Hello

Have never visited (live in Boston). Looking for suggestions for what to do and perhaps where to have lunch. Lastly, will it be worth the 1 hour drive? Thanks.

I've never been, but I imagine the foliage will still be pretty good this weekend. I think its just past peak, but really beautiful here in the western burbs.

I wonder if the Bridge of Flowers will still be blooming? they say there are chrysanthemums through October
http://gonewengland.about.com/od/ber...dgeflowers.htm

I was just in the area last weekend and the foliage was lovely. Any getaway will be worth an hour's drive. When we were touring Mt. Greylock we ran into some locals who were recommending Shelburne Falls emphatically.

It is a lovely town, but expect more like 2 hours drive from Boston on Rt 2.

I don't know if you are a shopper, but the Lamson & Goodnow outlet store is worth a visit -- they manufacture high-end knives, and the store also has all kinds of cookware at discount prices. Also there are lots of nice artsy shops in town.

The Cafe at the Montague book mill is a nice place to get lunch with a view (and books). Their motto is: Books You Don't Need, In a Place You Can't Find.

Famous Bills in Greenfield is nice restaurant with a huge traditional menu.

There may still be some things alive on the Bridge of Flowers, which is an old railroad bridge converted into a garden. In the summer it's spectacular. Also there's a very funky old bowling alley there (the small balls) that's a hoot if you like that sort of thing. The potholes, a natural wonder, are neat to see.

If it's a beautiful day, I'd say it's worth the trip, otherwise...

The local folks I spoke of earlier also recommended the potholes.

folks on Chowhound see to like Gypsy Apple in Shelburne Falls.

I live 20 minutes from there. The leaves are still fairly good, but definitely past peak. We are at least a week ahead of you in Boston foliage wise. Are you coming just to go to Shelburn Falls? It's pretty small, not that much to do. If you want to hit up some orchards, antique shops, etc you could make a nice day of it. Or stop in Old Deerfield while you are in the area.

All that said, tomorrow is supposed to be raining all day so that would make it not worthwhile in my opinion. If you want to come just for the day on Sunday that might be better.