10 Things to Do in Orange That You Shouldn't Miss

January 27, 2018 Major Galusha

Orange is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 7,839 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Orange

1. Jumptown

31 C St, Orange, MA 01364-2047
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 14 reviews

Jumptown

Home of the first commercial skydiving center in the United States, Jumptown is the premier destination for skydiving in New England. Located 70 miles west of Boston, Jumptown is a skydiving club that offers both Tandem and Accelerated Freefall training. Many unique options for customers are exclusive to our dropzone: an Accelerated Freefall Camp, VIP Tandem option, and best of all - Jumptown is the only dropzone that offers you the option to make your first skydive with your own parachute! Jumptown is known for its rich history in the world of skydiving as well as our quality instruction and customer experience. Our recently upgraded facilities include a brand new state-of-the-art hangar, a pristine Super Otter jump plane and tons of onsite amenities. At Jumptown, you are trained in the risks and rewards of becoming a skydiver, be it just for a once in a lifetime experience or a path to self-development. Regardless of what path you choose, you will be a well-informed student and will feel confident putting your trust in our experienced instructor's hands.

Reviewed By S A - Pittsfield, Massachusetts

The jump experience was great. It was decided to purchase the most expensive picture package for $125. We looked at the video they had on display depicting what you get.and was happy with what came with the package. We had 2 jumpers. One had great...MoreGlad you enjoyed your jump. I will mention your issue to our video team. We always strive for consistency with our video flyers.

2. Bear's Den

18 Neilson Rd, New Salem, MA 01355-9504
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Bear's Den

Take a short walk to a scenic waterfall or the site of an historic mill.

Reviewed By Carol F - Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

One of our "waterfall hunting" adventures with our daughter. This display is a wider falls that can be seen from a couple fo different angles - the side, in front, and above. Further hiking takes you along the river that feeds the waterfall - but we lost the trail fairly easilly. We hope to head back in better weather for a dip!

We went on to the overlook of the Quabbin from the center of New Salem that can be reached by going through the campus of a former school - a spectacular view.

3. Ellinwood Country Club

1928 Pleasant St, Athol, MA 01331-3231 +1 978-249-7460
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Ellinwood Country Club

Reviewed By CTRiverGolfer - Chicopee, Massachusetts

ELLINWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
Athol, Ma.

Terrain: Ravines / Linksy
Par 71
Price: $
Public
Driving Range: No
Opened: 1929
Architect: Donald Ross, Geoffrey Cornish
Lodging: No

SCORECARD
Blue 6195 Yards, Slope 123, Rating 69.5
White 5891 Yards, Slope 119, Rating 68.8
Gold 5409 Yards, Slope 123, Rating 71.9
Red 5031 Yards, Slope 118, Rating 69.1

SNAPSHOTS
Bunker-to-bunker a real - and dastardly possibility on hole No. 2

Full-length golf on a historic course for a fraction of what it would cost you elsewhere

If you're seeking a divorce, make your spouse putt out on No. 5

First 14 holes are short and tricky, last 4 are long and punishing

Fairways have a linksy feel

Don't assume a gimme's a gimme on these tilted greens

Neighboring New Hampshire's granite state presence is felt, with numerous sodden boulders erupting from below the fairways. Expect crazy bounces should you find one.

Hardscrabble in spots, but with a delicious old-timey feel

BEYOND THE WHITE STAKES
Brewskies: The Blind Pig, Brew Pub (3.1 miles)

Post-round Meal: Old Time New England Seafood Co. Seafood (2.4 miles)

Worth a Detour: Heritage State Park, Gardner (13.9 miles)

Splash! Lake Mattawa, Orange (9.3 miles)

Native: Dave Bargeron, Trombonist and Tuba Player with Blood, Sweat & Tears

4. Doane's Falls

Athol Road, Royalston, MA 01368
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Doane's Falls

Descend a short streamside trail and get an up-close experience with a raucous series of plunging falls.

Reviewed By dave d - Bradford, Massachusetts

I parked at the day hike parking lot at the Tully lake campground, just a short road hike then onto the (handicap accessible) trail. You can continue further up and look at a number of falls on some rougher and steeper trail. Well worth the trip.

5. Red Apple Farm

455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA 01331-9594 +1 978-249-6763
Excellent
64%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Red Apple Farm

Reviewed By shel. - Phillipston, Massachusetts

Great place to spend time in the summer and fall. Not as busy as some other apple picking places I've been to which is nice. The apple cider donuts are a must. Kids enjoyed the hayride and feeding the animals. So many great photo opportunities as well.

6. Montague Bookmill

Rt. 116, Montague, MA +1 413-367-9206
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Montague Bookmill

Reviewed By KLGri - Providence, Rhode Island

This is in a charming setting, and it is a rather "eclectic" used book store. Having said that, if you are looking for something in particular, you'd be better off going on the internet and ordering from Powell's or Abebooks or someplace else that sells used books. But if you just want to poke around a used bookstore, in a beautiful setting, and maybe (or maybe not) find a book you didn't know you wanted, then this is the place.

7. Honest Weight Artisan Beer

131 W Main St, Orange, MA 01364-1150
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Honest Weight Artisan Beer

Reviewed By too_few_trips_1 - Irvine, CA

Honest Weight Artisan Beer produces tasty beer in an old mill town in Northwestern Massachusetts. The tasting room is modest, but I sense the conversation is always good with one of the partners in the firm available to discuss beer and brewing.

Definitely worth a stop.

8. Alan E. Rich Environmental Park

Main St, Athol, MA +1 978-249-3849
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Alan E. Rich Environmental Park

Reviewed By gardener903 - Orange, MA

The Alan E. Rich Environmental Park provides an unusual natural area right near the downtown of Athol, Mass., which has about 11,000 people. I like the way this park offers an easy grassy trail through meadows with varied plants and turtles and birds, a fairly large river (the Millers) known for its dragonfly population and trout, and a big sky to look at, too. A volunteer who works in the park wrote this: "Athol is one of only a very few New England communities with varied wild habitats within the actual center of the community. The Cass Meadow complex enclosing the Millers River and the Tully River offers a varied and complete nature experience right on the Main Street of Athol. The Rich Park is the gate to this invaluable gift. The folks laboring week in and week out have maintained a vision of native New England plantings with a splash of decorative annuals transitioning from the busy highway. With steady support of the town Dept. of Public Works and the Town Hall this project evolved and intensified with a minimum of public dollars." I

9. Royalston Falls

Route 32, Royalston, MA 01331
Excellent
32%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 25 reviews

Royalston Falls

Follow a descending trail that leads to a deep, ancient gorge carved by prehistoric glacial meltwater to falls that plunge 45 feet into a basin.

Reviewed By 908justinz - East Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States

Went to see the falls. The map out front at the trail head was very faded and it appeared that there was a trail loop presumably to the falls and back. We followed the Tully Trail which was yellow painted dots on trees. The trails were filled with orange salamanders which was cool to see. Spent most of our time trying to avoid stepping on them. We got to a couple clearings where there were some running water down 5-10ft "falls" which weren't marked so we almost assumed this was what we were looking for. Luckily we went a bit further and found a sign near a small log bridge and shelter area. 0.3 more miles to falls. We trekked on and came to the falls. It was a nice area but the views weren't very good. You almost had to look straight down at them or the other spot to view was half obstructed. We continued on the Tully trail and it was poorly marked and other trails unmarked jutted off which could be confusing to someone. There were plenty of spots throughout the hike that were completely mud to the point where it was over the ankle and we had to find ways around off the trail. Some steep climbs and descents on the trail where if someone wasn't prepared could easily roll and ankle or slip. Not access for handicap. Not for small children or anyone not able to climb steep and slippery hillsides. No cell service in area. Approx 3 miles on the Tully trail after the falls and we came to Warwick Rd. We asked the man mowing his grass across the street where the parking lot was where we came from. He was so pleasant and knew the area well and advised we were to either hike the whole way back or 5 miles on the road. He jumped right out and offered a ride and says he has done it for many many people before. Wouldn't take any money. We will be sending a care package for his generosity. My feeling is if all these people are doing the same thing that maybe it should be marked or explained better. I also blame ourselves of course for not being better prepared or educated about our hike. I'd recommend this if someone is already in the area while passing our experience on to make your way back the way you came. Lesson learned but overall an average place to visit.

10. Bearsden Conservation Area

Bearsden Road, Athol, MA 01331
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Bearsden Conservation Area

Reviewed By Ed W - Massachusetts

Great views from some of the hiking areas. (2nd highest hill in Athol). Trails are generally well marked. Typical warning about "insect season" and bug spray! The little critters seem to have multiplied if you hike over to the South Royalston Road side or near Millers River.

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