Poets Seat
Tower, a 1912 sandstone lookout tower, was named after a long tradition
of poets being drawn to the spot. Poets have long been inspired by the
beautifule views throughout the Pioneer Valley from this vantage point.
Subsuquently, Francis Goddard Tuckerman, a Greenfield port of some repute
--and colleague of Thoreau--composed several poems at this site. Sits atop
Rocky Mountain, overlooking High Street (Route 2A), accessible from Mountain
Road (take Maple Street off High). Spectacular views of surrounding hills and
countryside as well as the Connecticut River from a network of well-marked
woodland trails.
Greenfield Energy Park
, at
50 Miles Street, is a downtown greenspace featuring timely and unique exhibits
on sustainable energy, all set in beautiful gardens with perennial beds, a
butterfly garden and agricultural demonstration plots. There's also a
refurbished 1944 New Haven Caboose Museum, a wooden train for children to play
on, picnic benches and art work throughout the park. The Station, in the style
of the original railroad station, offeres a covered outdoor stage for performing
arts. 413-774-6051x 14
Historical Society of Greenfield, is housed in a Victorian
Mansion on the corner of Church and Union Streets. There are 15 display
closets, some of them lighted, plus five rooms of exhibits and a research
library. Among the many exhibits tracing Greenfield's history are a large
collection of industrial artifacts, period tools and objects belonging to
author Mary P. Wells Smith, including her portrait, manuscripts and six of the
original illustrations for her children's books, "Jolly Good Times"
and "Young Puritans." Open Saturday mornings through the summer.
Open by appointment. Call 413-774-3663 for further information.
Covered Bridge,
on Eunice Williams Drive, is a 95-foot structure spanning the Green River
in an area called the "Pumping Station." It was built in 1972 to
replace a 100-year old covered bridge that was burned by vandals. The area is a
popular spot for swimming and fishing. The bridge is accessible from the
east by Leyden Road and from the west by Green River Road.
Country Club of Greenfield on Country Club Road, is an 18-hole
golf course. It is one of the oldest courses in the country, having been
organized in 1896 and located at the present site since 1901. Call
413-773-7530 for further information.
Artspace Community Arts
Center is located at 15 Mill Street. The Artspace's mission since
its inception in 1973 has been to enhance the cultural life of the county.
It is known for exhibits in its Art Space Gallery, arts-in-education
programs and detail-rich resource and information base for artists,
residents and visitors to the region. Rental space is available for
organizations for meetings and classes. Call 413-772-6811 for further
information.
Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus was founded in 1939 and is among the oldest symphony orchestras in the
country. In addition to presenting symphonic and choral music, the PVS
provides local musicians, both choral and orchestral, the opportunity to play
under professional direction. Concerts are presented at Greenfield High
School. Call 413-773-3664 for further information.
Greenfield Community College offers such features as the Archibald
MacLeish Collectiona and the Pioneer Valley Institute. For more information
call 413-775-1000.
Stoneleigh Burnham School features the Geissler Gallery, which exhibits art work of students and
guest artists throughout the school year. The school also hosts equestrian
events. Call 413-774-2771 for further information.
Franklin County Fair was begun in
1848. The fair is held the first Thursday after Labor Day though Sunday. An
opening day parade opens the festivities. The fair includes displays of
livestock and farm products, crafts, food, horse and oxen pulls, various
competitions, music, stage shows, demolitioin derby and Fiesta Shows Midway.
Call 413-774-4282 for further information.
Green River Festival is held annually in mid-July on the campus of Greenfield Community College.
Featuring great music, hot air balloon launches, crafts and food. 413-773-5463 |
