New England’s great state fair, the Big E, is held each September in West Springfield and is the 5th largest fair in the nation. The Big E has all your standard fair rides and games and features the Avenue of States, life size replicas of all six New England state houses. Inside each state house, you will find vendors selling local food and crafts (Ex: Lobster from Maine, Maple Syrup from Vermont). o If you drive to the Big E, please be mindful of the traffic! Big E weekends are notoriously some of the worst weekends for traffic in Western Mass. o If you are driving, cross the Connecticut River and take Route 147 West less than a mile towards Gate 9. o You may want to consider parking in one of the lots on Route 147. This is a longer walk to the fair (and then a lot of walking at the fair), but it may save you from being stuck in traffic when you are trying to leave.
Northampton, Easthampton, Amherst, and South Hadley are all beautiful, funky, fun towns to visit while staying in Western Mass.
Our favorite easy hike is around the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke or Goat Rock in Hampden. If you are feeling more adventurous and up for a drive, take the 40–60-minute drive out to the Berkshires.
Gorgeous 700-acre park with mile of walking trails and beautiful views. The park is the location of the Welcome Dinner but is a great place to explore deeper.
Dr. Suess grew up near Forest Park and his books drew inspiration from his childhood here in Springfield. The Dr. Suess Museum and Sculpture Garden is located just down the road from your hotel.
A fascinating museum displaying Springfield’s role in each American war from the Revolution through Vietnam.