Things To Do In...Southwick
Although the race is in Massachusetts, a lot of the teams and riders stay in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and frequent the Skyline Diner, which is a very cool place worth checking out. There’s also a bowling alley right across the street.
One of the largest indoor riding facilities lies in Windsor, Connecticut. The MototownUSA facility boasts three indoor tracks, climate controlled systems, a parts department, maintenance, retail shops, and adjacent parking for 900 vehicles and RVs.
Three floors totaling 120,000 sq. feet of retail space are located along the main entrance of Mototown USA. These shops are accessible from the parking lot or from inside the stadium. Tenant leasing space is still available, contact Tom DeFranzo at (860) 841-3658 for more information, or visit www.mototownusa.com.
Springfield, MA is right out the road from Southwick, and it is home to a few museums that may be of interest.
First, there’s the Indian Motorcycle Museum:
33 Hendee St
Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 737-2624
The building is “part of the vast complex where Indian motorcycles were made until 1953. On display are historical cycles and other American-made machines; photographs; extensive collection of toy motorcycles; other Native American products, including an early snowmobile and a 1928 roadster.”
“Basketball, a game that started with 18 men in a YMCA gymnasium in Springfield, Mass., has grown into a game that more than 300 million people play worldwide. The man who created this instantly successful sport was Dr. James Naismith. Under orders from Dr. Luther Gulick, head of Physical Education at the School for Christian Workers. Naismith had 14 days to create an indoor game that would provide an “athletic distraction” for a rowdy class through the brutal New England winter. Naismith’s invention didn’t come easily.”
That comes from the Basketball Hall of Fame website. You can check out the Hall of Fame in person:
Basketball Hall of Fame
1150 W Columbus Ave
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 734-6109
The Titanic Museum
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If you’re into firearms, you may want to check out the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. The first and last National Armory Overlooking the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, Springfield Armory National Historic Site offers the story of our Nation’s first armory. Our large museum, year-round public programs, exhibits, and special events speak of nearly two centuries of pioneering American military arms manufacturing.
Call 413-734-8551 for more info.
Finally, here are a few additions from local Paul Buckley:
There’s a Six Flags down the street.
A quarter midget track not far away called Whip City. Check them out online here.
Hartford is pretty close and Boston is only an hour and a half away.
There’s an Air Force base to visit.
