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Western Massachsetts: History, nature, and culture serenely coincide in the wide-open spaces of the western part of the state.

Greater Springfield

Relive the history of basketball at the Basketball Hall of Fame, where three levels of exhibits and fun celebrate inventor Dr. James Naismith and his game. Lose your breath at Six Flags New England, the largest theme amusement park in the area. Or visit museums that pay tribute to the legends behind children's books - the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden. Stroll along Main Street in Northampton, a laid-back college town with a vibrant arts community and an eclectic selection of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. Science, history, art, and the starry sky are all on view at the Quadrangle Museums, located adjacent to each other and making it easy to enjoy all four in a day.

Franklin County

Hike the 25 miles of trails in the Northfield Mountain Recreation Area or, by whitewater, raft the Deerfield River. Later, unwind with a stroll through 330-year-old Historic Deerfield or a visit to Poets' Seat Tower in Greenfield for spectacular nature trails and views. Get up close to nature at the butterfly pavilion at Magic Wings. Enjoy an afternoon at the flagship Yankee Candle store, where the fudge is homemade and the candles are hand-dipped…by you!

The Berkshires

Meander through the grounds - and see the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell illustrations - at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. Witness the artist's studio, complete with his illustrations, tools, and notes. See the avant garde at MASS MoCA, which houses the largest contemporary arts center in the country. Let nature embellish the sounds of Tanglewood in Lenox, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To get your fill of dance, the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket - the oldest such in the country -showcases modern, ballet, and jazz dancing in a charming New England setting. It's all drama all summer long at the Berskshire and Williamstown Theater Festivals, where actors of renown return every year.

For more exploration, the 11.5-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail runs through the Hoosic River Valley, providing picture-perfect views of Mt. Greylock. Hancock Shaker Village fascinatingly recreates a Shaker community, replete with buildings, furniture simple furnishings. Beauty knows no bounds at the Mount Estate & Gardens in Lenox, the house and classical gardens designed by author Edith Wharton.

Mohawk Trail

Now State Route 2, the Mohawk Trail was the first scenic automobile route in America. Its 63 miles of quaint specialty shops and attractions still make it quite a destination. See the Hail to the Sunrise Monument, which commemorates the origins of the trail, or cross the Bridge of Flowers, a flower-covered old trolley bridge, on your way to the trail's highest point, Whitcomb Summit.

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