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Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

From March to Memorial Day, the iconic towns, villages and cities in Western Massachusetts are brimming with vivid scenery, entertaining festivals, and culinary delights.

Although it might seem far away today, it won’t be too long before the weather warms up and the signs of spring reappear. As a quick guide to springtime in Western MA, here’s a closer look at 7 welcoming destinations and what they’ll be offering in the coming months.
1. Pittsfield
Ever witnessed a baby chick hatching? Videos never quite do it justice, so head to Pittsfield this spring to see the real thing! From April 12 to May 4, Hancock Shaker Village invites you to welcome a new batch of baby chicks, lambs and piglets at their annual Baby Animals On the Farm. RSVP here. You can explore more fun spring options in Pittsfield here.
Baby lambs

Photo: Last year’s baby lambs at Hancock Shaker Village via Facebook

2. Springfield
Every year on May 14, dedicated breakfast lovers flock to Springfield for The World’s Largest Pancake Festival, where they clamber into seats at the famous 2,500-foot-long table and celebrate the city’s founding in 1636. Past festivals have featured live entertainment, horse and carriage rides, and even appearances from celebrities Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. To take a peek at what goes on in Springfield when flapjacks don’t own the day, click here.
3. Great Barrington
If you’re a fan of film, Great Barrington will make for a top-notch destination as May turns into June. From May 29 to June 1, the Berkshires International Film Festival will roll into town, bringing along some of the silver screen’s best offerings. The 2014 lineup won’t be announced until April, but if previous years are any indication, there will be lots to enjoy. You can find information on festival passes here and a preview of the events here, as well as little bit more about the town itself here.
4. Shelburne Falls
Mosaic

Photo: American Indian Mohawk Trail Mosaic via MOTT

Shelburne Falls is famous for its Bridge of Flowers and the 10k Classic that takes place there, but did you know about the Shelburne Falls Cultural District Art Walk on May 4? Stop by for a village-wide celebration of art, music and creativity among the talented craftspeople that make this district such a special place. Contact the event staff for more information on the Art Walk and to learn more about what’s going on in Shelburne Falls during the spring, click here.
5. Lenox
If you and yours count writing as a passion, make for The Mount, the magnificent home of literary icon Edith Wharton. Starting on April 5, with What’s Your Story? Steps to Self-Publication for Young Authors, writers will learn key skills to self-publishing, including editing, copywriting and cover art design. Click here or get in touch with The Mount to learn more. You can also take a look at what else will be happening in Lenox during the spring here.
The Mount

Photo: The Mount during spring via Facebook

6. Greenfield
What better way to celebrate spring’s arrival than with an uplifting Gospel performance at the welcoming Greenfield Second Church? On March 30, the Second Congregational Church is hosting Expect a Miracle, a spring Gospel concert featuring renowned vocalist Moonlight Davis and R&B saxophonist Charles Neville. In addition to Gospel, audiences can also expect an impressive assortment of jazz, R&B and Jewish soul to ring in the warm weather. To lengthen your stay, here’s a list of available accommodations in Greenfield.
7. Amherst
Here’s a thinker: what would spring look like in pre-historic Australia? Join fellow dinosaur enthusiasts and find out firsthand at Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live on April 13 in Amherst! This performance of paleontological puppetry will take you on a guided tour through the ancient Australian landscape, with plenty of appearances from lifelike dinosaur reproductions. It’s bound to be a good time for those who are young and young at heart, as well as anyone with affection for productions. To stay the night in Amherst, here’s a list of comfy inns and B&Bs close to the exhibit.

Dinosaur Petting Zoo, ERTH, Carriageworks

Photo: Past Dinosaur Zoo show via MOTT

To see what else is happening around the Berkshires during the spring, click here. For a peek at what the Pioneer Valley will offer, click here.
What’s one Massachusetts event you look forward to each spring? Let us know in the comments!

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