My Local MA

by Lisa Davol

Think of the places that make your town feel like home. Chances are, a local shop or restaurant came to mind. The truth is, many of those local businesses are hurting right now. But they’re still standing strong, doing their best to keep us safe. Our Main Streets need our love, more than ever. Now is the time to find your local.

Richie Richardson of FAB in Turners Falls

Buying local creates opportunity

Last year, 125,998 people across the Commonwealth were employed by minority-owned businesses.

Buying local is good for growth

Main streets and locally based businesses drive our economy and our workforce. 99.5% of businesses in MA are small businesses, employing 1.5 million people.Buying local creates jobs

By shopping local you are helping to create new jobs. In 2019, small Businesses were responsible for 53,980 net new jobs in MA. 46% of employees in MA work for a small business.

Explore your local Franklin County!

Hint hint....Mothers Day is almost here! Franklin County has plenty of shopping, flowers, delicious eateries, outdoor adventures and more!

Shop

Plum Boutique in Greenfield

The national pastime of travelers is shopping! Who doesn’t love to find a special something or a true bargain? The town centers in Franklin County are colorful, friendly and host a myriad of shopping experiences. Lose yourself in one of the charming used book stores, peruse antique shops, stroll through artisan galleries and studios, and then rest your weary feet in a casual coffee shop for conversation and reflection. And light up your life because between South Deerfield and Bernardston, you will find the largest selection of candles in the world!

Shop Franklin County now!

Eat

Iron Bridge Dinner in Shelburne Falls

What’s your pleasure? We can offer you a sumptuous brunch, your choice of ethnic lunches, a casual dinner or fine dining specializing in local farm-to-table produce and viands of surf or turf. Our chefs take pride in knowing their farming neighbors and finding the freshest fruits and vegetables in season. Visit a microbrewery or cafe for a sample of locally crafted beer with a sandwich or cheese tray. Or visit a cidery on the Cider Trail and find out how Franklin County birthed the craft cider movement.   And let this video whet your appetite.

Dine Franklin County! restaurants & cafés; bars; orchards, farms, farm stands; maple sugar houses; and local food & beverage producers.

Play

Fishing at Rock Dam in Turners Falls

To say that there are numerous choices any given day or weekend is no exaggeration. Come for fall foliage well into October and November or take a Cider Trail a part of this year’s CiderDays. Find extraordinary experiences that celebrate the rivers, hills and valleys and towns that typify New England as you’d hoped to find it.

Play Franklin County! Attractions, Museums, Craft Tours, Sports & Recreation, The Great Outdoors, more recreation and Art & Culture. Check out some articles of interest or log on to VisitFranklinCountyMA for more.

Stay

Centennial House B&B in Northfield

Choose a country inn, an historic bed & breakfast, a modern hotel or a campsite amid the scenes and sounds of nature – whatever your pleasure, you will find comfort and hospitality in the many options offered here. Come for a weekend getaway or an extended stay and enjoy the authenticity and charm of New England as you hope to find it. Bed & Breakfasts and Inns Hotels and Motels Campgrounds

Franklin County Gift Card!

Imagine one gift card that would allow someone to try a new restaurant in Turners Falls, visit a beautiful shop in Shelburne Falls, have an adventure in Charlemont, golf in Northfield, and much more. You can do all this while keeping your dollars local.It will make the perfect gift for any occasion and the potential is limitless! Get the Gift Card here!

Find more local Franklin County Businesses here.

Show your love

When you share a My Local MA badge or the Mask Up MA icon online, you’re letting people know that you’re doing your part to preserve the Massachusetts we know and love. Download the badges below to share on your website or social media. And don't forget to include the hashtags #MyLocalMA and #MaskUpMA when you post about your local purchases and experiences.

Find customizable templates for you business at this link.

Time
Event Information
Location

December 02

Santa Visits and More Magical Fun

December 02

Santa Experience Dinner with Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 03

Santa Visits and More Magical Fun

December 03

Storytime with Santa at Yankee Candle Village

December 03

Santa Experience Dinner with Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 04

Santa Visits and More Magical Fun

December 04

Storytime with Santa at Yankee Candle Village

December 05

Shoe Sale - I Love My Clogs