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Massachusetts Foliage Driving Tour

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For a more adventurous way to experience West County's outdoors, raft class II and III rapids along the Deerfield River through the mossy, boulder-strewn reaches of Zoar Gap. Head west down Route 2 to Charlemont. Zoar Outdoor and Crab Apple Whitewater run rafting trips ranging in intensity from mild to wild.

Retrace your steps back to Route 2 and head west again, looking for signs for Route 2A and the charming village of Shelburne Falls, a weekend destination in itself. Shelburne's generous offerings include the natural beauty of the Deerfield River, glacial potholes, several good antiques shops, tasty food, a number of local arts and crafts galleries, and the famous Bridge of Flowers.

Located near the junction of Routes 2 and 112, the village of Shelburne Falls straddles the Deerfield River, standing partly in the town of Shelburne and partly on the other side of the river in Buckland. Find parking on Bridge Street in the center of town, and allow at least half a day to appreciate the town. Be sure to stop at the well-staffed Shelburne Falls Village Information Center for more information about the area.

Starting on the Shelburne side, you'll find several antiques shops. Shea Antiques is full of wonderful old goodies, including a collection of antique Christmas ornaments. Look also for an offbeat store: the Wandering Moon, with a medieval influence. On weekend nights Pothole Pictures presents classic movies at the renovated Memorial Hall. And be sure to make time for a stop at the Shelburne Falls Artisans Cooperative. Here 50 artists and craftspeople feature their work.

When you're hungry, one of the tastiest options in Shelburne Falls is the Village Restaurant, where you'll find a delicious breakfast and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. The Southwestern-influenced menu boasts eight different kinds of chilies daily, as well as a variety of sandwiches and soups.

On the Buckland side of the village, a picnic or casual sit-down lunch can be found at McCusker's Market, the local health food store and gathering place. McCusker's also sells Lamson & Goodnow's cutlery, which has been manufactured up the street since 1837. For a much bigger selection, including a line of "seconds," visit the company's factory outlet on Conway Street. Outdoor tables at McCusker's or on Conway Street at the picnic area give you a chance to enjoy the river scenery.

Up the hill on Ashfield Street you'll find the Salmon Falls Artisans' Showroom, carrying glassware, jewelry, furniture, and other excellent handwork of more than 180 artisans. Head back down the hill toward State Street, where you'll find Bald Mountain Pottery and Apple Blossoms Antiques.

Heading back toward McCusker's, stroll across the Bridge of Flowers. Once a trolley bridge, it was reappropriated by the Shelburne Falls Woman's Club in 1929 as a pedestrian walkway and perennial garden. Gardeners will appreciate the effort taken to keep this 400-foot perennial garden in bloom throughout the season; more than 500 plant varieties line the bridge, ensuring that something is always in bloom.

After you've crossed the Bridge of Flowers and are back in Shelburne Falls, turn right onto Water Street and cross Bridge Street onto Deerfield Avenue to find these geologic marvels: the glacial potholes, holes of all sizes bored into the Salmon Falls rockbed by glaciers (it's a real challenge to photograph these curiosities adequately). The potholes vary in size from a few inches to nearly 40 feet in diameter, and in the summer the riverbed is dotted with swimmers and sunbathers enjoying the smooth, warm rock surfaces. Crafts practically line your path down to the water: North River Glass, a working glassblowing studio that's open to the curious public, and Mole Hollow Candles.