The Blog

Berkshire East Lift View Photo: Paul Franz

Get Outdoors This Winter!

With Franklin County’s rural landscape featuring more than 75 percent of its acreage in forest and open land, it is no surprise that winter recreation abounds. Whether your destination is a resort or multi-activity facility or a quiet pond, the most rural county in Massachusetts is sure to please.

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Bruce Lessels at Zoar Outdoor Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh

Creating a Life of Adventure: Bruce Lessels

Almost a dozen years ago Bruce D. Lessels traveled with his wife and two daughters to Chile — where 22 years earlier he had trained for the U.S. Whitewater Team. When he stepped off the bus in the same town, the first person he saw called to him by name.

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Hiking on Mount Sugarloaf Photo: Paul Franz

Eight Franklin County Views Worth the Visit

Head to Franklin County and leave life behind for the afternoon or weekend. Take to the rolling hills, meandering river valleys, and charming towns of western Massachusetts to unwind. Here are eight transcendent views to start you off.

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An Essential Summer Music Event: Green River Festival

Summer wouldn’t be summer without the Green River Festival, a three-day feast of music food and a makers market.  This year the event will take place June 24-26 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield.

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View of lower Deerfield River Photo by Harry Singer

Fly Fishing on the Deerfield River

We know there is great fly fishing in Franklin County and we were delighted that Michael Vito of the Deerfield River Chapter of Trout Unlimited shared with us this first-hand experience written by a visitor from Ohio last year. Enjoy!

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My Local MA

Think of the places that make your town feel like home. Chances are, a local shop or restaurant came to mind. The truth is, many of those local businesses are hurting right now. But they’re still standing strong, doing their best to keep us safe. Our Main Streets need our love, more than ever. Now is the time to find your local.

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Quabbin Reservoir Foliage Photo: Paul Franz

Nine Franklin County Foliage Destinations

We invite you to visit Franklin County and take in the stunning fall foliage here. Our rural hills and valleys are mired in red maples, golden oaks and autumn’s changing scenery. Grab your cameras, bikes and canoes and come visit our classic New England landscape. Here are nine locations from which you can enjoy some of autumn’s best views. Or if you’d rather, just stay in the car and take an old fashioned foliage ride on the state’s oldest scenic roadway, the Mohawk Trail.

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