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For seventeen days each fall, more than a million people pour into West Springfield for The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, where all six New England states show off their food, crafts and farm life on one fairground. The rest of the year this town of about 28,000 on the west bank of the Connecticut River is a quieter place of old homes, riverside paths and wooded hills.
Settled in the 1660s as part of Springfield, the west side broke away as its own town in 1774. Its farming past survives in the Josiah Day House, a brick saltbox from 1754, and in the old meetinghouse common on Park Street. Railroads and paper mills later grew the villages of Mittineague and Merrick, and today the town is a busy crossroads where the Massachusetts Turnpike meets I-91.
The Eastern States Exposition grounds hold the Avenue of the States, with replica statehouses owned by each New England state, and Storrowton Village Museum, a green of historic buildings moved here from across the region. Walkers and cyclists use the Connecticut River Walk and the trails of Bear Hole Watershed, and Six Flags New England is just south in Agawam.
The Eastern States Exposition, held for about 17 days from mid-September, is the largest fair in the Northeast, with livestock barns, a midway, concerts, a horse show and famous fair food such as cream puffs and baked potatoes. Go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds, and park early.
A row of replica statehouses on the fairgrounds, one for each New England state, each standing on land owned by that state. During The Big E each building sells its state's foods and crafts, from Maine potatoes to Vermont maple. The facades are worth a look even outside fair time.
The old town green on Park Street, the heart of the original settlement, framed by a white church, historic homes and old trees. It hosts small community events and concerts in summer. Pair a short walk here with a visit to the nearby Josiah Day House.
A village green of 18th and 19th century buildings, including a meetinghouse, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and homes, moved here from around New England in the 1920s. Costumed guides lead tours in summer and during The Big E. Check the museum calendar for summer tour hours.
A restaurant set in historic buildings on the Storrowton green, with wood beams, fireplaces and a menu of New England dishes. It is a popular spot for special dinners and gets very busy during The Big E. Reserve ahead, especially on fair days and weekends.
Built in 1754, this is thought to be one of the oldest brick saltbox houses in the country. The local historical society keeps it furnished with family belongings from generations of the Day family. It opens for limited tours, so check the schedule before you visit.
West Springfield's largest park, set along the Westfield River with wooded trails, sports fields, a playground and picnic areas. The trails are popular with walkers, runners and mountain bikers. Wear sturdy shoes, as some paths are muddy after rain.
A paved riverside path along the west bank of the Connecticut River, with views across the water to the Springfield skyline. It is flat and good for walking, jogging and easy cycling. Go near sunset for the best light on the river and the city towers.
A large forested area in the western hills of town around an old reservoir, crossed by trails for hiking and mountain biking. Streams, rocky ledges and quiet woods make it feel far from the highways below. Bring a trail map, since paths branch often and are not always well marked.
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Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
