Western Massachusetts Offers Days Filled With Family Fun, Thrills, and Adventure

Western Massachusetts creates memories that will last a lifetime. End Quote

Boston, MA-NH (1888PressRelease) August 03, 2012 - For a day filled with family fun, thrills, and adventure, head west! Western Massachusetts, that is.

Roast marshmallows by a campfire, ramp up excitement with white water rafting, or step into a time machine with a visit to the country's largest outdoor antiques show. Whatever you choose, you'll find the summery charm of Western Massachusetts creates memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information visit massvacation.com/headwest; and for deals, hidden gems, and local tips, be sure to check out the "MassFinds" blog on massvacation.com.

Camping

Sunsetview Farm Camping Area ~ Monson
Originally a dairy farm and apple orchard, the campground is known offers wooded tent sites that have water and electric, pull-through sites available with 50-amp service for large rigs, and seasonal campsites that are spacious and beautiful. sunsetview.com

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort ~ Sturbridge
Whether you decide to rent a cabin, RV, or sleep out under the stars, Jellystone Park offers a setting that lets you relax in comfort. The park is the closest campground to Old Sturbridge Village and offers amazing amenities and activities, including an Aqua Center, Sandy Lake, nightly entertainment, and daily activities. jellystonesturbridge.com

Barton Cove Campground ~ Gill
Located on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Connecticut River, Barton Cove is an ideal place to take a day trip or camp for the week. With a day-use picnic area, bathrooms, tent camping, and minimal automobile access, it is a peaceful place for families. Shaded walks, sunsets over the Connecticut River, quiet paddling in plunge pools of ancient waterfalls, and viewing bald eagles are pleasures you can enjoy here.

Attractions

Berkshire East Canopy Tours ~ Charlemont
Offering three tours, Berkshire East Canopy Tours is New England's largest zip destination and has been featured by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Zip Lines in the United States. The Mountain's Valley Jump is extreme fun, offering two and a half-mile zips that approach 200' off the ground. berkshireeast.com

Quinnetukut II ~ Northfield
The Quinnetukut II, Northfield Mountain's 44-seat riverboat, has been cruising the Connecticut River for nearly a quarter of a century. The "QII" makes 12-mile round trips through the enchanting French King Gorge, and on to historic Barton Cove - home to nesting bald eagles and the site of a former dinosaur track quarry. An on-board interpreter narrates each cruise, offering information on the culture, habitats, and natural history of this spectacular stretch of river. Adults - $12; Children under 14 - $6. firstlightpower.com/northfield/riverboat.asp

Zoar Outdoor ~ Charlemont
Zoar Outdoor's riverfront location on the Deerfield River includes a guest lodge, a campground, retail shop, zip line canopy tour and miles of hiking trails. From floats to Class IV thrillers, Zoar Outdoor creates a memorable whitewater rafting adventure. zoaroutdoor.com

Shopping

Sturbridge Pottery ~ Sturbridge
Sturbridge Pottery has been producing beautiful hand thrown pottery since 1976. Collected throughout the United States and Europe, the pottery is a unique blend of form and surface, lead-free, microwavable, and dishwasher safe. sturbridgepottery.com

Mole Hollow Candles ~ Sturbridge
Mole Hollow is a family owned and operated business; its commitment to artisanal manufacturing methods lends a quality to its candles that cannot be found anywhere else. molehollowcandles.com

Brimfield Antique Show ~ July 10-15 ~ Brimfield
The Brimfield Antique Show began in the 1950's and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country. During showtimes, the town's population balloons to more than 250,000 visitors and 5,000 dealers for the six days the show operates. brimfieldshow.com

About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state's economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs.

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's "Ask a Local" iPhone application, now available on iTunes is an on-the-move guide provides travel information, "local" tips, and deals from Massachusetts' hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations. www.massvacation.com

For more information, contact:

Lisa Simmons, Director of Communications
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
(617) 973-8508
lisa.simmons ( @ ) state dot ma dot us

or

Victoria Cimino, Public Relations Supervisor
Connelly Partners
Mobile # 617-470-8878; Office #617-521-5428
vcimino ( @ ) connellypartners dot com

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