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Warm Up to Winter in Western Mass
Atrium at The Hotel Northampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
In Western Massachusetts, we love winter. And we’re almost certain you will too.
What’s New in Hampshire County: Head out to the Hilltowns
Rainbow over a field in Worthington
Photo by Lynne Graves
Tucked bucolically between the Pioneer Valley and the heart of the Berkshires, you’ll find the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts — a collection of 39 communities that span areas of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. For anyone curious, the Hilltowns of Hampshire County include Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Worthington. Now repeat the list 10 times fast. OR, just put this area on your…
How do you like them apples?
Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
Hold up! Before you reach for that pumpkin spice latte, can we take a minute to spread some apple-love? Here in Western Massachusetts, we boast about the heirloom varieties under cultivation by our region’s orchardists. The u-pick scene is sweet (or tangy and crisp, depending on your choice), local ciders are brewing, and as if picking your own peck with a mountain view wasn’t enticing enough, we’re sharing our favorite unexpected Western Applechusetts adventures -- just in…
10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts
Make your weekend plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve in western Massachusetts. Starting on Friday and right through January 1 there’s every kind of music, intimate dinners, story times, indoors and outdoors. Come with your kids, your better half, or a gang your friends. Check out our 10 fabulous “kickstarters” for 2018.
Lift your spirits for the holidays!
Downtown Northampton | Lynne Graves Photography
Spend a day or make it many December days in Western Massachusetts. From early December and right through New Year’s Eve, there’s comfort and joy to find in our sweet, laid back corner on “the other side of Massachusetts.”
Share Your Early Signs of Spring in Western MA to Win
The Botanic Garden of Smith College | Photo by Jeff Kelley
One day it’s 65 and sunny; a few days later it feels like 10 with the wind. We know New England weather can be crazy, but transitions like that are tough! As we eagerly anticipate the permanent arrival of spring, we want to see what early signs of spring give you hope. It could be early-budding flowers and trees or maybe it’s the sap flowing from maple trees. Hit us with some beautiful shots on Instagram, and we’ll spread the love. Two lucky photos will receive either a $25 Easthampton Gift Card or a $25 Northampton Gift Card! Winners will be notified via Instagram after March 20, 2017.
Our Top Five Western MA Blog Posts of 2016
Here they are: the top five most read posts from 2016 about things to do in Western Massachusetts in case you missed something.
4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts
First Night Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
Now that December's arrived, it's time to start thinking about how to celebrate the start of a New Year! These are our tops picks for things to do in Western Massachusetts on New Year's Eve no matter if you're looking to hang with the crowds or have a more intimate gathering at home.
Share Your Colorful Side of Massachusetts on Instagram
Leaves at Quabbin | Photo by Bruce Chambers
We we want to see your best fall photos photos from around Western Massachusetts. Read more about how to submit!
5 Reasons to Visit Western Mass. Any Day of the Week this Fall
We can’t deny that fall is truly one of our best seasons in Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts, but that also means it's one of our busiest! Between signature events like the Paradise City Arts Festival and Family Weekends at our schools, thousands of visitors flock to our region every October. But we don’t want that to discourage you! This year we’re inviting you to think about a different kind of getaway. Go ahead—extend your weekend and include a Thursday or Sunday night, or celebrate a little Mountain Day of your own with a midweek getaway!