MASSACHUSETTS: THE BAY STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
BY CLAY LARROY
We lead
such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different
activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do
not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did
today. Family vacations are so
important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free
relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that
will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding
experience. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
William
Pynchon and a company of six men from Roxbury, a town near Boston, established
Springfield in 1636 at the junction of the Agawam and Connecticut Rivers.
Pynchon bought from the Indians the land that now contains the towns of Agawam,
West Springfield, Longmeadow, and the city of Springfield for the purpose of
establishing a trading and fur-collecting post. In 1641, the town of
Springfield, named in honor of Pynchon's English birthplace, was incorporated.
Springfield officially became a city in May of 1852.
Springfield's
location at the crossroads of New England is the most significant reason for
its progress and continuing economic success. The Connecticut River served as
an easy and economical means of transportation north and south for early
settlers. Midway between New York and Boston and on the road between New York
and Canada, Springfield is ideally located for travel in all directions.
From
its fur-trading and agricultural beginnings, Springfield gradually grew into a
thriving industrial community. In the eighteenth century, the power of the
Connecticut River was harnessed. Mills of all varieties grew up and a skilled
labor force came into being. Because of the area's location and technological
advancements, particularly in metal crafts, the United States Armory was
located here in 1794, resulting in further industrial development.
In
the nineteenth century, Springfield became a major railroad center and
experienced another industrial boom. The city grew, and such industries as
printing, machine manufacture, insurance, and finance took hold and prospered.
As affluence increased, it became a gracious city with a noted educational
system.
In
1990 Springfield was a city of 156,983. It is a multicultural community, and is
the regional center for banking, finance, and courts. River, railroads, and
highways were the assets that made Springfield what it is today. Its central
location now offers the potential for development of high technology
communications leading to new growth in the twenty-first century.
The Springfield Museums
220 State Street,
Springfield, MA(413) 263-6800
www.quadrangle.org
Set around a tree-lined quadrangle, the five world-class museums that comprise the Springfield Museums provide visitors with a wealth of exciting imagery and inspirational artwork. The Museum of Fine Arts, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and the Museum of Springfield History. The quadrangle is also home to the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden, a series of full-scale bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss's whimsical creations, honoring the birthplace of Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. For one admission price, visitors can enjoy all five Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Park.
Bright Nights at Forest Park
Sumner Avenue,
Route 83, Springfield, MA(413) 733-3800
www.brightnights.org
Named one of America's Top Attractions by the American Bus Association, Bright Nights in Forest Park is a 2.5 mile-long holiday light extravaganza that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. More than 500,000 twinkling lights are part of this unique attraction, which takes place from the Friday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after New Year's Day. Highlights include Toy Land, North Pole Village, Seuss Land and dozens of other holiday scenes.
CityStage / Symphony Hall
One Columbus
Center / Court Street, Springfield, MABusiness Office: (413) 788-7646 / Box Office: (413) 788-7033
www.citystage.symphonyhall.com
Pioneer Valley residents can enjoy Broadway-style theater, top concerts and performances and internationally-recognized speakers at CityStage and Symphony Hall. Together, both venues make Springfield shine as a destination for live theater. The 2,611-seat Symphony Hall was built in the early 1900s and recently underwent an extensive renovation. CityStage, Springfield's professional, not-for-profit theater, presents off-Broadway comedies, dramas and musicals from October through April in the intimate, 487-seat Blake Theatre; while the 70-seat Winifred Arms Theatre is host to numerous community events, performances and meetings.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 West
Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA(413) 781-6500
www.hoophall.com
One of the world's most beloved sports is lovingly enshrined at the 80,000 sq. ft. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Fans of the sport can see its history come alive with a series of interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. Springfield native Dr. James Naismith's first concept of the sport involved a peach basket, and its subsequent evolution is detailed, step-by-step. Guests can shoot baskets, play virtual reality and video games, try their hand at being a sportscaster, test their trivia knowledge and so much more.
The Big E / Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial
Avenue, West Springfield, MA413-737-2443
www.thebige.com
The Big E, New England's largest Fair, takes place every autumn on the grounds of West Springfield's Eastern States Exposition. For 17 days, attendees stroll the 175-acre grounds and enjoy world-class performers, agricultural exhibitions and competitions, horse shows, an authentic Mardi Gras parade, a big-top circus, a wide array of foods and shopping options, and so much more. When the Fair leaves town, the grounds host more than 100 annual shows including craft, collectibles, horse, dog, hobby, home, sporting, and trade, drawing more than 800,000 people. Storrowton Village Museum is open for public tours from June through August and offers, tours and programs for school groups.
The Zoo at Forest Park
Sumner Avenue,
Route 83, Springfield, MA(413) 733-2251
www.forestparkzoo.com
More than 200 domestic and exotic animals can be found at the Zoo at Forest Park. Visitors can talk to a variety of animals, including monkeys, bears, llamas, goats, kangaroos, emus, cougars, wolves, lemurs and a playful leopard. The attraction also offers Zoo on the Go, private birthday parties and a variety of educational programs that reinforce its mission of promoting public awareness and appreciation for indigenous and exotic animals.
Storrowton
Village Museum
1305
Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA(413) 205-5051
www.TheBigE.com
Located on the grounds
of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., Storrowton Village
Museum is a re-constructed 19th century village composed of nine antique
buildings around a traditional New England Green. Between 1927 & 1931 each
structure was rescued from demolition and moved, piece by piece, to its present
location. The Village is the site of tours, special events and educational
programs throughout the year. It is also the site of Storrowton Tavern, a
restaurant and banquet facility serving New England fare and continental
cuisine.
REFERENCE
SITES
“In Boston they ask, how much does he know? In New York, how much is he worth? In Philadelphia, who were his parents?”
Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you
create!
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