Hilltown Families 
Ticket Giveaway: Parents’ Night Out at Mountain Park with Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker
Mountain Park in Holyoke, MA
Friday, Sept 14th, 2012 @ 7pm
Win the tickets and take your spouse, partner or gang of friends for a night out to see Darius Rucker plus Joel Crouse at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Friday, Sept. 14th. Deadline to enter to win is 09/11/112 @ 7pm (EST). Details below.
Hilltown Families and Iron Horse Entertainment Group have partnered up to offer a chance to win free tickets to see adult venues in the Pioneer Valley for a PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT! You pay for the sitter, we’ll pay for the tickets!
This month at Mountain Park, Darius Rucker brings country favorites and Hootie classics to the Pioneer Valley on Friday, September 14th at 7pm – and we’re giving away a 4-pack of lawn tickets for a group of friends to enjoy an evening out! Win the tickets and take your spouse, partner or gang of friends for a fun evening away from the kids. Deadline to enter to win is Tuesday, 09/11/12 @ 7pm (EST). Details below.
ABOUT DARIUS RUCKER
As leader of Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker was one of the most popular frontmen in mainstream pop/rock during the mid-’90s. The band’s debut album, Cracked Rear View, was virtually inescapable in 1995, eventually selling more than 16 million copies and becoming one of the most successful albums of all time. Hootie & the Blowfish couldn’t recreate that magic on future albums, though, and the band took a break from the studio after releasing 1998’s Musical Chairs. Rucker used his free time to launch a solo career, which allowed the singer to explore his R&B and country influences.
Darius Rucker is now riding high with the release of his sophomore country album, Charleston, SC 1966. USA Today raved, “Rucker has made a fine-sounding country album, full of singable choruses, bittersweet fiddle and steel, and guitars with bottomless twang,” and Rolling Stone said, “On his Nashville debut, Rucker’s rich baritone, sentimental ballads and bright hooks made him the most successful African-American country singer since Charley Pride.” Rucker amps up that formula on album number two. The debut in referral is his chart-topping 2008 release, Learn To Live an album that produced three consecutive No. 1 singles and Top 5 smash, “History In The Making,” Ruckers success in the country music format was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Top New Artist title and again with ACM, Teen Choice, and AMA Award nominations. Charleston, SC 1966–a title which pays tribute to one of Rucker’s biggest influences, Radney Foster–includes the multiple-week #1 hit single, “Come Back Song,” and his current Top 10 single, “This.”
For the latest news and tour info, visit www.dariusrucker.com.
ABOUT MOUNTAIN PARK
Following its opening in 1894 as a picturesque retreat on the side of Mount Tom, Mountain Park expanded and evolved into one of the most beloved amusement parks in New England. At the beginning of the 20th century, Holyoke was the most prosperous community in the state and the first planned industrial city in the United States. The city’s progress drew crowds of visitors to Mountain Park, and the park gradually developed into a bustling destination. Although the park closed its gates in 1987, the echoes of laughter from generations of visitors still reverberate throughout the Pioneer Valley. Today, Mountain Park evolves into the next millennium as a new host for music, entertainment and outdoor family fun.
HOW TO WIN
We’re putting together a bucket list of things to do and places to see in Western MA with the family in the fall (Sept-Dec). Recommend your favorite attraction, must see or must do family autumn activity, and be entered to win a 4-pack of lawn tickets to see Darius Rucker plus Joel Crouse at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Friday, Sept. 14th, 2012 at 7pm, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
- POST YOUR RECOMMENDATION AS OUTLINED ABOVE (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
- FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
- LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
- ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
- CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting the Facebook icon below.
- We’ll randomly draw two winners and will share the results below.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Tuesday, 9/11/12 @ 7pm (EST)
If you don’t win, tickets can be purchased at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, by phone at 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.
Congratulations to Shannon Dillard of Holyoke! Shannon has won a 4-pack of lawn tickets to see Darius Rucker plus Joel Crouse at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Friday, Sept. 14th, 2012 at 7pm… and should contact us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for directions on how to claim her tickets!
Thank you to everyone who participated by sharing their favorite things to do and place to see in Western MA with the family in the fall!
Franklin County Pumpkinfest!
Marya LaRoche, Cheshire, MA
The Basketball Hall of Fame is a great rainy-day trip for the family and kids. Head to Coldstone Creamery in the same complex for a cool treat.
Mary Rarogiewicz, Springfield, MA
The Ashfield Fall Festival is one of the most memorable small town events in the Pioneer Valley. Arrive early and have pancakes and strong coffee at Elmer’s, then step out and enjoy all that the town has to offer.
My favorite family autumn attraction is to visit Outlook Farm on Rte. 66 in Westhampton, MA! They offer apple picking, hay rides with horses, BBQ, ice cream, cider, pumpkins and even live music! They sell their own fruits and vegetables, and offer a wide selection of pork products. Their pulled pork, bacon, ham and sausage are outa this world! It really is a fun-filled day my family and I have enjoyed for years….
Definitely the Big E!! Best fair of all time. Enjoy a main baked potato followed by a cup of hot apple cider. I would also recommend going to pick some pumpkins and enjoy some cider donuts at Atkins Farms.
Get a lunch to go from Tail Gate in South Hadley and bring,with you to eat after a hike at MT. Tom Reservation.. Or go to Skinner Mountain take a look at the scenery and eat your lunch on the rocks on top of the moutain,,and take in the view.. Absolutely amazing end your day by going to Atkins for cider doughnuts and cider.. And a trip to the fish hatchery.in Quaban.
Megan, Holyoke
Leaf peeping as we ride to Hilltop Orchard to go apple picking, hayride, cider donuts and apple cider. Mom and Dad get to a bottle of wine to take home for the holidays.
Lorna, Wilbraham, MA
Apple picking at Pine Hill Orchards, then baking pies with the kids
Victoria Lenois, Colrain MA
Okay fall time is to have fun. So mikes corn maze first in Sunderland , then off to the bizon farm in Hadley- how about dinner at the Go- Ten restaurant- where they cook the food in front of you. Okay after that The Concert
Taking a leaf-peeping drive through The Quabbin…
Jennifer Meighan
Belchertown, MA
I recommend taking a ride to South Deerfield to Yankeee Candle and then go down the road to Magic Wings Butterfly Museaum. Not only will you be visiting two amazing places , but you’ll also be able to enjoy the breathtaking foliage!!!
Well to start the day off right head to Mike’s corn maze, then head over to Yankee Candle to dip your own candles, from there, swing by Magic Wings butterfly conservatory, then head down to the Big E for a baked potato, and swing back up to Mountain Park for a relaxing live show to wrap up the day. If Closer to December try heading out to Bright Nights for a Winter Wonderland of Lights before heading home.
Well to start the day off right head to Mike’s corn maze, then head over to Yankee Candle to dip your own candles, from there, swing by Magic Wings butterfly conservatory, then head down to the Big E for a baked potato, and swing back up to Mountain Park for a relaxing live show to wrap up the day. If Closer to December try heading out to Bright Nights for a Winter Wonderland of Lights before heading home.
Lakeview orchards in Lanesboro, ma apple picking, hayrides, and warm apple cider donuts. Along with great views. Kenna Adams, Ma.
Carmela Smith, Palmer, MA
Randall’s Farm corn maze, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow contest and fall festival.
The Apple Festival at Outlook Farm in Westhampton! Apples, hay rides, music and food! Reminds me of the apple festivals we used to go to back in my hometown in Michigan!
(To read about more fun places to go with the family in Western Mass, check out my blog http://musingsinmass.blogspot.com/)
Lisa Zacks, Williamsburg, MA
Quonquont Farm in Whatley for apple-picking. A beautiful location and a wide variety of apples.
Diane Zamer, Florence, MA
Oh I forgot about my city as well I wrote about Mount Greylock I also live in Pittsfield MA!
I wrote about Whitney’s farm. I forgot about my city… I live in Pittsfield MA
I enjoy taking my family to Whitney’s farm pumpkin patch! They have an amazing assortment of fall activities including haunted hay maze, pony rides, giant slide and of course pumpkin picking! My kids favorite time of year!
Enjoy Mount Greylock with a picnic lunch and view the spectacular scenery of foliage. Kids love climbing up to the top of the memorial to take pictures.Tons of hiking trails. The lodge has some yummy ice cream treats inside! Last but not least huge bonus they have clean bathrooms!!!!! :)
Hamilton Orchards to pick apples!
Go for a bike ride on the bike trail in Northampton, stopping for ice cream before you leave.
The Belchertown Fair is always a great family fall event.
South Hadley, MA
Go to Akins Farms and get fresh hot apple cider and a bag of cider donuts. Eat a few donuts while sipping your hot cider, then hike to the top of Skinner mountain and enjoy the rest of the bag as your reward.
Shannon Dillard, Holyoke MA
Going apple or blueberry picking with a picnic.
The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival!
Jessica Larkin, Bernardston MA