8 Family-Friendly Farms for Pumpkin Pickin’ in Western MA

QUESTION AND ANSWERS Where’s a good place to pick pumpkins with the kids in Western MA? Patricia McCarthy Krutiak recommends, “Whitney’s Farm Stand. Route 8. Cheshire, MA.” (Berkshire Co.) Heather Dunham Katsoulis recommends, “Westview Farms Creamery in Monson (Hampden Co.); Austin Brothers Valley Farm in Belchertown (Hampshire Co.); and Fletcher Farm in Southampton (Hampshire Co.). […]

Best Of Mass Tacos: Bueno Y Sano and El Patron take early leads in time for Cinco de Mayo

Thursday is Cinco de Mayo! Let’s celebrate by finding out which taco spot is in the lead after the first full day of voting.

Thursday is Cinco de Mayo! Let’s celebrate by finding out which taco spot is in the lead after the first full day of voting. See a place that’s new to you? Hop in the car and go see what it’s all about! 

Western Mass. contest – Bueno Y Sano is in first place, followed by Frontera Grill, Mission Cantina, Casa de Nana and Two Rivers Burrito Co. El Forastero and Camuy Chiapas Food Truck are just outside the pack.

Vote for your favorite Western Mass. taco spot

Worcester contest – El Patron has taken the top spot, over Tacos Mexico, Mezcal, Sol of Mexico and Talyta’s Cafe. Dos Tacos Cafe is in sixth.

Vote for your favorite Worcester taco spot

Readers can cast votes once a day for two places until the poll closes on Monday, May 9 at 11:59 p.m. After voting ends, we’ll visit the top 2 and pick a winner.

Share your food photos with us! Tag @masslivefood and @masslive on Instagram. You can also write on our Facebook wall, tweet us at @masslivenews or comment on this post. Keep up with all the latest contest news at masslive.com/bestofmass.

High Tech Planetarium Takes Us to the Stars

Milham Planetarium at Williams College is an incredible high-tech resource for Western Mass. Astronomy students in the area always seem to want to open up the planets for the rest of us. All through the Fall they will host free shows for the general public. There is something scientifically hypnotic about a planet show, and it can be a great “hook” for kids who are interested in the stars. Read on & reserve your spot in what will be a very popular show series.

Butterfly House Sets Flight in the Berkshires

Project Native in the Berkshires has a new Native Butterfly House! This new addition will serve as a terrific community-based educational resource to help children and visitors understand the connection between butterflies and our native landscape here in Western MA. Pair a visit with a trip to Magic Wings in South Deerfield and the Springfield Museums’ “Amazing Butterflies” exhibit for a well-rounded educational experience that supplement nature studies involving pollinators & butterflies!

7 Places to Downhill Ski in Western MA this Weekend!

MA Office of Travel & Tourism Gives a Round-up of Skiing in Western MA Post Nemo! For those of you with cabin fever, Western MA ski areas have good news! They have fresh snow, and lots of it. With most mountains reporting at least a foot of fresh powder, there’s still time to get a few runs in […]

Fashion from the Gilded Age: A Local History

The Kimball-Salisbury Women: Chicago to Tor Court Local History & Fashion from the Gilded Age Arrowhead in Pittsfield, MA Learn about the Gilded Age’s local influence at the Berkshire Historical Society at Arrowhead!  The historical society is hosting an exhibit of items and artifacts from the lavish time period, including exquisite gowns worn by and […]

4 Winter Celebrations to Shake the Cold Away

Winter Festivals Warm Up Western MA Celebrates The coldest, bleakest stretch of winter upon us – and it’s time to celebrate! With the coming of February comes a host of community winter celebrations and festivals of all kinds, offering families a chance to enjoy time outside, try new foods, learn about cultural traditions, support local […]