This specialty store in Springfield's South End offers all kinds of delicious imports from Italy. From Olive Oil to Tomatoes and Pastas, Milano brings the best of Italy to New England. On top of these quality imports, Milano also offers homemade pastas and sausages, as well as the deli counter which whips up amazing sandwiches and deli platters using their fine meats and cheeses. Milano is a great stop for those craving an authentic taste of Italy.

Located 120 miles west of Boston and 45 miles from Albany, the Prime Outlets at Lee offers upscale outlet shopping with an impressive collection of 60 designer and name brand outlet stores. Enjoy savings of 25% to 65% every day. Stores include Aeropostale, Banana Republic, Calvin, Klein, Eddie Bauer, Coach, Gap, Harry & David, Lindt, Pepperidge Farm, Zales, Timberland and many more. Store hours may vary during sales, please visit the website for more information.

Handmade wreaths and decorations are on display and for sale at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. There are also many seasonal events where plants, herbs, crafts and other gifts available. There is no cost to attend the events; however, there is an admission fee to see the garden. Berkshire Botanical Garden features a gift shop and numerous educational activities throughout the year.

The original Yankee Candle Company's flagship store in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is an exciting, fun day trip out of Boston (approximately one hour's ride) for everyone. Over 160 varieties of candles are sold, from traditional beeswax to Shortbread Cookie scented candles, unique and traditionally-made New England housewares and a complete selection of Christmas decorations, there is definitely something here for everyone to enjoy. Make your own candles at the Candlemaking Museum, stroll through the Bavarian Christmas village (complete with 25ft tree and toy train zooming through the trees) with year-round snowfall or relax and enjoy a performance by the animatronic Candle Mountain Boys with some delicious baked goods. Prepare to spend hours wandering around this massive 16,000 sq ft store full of candles and other delights. There's also a lovely adjacent restaurant, Chandler's, which serves traditional New England dishes, such as Fish & Chips, Clam Chowder, Chicken Pot Pie and Toll House Cookie Pie.

The Sturbridge Marketplace is a hodgepodge of unique shopping, eateries and offices. With stores ranging from Sturbridge Furniture & Gifts to Paradise Found and restaurants like Melinda's Menu, the Sturbridge Marketplace is an essential stop if you're looking for unique, local stores. Sturbridge Marketplace features free parking in a convenient location.

With numerous places to stay on the premises, the Publick House Historic Inn is one of the country's oldest continuously-run inns, opened in 1771. Guests can stay in the Motor Lodge on the hill overlooking the property, which has standard rooms and suites, some on two floors, a tennis court and an apple-shaped pool. The 18th-century inn has lovely colonial rooms with modern facilities and is located directly above the restaurant. A unique experience and treat for young and old. If you enjoyed the Sticky Buns, Cornbread Sticks and Sweet Mustard Pickle Relish, be sure to pick some up in the back, lower entrance at the Bake Shoppe.

The Black Sheep in Amherst is a great little place to get a sandwich (made with Boar's Head meats, of course!), challah bread or locally-roasted coffee. Sandwiches are homemade and made with care, including several vegetarian and vegan options. You can also enjoy live music (typically jazz) during the week after 4p.

5000 square feet of yarn await the inner knitting enthusiast! Artists from around the country shop here for unique eyelash blends, mohairs, angoras, chenilles and more, and many come from their enormous tent sale each May. WEBS is one of the best yarn stores in the area and their staff are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about different yarn varieties, appropriate needles and great knitting gadgets from Japan.

Located just off the campus of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, the Village Commons offers a unique shopping experience of a small New England town with interesting little, independent stores. You can also catch a movie at the two-plex cinema that shows big hits and indie favorites.

The National Yiddish Book Center on the campus of Hampshire College has been open since 1997, a facility open to the public to encourage exploration of Yiddish culture and modern Jewish literature. Over 1.5 million books have been recovered and current efforts include cataloging and scanning some of these historic texts to have online to share with the world. There is an English-language bookstore on sight as well as an impressive film and documentary series.