As you start out on Route 2W from the Boston area and drive past the Connecticut River, keep your eyes out for a sign for Route 2A west toward Shelburne Falls. Route 2 gets really pretty once you pass Athol, MA. Shelburne Falls sits on the historic Mohawk Trail and features the fabled Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge over the Deerfield River, and boutique-lined thoroughfare and lots of historic buildings. Make sure you allow for a few hours for the return leg of the trip to be able to explore the side road that takes you along the Quabbin Reservoir. Along this road you'll find great overlooks with beautiful vistas, little hidden villages and forests and the route it ideal for a hot summer day, as the Quabbin provides a natural cooling effect.
Towns/Cities You'll Pass By/Through
There's lots of great stops to make, and some great ice cream stands in Petersham which is great. Central MA has some stunning old towns, and gorgeous farmland. Not much traffic makes for a relaxing ride. Bring your camera along!
Attractions & Points-of-Interests Along the Way
This route takes you through some nice towns and offers great attractions and roadside amenities. In Shelburne Falls you'll find lots of shops and places to eat. Here you can also check out the the Bridge of Flowers and glacial potholes, the glacier-carved swimming holes located at the base of Salmon Falls. In the town of Deerfield you'll find historic sites, antique shops and Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens. Stop in Amherst for shopping and dining. In Petersham you can relax, eat some ice cream and shop for antiques. And of course, there's the beautiful Quabbin Reservoir for you to see.