Travelers in search of variety should head west from Greenfield along the historic Mohawk Trail, Route 2, and take a turn at the signs for the lively, artsy little town of Shelburne Falls, which is actually two towns, Shelburne and Buckland, facing one another across the Deerfield River. The two are linked by the Bridge of Flowers, a former electric trolley bridge that was converted to a linear display garden after the trolleys closed down in the 1920s. Four score and a few years later, there are mature trees growing out of the concrete arches, and every spring local gardeners add rich displays of annual color. The story of the trolleys is told, and rides are sometimes offered, at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum (413/625-9443) at 14 Depot Road, walking distance south of the bridge.
Nearby food and beverage options include espresso concoctions from Bridge Street’s Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, or the vegetarian-friendly deli selections at the rear of McCusker’s Market, facing the south end of the iron bridge. The best cheap grub in town is served up at the homey Fox Town Coffee and Sandwich Shop on Bridge Street, where you can feast on a short stack of pancakes with real maple syrup ($2), or enjoy a fresh BLT with a packet of potato chips and a pickle on the side for $2.55.
