Blog
3 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Western Massachusetts
Northampton Pride Parade | Photo by Lynne Graves
It's that time of year again when Northampton lights up with Pride and celebrates the diversity our region in western Massachusetts is known for. This year the 34th Annual Noho Pride Day is Saturday, May 2 beginning with the iconic and colorful parade at noon that marches through Downtown Northampton. The parade consists of many diverse organizations, school groups, musicians, local businesses and many other participants. The parade route ends at the historic Three County Fair Grounds where the celebration and entertainment continue til 5 p.m. and over 20,000 people gather for dancing, eating, shopping learning, socializing and enjoying the freedom to celebrate who they are.
Bees, Books, Bowls and More This April in Western Massachusetts
White Square Books | Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
April is all over the place when it comes to the weather in western Massachusetts. Some years winter’s chill hangs on far too long and other years it’s downright tropical. The list of things to do this month is about as diverse as the weather can be, with really only the letter ‘B’ as the common thread—but who doesn’t love a little alliteration? Enjoy all the ‘B’ words April has to offer, from all the books at Easthampton's BookFest to bowls along the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail. Check out new exhibits about the Borscht Belt and Eric Carle’s Bees, Butterflies, and Other Bugs.
10 Things You Might Not Have Known About Music in Western MA
Violet Clark at The Parlor Room in Northampton | Photo by Gigi Teensma
Did you know that historically western Massachusetts has had an incredible music scene, launching the careers of bands like the Pixies and Dinosaur Jr.? And, according to Pitchfork, we’re “having another moment.” The scene’s diverse, too, featuring the latest indie rock bands about to break to an elderly rock chorus that will have you dancing out of your seat. The list of musicians who got their start here and those who come to record, perform, and even build a life here is endless. But for now we’ll start with these 10 things! We've even included a playlist featuring music from western Massachusetts!
6 Early Signs of Spring in Western Massachusetts
Nashawannuck Pond, Easthamtpon | by Patrick Brough
While most of Massachusetts is still covered in snow as we begin the month of March, spring really is just around the corner—Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8 and the Spring Equinox is March 20. Despite all the snow and current cold temperatures, there’s a handful of good things happening in western Massachusetts this month that remind us spring is near, like the reopening of the Emily Dickinson Museum and the spring flower shows at Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges.
Get the Most Out of Maple Sugaring Season in Western Mass.
Red Bucket Sugar Shack | Worthinton, Photo by Lynne Graves
Trudging through late winter slush can make even the hardiest New Englander long for warmer days. Yet, we do have one thing to lift our spirits before the cold leaves us: maple sugaring season! Our friends at Valley Nibbler are ready for the season just as much as we are. Check out their tips and tricks for making the most of our maple sugaring season in western Massachusetts like where and when to go, and what to do with all the sweet stuff you end up taking home.
Wedding Finds as Unique as You Are in Western Massachusetts
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art | Yermakov Photography
It’s hard not to think about wedding possibilities now that the holidays and Valentine’s Day have passed along with all of the successful engagements that come with them. Western Massachusetts has just the right amount of unique and quirky destinations and shops to complete your special day, whether you’re looking for the perfect venue, fun food options, or just some distinctive creative touches. And even if you’re not planning a wedding right now, we think you’ll still find something fun in this roundup. Special events this spring include the Atkins Wedding & Events Sampler in Amherst (March 7), Don Muller Gallery Bridal Jewelry Trunk Show in Northampton (March 21-22), and Eventiques in Easthampton (April 11-12).
11 New Things to Do in Western Massachusetts in 2015
Snow Farm | Williamsburg
With a new year comes new energy to get out there and try new things. In western Massachusetts, 2015 offers you a handful of new places to shop and eat, package deals, several special anniversaries to celebrate, and new class schedules at our hands-on destinations. Featuring Northampton's new spot, Con Vino Wine Bar, Signature Sounds Presents Backporch Festival, new breweries, packages at the Lord Jeffery Inn, and classes Snow Farm and Good Stock Farm.
Experience a Growing Beer Scene in Western Massachusetts
Malting Grains | Photo by Valley Malt, Hadley
Every day it seems like the scene for craft beer in western Massachusetts grows a little bit more—from new breweries and bars opening to a growing number of special events focused on beer tasting and pairing. Our region is essentially a one-stop beer shop, too. Not only are we home to a handful of breweries, but we’re also home to the state’s only malthouse, Valley Malt in Hadley, whose malts are used by the local breweries as well as those around New England like Boston’s Trillium. Also just north of us in Northfield is a farm focused on growing grains and hops, two of the four essential ingredients in beer. So if you’re a beer connoisseur or aspiring brewer, here are three ways to make the most of our burgeoning beer scene in western Massachusetts.
Enter to Win a Holiday Shopping Spree in Western Mass.
Thornes Marketplace, Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
Last week we posted a mighty tempting list of gift ideas. This week we’re giving away a mini shopping spree so you might be able to get even more of those gifts. We'll select one lucky winner on December 1, 2014 who will receive $100 in gift cards to go shopping in downtown Northampton and Amherst. Enter to win here!
Make the Most of a Busy Fall Weekend in Western Mass.
The Haberdashery | Easthampton
This coming weekend, four of the five schools in the area are hosting their annual friends and family weekends, which means it’s going to be bustling all over Hampshire County in western Massachusetts. Why is that a big deal, you ask? It means there’s even more going on for you to enjoy! So whether you’re here to see your student, here by chance, or live here, take advantage of some of the extra happenings this weekend.