9 Best Restaurants in Sturbridge and The Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

On the lower level of Thornes Marketplace, Herrell's is known for not only having some of the state's best ice cream, but also for being the first ice-cream shop to mix in brand-name candies with its ice cream. Flavors often rotate, but an up-to-the-minute list is available online.

This family-run business has been making doughnuts since 1957. Doughnut purists go there for the Old Fashioned Sour Cream, Apple Cider, and Honey Dip, but if you're feeling more adventurous there's plenty to choose from in the jelly, frosting, and sprinkles department, including a decadent bacon-topped creation.

Springfield's South End is home to a lively Little Italy, including this full bakery that has doled out a wide variety of heavenly pastries (and coffee) since the 1940s.

Locals come here for the cool vibe, live music, and great coffee. Local art, which is often for sale, decorates the rich red walls, completing the artsy vibe.

The name is no joke: the back half of this store is a kitchen where you can see delectable chocolates being made. A short drive from Historic Deerfield, Richardson's sells luscious cream-filled chocolates, truffles, and other handmade confections, not to mention ice cream.

The Noho coffee scene is filled with small spots for college students to refuel and tourists to take a break, but none have the same vintage-meets-industrial charm of The Roost. Grab a house-drip coffee with a breakfast sandwich or one of their bakery items.

This small bakery is big on cupcake creativity. Beyond your basic vanilla or chocolate, this spot offers flavors like Root Beer Float, Strawberry Crunch, and the occasional Unicorn Poop, which is a fun, colorful sprinkle concoction.