5 Things You Must Do in

West Springfield

West Springfield Car Rentals

West Springfield, Massachusetts (population 29,000), is one mile west of Springfield and 81 miles west of Boston. Established in 1774, West Springfield is Western  Massachusetts’ second-largest town, bordering the Connecticut River on the east.

1. Eastern States Exposition- "The Big E" is a state fair for the entire New England region and one of the largest agricultural fairs in the nation. Entertainment, a midway, a Mardi Gras-themed parade, the Harvest Kitchen Theater, exhibits, and fair food are featured. The Avenue of States has replicas of each New England state's original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state. Boutiques within each exhibit offer wares of each state.

2. Eastern States Exposition Horse Show: West Springfield is the birthplace of the Morgan horse and the home of one of the oldest horse shows in the country, which is part of The Big E. Featured are displays and exhibitions of show horses ranging in size from hackney ponies to gentle-giant draft horses. Three shows in one, the Horse Show has events called Hunters and Jumpers; Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackneys, and Friesians; and the Draft Horse Show.

3. Storrowtown Village- This restored New England village southwest of town features several buildings (circa 1767-1850), which were dismantled, moved, and reassembled to create a living historic museum. Seven historic buildings surround a Town Green. Nineteenth-century craft demonstrations and children's games are included.

4. Josiah Day House Museum- The oldest-known brick, salt-box-style home in the United States was owned by four generations of the Josiah Day family from 1754 to 1902. All furnishings and artifacts are appropriate to the time period (pre-1902), including many original Day family items.

5. NBA Hall of Fame- This venue’s mission is to honor and celebrate basketball's greatest moments and people via protecting the integrity of the Basketball Hall of Fame election process, educational and outreach initiatives, and a comprehensive museum of the sport.  Included are several awards programs, games and tournaments, and the annual enshrinement of members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of college teams.