On Saturday, August 22, 2026, cyclists from across the country will gather in Franklin County for one of New England's most iconic cycling events—the Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnée [...]

Living in Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley

A Haven for Artists and Creative Professionals

Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts have long attracted people seeking a quieter and more creative way of life. Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, rivers, and farmland, the region offers an ideal setting for [...]

Fire Pits, Outdoor Cooking Areas, Gazebos, and Pools in the Pioneer Valley

One of the biggest attractions of living in Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts is the ability to enjoy the outdoors. With scenic mountain views, wooded landscapes, and open farmland, many buyers are looking for homes that allow them to fully experience the natural beauty of the region.

Outdoor living spaces have become an important feature when selling homes in towns like Shelburne, Conway, Ashfield, Colrain, Deerfield, and Charlemont. Whether it’s gathering around a fire pit on a cool evening or cooking outdoors during the summer months, these features add both lifestyle appeal and value.

Here are some outdoor spaces that buyers love when searching for homes in Western Massachusetts.

What to Expect in the Pioneer Valley and Hilltowns of Western Mass

For the Love of Farmhouses and Antique Homes

Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts are known for their historic farmhouses and antique homes. Many date back to the 1700s and 1800s and offer character and craftsmanship that modern homes rarely [...]

In Franklin County, a simple idea is creating a powerful ripple effect: bring people together, pool resources, and make meaningful, immediate impacts on local nonprofits. That’s exactly [...]

The Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon returns to Berkshire East Mountain Resort on Saturday, March 28, 2026, inviting runners, riders, paddlers, and skiers—as well as volunteers—to spend a full day playing outside for a good [...]

Massachusetts Maple Weekend returns on Saturday and Sunday, March 7–8, 2026, offering a sweet opportunity to explore working sugarhouses, learn how maple syrup is made, and bring home bottles of pure, locally produced maple goodness. In Franklin County, several family-run operations will welcome visitors for tours, tastings, and farm-fresh [...]

Tucked into the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts, the rural communities offer a lifestyle that feels worlds away from the pace of city living. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a seasonal escape, or a future retirement retreat, buying a second home in the Hilltowns provides scenic beauty, rural character, and a strong [...]

Franklin County offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy winter during school vacation week, from days on the slopes to indoor play, skating, and quiet walks in the woods. 

Hit the slopes at Berkshire East

Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont remains one of the region’s go-to winter destinations, with multiple lifts and a variety [...]

There are more homes for sale than there’s been in years.. But what you need to remember is, even with that shift, there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or later this year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches [...]