Traditionally, when a child takes off for college you expect him or her to return home during breaks to spend the holidays with family and friends. That’s not the case with my former colleague. I ran into Dan and his wife this afternoon at the grocery store and learned that they will be flying east in a couple of days to meet up with their daughter at her school. (Hence, the missing turkey in their shopping cart.)
Dan, his wife, and two sons are heading to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley for Thanksgiving. The scenic section of New England is located about 90 minutes west of Boston and three hours northeast of New York. It offers a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the nearby metropolitan areas. It is also home to the Five Colleges—-Amherst College, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and the University of Massachusetts.
While the schools are the area’s main attractions, they aren’t the only reason people stay. The region offers several other noteworthy attractions. Take a look:
Connecticut River Greenway State Park. It’s considered one of Massachusetts’ premiere outdoor recreation areas. The park features historic sites, large open spaces, and access to more than 12 miles of protected shoreline along the Connecticut River where you can canoe, fish, or have an afternoon picnic.
Norwottuck Rail Trail. The 10-mile trail is located in the Connecticut River Greenway State Park and is the perfect spot to take a family bike ride or walk. The trail is popular so watch out for fellow skaters, runners, and cross country-skiers.
Atkins Farms. During the fall this is the place to be to get fresh donuts, cider, pies, and fresh produce. It is located on Route 116 near Hampshire College.
Holyoke Range. The 7-mile ridge stretches from Hadley to Belchertown with trails for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Emily Dickinson Museum. Once you arrive in Amherst it won’t take long for you to figure out that the famous poet Emily Dickinson was born in the area. There are several places in the region that pay tribute to the famous native, including the Homestead–Dickinson’s birthplace. There’s also the Emily Dickinson museum, which opened in 2003 as part of Amherst College. It includes the Evergreens–home to Dickinson’s brother.
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