Good morning! You’re reading Western Mass Insider, your inside look at what’s fun, fresh, and worth discovering close to home. Every issue brings you hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems around Western Mass and nearby CT.
Fall gives us so many reasons to make plans. This issue has a little adventure and a little fright.
Want more ideas? The Western Mass Insider Events Calendar has things happening all month around Western Mass and nearby Connecticut. Pick something, text a friend, and get it on the calendar.
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Western Mass Snapshot
Back Nine Golf Is Coming to Longmeadow
COMING SOON - Back Nine Golf, Longmeadow
Golf season stretching right through winter? Now that has my attention!
Back Nine Golf is bringing Full Swing simulators to Longmeadow. So you can play a round or work on your swing indoors. You can play courses like Pebble Beach without packing a suitcase.
As a golfer, I’m already picturing a few nights out swing some clubs with a little friendly competition this winter. It’s coming soon & you can sign up for opening updates. Click the button below.
This Week in Western Mass
Mike’s Maze Beer Tasting Mazes
Who needs a bar crawl when you can do a corn maze crawl? At Mike’s Maze, local beer tasting stations are tucked inside the corn maze. Grab a provided flashlight and your friends, follow the paths, play games, and tackle trivia as you find your next tasting. Getting turned around might become the best part of the night! lol
Fridays in October | 6–9 p.m. | Sunderland | Ages 21+
Advance tickets required; arrive before 7 p.m., last admission at 8 p.m.
Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm
There’s always one friend who insists nothing scares them. This is their night to prove it.
Fear on the Farm brings the Halloween thrills with its Monster Mash Haunted Hayride and two haunted walkthroughs. Gather your brave crew for an evening of screams, surprises, and plenty to laugh about afterward.
Friday–Sunday evenings in October | Attractions begin at 7 p.m.
Oktoberfest at Brown Farm
Illustration created for Western Mass Insider
Beer tastings, live music, and a little pumpkin decorating! That’s an easy Saturday yes.
East Longmeadow’s Oktoberfest brings food, local crafters, and vendors to Brown Farm, with live music from Mary Kate McGrath. Bring the family for pumpkin decorating and a visit with the animals, or meet friends for an afternoon of browsing and something good to eat.
Saturday, October 10 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free admission
Your Next Outing Is Here!!
Looking for something fun to do after work? An afternoon activity with the kids? Plans with friends? These outings and more are listed in the interactive Western Mass calendar!
Live Music This Week
Friday, October 9: The Peter Poirier Band
Theodores’, Springfield | 9 p.m.
Make it a late night of blues and BBQ downtown.
Saturday, October 10: Trailer Trash
Sonny’s Place, Somers, CT | 7 p.m.
Round up your country music friends and make a night of it.
Sunday, October 11: Dead to the Core
The Parlor Room, Northampton | 7:30 p.m.
Keep the weekend going with an evening of Grateful Dead music.
Home Sweet Wow
Morning coffee overlooking Longmeadow Country Club’s second fairway? I could get used to that. This custom Laplante-built home at 24 Prynne Ridge Road has plenty to catch your eye, from the Chef’s Kitchen with marble-and-granite countertops to the beamed family room, where floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a Goshen Stone patio. I’m already picturing dinner with friends drifting outside.
But the details made me want to keep looking, One bedroom has access to a rooftop with a fireplace, a spacious sunroom, two wet bars, and a primary suite with its own sitting room. These features could make you take a while to find your favorite spot to chill!
$1,695,000 | 6 bedrooms | 4 full + 2 half baths | 6,346 sq. ft.
Listed by Paul Zingarelli, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals.
Date Nite Pick
Tosca in Suffield
You know those dinners where you’re already talking about what you’ll order next time? Tosca in Suffield has that kind of menu! With pasta handmade in-house and dishes like lobster ravioli and potato gnocchi with beef short rib ragù, choosing dinner is part of the fun. Take a little time with the wine list, too. Exploring the selections and finding something to enjoy with dinner makes the evening feel like an occasion.
I’d make a reservation and bring someone who likes to share a bite. If you’re ready to try somewhere different for date night, put Tosca on your list.
Tuesday–Saturday | 4:30–9 p.m.
A Holiday Party They’ll Remember
The best part of a Paint Social Art party? Watching everyone start laughing and get caught up in what they’re creating. Holiday gatherings, team celebrations, private parties, and fundraisers are all welcome! Supplies are provided, and everyone is guided step-by-step to a finished painting and a shared memory to take home.
You bring the people. We bring the paint party.
Did you like this weeks issue?
Know someone who would love a beer maze, go see live music or attend an Octoberfest? Forward this issue and start making plans together!!
See you next week,
Christine
That's a wrap for this week!
Until next time … keep exploring Western Mass
Curated with care by Christine Carbonaro-Freda westernmassinsider.com