Discover the Festive Side of MA this Holiday Season
Thornes Marketplace, Northampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts offers unique shopping experiences, made-in-Massachusetts gifts, and more.
Northampton, MA – October 29, 2015 – Hampshire County, the “Other Side” of Massachusetts, is getting ready once again to welcome holiday shoppers and revelers with its unique, locally-inspired holiday shopping experiences. Pockets of boutiques and independent shops are concentrated along the tree-lined streets in downtown Amherst and Northampton and in centers like Thornes Marketplace, making for a shopping experience much different, and often a lot more pleasant than going to a mall or big box store.
Perhaps most important to note is the abundance of artisan gifts and local food items available in Hampshire County. There is no better place to purchase handmade gifts and original art than from the artisan or artist directly. Get an early start in October with Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton and continue into November and December with an assortment of open studio events like Cottage Street Open Studios in Easthampton (December 4-6 & 12) and pop-up artisan shops at places like Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program in Williamsburg, which hosts “Seconds Sales” (November 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29) for almost-perfect items at a discount. Pottery, jewelry, textiles, and photography are just some of the items available.
As a leader in the local food movement for decades, Hampshire County has endless gift options for foodies. Provisions and treats from Heavenly Chocolates of Northampton, local breweries such as Fort Hill Brewery of Easthampton, wineries like Black Birch Vineyard of Southampton, and Hadley coffee roaster Esselon just scratch the surface when it comes to the local flavor.
“Hampshire County’s hub, Northampton, is only a few hours from both New York and Boston, making a shopping day trip or weekend getaway easy from much of the Northeast,” noted Suzanne Beck. “Shoppers can find special gifts and then unwind at one of our many cafes, bars, or restaurants for a true taste of all that Hampshire County has to offer.”
About the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council
The Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council is a destination marketing partnership of the Amherst Area, Greater Easthampton, and Greater Northampton Chambers of Commerce. One of 16 Regional Tourism Councils in Massachusetts, the HCRTC works in close partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Learn more at www.visithampshirecounty.com or visit Hampshire County on Facebook www.facebook.com/visithampshirecounty or Twitter www.twitter.com/othersidema.
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Contact:
Meghan Malloy, Pop! Marketing Communications
meghan@popmarcomm.com
617-785-4476