8 Tips for Visiting Western MA as a Williston Alum During Reunion
We’re so glad that you’re planning a visit to Western MA for Williston’s Reunion May 11-13! Perhaps a lot has changed in the region since you last visited; perhaps not much at all. In either case, if you’re looking for more things to do when you visit, Visit Hampshire County’s got you covered!
Be ready to eat, eat, and eat some more! Did you know that Williston’s backyard is a foodie’s paradise? Our slice of Western Massachusetts is home to a handful of James Beard Award winners and nominees, including Unmi Abkin from Easthampton’s own Coco & The Cellar Bar. We've received our fair share of national recognition, too, like when The Huffington Post highlighted 15 Reasons Western Massachusetts Deserves Some Serious Food Cred. Browse our complete list of over 200 places to eat and start planning your off-campus meals!
Support a fellow Williston alum. You know just as well as we do that whether a student comes from near or far, they tend to fall in love with Western Massachusetts while they’re in school. It'll come as no surprise that that love inspires some to settle here and even start a business. Check out fellow Williston alum-owned businesses like Tandem Bagel Company in Easthampton; Opa Opa Steakhouse and Brewery in Southampton; and Provisions, Bistro Les Gras, Joe's Pizza, and GoBerry in Northampton. "I loved coming back to Northampton from Boston because at night, I can see stars!" said Alex Feinstein '03. "Northampton has a great balance of convenience, culture and access to nature. I came back to Western MA specifically to start GoBerry. I wanted to bring a great product back to my community."
Visit one-of-a-kind new places. Maybe it’s only been a few years since you’ve been back to Williston; maybe it’s been 10, 15, 20 or more. No matter how long it’s been since your last visit, there are sure to be new things to explore in Easthampton and beyond. Some of our newest claims to fame include an indoor hydroponic park and a pie bar!
Abandoned Building Brewery | Pleasant Street, Easthampton
Come thirsty! Williston’s backyard is also home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, with Easthampton alone being home to three of at least a dozen breweries that have opened in the last few years. Not to mention there’s a handful of local wineries less than 10 miles from campus now, too. If it’s cocktails you’re after, The Library in Easthampton is among the newest to the scene and Northampton’s Tunnel Bar was named one of the 19 bars to drink in before you die if you’re looking to make some progress on your bucket list.
Trade in four wheels for two. Biking is a way of life in Western Massachusetts—even our trash gets picked up via bike. We have over 20 miles of paved bike trails and some of the best cyclists come to Western Massachusetts for our pristinely smooth and winding roads, named some of the best for road biking by Outside Magazine. Bring your own or rent from Manhan Bicycles located right off the Manhan Rail Trail. You could even embark on a bike and brew tour like this visitor did.
Get your culture on. Do you know about the 10 museums within 20 miles of Williston? These world-class museums collectively hold over 1.3 million objects, host over 500 programs and produce over 100 exhibitions every year—that’s like having the Lourvre, Met, and MFA Boston combined in one place! It’s also easy to find a local artist molding pottery or blowing glass at a working studio, snag tickets to a play, musical or dance performance, or catch a flick at one of our independent theaters.
Luthier's Co-op | Cottage Street, Easthampton
Feel the groove. Western Massachusetts has a rich music scene, home to notable artists and more than 15 venues to see live music featuring the latest and greatest touring acts to local homegrown folk. Not to miss is Easthampton’s Luthier’s Co-op, a guitar shop by day and incredible stage by night.
Get lost in the shelves. The New York Times once wrote that we are “arguably the most author-saturated, book-cherishing, literature-celebrating place in the nation.” There's no shortage of used book stores and antiquarian book dealers, like White Square Books in Easthampton. Not to mention, neighboring Amherst is home to one of our nation's most celebrated poets, Emily Dickinson.
Enough ideas to get you started? Believe us, we know it seems like there’s never enough time to fit it all in. But perhaps you can extend your reunion stay or come back to visit another time!