• River cruises in western Massachusetts go up the Connecticut River.river boat 2 image by Robert Molnar from Fotolia.com
  
  Western Massachusetts is known for its fall foliage. It includes the Mohawk Trail, The Berkshires, Franklin County and the Greater Springfield areas. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the fall leaves on the Mohawk Trail as well as a four-state view at its highest point. The town of Greenfield, in Franklin County, draws people to shop at its downtown antique shops. Meandering through the Greater Springfield area is the Connecticut River, the setting of river cruises in western Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, river cruises are conducted by only two river boats, The Lady Bea and Quinnetukut II.
  
  

Theme Cruises

• The Lady Bea offers theme parties for a minimum of 20 people. Theme parties include a beach party, a wine and cheese night and a singles night. Enjoy music, food, prizes and raffles, all while cruising on the river. Two-hour adult theme cruises depart from Brunelle's Marina at 7 p.m. Passengers must be at least 21 years old to take this cruise because alcohol is served.
  
  The Lady Bea Cruise Boat
  1 Alvord St.
  South Hadley, MA 01075
  413-315-6342
  brunelles.com
  
  

Entertainment Cruises

• The Lady Bea has two-hour entertainment cruises starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from late May to late October. Entertainment venues include entertainers such as Dave Colucci, an area vocalist who croons tunes by Tom Jones, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Singer Jimmy Mazz and instrumentalist Frank Serafino have performed on previous entertainment cruises, along with Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, a boogie and blues band. Passengers must be at least 21 years old to take this cruise because alcohol is served. Call for reservations.
  
  The Lady Bea Cruise Boat
  1 Alvord St.
  South Hadley, MA 01075
  413-315-6342
  brunelles.com
  
  

Nature Cruises

• The Quinnetukut II, a 60-passenger riverboat, cruises through the Northfield Mountain area on the Connecticut River and offers sunset views of the river. The Quinnetukut II has been in operation for nearly 25 years. It cruises on the Connecticut River through the 250-foot-high banks of the French King Gorge, on past the French King Rock, under the French King Bridge and then on to Barton Cove, a boating and camping site. Barton Cove, a nature area, is above the Turners Falls dam and is home to a pair of nesting eagles. On board, a narrator offers information about the Northfield Mountain area, including the history of the 12-mile section of the Connecticut River. Cruises operate at 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday from June 26 to Oct. 17. The Quinnetucket II also operates on holidays, Columbus Day, July 4 and Labor Day.
  
  Quinnetucket II Riverboat
  99 Millers Falls Road
  Northfield, MA 01360
  413-659-3714
  firstlightpower.com/northfield/riverboat.asp