The Perfect Four-Day Massachusetts Road Trip For Art, History, and Culture
16.12.2023 - 14:30
/ matadornetwork.com
As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.
If you’re interested in enjoying the warm weather and coastal areas, summer months are ideal. This time is perfect for for those who enjoy the outdoors. For some of the best fall foliage peeping in the US, late September to mid-October is the optimum time to catch the leaves at their most vibrant.
Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock
Start your road trip adventure in Northhampton, a town in the heart of Western Massachusetts. Throughout the year, Northampton hosts several events, such as the Chalk Art Festival and Arts Night Out, every second Friday of the month. These events celebrate the town’s cultural and art scene. If traveling from the New York City area, take the Amtrak from Penn Station to Northampton via the Vermonter. The scenic train ride will show a picturesque backdrop, setting the tone for your upcoming adventure as you capture views of the Northeast Corridor.
Photo: Joanna Niles
Check into Hotel Northampton, a hotel a short drive from the Amtrak station and within walking distance from Smith College. Hotel Northampton opened in 1927 and is known for its glass atrium, the Grand Ballroom, and notable past guests. With 14 distinct room types, you’ll find the perfect space to unwind at the start of your trip. Additionally, Hotel Northampton is a registered historic landmark, and the property has many photographs and artifacts from the original hotel, offering a glimpse into the past.
The hotel has two restaurants: The Coolidge Park Cafe, named after former President Calvin Coolidge, who served as the Mayor of Northampton and is open seven days a week, and Wiggins Tavern, a restored 18th-century tavern offering Sunday Brunch.
Hotel Northampton is close to many shops and popular restaurants in the area, including HighBrow Wood Fired Kitchen & Bar, known for its American cuisine with French and Italian influences, and Herrell’s Ice Cream and Bakery, founded by Steve Herrell, a business owner who popularized mixing candies, cookies, and other ingredients into ice cream.
Photo: Emma’sPhotos/Shutterstock
After breakfast at Hotel Northampton’s Coolidge Park Cafe, visit the Botanic Garden at Smith College, a 125-year-old garden free and open to the public year-round. The Church Exhibition Gallery, once a unique