Things To Do
Mount Tom State Reservation
Right in Holyoke (5–10 min) 🌄 Mount Tom State Reservation *Why go: Panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley, fall foliage, and hiking trails. *Activities: Short hikes, scenic overlooks, bird watching (especially hawks). *Drive time: ~5 min from the Log Cabin.
Ashley Reservoir
*Why go: Peaceful 4.5-mile walking path around a reservoir — flat and relaxing. *Great for: Morning strolls, runners, and nature lovers. *Drive time: ~5–8 min
Northampton
Northampton is where our love blossomed. This is where our first apartment was together, and we lived here for two years! (*this special, small city is still my current workplace*) *Why go: A walkable downtown with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and Smith College’s beautiful campus. *Highlights: --Smith College Botanic Garden --Historic Main Street shopping --Thornes Marketplace --Great cafes like Woodstar, and ice cream at Herrell’s --Various, fantastic cuisine, and breweries (Progression is our favorite!)
Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame & Museums
*Why go: Springfield has a cluster of 5 museums (Dr.Seuss, science, art, history...) *Basketball Hall of Fame: Fun and interactive stop, even for casual fans.
Easthampton
Downtown Easthampton is a great option for guests looking for a mix of local culture, food, and walkability in a small-town setting. *Drive Time: ~10–15 minutes *Route: The most direct way is usually via Route 141 (Mountain Road) over the Mount Tom Range, which is a scenic and fairly quick drive. *Highlights: 🛍️ Cottage Street Cultural District: Independent shops, galleries, and cafes. Many walkable areas to explore, visit. 🍺 Breweries: Abandoned Building Brewery New City Brewery (known for its ginger beer) Fort Hill Brewery (slightly outside downtown) 🍕 Local Eateries: Galaxy, Daily Operation, Tavern on the Hill, Calico... 🌿 Nashawannuck Pond: Right off Cottage Street, with benches and nice views
