Celebrating Autumn - Five Classic Fall Activities to Enjoy in Western MA

Celebrating Fall in Western MA

Without a doubt, fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the fall foods. I love the changing leaves.  I love the clean crisp air!   And of course, there are a few essential fall activities every New Englander must enjoy during the Autumn season.  I decided to focus on what I consider the five fall classics – apple picking, pumpkins, fairs, foliage and cider donuts.

Apple Picking

                A day at the apple orchard is definitely a fall essential.  This is one of our most abundant regional fruits, and it is so fun to try the fresh varieties.  Check out this list of local pick-your-own orchards.  My personal favorite is Cold Spring Orchard in Belchertown.  It is run by the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture, and I love that I can support the school and ag education while also getting some great apples. Be sure to call or check their website before heading over to PYO, some days only the farm store is open.  Because of their affiliation with the Stockbridge School they often have different/unique varieties compared to local orchards and great prices.  They were the first place I ever tried a honeycrisp!  

Atkins Cider Donuts

                I know that you can get cider donuts when you are out apple picking.  But this is fall in Western MA, and they are Atkins cider donuts.  They’re more or less synonymous.  Seriously, just head to Amherst and buy some cider donuts, you’ll thank me later!

Pumpkins

                If you didn’t get enough down of the farm fun while you were out apple picking, that’s okay because it’s time to head to the pumpkin patch.  Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes but if you plan to turn yours into a Jack-O-Lantern be sure not to buy it to early!  A Cookie Before Dinner has a great round-up of local pumpkin patches throughout Western MA.

Fall Fairs

                While our urban core is growing, Western MA remains a largely agricultural area, and we have the fall fairs to show for it!!   Blandford, Cummington, Littleville, Tri-County, Franklin County and of course the BigE!  While fair season started way back in August, you’re not too late for some old-fashioned fun at the fair.  The Big E runs until October 2^nd and the 159th annual Belchertown Fair is being held on the town common September 23 – 25.  Belchertown boasts free admission livestock and craft competitions plus delicious food and bake sales hosted by all the local churches!  

Bonus: Here are some tips for saving money at the Big E before you head to West Springfield. 

Foliage

                Sometimes a great autumn day involves nothing more than a tank of gas and a drive down a country road to enjoy the scenery.  Some great spots for checking out our changing leaves include the Mohawk Trail, Route 44, or the Quabbin Reservoir.  If you want to enjoy your view from a little higher up, check out the observation towers at Mt. Sugarloaf in Deerfield, Mt. Tom in Holyoke, Skinner State Park in Hadley or Mt. Greylock.   Many of the observation decks can be driven to, otherwise pack a picnic and enjoy a nice hike through the changing leaves.