What makes the Pioneer Valley a popular, year-round tourist destination also makes it a fantastic place to live. Within the three counties that comprise the Pioneer Valley – Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin – you’ll find lively college towns, such as Northampton and Amherst; the resurgent city of Springfield; unspoiled nature, numerous parks, and recreational facilities; cultural and historical sites, such as the Emily Dickinson House in Amherst, the Springfield Armory National Historical Site, and the Basketball Hall of Fame on Springfield's riverfront. Our region features alpine skiing at resorts such as Berkshire East and Blandford Ski Resort and seasonal festivals that draw millions of visitors, such as The Big E – all six New England states' collective, annual state fair in West Springfield – and Bright Nights at Springfield's Forest Park – an elaborate, high-tech lighting display during the holiday season.