The Scenic Country Route That Leads To 6 Old-Fashioned Landmarks
By Melissa Mahoney|Published December 14, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
The Bay State is a gorgeous state with many beautiful scenic byways and country roads. One such scenic country route in Massachusetts will lead road trippers to several old-fashioned landmarks. It’s time to hit the road along Route 116 in Western Mass and take a step back in time while admiring all the beauty along the way.
Route 116 is a nice and easy drive. Some of the landmarks are on Route 116 while others are a short distance off the route. Use the Google Maps link for the trip.
Just over 68 miles long, Route 116 is a scenic byway through small, historic, and rural towns between Adams and Springfield in Western Mass. Along the way, road trippers can stop at a number of parks and old-fashioned landmarks.
We start this old-fashioned road trip in the town of Sunderland. You can't get more old-fashioned that a historic downtown area with nearly 200 historic buildings and houses lining the streets. Go for a stroll down North and South Main Streets to take it all in. Some of the architecture dates back to the 1700s.
Next on our journey is the small town of Ashfield. One of the best-known landmarks in town is the Ashfield Hardware & Supply store. The very definition of old-fashioned, this story carries a variety of supplies all within a historic building in town. It's certainly worth a stop if only to experience the good old-fashioned friendliness from the owners.
Another old-fashioned building that's worth a stop in Ashfield is Elmer's Store. With over 100 years of history in town, Elmer's was once a general store, a meat store, and a lunch counter. Now it is a fantastic restaurant serving both breakfast and dinner.
4. Bullitt Reservation
Bullitt Reservation, Bullitt Rd, Ashfield, MA 01330, USA
Our next location is Bullitt Reservation which was once a farm and then a country estate to a man by the name of William C. Bullitt, a former U.S. Ambassador. With nearly 3,000 acres with trails, you can enjoy nature while taking in the sights of the former farm buildings.
As the oldest covered bridge in Massachusetts, the Burkeville Covered Bridge was built around 1869 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only is it a remarkable historic site, but you can drive through it!
6. Woodbridge Street Historic District
Woodbridge Street Historic District, 48 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
Our last stop is located in South Hadley's Woodbridge Street Historic District. This district is home to 28 properties that once belonged to the Woodbridge family. Today it is mostly residential but worthwhile to see the gorgeous architecture.
Have you ever driven along this scenic country route in Massachusetts? What’s your favorite scenic drive in the state? Let us know in the comments!
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