Nothing completes a Sunday afternoon like a long scenic drive along the byways in the Springfield area. After a good home-cooked meal and a movie, many families enjoy the old-fashioned amusement that involves simply hopping in the car and putting your feet on the gas. Slow cruising is highly recommended for some of the most majestic scenic drives near Springfield.
Historic Pedaling
Many enjoy the timeless sights of the Western Massachusetts’ historic Route 20. Jacob’s Ladder Trail spans over 100 years of development, revealing an expansive landscape that includes ginormous trees, colorful foothills, and mountainous terrain. Drivers can reach the byway from the Massachusetts turnpike, Route 102 East in Stockbridge, or from Route 10/202 South. Memories are easy to create during these relaxing rides.
Simplistic Fun
While traveling around Western Massachusetts, drivers might also want to check out the Stockbridge area. This includes a botanical garden, the Chesterwood home designed by a revered sculptor, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and the Schantz Galleries. If there are a few moments to spare, families will most definitely enjoy quaint little shops like the Williams & Sons and the Charles H. Baldwin & Sons country stores along the way.
Artistic Vroom
If there’s time to press on to Lenox, families will be delighted to catch a glimpse of the town’s performing arts centerpieces located less than 10 miles away from Stockbridge off Route 7. Tanglewood hosts the Boston Symphony and its many guests throughout the year. Shakespeare & Company also offers a wide range of performances for arts enthusiasts. You can croon over the timeless architectural design of the Ventfort Hall Mansion and the Mount while you’re passing through or stop by a few authentic shops in the area, such as R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths, and Berkshire Classic Leather & Silver.
Crafty Kingship
Another well-known path is Route 6A in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A ride along this path includes over 30 miles of nature’s best sights and sounds. Enjoy the landscape of the shoreside’s captains’ homes, along with the intrigue of nearby marshes and waterfronts. This route is also known as Old King’s Highway. While enjoying a beautiful view of endless sky and land, drivers and passengers might also pass by Sandy Neck Beach and Sandwich Town Beach, several boutique shops, a few museums, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Whether driving a new car, old car, sports car, minivan or SUV, there’s always a reason to hit the road and check out the Springfield area. Families can stop to eat, shop, and sightsee while the avoiding the hefty price tag that often goes along with formal events. No admissions prices or advanced purchases necessary. Well-planned drives are bound to be inspiring enough to delight families of all sizes.
For some, the stop and go may be unnecessary. The boutiques, museums, and trails are all wonderful experiences to add to the journey, but the area’s landscape can be entertaining enough on its own. One thing is for certain: scenic drives are still tons of fun, whether traveling along Route 20, around Stockbridge, through Lenox, or along Route 6A.
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