Very cool dioramas about the forest history of the area, and a scavenger hunt for the kids. And…read moreHarvard Forest is surrounded by beautiful nature trails (dogs welcome) with signs to guide and educate your walk. Like the glass flowers at the Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, these dioramas are not to be missed.

I called ahead since I was driving an hour and a half on a weekday to visit, just to make sure they…read morewould be open. The museum is part of a compound of research buildings. It's quiet, and you might or might not see other people around. If you do they'll probably be researchers, and they will be very friendly. Basically, you walk in, there's an arrow pointing to a light switch that turns on the lights in the dioramas, and you have at it. The dioramas are definitely worth seeing, if you're into that sort of thing, they are well maintained and labeled. But there's not much else to see at the museum. So plan to do a short hike in the research forest back behind the museum. It's super low impact and very educational, with informational markers all along the paths. I ran into a researcher in the forest who was very friendly and happy to share a little time and knowledge. It was super quiet and peaceful, otherwise. I made a day of it by going into Petersham, a very cute little town, and grabbing lunch at The Country Store on Main Street, which is an adorable establishment. Lovely little day-trip.

Amongst this beautiful celebration of people, places, music and art is a sense of 'you can't do…read morethat because somebody said something". It is ironic that while "responsibility" to our planet, to our global family and to human rights is the purpose of this event, The hot apple cider was a treat and the falafel was excellent! I have some reservations about the amount of industrially produced meat being sold there. I own an EV but I have a huge hatred of everything related to Elon Musk. It was disappointing to see the Tesla Cybertruck. The amount of harmful climate damaging fumes that the tens of thousands of rockets that he has sent up into space since 2010 would require 170,000 ev vehicles a year to offset the damage, each year. Overall, great event.

New to the area, I've been looking forward to the Garlic Festival for months, mostly because I…read moreneed some locally-evolved starter. I have fond memories of the Garlic Festival I once attended in upstate New York - garlic ice cream, garlic breads, and a world of other creative things to do with garlic, growing tips, etc. Alas, the Quabbin Garlic Festival should be called "Another excuse for a Craft Fair." The rows of food trucks were all selling their usual (not particularly garlicly) fare. The rows of booths were selling their usual Arts and Crafts, without even a hat tip to garlic. The only evidence of garlic was one garlic vendor (from upstate New York). I felt cheated - lots of traffic, $10 admission, long lines and wait to take a 15-minute bus from the parking lot, and essentially no garlic content once we got inside. With that said, it is a lovely Craft Fair, in a beautiful location, with plenty of activities and fair food for the kids. I'm sure it'd be a fine day in the sun for anyone not expecting a garlic festival.

This has quickly become a favorite venue to see live music. There's a dance floor, and then risers…read morebehind that, and then stadium-style bleachers for the sit-down folks. Staff is super friendly, they serve beverages, and have free water sitting on the bar.

A nice venue to enjoy a show! Extremely friendly and helpful staff to ensure that you enjoy…read moreyourself! This place enjoys local support to provide a positive experience! Apparently they've brought back to current standards with hardwork and dedication. 2 thumbs up for all involved!!

Dancing is an amazing workout for your entire body. It's also an incredible discipline for your…read moremind. This place offers a welcoming and supporting atmosphere for you to better your technique and truly enjoy the art of dance! I started dancing when I was 4 years old with Lesly Makings, one of the main ballet teachers at Northeast American School of Dance. I eventually moved away from the area and am now back. I've taken dance lessons from numerous teachers in different parts of the world but Lesley is simply the best. There is no drama about the art of ballet but rather she teaches a straightforward class with a focus on bettering your technique and advancing your overall personal abilities. Her classes are a mix of ages... the Tuesday night, Friday night and Saturday morning classes range from highschool students to women in their mid fifties. There are even a number of men that occasionally join the class. Everyone has different levels of experience but the choreography adjusts simply to your own abilities. It's a very positive atmosphere for you to feel comfortable in. Overall the school seems to have very interesting class offers so in the case that ballet isn't your thing, there are definitely options to explore. I highly recommend trying out ballet though even if you're just a little bit curious - this is the perfect platform to do so. It's a great alternative to going to the gym and trying to tone with machines and an excellent way to better your posture and confidence. I believe there is a beginner intro if you're not sure how your coordination would apply to ballet. Give it a try!

This is a lovely venue. I can't believe I've lived here over 20 years and never been. This year the…read moreFab Faux performed there instead of where we usually see them. I purchased first row mezzanine which is where we prefer to sit in most venues. I don't care for orchestra where I can not see over the person in front of me. So I was very surprised when we found our seats to see just how far back the mezzanine is, and that the orchestra seats are graduated upward so there is no one directly in front of you. The show that we saw is not big on visual, but the acoustics are phenomenal. The Fine Arts Center allowed this music to soar. For future shows though I would sit closer in the orchestra. Prior to the show there was a party on the plaza with desserts, live music, and a cash party. A fun way to start the evening, thank you.

A very nice theater in the middle of campus where they usually host UMass cultural shows and…read morenon-alcoholic parties here. Had some fun moments here while I attended Zoomass.

We went to hear a singer-songwriter on keyboard, with an opener on guitar...and this cozy venue is…read moregreat for an individual or combo act. Every seat is pretty close to the music. It's very special if you are a fan.

What- there isn't a review of this?!?!?! No way…read more Ok. Here's one: THIS FESTIVAL ROCKS. I import out of towners for it. Not the usual mega mall of vendors, it's a locals only scene. Very authentic. Not the largest spread of food, but all A-ok, and not corndogs. The music? World class. The crowd? Super groovy, family friendly but not oppressively so. The "no alcohol" policy? Uh- not heavily enforced b/c there are NO DRUNKS! We get there for the hot air balloon show Sat, & always stay through the last gasp on Sunday. DO NOT MISS the dance tent in back: always a band you are glad to discover back there. Bring a cooler, and an umbrella and sunscreen and GET A PARKING PASS EARLY! (even tho there's a free shuttle to parking as of this year.)

Amazing festival that is wonderful for families and al ages. Has always proven to provide a…read morewonderful mix of up and coming acts with legends in the industry and a wide array of New Orleans based acts. The hot air balloons add a unique and beautiful backdrop to the festivities too and make for wonderful sunrise and sunset photos!

If you ever happen to find yourself in South Hadley any time between May and October, and the idea…read moreof wandering amongst scrimshaw trinkets, ruby glass, Americana of uncertain provenance, and assorted mineralia sounds appealing to you, make your way posthaste to this veritable cabinet of curiosities. Assembled in a deconsecrated church literally uprooted and brought to South Hadley during the displacement of five towns caused by the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, this museum collection is amongst the quirkiest places Western Massachusetts, a distillation of the local ethos circa 1870. Did I mention that admission is free?

Spend an hour here and you'll feel like you've discovered something (rather than having it all…read morehanded to you in one church-shaped package by Mr. Skinner). Hunting around this museum is an adventure unto itself. Every nook or cranny has something worth looking at. The staff is super-nice, although they aren't going to know a lot more about every object than is written on the ID cards -- and most items don't have cards! It can get pretty hot on a sunny day without a/c in the building, so beware of that. I love oddball little museums, and this fits the profile perfectly. One guy who really liked collecting crap donated said crap, and here it is! Enjoy!