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The Massachusetts town of Shelburne Falls has been turning heads for centuries. The area was first settled by European settlers in 1756, before being incorporated as a town in 1775. Today, Shelburne Falls proudly preserves centuries of history, with its village recognized as a National Register Historic District and a haven for artists and musicians. Whether you want to explore whitewater rapids or unwind at a cozy chamber music performance, Shelburne Falls has just the thing to make your visit unforgettable.

Outdoor Recreation

No matter the season, Shelburne Falls always has the perfect outdoor activity for travelers. In winter, visitors can hit the slopes at Berkshire East Mountain Resort close to the town, which offers 180 skiable acres and slopes for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. As the weather warms, travelers can head to Goodnows Chip and Putt for a sunny afternoon of golf. Open from April through November, this 18-hole course provides both clubs and balls, making it accessible even if you don’t have your golf equipment. Those up for a day filled with adrenaline can sign up for a rafting excursion with Crab Apple White Water Inc., which will take adventurers down the thrilling white waters of the Deerfield River. With rapids ranging from mild to intense, there is an experience for every skill level.

After a hot summer, it is only natural to embrace the fall season. Consider visiting one of the nearby orchards, such as Apex Orchards. From August through October, travelers can pick their own apples at the orchard, including ginger gold, honey crisp, Fuji, McIntosh, and Cortland apples, among several other varieties. The orchard also offers tractor-drawn trailer rides that visitors can enjoy after picking their fresh fruit. Those with kids can spend a morning at Hick’s Family Farm in nearby Charlemont, a fifth-generation family-owned and operated farm that hosts a family-friendly corn maze each year from the end of August through October.

The Bridge Of Flowers And Shelburne Falls Trolley

One of Shelburne Falls’ most iconic landmarks, a bridge, traces its roots back to the end of a trolley line. The story of this bridge dates back to 1928, when the Colrain Shelburne Railroad ceased to use the trolley bridge, leaving it abandoned and overgrown with weeds. The following year, the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club transformed the bridge by spreading loads of soil and fertilizer before planting hundreds of flowers. Today, from April through October, the bridge bursts into color with blooming perennials, annuals, flowering trees, shrubs, and vines, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Although the bridge is currently closed for restorations, it is expected to reopen in the Spring of 2025.

Visitors can also ride the trolley that once passed over the Bridge of Flowers at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. At the museum, travelers can hop on the old-fashioned pump car which dates back to 1896, taking a ride through the freight yard where it once loaded and unloaded passengers and other supplies a century ago. While in the museum’s visitor’s center, travelers can also appreciate a variety of historical trolley photos, while kids can play with a collection of electric and wooden trains.

Live Music Events

Shelburne Falls has certainly made a name for itself in the music scene of northwestern Massachusetts. Each year, the small town hosts the Shelburne Falls Porch Music Festival, which draws in between 20 and 60 musicians to perform on the porches of local homes throughout town. This intimate event is completely volunteer-organized, with all funds raised going directly towards the local music community. Throughout the summer, visitors can also attend one of the concerts in the Mohawk Trail Concerts series.

These concerts, held in the Charlemont Federated Church in the neighboring town of Charlemont, showcase chamber music in a casual and friendly atmosphere, presenting pianists, violinists, horns, and jazz musicians, among other performers. Even if you are not able to visit Shelburne Falls during the summer for its music scene, you can check out Floodwater Brewing Company’s calendar to attend a live music event that occurs nearly every weekend.

Local Restaurants

The best restaurants in Shelburne Falls are the ones that are family-run and locally owned, many of which work with local farming communities and offer seasonal menus. For a fantastic and fresh breakfast, travelers can start their morning at Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant, open seasonally during the spring. From mid-February through the end of March, travelers can enjoy mouthwatering pancakes, french toast, and waffles with locally sourced maple syrup. The rest of the year, the farm sells fresh eggs, maple syrup, milk, and beef that travelers can purchase as well. Looking for a satisfying meal? Hotfire Bar and Grill serves some of the most mouthwatering burgers in town, as well as a variety of classic American dishes. Its location along Bridge Street, less than a block away from the Bridge of Flowers, makes it a convenient place to dine during your day of activities.

Final Thoughts

With a population of just around 1,700, it is easy to see why Shelburne Falls sometimes flies under the radar. However, the community is not just any rural town. Historic trolleys, bridges covered in flowers, and townwide porch music festivals are just a few of the attractions that make it stand out. So if you have been planning a road trip through The Bay State, Shelburne Falls is a must-add for your itinerary!