Heading to New England? If you’re looking to travel beyond Boston you’ll be rewarded with history, culture, food and a genuinely warm welcome.

As the fourth largest city in New England, Springfield, MA makes a great stop for anyone looking for the real America away from the big cities. With a legacy as the home of Indian motorcycles and the birthplace of basketball, the city is regarded as one of the most historic in the United States.

Founded in 1636 by William Pynchon, the “City of Firsts” offers much to do, ranging from art museums to armories. Here are six thing you must do in Springfield (with a few honorable mentions!).

1. Basketball Hall of Fame

Now one of the world’s most popular sports, basketball was created at Springfield College in 1891. The Basketball Hall of Fame was created in 1959 to honor the most legendary names of the game. At just $24 per person with discounts for seniors and youth, going to see the 40,000 square feet of basketball history is well worth it. Interactive exhibits, a full-size basketball court surrounded by a plaque of every person to be inducted and a choice of excellent restaurants inside such as Uno Chicago Grill and Max’s Tavern make this experience essential for sports buffs.

Upon entering the building, you’re greeted by the silhouettes of past NBA stars’ massive shoes sizes, the Hall of Fame Store and the Hall of Fame itself. Hundreds of game-worn jerseys provide an awesome backdrop to the thousands of other items, such as the first basketball shoes, childhood items from current and past NBA stars such as Michael Jordan and much more!

2. Springfield Museums

The Springfield Museums are a collection of five separate buildings: two art museums, one for history and another for science and an all new museum for Dr. Seuss (who hails from the city). A single ticket for $25 grants access to everything.

The centrepiece is the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, hosting massive bronze statues of Theodor Seuss Geisel and his best characters. Now a Smithsonian affiliate, there are thousands of artifacts and art pieces to see scattered throughout the museums.

The science building features the first full-blown planetarium ever created in the United States and much more including an entire dinosaur exhibit with a real-life Tyrannosaurus rex! The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History highlights the city’s roots with its collection of Indian Motorcycles while examining Springfield’s impact on America and its growth.

3. Symphony Hall

Built in the early 1900s and last renovated in 2004, Symphony Hall hosts countless acts and performances. The most well-known act being the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, one can also go see plays, concerts, and more. A popular yet expensive event is the Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where players gather in the building to give their prospective induction speeches. Tickets vary by event and all ages are welcome.

Also part of the renowned Springfield Municipal Center (which features the City Hall, an Italian Campanile standing 300 feet high, and the Hall itself), the ornate Greek Revival architecture of the building was praised at its dedication by President Taft in 1913, where he called it “one of the most distinctive civic centers in the nation, and indeed, the world.”

4. Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Admission to the Springfield Armory is free and makes a great stop for history buffs. It was founded by George Washington and Henry Knox in 1777 as the country’s first armory, and was the location where Shays’ Rebellion occurred in 1787. The Armory features an extensive collection of historic firearms as well as a special second floor with the largest Confederate arsenal in the country.

The historic site used to be the United States’ main small arms factory (hence the name), but was shut down in 1968. The 35-acre site is featured on American International College’s campus where it is open almost every single day of the year.

5. Bright Nights

Running from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Bright Nights is one of the most marvelous holiday experiences and a point of pride for locals. It consists of a two and a half mile long drive through Springfield’s Forest Park for just $18 per car during the week.

Ranked “One of the Top Ten Holiday Happenings in America” by People.com it has has become a key attraction for tourists during the holiday season. In addition, it has also been on the list of Top 100 Attractions in North America by the American Bus Association seven times! Over 600,000 lights fill up the drive, and you’ll see lots of reindeer, toy soldiers, and even enter Whoville and Seussland!

For the active there is also a 5k run which takes you through the sites of Bright Nights. Wear a Santa outfit for maximum effect.

6. Titanic Historical Society

The Titanic Historical Society is headquartered in Springfield’s suburb of Indian Orchard and includes a museum of artifacts donated by survivors of the infamous “unsinkable” luxury RMS Titanic. Adult admission is just $4 and a trip here will give you a great insight into the liner itself and the history of how the fatal sinking transpired in 1912. The artifacts vary from movie posters to the life jacket of John Jacob Astor, one of the Titanic’s most famous passengers. Entry is a bargain and you might even get an autograph, as some of its workers were featured in the Titanic movie itself!

Honorable Mentions

MassMutual Center

Holding roughly 8,000 people, the MassMutual Center is a focal point for the local community and visitors. It is an all-purpose facility that is home to the Springfield Thunderbirds, an American Hockey League team. Local schools such as Western New England University and American International College also call the venue home.

There’s much more than sports though. You’ll find fashion shows, dance competitions, Monster trucks and more make regular appearances. The center is also a popular concert venue. Past performers include Marilyn Manson, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, KISS, Grateful Dead, Three Days Grace, Pitbull, Alan Jackson, and more. Ticket prices vary by venue, and they’re always affordable. Other events include ice skating, motocross and comedy tours.

Forest Park Zoo

Located in beautiful Forest Park, the zoo features fifty fascinating animals including camels, monkeys and many others. A great choice if you have kids in tow. There are many special events for young people, and admission is just $5 through the end of fall.  Also be sure to visit the rest of the park including the rose garden and duck ponds, which makes for a great serene walk.

Springfield, Mass is around 2 hours from Boston or 3 hours from New York City, making it an ideal day trip or even a stop if travelling between the two. If you’re looking to get something more out of a trip to this part of the world, go and find a real American welcome in Springfield.

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