Ludlow (Massachusetts)

With a visible and dynamic Portuguese immigrant community, Ludlow has a distinctive culture from its neighboring towns.

• I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Exit 7

Ludlow is a good place for a scenic drive.

• 🌍 Lupa Zoo. A small private zoo, including monkeys, bears, and farm animals. Open April to November. $9.50 adults, $6 children. 545 West St. 

• Soccer - Ludlow is famous for its soccer, so catch a game from the Western Mass Pioneers or Western Mass Lady Pioneers professional soccer teams. The Pioneers play in the USL Second Division while the Lady Pioneers compete in the USL W-League. Both teams play at Lusitano Stadium (400 Windsor St.) $9 adults, $6 children.

Paulo's Department Store on East Street has clothes that shows Ludlow's rich Portuguese heritage.

The Portuguese food in Ludlow is definitely worth a try!

• Primavera Cafe Restaurant, 257 East St. 11AM-9:30PM. Amazing Portuguese food with a selection of wines to match. The restaurant is popular and can get very busy on weekends. 
• Mateus Restaurant, 14 Worcester St. Great Portuguese food, with a good bar attached. 
• Ludlow Central Bakery, 270 East St. A local bakery with traditional Portuguese breads and pastries. 

Europa Bar & Grill on Center Street not only showcases a great mix of American and Portuguese foods, but also has a great line of beers. From beers brewed nationally like Budweiser, to local brewed beers like Wachusett.

• Holiday Inn Express, Center Street (off of Exit 7). 

• Springfield - the area's largest city and the Pioneer Valley's cultural and economic center features numerous events and tourist attractions, including the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield Armory and 735-acre Forest Park.
• Agawam - Across the Connecticut River from Springfield, it features Six Flags New England.
• West Springfield - Across the Connecticut River from Springfield, it features New England's collective state fair, The Big E.
• Blandford Ski Area - Phone: +1 413-848-2860, E-mail: SSCSkiCom@aol.com. Run by the Springfield Ski Club, this small area focuses on teaching skiing and snowboarding.
• Amherst - Home of the Emily Dickinson Museum, the National Yiddish Book Center, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, UMASS Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College.
• Northampton - A nationally known bohemian college town and LGBT mecca. Home to Smith College.
• Boston is about a 1 1/2-hour drive east from Ludlow. Note that traffic jams occur often as you get closer to Boston.