By: Natalia Voloshchak
As fall arrives and the trees become vibrant with color every year I get excited to pull out my collection of cozy sweaters and cuddle up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, a burning candle, and a good movie. As much as I love those relaxing days indoors, fall is also the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything this season has to offer. Living off campus this semester in Sunderland, Massachusetts I have had fun exploring the area and all the wonderful things that it has to offer. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a cozy day indoors, or a scenic spot to take in autumn's beauty, there’s so much to be discovered here in Western Mass. So grab your favorite sweater and let's dive into some of the best local spots for this fall season!
Mike's Maze – Sunderland, Massachusetts
The perfect place to free your inner child, Mike's Maze is an award-winning corn maze located in the heart of Sunderland, Massachusetts. Each year, the elaborate maze is designed to reflect a new theme, this year’s being “Join the Circus”. As you navigate the maze you are met with interactive games and fun circus trivia. When you're done with the maze there is plenty more to enjoy including playgrounds, petting zoos, potato cannons, and my personal favorite the jump pad. After a day of adventure, you can have a snack at the Corn Cafe, where you can enjoy everything from hotdogs and hamburgers to donuts and kettle corn.
Yankee Candle Village – South Deerfield, Massachusetts
What screams fall more than lighting up a cozy candle? The very first Yankee Candle store is located right here in Western Massachusetts. The Yankee Candle Village goes beyond just a candle shop. I have visited twice this fall and still have yet to explore all that it has to offer. With stunning displays for holidays like Halloween and Christmas and walls lined with candles, you can spend hours discovering a variety of delightful scents. Plus, you can even create your own custom candle!
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation – Deerfield, Massachusetts
My favorite off-campus spot to go for a walk and take in the beauty of nature and the fall foliage is Mount Sugarloaf. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike up the mountain along its many hiking trails and discover some hidden viewpoints along the way. For a more relaxed experience, you can also drive to the summit to enjoy breathtaking views and see all the fall foliage from above! At the top of the mountain, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area including stunning views of the Connecticut River valley and you can even spot UMass Amherst! The top of the mountain also has a wonderful picnic area, making it the perfect spot for a fall picnic.
Explore some of the 5 Colleges!
One of the great perks of being a UMass student is access to the Five College Consortium, which allows access to a broader range of facilities and academic resources. The Consortium includes Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, Mt Holyoke, and of course, UMass Amherst. I love exploring other campuses and seeing what each has to offer. So far, I have gotten the chance to visit Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Amherst, all of which have stunning campuses, great facilities, and beautiful libraries. Take some time to explore these colleges, and their surrounding towns as well!
Demented FX Haunted House – Holyoke, Massachusetts
Amid October, Halloween is a holiday that I always look forward to. If you’re like me and enjoy the spooky season and horror movies, you won’t want to miss the Demented FX Haunted House for a thrilling Halloween experience. This 20,000-square-foot haunted house is sure to send chills down your spine. With immersive scenes that make you feel like you’re in a horror movie, you'll encounter all sorts of monsters, high-quality sets, and incredible props. This place is definitely at the top of my Halloween bucket list.
Magic Wings Butterfly Garden – Deerfield, Massachusetts
Once the leaves have fallen and the cold fall air settles in, you might find yourself missing the lush warm feelings of summer. In that case, take a visit to the Magic Wings Butterfly Garden. This zoology museum features a variety of cool animals ranging from lizards and frogs to butterflies and birds. The conservatory is home to 4,000 different exotic butterfly species and will make you feel like you are stepping into a lively, tropical jungle.
Orchards and Farm Stands
One of the many wonderful things about going to school in agriculturally rich Western Mass is the abundance of farms and orchards with fresh, locally grown produce. As a kid, one of my favorite fall activities was going to an orchard to go apple picking or finding the perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern. Western Mass has many amazing farms where you can do just that. Smiarowski Farmstand and Creamery, J & J Farms, Kielbasa Orchards, and McCray’s Country Creamery to name a few are all great local farms where you can get your favorite delicious in-season produce.
As you settle into the fall weather, take the time to get off campus and explore all that Western Massachusetts has to offer! Whether it's taking a day trip to the Yankee Candle Village or enjoying a sunset picnic atop Mount Sugarloaf, taking time for yourself or having fun with friends this fall season is essential in making the most of your fall semester!