June 2010 Newsletter: 9 Fun Things to do in Western Mass This Summer
9 things to do in western MA this summer
It’s a fact. Summer is awesome in western Massachusetts. Here are some top picks for getting the most out of summer, from eating, to music, to outdoor adventure.
#1 The Northfield Drive-In
One of the country’s last remaining Drive-ins is right in our back yard! If you’ve never been to the Northfield Drive-in, you are seriously missing out. Every weekend there’s a double feature (this weekend it’s Marmaduke and Robin Hood) beginning at 8:35. Sit in your car or bring lawn chairs or blankets (and bug spray!) and sit on the lawn, tune your car radio to the right frequency and enjoy the show! The snack bar has everything from pop corn to burger and ice cream.
http://www.northfielddrivein.com/
#2 Fireworks!
July 4th weekend lights up every year with many local cities and towns putting on fireworks displays, parades, concerts and more. Amherst’s Independence Day Celebration will take place on Sunday, July 4 and includes old fashioned field races, Atkins Farms’ Pie Eating Contest, the Amherst Community Band and at 9:30, the big show!
http://www.amherstma.gov/index.aspx?NID=368
#3 Farmer’s Markets
There is no better time to eat in western Mass than in the summer – it’s strawberry season as we speak so get out and pick your own (http://www.pickyourown.org/massveg.htm) , or visit your local farmer’s market and support our local farms. You’ll find everything from a rainbow of veggies, to fresh dairy products, meats, soaps, herbs and more. For a list of all area farmers markets, check out CISA’s website directory.
http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets.php?zip=01002
#4 Green River Festival
Two days of music, delicious local food, crafts from a range of artisans, a dance tent, a wide array of kids’ activities, balloon illumuninations and hot air balloon launches… right here in western Mass! While it’s not quite SXSW, or Bonaroo, the Green River Festival is a local favorite, plus, we have hot air balloons. I don’t think those hipsters in Austin have hot air balloons. This year’s line-up includes Cake, The Felice Brothers, Low Anthem, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Sweetback Sisters, Rubble Bucket Orchestra and more! July 17 and 18 at Greenfield Community College.
http://www.greenriverfestival.com/
#5 The Norwottuck Bike Trail
Bike, walk, run, rollerblade, heck, roller SKATE the bike path! With a new connector recently opened in Northampton, you can ride for miles from Look Park all the way out to Amherst! So get out there and enjoy some outdoor time !
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/nwrt.htm
#6 Wilco Solid Sound Festival August 13 – 15, 2010, Mass MoCA
This three-day event of music, art, comedy, film and interactivity created and headlined by Wilco is shaping up to be an impressive extravaganza with an art-y vibe. Music includes Sub Pop’s Avi Buffalo and Vetiver, guitarist Sir Richard Bishop, Bennington, Vermont, trio Mountain Man, Portland, Maine, indie-rockers Brenda and more. PLUS… festival attendees have full access to the entire Mass MoCA campus, including the galleries. On view during the festival: Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing Retrospective, Inigo Manglano Ovalle’s Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned with, a major exhibition of work by Petah Coyne, Material World: Sculpture to Environment, Leonard Nimoy’s Secret Selves and a new installation by Michael Oatman.
http://www.massmoca.org/event_details.php?id=553
# 7 Zoar Outdoor
If art is not your thing, you may prefer to zip through the forest strapped to a harness a la Tarzan at Zoar Outdoor. Zoar offers a “choose your own adventure” experience right up the Mohawk Trail in Charlemont. From high-adventure Class IV white water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, to the aforementioned zip line canopy tours, there’s no better place for those adrenaline junkies out there.
#8 Tanglewood
Grab a picnic (candelabras encouraged!) and head up to Lenox for an afternoon of classical music on the lawn at Tanglewood. Sunday concerts begin on July 11 with a Mozart and Strauss concert featuring violinist Pinchas Zukerman. Don’t miss cellist Yo Yo Ma on August 1.
http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5240070
And one more for good measure… With the Celtics going almost all the way, you might take the opportunity to show some team spirit and make a visit to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – measure your wingspan against the greats, check out the recently opened Michael Jordan exhibit, and remember, when it gets sticky out there - the place is air-conditioned!
