Location: South Deerfield
Top Things to do in South Deerfield
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10 Things to Do in South Deerfield That You Shouldn't Miss
South Deerfield is a census-designated place (CDP) in Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is home to the well-known Yankee Candle Company. At the 2010 census, the population of South Deerfield was 1,880.
Restaurants in South Deerfield
1. Historic Deerfield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
This New England museum of history and art is presented as a preserved 330-year-old western Massachusetts village, which features a collection of 18th- and 19th-century houses.
Reviewed By Ali921 - Edinburgh, Scotland
We came through with low expectations on a driving holiday but were totally impressed with what the local community has achieved. The "Main street" is beautiful. The restored houses were the most authentic we saw throughout our holiday in New England. The guides have tremendous knowledge and very happy to chat (or not) about the town or properties. Absolutely worth a visit if in the area.
2. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By Barbara M - Brooklyn, New York
If you appreciate Emily Dickinson’s poetry, you might find yourself close to tears when asking to purchase a ticket to Emily Dickinson's home — her world. It, and her brother's house across the garden, are beautiful and important. And obviously, it will be a moving experience to see the two places that mattered most to this most exquisite of poets. Dickinson was a "homebody": a gardener, a baker, a good friend; a woman who adored her family, cousins, and school chums; and a prolific writer of letters and verses that in their worldview and lyric subtlety knock your socks off.
Luckily, the young docent who led our tour brought out Dickinson's real persona (unlike the unfortunate film that came out last year). She had a wealth of poetry and letters memorized as well as a scholar’s knowledge of and passion for her subject.
I have found, however, that young docents are too often prone to running down the people who inhabited the homes they are privileged to serve, and this one did too. Dickinson's brother Austin's house, a modest Italianate, was not pretentious, but very much along the lines of Italianates up and down the Hudson Valley and in small New England towns. Nor was the floor button in the dining room a mark of social-climbing; it was a way to call a servant during or between courses so as not to disrupt conversation, and most upper-middle class women had them. As for bringing back souvenirs from trips abroad — who doesn’t? Is doing so a sign of showing off? Was Dickinson’s father's hope for a “rational” marriage a sign of sexual repression or of respect for his fiancée? He was, after all, penning a letter. As for Dickinson's telling the truth "slant": She was in that poem writing about gradually revealing a dazzling, "superb surprise" that, if told directly, would "blind" the hearer. So wider knowledge and greater tolerance for other, and older, ways are in order for the highly motivated, intelligent youngsters who are curating our American treasures. And they will acquire these as they live longer.
Despite my quibbles, kudos to the Emily Dickinson Museum and to its dedicated employees and volunteers who are bringing that world back to life.
3. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Blanca L - Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Wanted to stay! Such a pretty and relaxing place. You interact with the most beautiful butterflies, it's a hidden gem. Please make the time to visit, with or without kids. Facilities are pretty good, nice cafeteria and gift shop.
4. The New England Peace Pagoda
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Ken_Blanchard - Enfield, Connecticut
The first peace pagoda in the United States is definitely worth the short 5 minute walk uphill from the parking area. (Elderly and handicapped are allowed to drive up.) Situated in a serenely beautiful setting, with peace garden and pond and many meditation areas. A wonderful visit for a Summer or Fall day.
5. Quonquont Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By tablesedge - New York City, New York
This picturesque farm and event venue are quintessential New England bliss. Pick blueberries, peaches. Drink in the dairy barn and surrounding meadows with heather and ponds. The farm stand people a bit surly. But, if the event staff is more relaxed, it would be an idyllic site for a wedding or celebratory event.
6. Mike's Maze
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Mike's Maze at Warner Farm is an entertainment destination! Join us from September to November for family friendly activities featuring our world famous 8-acre corn maze.
Reviewed By mrs0 - MA
Mike's Maze is an outdoor corn maze open every fall. Each season they have a different design for the cornfield--this year was "Alice in Wonderland." The aerial photos are really impressive.
After paying, you go to a desk where you are given different puzzles to complete in the maze. They are of various levels--we did all three--they are all optional but fun to do. They also provide you with a numbered flag that can be used to help locate people if they get lost, although, while large, it would be pretty hard to get stuck inside. The maze itself is a fun activity.
They have additional activities--a platform lookout, a potato launcher (extra fee), a giant chess set, some ride on toys, farm animals, etc. There are also picnic tables and food for sale.
We went today, on closing day, and are so glad we did. It was a fun way to spend the day and be outside. Definitely worth a visit. The maze is about five minutes from the Yankee Candle Flagship store in S. Deerfield and would be a fun fall destination.
7. Yankee Candle Flagship Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
This 80,000-square-foot space is the world's largest candle store and factory.
Reviewed By RamonaL34
The Yankee Candle Flagship Store is a shoppers paradise. From the parking lot it didn’t look as big as it on the inside. They literally have everything - candles, candy, houseware, collectables, you can make your own candles, toys, cafes, and a huge Christmas village.
It’s a great place to stop and walk around.
8. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By kzsull01 - Windsor, Connecticut
My husband and I visited the Amherst College Museum of Natural History (the Beneski Museum) in Amherst, Mass. On Sunday, August 6th. The museum has three floors with an impressive and wide assortment of various types of natural history artifacts. It has a great collection of fossil skeletons of dinosaurs, other mammals and even fish. The impressive collection of dinosaur footprints and the petrified tree on the ground floor are quite unique. There is a very nice exhibit depicting the history of the local Connecticut River Valley landscape, including the evolution of the geological formations associated with the surrounding area with details about the Holyoke Range. The exhibit about the evolution of the horse is also quite informative. In addition, the many rocks and minerals on display are very interesting and educational.
We are very impressed with this museum, as we were a few years back (in 2013), but at the same time were disappointed with the small collection of items currently on exhibit at the nearby Mead Art Museum, in comparison with what the Mead had a few years ago. Visiting the Beneski Museum was worth the trip and is quite educational, including the informative write-ups describing the items on display, all nicely done. It is a museum with artifacts on exhibit that are very interesting and could be enjoyed by both adults as well as children. This museum is a hidden gem on the scenic Amherst College campus.
9. Tea Guys
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Tea Guys is locally owned and operated in the New England farming community of Whately, Massachusetts. Since 2002, we have been hand-blending our unique and flavorful teas in small batches daily, to provide you with an experience that is truly fresh.
Reviewed By Debbie Z - Mass.
Went this weekend twice for the first time! I've so impressed with the tea combinations, they are so informative about the teas. They are happy to give you a taste of these incredible teas. I've already got a couple of favorites, when my son comes to visit I'm taking him here! You must try these yeas for yourself!
10. Norwottuck Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Ten-mile bike path on the old tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad.
Reviewed By goingforadrive - Erving
I had an excellent ride from Northhampton to Belchertown. The trail spans 11 miles, and there are plenty of great views of the Connecticut River, fields, swamps, towns and distant mountains. Plenty of access point along the trial with parking, benches scattered the length of the trai,l and porte-potties, too. Well maintained, mostly shaded, and flat.
Beautiful!
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