I grew up in this small town nestled in the pioneer valley. As I became older, there was nothing I wanted more than to see Agawam in my rear-view mirror. When I turned eighteen, I moved to another state. A few months into my living situation, I realized how much I missed Agawam. I never truly appreciated this town until I left. Like any other Western Mass town, we have plenty of banks, gas stations, and grocery stores. Agawam has undergone many changes and transformations, but we never lost our sense of community. There is a feeling of belonging in this town. This town thrives on small businesses, retail, entertainment, and much more. If you are from Agawam, here is a list of things you know or love:
1. Robinson State Park
The landscape is breathtaking. There is a variety of trails, lakes, streams and open land. It is a great location for hiking, bike riding, photography and running. There is nothing quite like a picnic or a nature walk during the spring or summer.
2. Six Flags New England
Formally known as “Riverside,” is a reference point for explaining where we live. Rather than trying to explain that we live outside of Springfield, we just say “Six Flags New England”. You have family members or friends that work for Six Flags and it consumes their life. If you are from Agawam, you have had a few seasons passes. You know that Fright Fest is the best. You also realize it’s overpriced and you’ve been there too many times to count.
3. The Train Tracks
When heading into West Springfield, we all have experienced the struggle of being late and being stuck behind this. It seems to arrive at the most inconvenient times. We are hoping the people behind us will reverse and turn around rather than wait.
4. Agawam Family Cinemas
If you didn’t get to see that movie the first time, you were lucky enough to catch it again in Agawam. It had reasonable prices and great popcorn. After eighteen years of business, the people of Agawam were saddened to find out that they were closing their doors. Through generous donations, this community came together to save this local gem.
5. 01001
Agawam was the first Zip Code in the US.
6. Agawam High School Pep Rally
Break out your Indian heads, brown and orange paint, noise makers, streamers, etc. We bleed the orange and brown. One of the best days of our high school careers is by showing our hometown pride and spirit. Our pep rally at Agawam High is unlike any other. Excitement fills the gym as Agawam prepares for its Thanksgiving football game against West Springfield.
7. Friendly's
We walked to Friendly’s after our half-days at the middle school. Students would line outside the door waiting to get in. We also packed Friendly’s after Friday night football games.There was a sea of orange and brown that packed the restaurant on Friday nights in the fall.
8. Pajer's
Pajer's has exceptional customer service. They also have the best grinders in the area. Many people in Agawam recommend their sausage grinders, potato salad, and salami. They have great prices and fantastic catering.
9. Dunkin Donuts
Medium Ice Carmel Swirl to go. Just like any other Western Mass location, we run on Dunkin. You can’t go a few miles without having a Dunkin Donuts location. Every morning the students of AHS would circle through the drive through before their 7:20 start time.
10. River Road Bike Path
The bike path is a great location for running, walking or riding your bike along River Road. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun set on the river on a warm evening.
11. Partners
This locally owned breakfast place is a popular location in town. During the October snowstorm, Partners was the one of few locations open for warm food and electricity. They also have amazing corned beef hash and bacon!
