If looking to visit a quaint, small New England destination with a few one-of-a-kind attractions, Shelburne Falls, Mass. is your place.
Located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains on the Mohawk Trail in western Massachusetts, Shelburne Falls (part of Shelburne) first impresses with its small but beautiful downtown. Trees provide shade to stroll the village center with stores that sell books, art, memorabilia, furniture home decor, groceries, hardware, health foods, homemade fudge, ice cream and coffee. Shelburne Falls also features several places to eat including the great Foxtown Diner (one of the best townie restaurants you’ll ever find!) and the West End Pub with its fine lunch and dinner menu and water views. Baker Pharmacy is an old-fashioned drug store that takes you back in time with a soda and ice cream fountain. The whole scene looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
This isn’t just your basic cute town, however. Shelburne Falls has a few prominent attractions. First is The Bridge Of Flowers, a former trolley bridge showcasing 400 ft. of more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs and vines! Overlooking the Deerfield River, the vibrant, memorable scene is nothing short of spectacular!
It’s best to see The Bridge of Flowers between spring and fall and, ideally, more than once as the flower displays change virtually every week.
The second major attraction: The Ancient Glacial Potholes Geological Wonder on Deerfield St. These potholes “ground out of granite during high water of the glacial age,” which is stated a nearby sign. The whirlpool action of water and gyrating stones of varied sizes create quite a scene. The potholes vary in size from six inches to 39 feet in diameter — the latter being the “world’s largest pothole of record.”
What an interesting, beautiful village!
For more information on Shelburne Falls, click here.
Editor’s note: We recommend seeing Shelburne Falls once state and federal officials tell us it is safe to travel again as this public health crisis is something to be taken very seriously. Shelburne Falls can get busy and we must keep in mind the social distancing recommendations!
Additional reading:
You just have to stroll this idyllic, historic seaport city
Taking in the glory of Mother Nature at this famous reservoir
Small New England towns that would look great in a Hallmark movie
Going local at Hager Farm Market in Shelburne, Masss.