15 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR WESTOVER ARB
By Will Borger
Introduction
As you get used to your new installation, Westover (ARB) Air Reserve Base, you’ll want to find things to do in the surrounding areas. Below are some activities and their locations to check out. Finding your favorite places to spend time with family and friends is crucial to feeling at home and comfortable in your new surroundings. Explore these options and find what works best for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations, too. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-2) Golf Courses (3) Shooting Range (4-5) Bowling (6-7) Movie Theaters (8) Nearby Attractions (9-10) Parks, Fishing, and Hunting (11-12) Gyms (13-15) MuseumsSuggested Read:
Westover Air Reserve Base: In-Depth Welcome CenterCOVID-19 Notice
Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.15 Things to do Near Westover Air Reserve Base
If you are looking to do something off base, there are a lot of options in nearby Springfield, MA. Check out the options below for some suggested activities on and outside of the comforts of the post.Westover ARB Golf Courses
Springfield, MA
1. Veterans Public Golf Course
1059 S Branch Pkwy. Springfield, MA 01118Phone:
1 (413) 787-6449 Open seven days a week and designed by famed architect Geoffery Cornish, Veterans Public is known for its reasonable prices and good service at its pro shop and restaurant. The course also offers lessons.Belchertown
2. Mill Valley Golf Links
380 Mill Valley Rd. Belchertown, MA 01007Phone:
1 (413) 323-4079 Originally a fairly small, unimpressive course, Mill Valley’s current ownership has spent a substantial sum to make this an impressive, 18 hole course that is both well maintained and reasonably priced.Shooting Range
West Springfield
3. Hot Brass Indoor Range
1050 Main St. West Springfield, MA 01089Phone:
1 (413) 731-7666 Hot Brass is the largest indoor shooting range in the state, and offers rifle, pistol, shotgun, and bow and archery lanes. The range is well reviewed, and offers discounts for members of the military and law enforcement.Westover ARB Bowling Alley
East Longmeadow
4. Shaker Bowl
168 Shaker Rd. East Longmeadow, MA 01028Phone:
1 (413) 525-7198 In addition to a very nice and low-priced bowling alley, Shaker Bowl offers food, drinks, an arcade, and friendly staff. It’s the highest rated alley in the area.Chicopee
5. AMF Chicopee Lanes
291 Burnett Rd Chicopee, MA 01020Phone:
1 (413) 592-9161 Chicopee Lanes is freshly remodeled and offers several lanes in addition to an arcade, pro shop, bar, and restaurant. They also do parties and several social events.Westover ARB Movie Theater
West Springfield
6. Cinemark West Springfield
864 Riverdale Rd. West Springfield, MA 01089Phone:
1 (413) 733-5134 The Cinemark West Springfield is known for its reclining seats, friendly staff, great food, cleanliness, and excellent service.Springfield
7. Regal MGM Springfield
1 Mgm Way Springfield, MA 01103Phone:
1 (844) 462-7342 Much like the Cinemark, the Regal MGM Springfield is known for its excellent food options, great prices, reclining seats, and local bar.Nearby Attractions
Springfield
8. The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center
Located inside Forest Park 293 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA 01108Phone:
1 (413) 733-2251 A non-profit dedicated to education and preservation, the zoo features more than 200 species of native and exotic animals. It also offers a wide variety of educational programs and guided tours, and admission is only $10 for adults.Parks, Fishing, and Hunting
Springfield
9. Forest Park
Sumner Avenue Springfield, MA 01108Phone:
1 (413) 787-6000 Aside from the zoo, Forest Park is also a large, well-maintained area with several hills, trails, scenic paths, and ponds. You’re also likely to see some water fowl.10. North Riverfront Park
Sumner Avenue Springfield, MA 01108-2364Phone:
1 (413) 787-6000 Riverfront Park is small, but it’s a beautiful area to walk through and features a large gazebo. It’s also an excellent place to fish or rent a kayak or paddleboard.Westover ARB Gyms
East Longmeadow
11. PowerClean Fitness
45 Baldwin St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028Phone:
1 (413) 526-9800 PowerClean offers every kind of equipment, from free weights to cardio and CrossFit equipment. Reviewers also praise their excellent staff.12. Conca Sport and Fitness
45 Baldwin St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028Phone:
1 (413) 304-2350 Conca Sport and Fitness has all the equipment you could want, but what sets them apart is their knowledgeable staff and personalized training regimens.Westover ARB Museums
Springfield
13. Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 W Columbus Ave. Springfield, MA 01105-2518Phone:
1 (413) 781-6500 This 48,000 square foot museum offers three stories of exhibits on the history of the sport and the players who defined it, as well as skill contests for visitors.14. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
21 Edwards St. Springfield, MA 01103-1548Phone:
1 (413) 263-6800 The Dr. Seuss Museum walks guests through all of Dr. Seuss’s most famous works and characters while giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the man himself.15. Titanic Museum
208 Main St. Springfield, MA 01151Phone:
1 (413) 543-4770 Located in the back of a jewelry store, the Titanic Museum is a hidden gem that’s packed with artifacts relating to the Titanic and its sister ships. It also boasts a knowledgeable staff.Conclusion
Westover Reserve Air Reserve Base may be small, but there’s plenty to do near the base in Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield, MA. Explore the options, and don’t be afraid to try a few things out. Ask your new friends and neighbors for recommendations, especially when it comes to outdoor parks and activities. This list is just a taste of the offerings on and near the base. We hope you can feel inspired to check these out and explore the area as you get settled in.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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