Had enough of watching the leaves fall and cover the lawn you’ve just spent backbreaking hours clearing? Through with buying Halloween candy for kids who don’t even live in your neighborhood!

Well make this weekend more than just lying in bed for another hour as we say goodbye to daylight savings time, and head into another New England winter. Here’s three offbeat suggestions in Massachusetts to get you out and about:

Smith & Wesson Try a Gun Program – Springfield, Massachusetts

Even if you’ve no desire to ever own a gun have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold and fire one? At the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts you can take the “Try a Gun” package which includes gun rental, box of ammunition, three targets and lane fee for $26.95.

The package is available to adults ages 18 and up and children ages 12 and up with the permission and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

The sports center is located at 299 Page Boulevard, Springfield, Massachusetts, and is open weekdays from noon until 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday hours are available September through May from noon until 5 p.m.

For More Information: Call (413) 846-6400 or visit their web site at http://www.smith-wesson.com/

Battleship Cove– Fall River, Massachusetts

At Battleship Cove in Fall River you’ll find the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. From the super amazing and pride of the collection battleship USS Massachusetts to the Balao-class submarine USS Lionfish, and to the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, JR.

And then there’s cruisers and P.T. boats, and… well if you just like the thought of spending an afternoon walking the decks of wartime ships and surrounding yourself with all things naval then Battleship Cove delivers the goods. For the adventurous you can even spend overnight on the battleship camping.

Battleship Cove is located on Mount Hope Bay. From Boston take Interstate 93 South (Southeast Expressway) to 128 South. Take Route 24 South to Fall River, MA. Take Exit 7 (State Route 79). Take Davol Street Exit (2nd Exit) and follow the signs (Waterfront, Heritage State Park, or Battleship Cove) along the waterfront to Battleship Cove.

And just down the road in the same town you’ll find…

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast – Fall River, Massachusetts

Yes, it’s true you can spend a night in the Fall River house where the Borden’s were hacked to death on Thursday August 4, 1892. Will you join the legions who think Lizzie guilty, or will you choose to be a stalwart defender?

Since the murders in 1892 the house has been a private residence. Now for the first time the public is allowed not only to view the murder scene, but is given an opportunity to spend a night (if you dare – and there’s a price to pay!) in the actual house where the murders took place.

As they say, “It’s time to bury the hatchet” on this one… oops, bad choice of words!

For non-guests, tours are daily from 11a.m.on the hour, and the last tour begins promptly at 3:00 p.m. Tour prices are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for Senior Citizens, and $5.00 for children ages 7 to 12. Children under 6 are admitted free.

For more information call 508 675 7333 or visit their web site at http://www.lizzie-borden.com/ The Lizzie Borden house is located in Fall River, Massachusetts on 92 Second Street take I-195 to Exit 7, then take Rte. 81S, turn right at Walgreens (Rodman St.), turn right at first light (Second St.). Borden House is on the right after St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Keep coming back to this Blog every week for more unusual events, destinations and attractions around New England.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Destinations of New England Guide