October is my favorite month and a fabulous time to enjoy the beauty of Western Massachusetts!
When I am not busy showing houses, getting houses on the market and doing all things Western MA real estate, I love to get outside and enjoy October in Western Massachusetts.
With that in mind today’s TOP TEN TUESDAY list is the Top Ten Things to do in Western Massachusetts in October:
#1- Pumpkin patch picking. Western MA is rich with farms and agriculture and it seems there is a pumpkin patch around every corner this time of year. Put on your boots and jeans and head to your favorite farm to wander the field and find the perfect pumpkin.
#2- Take a bike ride. Western MA is home to several awesome rail trails which make for a wonderful time biking, walking or roller blading. Here in Westfield we have a gorgeous rail trail, the Columbia Greenway.
#3- Corn Mazes. There are a lot of great corn mazes in Western MA this time of year. Some are pretty straightforward while others create an entire theme with scavenger hunts included. My family and I make an annual trip to Mikes Maze in Sunderland, MA. This year’s theme is “The Dali-rama”.
#4- Seasonal goodies. Western MA is also home to a lot of great local bakeries. This time of year you can enjoy pumpkin and apple goodies in every shape and form. Delicious pies, muffins, cakes, soups, cider, flavored coffees… you name it! Don’t blame me if you put on weight!
#5- Apple picking. Another favorite family adventure is apple picking. There are a lot of great places to visit, but my favorite apple farms are in Granville, MA. Nothing beats a crisp apple fresh off the tree!
#6- Leaf peeping. Just a ride down your town’s main street will give you some beautiful autumn foliage, but if you are in the mood for a leaf peeping foliage drive, there are some amazing fall foliage rides in Western MA. If you can’t get out you can take a virtual foliage tour with MassVacation.
#7- Granville Harvest Fair. This is the quintessential small town harvest fair. Craft show, food vendors, building tours….all set in the bucolic Village of Granville, MA. Held Columbus Day Weekend.
#8- Hiking. October is my favorite time to hike. The crisp fall air invites exercise and the foliage views reward the work. My family and I especially love hiking at Mt. Tom in Holyoke, Noble View in Russell and Sugarloaf in South Deerfield. This list of ten great hikes in Western MA was published for the summer, but would be even better in the fall!
These next two are definitely more for the kids in your house, not my favorites, but I know the kids in the area love these!
#9- Fright Fest at Six Flags New England. Turning Halloween into a season instead of just a day.
#10- Hayrides and Haunted hayrides. I enjoy the former, not so much the latter, but the kids flock to these haunted hayrides. There are many in the area to enjoy.
I hope this list of Top Ten things to do in Western Massachusetts in October has inspired you to get outside and enjoy the beauty of this great area!
If you happen to drive by your dream home on a foliage ride or decide you need to buy a farm to raise pumpkins, be sure to think of me:
Lesley Lambert, WESTERN MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty.
