Holyoke

Day Trips

Start your day with a guided walk along Holyoke’s historic canals, where the low sunlight glints off the water and the old mill buildings stand sentinel. Learn about the city’s industrial past from interpretive signs and restored lock gates that harken back to the 19th century. Pause at one of the riverside benches to savor a local coffee and watch kayakers drift by.

Head to the Paper City Museum housed in an old factory to see interactive exhibits on papermaking, complete with real machinery demonstrations. Wander through the adjacent Heritage State Park, listening to the roar of the Connecticut River and spotting migrating birds along the banks. Grab a picnic lunch of sandwiches and local apples to enjoy on the grassy terrace overlooking the water.

As the sun dips low, return to the canalwalk and join a free sunset paddleboarding session for a fresh perspective of the old mills. After working up an appetite, wander into a nearby farm-to-table restaurant for a seasonal dinner featuring New England produce and craft beers. Feel the history of the mills all around as you savor dessert by lamplight before calling it a night.

Visit the Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center to dive deeper into the city’s paper-making legacy through archival photos and original machinery. Marvel at the architecture of the Velox Building and learn how Holyoke came to be called the Paper City. Stop for a freshly baked pastry at a nearby café before heading out.

Take a self-guided audio tour through the downtown district, tracing the footsteps of factory workers and entrepreneurs who built the mills. Pop into the Connecticut River Walk amphitheater where you might catch a rehearsal for an upcoming free summer concert. Enjoy a light lunch of chowder and lobster roll at a casual riverside shack.

Experience live music at a repurposed mill space that now hosts local bluegrass and folk acts. Sample seasonal ciders and ales at a craft taproom in the restored canal warehouses. End your night with a stroll under string lights, reflecting on the city’s industrious spirit.

Rise early and drive up to the Mount Tom State Reservation for panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. Follow the Hemlock Gorge Trail through fir forests and past glacial boulders as you breathe in crisp, pine-scented air. Pause at the summit to photograph the valley draped in morning mist.

Descend to the Lower Mount Tom Picnic Area for a riverside lunch of grilled paninis and local cheese boards. Rent a kayak or canoe by the launch ramp and paddle along the Connecticut River, watching osprey dive for fish. If you’re feeling adventurous, challenge yourself on the rock scrambles of the Hinsdale Trail.

Return to town and warm up with a steaming bowl of ramen at a cozy Japanese eatery. Wander through Veteran’s Park for a sunset view over the river. Cap off the day with s’mores by a communal fire pit at a local outdoor lounge.

Bring the kids to the Holyoke Children’s Museum for hands-on science exhibits, giant bubbles and spring-loaded contraptions. Laugh as they experiment with air tubes and balancing beams in the bright, colorful galleries. Refill everyone’s water bottles and head outside to the playground area.

Enjoy a family picnic at Skinner State Park, complete with homemade lemonade and sandwiches spread on a shady lawn. Hike a short nature path to see the old Skinner Staircase and spot deer in the understory. Let the little ones run free at the nature center’s outdoor play area.

Treat everyone to pizza at a local joint famous for its thin crust and fresh toppings. Head back to Heritage State Park for an outdoor summer concert or movie night under the stars. Wrap up with frozen yogurt or ice cream from a downtown parlor before bedtime.

Tour Wistariahurst Museum, the former home of silk magnate William Skinner, to admire Gilded Age architecture and lush period gardens. Join a guided house tour to see original furnishings, vintage wallpapers, and ornate woodwork. Meander through the Wistaria Vineyard where grapevines drape over arbors and arches.

Participate in a themed workshop—perhaps heirloom seed planting or Victorian-era crafts—and chat with local artisans. Stroll the shaded grounds, stopping at the carriage house café for a light lunch and renowned lavender tea. Capture photos next to the century-old wistaria vines in full bloom.

Dine at a nearby bistro in a restored mill building, sampling seasonal salads, roasted local vegetables, and artisanal charcuterie platters. Join an evening ghost tour of the mansion, complete with tales of hidden passageways and long-ago social galas. Sip a nightcap in the garden courtyard before closing the gates for the night.

Unplug with a leisurely bike ride along the bike path that winds beside the Connecticut River, watching migrating waterfowl on exposed sandbars. Stop at observation points to learn about the river’s ecosystem and the role it played in powering the mills. Pause for a refreshing smoothie at a food truck near the trailhead.

Treat yourself to a spa afternoon at a cozy downtown wellness studio offering massage and organic treatments. Lounge in the sauna and hot tub before selecting a herbal-infused wrap or facial exfoliation. Refuel with a light lunch of avocado toast and fresh-pressed juices at the spa café.

Head to the riverfront amphitheater for live theater or open-air cinema under the stars. Bring a comfy fold-up chair and a warm blanket as dusk settles in. Finish the night with a scoop of homemade gelato from a local vendor along the canal walk.

Fuel up with a hearty brunch at a trendy downtown café, sampling shakshuka or eggs benedict with locally sourced produce. Chat with friendly baristas about the town’s burgeoning coffee scene. Pick up a growler of locally roasted beans to go.

Embark on a brewery tour loop that includes two craft breweries and a small cider house, all within easy walking distance. Observe the brewing vats, learn about local hops, and sample a flight of IPAs, porters and fruit-infused ales. Pair your samples with a sharing board of house-made sausages and artisanal cheeses.

Join a guided food-and-beer pairing dinner at one of the brewpubs, featuring creative small plates like kimchi dumplings and trout croquettes. Sip on a barrel-aged stout while live acoustic guitar sets the mood. Take an evening stroll past illuminated canal locks before calling it a night.

Drive northwest to Northampton for a morning at its vibrant farmers’ market, where heirloom tomatoes and freshly baked sourdough abound. Chat with growers about their organic farming practices and sample local honeys and preserves. Refuel with a fresh-pressed juice and cinnamon roll from a beloved bakery.

Hop into town to browse eclectic independent bookstores, vintage clothing shops, and art galleries along Main Street. Pop into a co-op café for veggie-packed salads and local micro­lattes. Wander the cobblestone pathways of Bridge Street to admire public art installations.

Catch an offbeat play or poetry reading at a downtown theater, soaking in the city’s bohemian vibe. Enjoy a late-night dinner at a tapas bar known for its small plate innovations and infusion cocktails. Head back to Holyoke under a sky blanketed with stars.

Take a short drive to Springfield to immerse yourself in the National Basketball Hall of Fame’s interactive exhibits and memorabilia displays. Learn about the game’s origins and shoot some free throws on the half-court replica. Grab a quick breakfast wrap at the museum café.

Wander through the Springfield Museums complex to explore fine art, natural history dioramas, and a vintage carousel ride. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the museum green, watching children spin on painted horses. Stop into the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden to see beloved characters come to life.

Dine in Springfield’s rejuvenated downtown district, sampling global flavors from Ethiopian stews to sushi rolls. Take a twilight ride on the Solar System Walk, with planet models lit up along a scenic pathway. Return to Holyoke energized by the metropolitan buzz.

Spend your final morning strolling through the scenic Skinner State Park’s Boardwalk Trail, listening to the roar of cascading waterfalls. Stop at viewing platforms to watch the water plunge into emerald pools below. Take a few last landscape photos to remember the trek.

Return to downtown Holyoke for a farewell lunch at a rooftop garden restaurant with river views. Order locally smoked trout or a hearty grain bowl paired with craft cocktails. Then browse the downtown shops one last time for regional jams, ceramics, or handcrafted textiles to bring home.

Conclude your trip with a sunset sail on the Connecticut River aboard a historic paddlewheel vessel, enjoying live folk music and light hors d’oeuvres. Feel the warm breeze and watch the city lights dance on the water as you bid adieu. Toast to ten memorable days in Holyoke as the boat drifts back to dock.