The Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K takes place during the peak of the fall season in one of the most beautiful areas of New England. This means that there can be an overwhelming amount of amazing things to see and places to eat while you are in the area before the race. Don’t worry though because Lindsey, from newenglandchickadee, has you covered. She has spent years finding the area’s choicest sights and best food spots. Read on to find the official newenglandchickadee guide to your perfect fall weekend in western MA!

Your Perfect Western Mass Running Weekend:

48 hours in Western Mass

by: Lindsey from newenglandchickadee

With the end of summer on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning your fall adventures!  Maybe you’re thinking of doing a fall run or a visit to Western Mass to enjoy the foliage or pick up some pumpkins?  We’ve got you covered with a western mass running itinerary that has it all!

For your run, look no further than the Impact Racing Event’s Happy Valley Half Marathon and 5K being held on Sunday, October 15th.  This beautiful run starts and finishes in Look Park in Florence.  I have run the race and volunteered at it and can say that it is absolutely the perfect fall race!  Not only is the course great, the post-race experience is amazing!  Grab your registration here for either the half marathon or 5K and get ready for an awesome event and weekend!

There is so much to see and do in Western Mass!  I have lived here for over 30 years and fall is one of my favorite times in the Pioneer Valley.  The foliage is out along with fall veggies and fruits and the temperature is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Friday

Arrive

Start your adventure by checking into the Old Mill Inn, located in Hatfield’s Historic District.  This beautiful old inn recently had a full makeover under new ownership.  With modern farm house finishes and beautiful scenes of Hatfield’s farming history displayed on its walls, the inn serves as the perfect home base for your fall weekend adventure in Western Mass.  It’s also only a short 20-minute drive to Look Park for race day.

Bib pickup for the race is also available at the Old Mill Inn on Saturday from 11-2.  If you are out adventuring and not able to pick up your bib on Saturday, bib pickup will also be available on Sunday at Look Park starting at 7 am.

 Dinner

Head to Downtown Northampton!  Explore the lively downtown which also offers a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.  A few of my favorites are The Dirty Truth, Highbrow, Homestead, and Northampton Brewing.

Looking for a unique bar?

A stop into The Tunnel Bar is a must!  Enjoy specialty martinis and craft cocktails in a historic railway tunnel that was originally built in 1897. 

Tired from driving and looking for a quick spot to grab dinner? 

Just a 3-minute walk down the road you will find Mill River Tavern, which offers some delicious wood-fired pizza and local beer/cider/wine.

Saturday

Breakfast 

Start your day by fueling up with a delicious breakfast at Esselon Café for brunch in Hadley.  This is one of my favorite spots for coffee because it’s absolutely delicious and strong!  An iced coffee is my go to year-round but they offer a wide variety of coffee beverages including a pumpkin spice latte.  Two of my personal favorites are the blueberry pancakes (topped with fresh fruit and yogurt) or the Big Breckie.  They offer a variety of gluten free and vegan selections as well.

Mid morning views

Next on your itinerary is Skinner State Park and the historic Mt. Holyoke Summit House.  This house was originally built as a hotel back in 1851 and included an inclined railway to bring guests up to their destination. Hike a trail, walk the road, or drive up to the top for some amazing views of the valley.  Enter through the main gate from Old Mountain Road in Hadley.

LUNCH

Head over to the Barstow’s Dairy Store and Barn post hike to say hi to the cows, pick up some pumpkins, and enjoy the farm views.  This is also a great spot to pick up sandwiches for lunch and cider donuts. Barstow’s is right at the base of Mt. Holyoke.

GET LOST IN A CORN MAZE

Next up? Mikes Maze in Sunderland!  A unique theme is featured each year as the corn is transformed into a work of art.  There are games, like trivia, to play as you travel through the maze.  You will also see a beautiful backdrop of Mount Sugarloaf behind the maze.  If you have time, this is another great spot to check out with amazing views.

Time for some relaxation

Head over to Black Birch Winery in Hatfield for a wine tasting.  You can find the ultimate trifecta offered here on a Saturday – wine, pizza from The Laughing Tomato, and crème brûlée from CremeBru.LA! After this it is time to head back to the Old Mill, just a few minutes away, to relax and get your gear ready for race day.

Dinner

To close out your day of adventures in Western Mass, enjoy dinner at Blue Heron in Sunderland, which features seasonal dishes made with many locally sourced ingredients (and also a semifinalist for this year’s James Beard Award) or carb up with a delicious Italian dinner at the family owned Alina’s in Hadley (consistently voted best in the Valley).  A dinner reservation at both locations is highly recommended in advance as they are quite popular and spots can fill up quick.

Sunday: RACE DAY!

BREAKFAST

Today is race day which means an early start but you still have a few different pre-race breakfast options.  Two convenient options are:

• Grab a quick breakfast from the café at the Old Mill.

• Stop by Tandem Bagel in Florence on your way to Look Park.

time to run!

The Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K begins at 9 am at Look Park (with Bib pick up starting at 7 am).

Half Marathoners will enjoy a beautiful course through farmlands while 5k participants will have an out and back course that takes you along the rail trail.  Both courses feature plenty of fall foliage.  All participants get finisher’s shirts and locally printed medals along with food and a pour at the finish line party. This year’s finish line party will feature Drawing Board Brewing Company, Headwater Cider, Thai Chili Food Truck, Caravan Kitchen, Jeannie’s Weenies and Batch Ice Cream!

I hope you enjoy your weekend in Western MA and have a great race!