broad range of creative exhibits and hands-on activities that teach children about their communities and the world around them. The museum also hosts birthday parties and special events, so make sure to check the calendar before you visit. For details, call 413-572-4014.
Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA 01566: Old Sturbridge Village is one of America’s oldest and largest living history museums, recreating English life from 1790 to 1840. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities, including viewing historians in costume, examining antiques, meeting animals, and building hand-made crafts. Old Sturbridge Village is known all throughout New England as a cultural attraction and is not a site that any traveler should miss. Hours do vary by season, while special events come and go, so call 508-347-3362 before you visit.
What about food?
Dark Horse Tavern, 12 Crane Street, Southbridge, MA 01550: If you’re looking for some spirits and quality bar food, Dark Horse Tavern is the right place. The menu features nachos, burgers, wings, and other great appetizers. For those less inclined towards that sort of cuisine, Dark Horse also makes soups, salads, and light sandwiches. Along with good eats, the tavern, of course, has signature beers on tap and a wide array of beverages.
Steaming Tender Restaurant, 28 Depot Street, Palmer, MA 01069: The Steaming Tender is a unique eatery. Situated in a 19th-century train station, this restaurant is famous for its Wednesday lunch and dinner buffets, as well as its breakfast buffets on Saturday and Sunday. The menu has it all, from salad to seafood and everywhere in between. For a memorable dining experience in a special atmosphere, be sure to check out Steaming Tender.
OxHead Tavern, 336 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566: This one-time Congregational Church has changed quite a bit since its construction in 1820. Nowadays, the folks at OxHead Tavern serve up meals rather than sermons, much to the delight of their patrons. This family-style restaurant has everything from Massachusetts scrod to thick steaks, with seasonal outside dining and weekend entertainment to boot.
Where should I go to shop?
Mole Hollow Candles, 208 Charlton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566: Mole Hollow’s specialty is hand-dipped and hand-poured candles. With vibrant colors, lovely fragrances and soft glows, Mole Hollow candles make a nice addition to the ambiance of any room.
Sturbridge Pottery, 99 New Boston Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566: Gary and Ann Malone have been making hand-thrown pottery since 1976, all of which is lead-free, microwavable, and dishwasher safe. Sturbridge Pottery is a great place to stop and pick up a mug, lamp, or salsa set.
For more on going out west this summer, just click here. Enjoy your trip!
Part of the ongoing “Head West” series. To see previous Head West posts, click the “Head West” tag at the bottom of the post and start browsing.

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