UPCOMING TROLLEY TOURS
Tours usually run on multiple dates, so be sure to verify the date when purchasing your tickets. We're always adding new tours and dates, so check back again soon!
Hardwick Farms: Wine & Cheese
Embark on an enchanting journey the moment you step aboard our nostalgic trolley. We’ll wind through the scenic backroads of Hardwick, Massachusetts, where ancient stonewalls and rolling hills paint a picturesque backdrop.
Our first destination? A renowned, multi-award-winning winery boasting over 24 exquisite flavors. Indulge in a complimentary tasting paired with a delightful grazing table, all set against the historic charm of the property dating back to 1795.
Experience the epitome of exclusivity with a private tour of the mansion nestled within the winery’s grounds. Take your time exploring the estate, savoring your wine amidst the rustic elegance of the timber-framed barn lofts or amidst the tranquil beauty of the outdoor grounds. Our journey continues to the heart of town, where the center common awaits as a testament to architectural history. Lunch is served in the original, still-functional post office, offering the choice of indoor dining or al fresco enjoyment on the wrap-around porch, beside the babbling brook, or amidst the quaint benches of the common. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Hardwick Historical Museum, where expert historians await to share the rich tapestry of Hardwick’s past.
Our final stop promises a taste of tradition at a New England creamery with a legacy spanning over a century. Once renowned in the bustling streets of New York City, their cheese-making artistry now reaches new heights under fresh ownership. Don your hat and booties for an insider’s glimpse into the cheese-making process and the meticulous curation of aged cheeses. Even the original owners make occasional appearances, ensuring the time-honored quality of their cheese lives on at the farm. Join us for a day brimming with history, flavor, and the timeless allure of New England charm!
The finer details
Tour Duration:
4 1/2 hours
Departure:
11:00 am
Returning:
3:30 pm
Walking Level:
Intermediate
Please note:
TIPS APPRECIATED
We ask to please support these local businesses and your tour guides.
Hardwick Farms: Wine & Meat
Step aboard the Bygone Excursions Trolley for a journey back to yesteryears. Nestled amidst the charming New England landscape, you’ll find yourself ensconced in cozy seating and enveloped in nostalgia.
Our adventure begins with a visit to the acclaimed winery in Hardwick, Massachusetts. Situated on the grounds is a meticulously restored mansion dating back to 1795. Your tour includes an exclusive, private exploration of this historic home, followed by a delightful wine tasting paired with a delectable spread of small bites. Take the opportunity to purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy at your leisure during the remainder of our excursion or save for a special occasion.
Continuing our scenic route through the countryside, we’ll arrive at the town center’s picturesque common. Lunch awaits in the former post office, still bustling with activity. Surrounded by rolling hills and the gentle murmur of a nearby brook, it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely meal. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Hardwick Historical Museum, specially opened for our tour, where an historian will be on hand to satisfy your curiosity.
Our final destination leads us down country roads bordered by rustic stone walls to an organic, grass-fed beef farm. For over fifty years, this Norwegian family has maintained a breathtaking landscape while caring for their cows with love and dedication. Meet the owners who personally tend to each animal and ensure the highest standards of meat processing. Indulge in samples of their premium beef, influenced by the owner’s background in five-star culinary service, and take the opportunity to bring some home with you for a culinary experience to remember. Join us for a day filled with history, flavors, and the charm of rural New England!
The finer details
Tour Duration:
4 1/2 hours
Departure:
11:00 am
Returning:
3:30 pm
Walking Level:
Intermediate
Please note:
TIPS APPRECIATED
We ask to please support these local businesses and your tour guides.
Secret Graveyard Stroll
Step aboard our vintage classic trolley and kick off the spooky season in style! You’ll be greeted by the renowned Psychic Medium Entertainer, Gary McKinstry, who will amaze you with his ability to connect with the spirit world. Together, we’ll embark on a chilling journey through one of Palmer, Massachusetts’ oldest and most haunted graveyards. Led by candlelight, you’ll hear eerie stories from the past and encounter spirits that still linger in the shadows.
After your graveyard adventure, unwind with a meal or a delightful beverage at the cozy Steaming Tender Restaurant. It’s a night you won’t soon forget – perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a ghostly good time! Are you ready to explore the paranormal side of Palmer? Book your spot now and get ready for an evening of spine-tingling excitement!
The finer details
Tour Duration:
1 hour
Walking Level:
Intermediate
Please note:
TIPS APPRECIATED
We ask to please support these local businesses and your tour guides.
LET US DO THE DRIVING
Explore the Valley in our Vintage Trolley Car
In Central MA we are fortunate to be surrounded by an assortment of riches. From natural and outdoor wonders such as brilliant fall foliage, four distinct seasons, and vintage covered bridges, to artisan creations such as independent breweries, wineries, antique dealers, and locally-grown produce. We have long sought to share these treasures, and we have finally acquired the means to do so!
Passengers will enjoy a ride in our vintage trolley, driven and led by a tour guide who will share fun facts on the way. After the trip, passengers will return to The Steaming Tender Restaurant.
Plan your Group outing
Private Charters
Interested in chartering the trolley for a private tour? We can accommodate groups of up to 24. Keep us in mind for your next corporate outing, family gathering or other group event!
leisure. comfort. elegance
Creating memories to last a lifetime.
Bygone Excursions invites you to go back in time, reliving the days when the art of driving was a luxurious pleasure and automobiles were crafted with unparalleled elegance and sophistication. Our aim is to revive the nostalgia of leisurely Sunday cruises, with you behind the wheel.
Whether you seek a unique extravagance for a special day, or are simply looking for a tranquil drive, we are here to help you make it a reality.
VINTAGE CAR RENTALS
Each car is available to rent by the day for a maximum of 5 hours.
Simply click the link to book and select your date and pickup time!
1948 Chrysler New Yorker
Identified by its extra wide grille, long hood, and spacious rear seats, the 1948 Chrysler New Yorker hails from the era of big, powerful, straight eights. At 18-feet-long, with forward-opening “suicide” rear doors, and a wide rear seating compartment, the car was meticulously restored to its original specifications over a period of many months.The New Yorker is known for its appearance in the film Driving Miss Daisy, as well as being the vehicle that carried movie star, Elizabeth Taylor, to her first wedding in 1950.
The 1948 Chrysler New Yorker is perfect for your special day, as the wide door aperture offers ample space for long, flowing dresses, and allows for in-car photographs without doors getting in the way. Vehicle seats 4 passengers plus the chauffeur.
1949 Jeepster Willy
Produced only from 1948-1950, the Jeepster was originally created to fill a gap in the company’s product line, shifting from a WWII automobile to a passenger vehicle. Unique features of the Jeepster include a convertible roof and rear-wheel drive.
We found this colorful 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster exhibited at a small antique-car show on the green in Belchertown, MA. In its former life, our Jeepster was owned by the Melha Shriners of Amherst, used to delight crowds in area parades. We now offer it for your enjoyment, to see the breathtaking sights and visit the unique businesses our area has to offer.
Extra luggage
Add to your experience by adding one of our custom package deals for your special day!
These options can be reserved by calling ahead at least 48 hours prior to your reserved trip date.
The Newlyweds
We love seeing a beautiful couple who just tied the knot! Drive with the window etched with "Just Married" along with a custom floral arrangement on the back fender.
The Classic Picnic
The perfect picnic package has everything you'll need including a blanket, foldable table & chairs and a vintage wicker basket stocked with your favorite sandwiches, snacks & beverages. Menu is provided by the Steaming Tender Restaurant.
The Light Refreshment
A selection of refreshments for your trip, including light options like fruit, bread, cheese and beverages. Just enough to keep the edge off until you return to a hearty lunch at the Steaming Tender restaurant!
OUR STORY
About Bygone Excursions
Owner Scarlet Lamothe was given her first classic car on the night of her college graduation.
The 1951 Austin Healy Sprite was incomplete but something she admired at her family’s antique shop covered and full of dust ever since she was 11 years old. The Austin Healy is still in restoration, but that was the beginning of her admiration of classic cars. Scarlet’s father, Blake, has restored Model A Fords his entire life. He can build almost any car from the ground up – an inspirational man with mechanical talent!
Scarlet Lamothe traveled to Miami, Florida and had the chance to rent a luxury high-end vehicle. The wheels were spinning and the idea of renting her father’s classic cars was born. However, after much research, she realized the best solution was to begin her own collection. Her first purchase was the Shriners 1949 Jeepster Willy and then the 1948 Chrysler New Yorker. Both cars are easy drivers that can be driven by almost anyone!
Planning a special occasion?
Reach out today to stary planning your perfect day!
Whether you’re looking for a private excursion or planning a group outing, we can help put together the perfect experience. We will handle all the details to ensure you have a wonderful, memorable day!
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