Frights and Flights: How to Enjoy Your Fall in Western Mass

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In my previous article, “Rooted in Western Mass: A Native’s Perspective on the Heart of the Region Around Amherst”, I detailed some of my favorite things to do in the region around UMass Amherst throughout the year. As we approach the fall, it is only fitting to talk about all of the fall-related activities that this region has to offer. 

In the article mentioned above, I detailed my Big E experience — so check that out if you plan to attend New England’s biggest fair. For now, however, let’s talk about all there is to do this fall in Western Mass!

The sunset at Echo Hill Orchard

Echo Hill Orchard

If you’re up for a scenic drive, I definitely recommend heading to Echo Hill Orchard in Monson, MA. Just about 45 minutes from campus, this orchard offers a pick-your-own variety of apples, sunflowers, pumpkins, and pears. The orchard also hosts specialty food trucks throughout the week, including Roosters Roaming Cantina, Cousins Maine Lobster, Tony’s Happy Valley Pizza, and several others. 

"The Elephant's Child," by artist Lindsey Molyneux, seen at a past Art in the Orchard

Park Hill Orchard: Art in the Orchard

Located a bit closer to campus in Easthampton, this orchard puts a spin on your classic apple-picking experience. Every year, it hosts 30 sculpture artists to display their work throughout the property. Park Hill Orchard began this art installation 12 years ago, and it has been quite a success. The exhibit itself is a walking sculpture trail that winds through the orchard and the fruit gardens filled with blackberries and wildflowers. The self-guided tour is about a half-mile long, and the website estimated that a trip down the trail would take about two to four hours. 

Six Flags Fright Fest

Although I haven’t been to Fright Fest in several years, I spent many nights there when I was younger, and I will definitely be making my way back this fall. The theme coined by Six Flag, “thrills by day and fright by night,” is more than accurate. As the sun sets, actors dressed as zombies, clowns, and anything else you could be scared of start to emerge from the woodwork.

Personally, as someone who doesn’t like scary things, I still really enjoyed my time there and would recommend it to anyone looking for something fun and Halloween-oriented.

Even if you don’t like roller coasters, they still have an array of haunted houses, scare zones, and fright shows that you can check out.

Hot Air Balloon Ride 

While this is not an easily attainable fall activity, I think it is something that you must do if you have the opportunity. Every fall, I see hot air balloons floating above the mountains in the distance and I have always wanted to do this, so please, someone do it so I can live vicariously through you.

From the view of the hot air balloon, you can see the vibrant foliage from above, the sprawling woodland, and the winding Connecticut River. I can’t imagine a cooler fall experience, especially because they only offer sunrise and sunset rides! 

Take in the Fall Views 

One of my favorite things about Amherst is how gorgeous it is year-round, but especially in the fall. I recommend just going for a drive around the local farms, or heading in the direction of Atkins Farms. It’s a short yet scenic drive, and you could grab a cider donut at Atkins for a fall pick-me-up. If you want to just hang out and soak up the fall sights, my favorite spot is overlooking the mountains at Amherst College. Just ten minutes away, there is the most beautiful lookout spot. Right past the War Memorial, there are Adirondack chairs set up facing the mountain range. 

Checking out the view at the War Memorial on the Amherst College campus is an easy walk from campus

Great Barrington 

Again, if you’re up for a drive, head to downtown Great Barrington (GB). This gem of a town is about an hour and 20 minutes from campus, but a trip to GB could double as a leaf-peeping drive as well. I recently went to Great Barrington over the summer and was able to spend a full day shopping, eating, and exploring. Downtown GB has plenty of thrift stores, boutiques, and art galleries to fill your day. My favorite store was Happy Place Berkshires — the owners Jess and Judy were super friendly, and they make all of the clothes onsite. They made my GB experience even better, and I totally recommend paying them a visit. GB is also home to so many cafes and bakeries.

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Great Barrington's downtown is full of shops

I went to Patisserie Lenox and they have the most delicious baked goods and a great atmosphere. Great Barrington has so much to offer, I wish I had known about it earlier! 

As you probably know, Western Mass is famous for its beauty and splendor during the fall, and I hope you partake in as many autumn activities as you can before winter arrives!