Our trip was hosted by the Massachusetts Travel & Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.
Western Massachusetts is a part of that state we haven’t spent much time exploring. The Pioneer Valley is known for its scenery, traditional New England towns historic villages and fun-filled attractions.
Our first stop… Yankee Candle Village.
Yankee Candle Village is more than just a candle store! From strolling though the Bavarian Village (complete with falling snow!), watching the historic candle making demos, dipping your own candles, making your own jar candles, grab lunch at Chandler’s Restaurant, visit the candy store, shopping, or grabbing a delicious caramel apple, popcorn or a piece of the amazing fudge (we couldn’t wait to eat ours PB fudge, sorry no pictures) Yankee Candle Village is a great place where your whole family can experience an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment.
We had a great time at the Wax Works area, there are 3 options for hands-on, interactive candle-making that’s fun for every age. Wax Hand dipping, Wax Souvenirs dipping and Fill-Your-Own Jars.
Brittni decided to try the Wax Hand Dipping (Owen wasn’t quite tall enough to reach the wax baths to dip his hand).
Lots of options in the Dip-your-own wax souvenir area, taper candles, animals, cars, fruit, boats, and more… Just pick your favorite wax shape and dip in one or more of the 6 color options.
Fill-you-own jar was really fun! All three of us made our custom layered jars.
As you can see…Owen was really excited to make his on jar candle!
Strolling Through a Bavarian Village was pretty magical.
Then we were off to shop… Yankee Candle Village offers more than just candles; home décor, Vera Bradley, Scout Bags, Alex and Ani, Department 56, Caramel Apples, Fudge and more.
Yankee Candle Village
25 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Hours:
Monday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
Our next stop…The Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates the critical role of the nation’s first armory by preserving and interpreting the world’s largest historic US military small arms collection, along with historic archives, swords, and cannons.
The Junior Ranger area in the Visitor Center has fun activities for ages 6 and up that encourage exploration and discovery using the park’s museum and exhibits.
- Learn about David Lyle’s “Life-Saving Gun” that threw ropes to ships and crews in distress!
- Discover the Springfield rifles of the Civil War!
- Meet the people and explore the inventions that contributed to the American Industrial Revolution!
- and much more!
Explore other Junior Ranger programs from across the National Park Service here.
The armory is geared more towards kids ages 8+, as it is a historical site and there isn’t much in terms of hands-on activities for younger children. Owen did enjoy the puzzle area and spent a majority of our visit there.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
One Armory Square
Suite 2
Springfield, MA 01105
Hours:
From Memorial Day through October 31, Springfield Armory National Historic site is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
From November 1 until Memorial Day Weekend , Springfield Armory NHS is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
- The park is closed for the following holidays:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
Then is was off to…Six Flags New England.
Six Flags New England is the Coaster Capital of New England, although I am not a coaster fan my daughter is and Owen likes the kids coasters. With an impressive lineup of rides including: New England SkyScreamer, Flashback, Pandemonium, Mind Eraser, Batman the Dark Knight, Goliath, and Wicked Cyclone. The new giant looping roller coaster that opened in May, Fireball offers epic loops and extreme ride elements for riders.
Brittni is the adrenaline junky of the family, she rode several coasters while we watched. Goliath, Mind Eraser and Wicked Cyclone.
The weather was cool and overcast during our visit, although not ideal the park had low attendance which worked in our favor. We were able to hop on rides with minimal wait times.
Owen’s favorite ride was Balloon Race (we rode several times) also enjoyed the Daffy Duck Dance Party and carousel.
The new Superman The Ride Virtual Reality Coaster is a must for thrill seekers!
Six Flags New England
Route 159
1623 Main Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Hours:
Hours vary by date, you can visit the Park Operating Schedule HERE.
It was finally time to head back to our hotel and rest after an exciting and busy day! We spent the night at the Holiday Inn Springfield/Enfield. Conveniently located close to the highway, Basketball Hall of Fame, The Big E and Six Flags. The hotel offers several amenities such as indoor pool, including seasonal outdoor recreation such as a basketball court, full tennis courts, volleyball and an outdoor pool!
The room was clean and spacious, with comfy queen beds, fridge, microwave desk, and coffee maker.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant Panini Bar & Grill. We stopped by for a quick dessert before heading to the pool. Panini’s also offers a breakfast buffet which we enjoyed before heading home.
The kids enjoyed a before bed swim!
Holiday Inn Springfield/Enfield
1 Bright Meadow Blvd, Enfield, CT, 06082
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