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THE PIONEER VALLEY
MORE TO EXPLORE
The Valley stretches along the banks of the Connecticut River and encompasses Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties in Western Massachusetts. There are a wealth of attractions, some great dining, wonderful recreation opportunities and a variety of shopping venues.
Check out the Baketball Hall of Fame, the Volleyball Hall of Fame, the Museums at the Quadrangle in Springfield or the Springfield Armory.
Participation is a key part of any visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Located off Interstate 91 in Springfield, the Museum is just 25 miles from Hartford, 90 miles from Boston and Albany and a 150 miles from New York City. At the Hall of Fame adults, as well as young folks, can take turns shooting baskets, compare their jumping ability, watch classic basketball movies and take a magical journey through displays devoted to the 200+ individuals enshrined in the museum.
How about a trip to the area's premier amusement park? For great fun and adventure check out Six Flags New England
Emily Dickinson Museum: The Homestead & The Evergreens
280 Main Street, Amherst 01002
Explore the world of Emily Dickinson at her family homes in Amherst. Discover the roots of her enduring legacy as one of America's pre-eminent poets.
Guided tours and seasonal programs. March to December, Call for hours.
413-542-8161 http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org
National Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West Street, Route 116,Amherst 01002
World's only museum devoted exclusively to modern Yiddish culture and literature. Sunday performances, films, lectures, and concerts; exhibits, galleries, English-language bookstore; Yiddish book collection.
Free Admission. Sunday-Friday. 413-256-4900
http://www.yiddishbookcenter.org
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art,125 West Bay Rd, Amherst, MA 01002
Founded in part by Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art, conceived and built with the aim of celebrating the art that we are first exposed to as children. The Museum features three Galleries dedicated to rotating exhibitions of picture book art, a hands-on Art Studio, an Auditorium for performances and lectures, a comfortable Library for reading and storytelling, a Café serving simple and delicious fare, and a Museum Shop stocked with creative gifts and old and new picture book favorites.
Phone: 413- 658-1100, Email: info@picturebookart.org
http://www.picturebookart.org/
Historic Deerfield, The Street, Deerfield 01342
Fourteen 18th- and 19th-century houses and Flynt Center feature objects made or used in America from 1650 to 1850.
Exhibitions, walking tours, workshops, antiques forums, meadow walk. Group tours welcome. Open daily. 413-775-7214.
http://www.historic-deerfield.org
The Candlemaking Museum at Yankee Candle Flagship Store,
Routes 5 & 10, South Deerfield 01373
Watch authentically dressed chandlers bring history to life using early 19th-century processes and materials to hand craft beeswax and real bayberry wax candles.
Open daily, 9:30am-6:00pm. Free admission. Exit 24 off I-91. 413-665-2929 or toll free at 877-636-7707
http://www.yankeecandle.com
Dr. Spooky's Animal Museum, 220 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield 01373
A museum like no other in the country! Walk through a mysterious landscape filled with animal facts and live exhibits. Enter the caves in the castle's atrium and come face-to-face with dinosaurs! An educational experience for all ages!
http://www.drspookys.com
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens, 281 Greenfield Road, Routes 5 & 10, South Deerfield 01373
Open year 'round, 7 days a week. Indoor conservatory filled with live butterflies from all over the world.
Educational programs, exhibits and displays, food court, gift and garden shops, function rooms. 413-665-2805
http://www.MagicWings.com