As the temperatures, hopefully, start to warm up in March and the snow melts, the Valley and its surrounding areas offer a range of opportunities for getting outside again. Of course, anyone who has lived here for some time knows that it’s also a good idea to have some backup plans for that late winter snowstorm. Here are some favorite springtime day trips.
Look Park
With a steamer train, wildlife center, walking path, sweet shop and multiple playgrounds, Look Park is a great option for getting out some of that early spring energy. The park also has lots of open space to explore and for the kids to run around.
www.LookPark.org
Norwottuck Rail Trail
Ride the 11-mile paved trail along the former Boston & Maine Railroad, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Level paths allow you to enjoy the trail no matter your abilities. The trail is also open to walking and rollerblading.
www.mass.gov/locations/norwottuck-rail-trail
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Held on St. Patrick’s Day this year, the parade is worth the drive down I-91. Featuring divisions from both Easthampton and Northampton with marchers, floats and bands, the parade weaves a nearly three-mile route through downtown Holyoke and takes about three hours to complete.
www.HolyokeStPatricksParade.com
MassAudubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanning Easthampton and Northampton, Arcadia's diverse terrain (forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh, and wetlands) attracts an extraordinary variety of wildlife and wildflowers. With many trails to explore, the sanctuary offers a respite from busy lives.
www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/arcadia
Manhan Rail Trail
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, Easthampton’s Manhan Rail Trail offers unique transportation and recreational opportunities to people of all ages and interests. With a total length of 6 miles, the trail connects to the Northampton system of trails in that city.
www.ManhanRailTrail.org
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
As much of the country enjoys college basketball’s “March Madness,” take a trip to the hall to learn about the sport of basketball. Located in Springfield, it is dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level and is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history.
www.HoopHall.com
Enjoy breakfast with fresh maple syrup
Early spring is prime maple-sugaring season. Stop by one of the local sugar shacks for a delicious breakfast with locally sourced and fresh maple syrup. Steve’s Sugar Shack in Westhampton will host a benefit for the Westhampton Fire Department on Apr. 13. North Hadley Sugar Shack will be boiling on most days, depending on the weather.
www.StevesSugarShack.com
www.NorthHadleySugarShack.com
The Montague Book Mill
Not a basketball fan? Get lost in “books you don’t need in a place you can’t find” at the Montague Book Mill. This used bookstore housed in an 1842 gristmill is also home to a unique cafe, a gourmet restaurant, a record store and an artists’ collective.
https://maq.ujw.mybluehost.me/
