Blog
Win a $100 shopping spree in Hampshire County!
Thornes Marketplace Decked for the Holidays | Northampton
We may have said this before, but you might just shop til you drop when you come to Hampshire County! Just in time for the holidays, we're giving away $100 to go shopping in Amherst and Northampton. This includes a $50 Downtown Northampton gift card (which can be purchased at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, online, or in Thornes Marketplace) and a $50 Amherst Gift Check (which can be purchased at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce).
Christmas Tree day trips in the Hilltowns
Justamere Tree Farm | Worthington, MA
What better reason for a trip to Hampshire County than to get your holiday tree? Take a trip to Justamere Tree Farm in Worthington for the tree and lots of maple goodies or Hanging Mountain Farm in Westhampton for one of the best breakfasts in Western Massachusetts at its restaurant, the Strawbale Cafe.
International fare in Hampshire County
Banh Mi | King Street Eats
Our food blogger Don Lesser originally planned to write about a different set of restaurants this week, but after a devastating fire in Hadley destroyed his favorite Banh Mi and Pho place and a much beloved Mexican restaurant, plus a host of other small stores and eateries, he found himself searching for other places to feed his international food cravings all over Hampshire County in Amherst, Easthampton, Northampton and South Hadley.
Unique Places to Shop: DIY Spaces
Knack: The Art of Clever Reuse | Easthampton
The world is truly becoming a more creative place when everyone you meet makes something in their spare time from jewelry to homemade bread. It’s relaxing and fun to create, but sometimes we need a little help, an extra item here and there, or maybe just the space to get something done. Art Alive in Amherst, Beehive Sewing in Northampton, and Knack in Easthampton are three new spaces in Hampshire County that focus on creative reuse and do-it-yourself crafting, providing opportunities to learn a new skill or make someone a unique gift.
The finer side of dining in Hampshire County
The Lumber Yard | Amherst
Where do you eat when you're looking for something that's a little special? See where local foodie Don Lesser recommends going when you're here for a wedding, bar mitzvah, or as a parent or grandparent, up for the weekend and wanting something a little special for the kids at college. Or perhaps you just want to treat yourself to a really good meal.
The pumpkin prepared: Different Drummer’s Kitchen
Classes are offered year round at Different Drummer's Kitchen in Northampton
Check out this recipe for a Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon and Sage from Different Drummer’s Kitchen Co. Cooking School and Kitchen Store's fall risotto workshop last year. Different Drummer’s Kitchen is a culinary dream come true. You can find just about any kitchen toy in the store and year round the Northampton location hosts cooking classes with menus ranging from regional cuisine to seasonal themes.
The pumpkin prepared: Bistro Les Gras
Bistro Les Gras | Northampton
Feeling fancy? Feeling French? Chef Daniel Martinez of Bistro Les Gras in Northampton shared one of his favorite seasonal recipes for pumpkin for you to try! Check out his Bisque d’Homard et Citrouille á la Curry (curried lobster and pumpkin bisque). Bistro Les Gras is an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Northampton, focused on sustainable French cuisine.
NoHoIFF ‘13 at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton
Featured Films | NohoIFF 2013
The Northampton International Film Festival returns for its 17th annual installation October 11 to 13, 2013 in the scenic college town of Northampton, Massachusetts. Held at the legendary Academy of Music Theatre, the festival will showcase over 30 features, documentaries and short films from around the world. You don't want to miss the film line-up this year!
Celebrate American Craft Week in Northampton with the Paradise City Arts Festival
The 19th Annual Paradise City Arts Festival presents 275 competitively juried artists from 24 states exhibiting original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, large- scale sculpture, wearable art and wood this Columbus Day Weekend, October 12 through 14 at the Three County Fairgrounds.
Pick your own pumpkins, and then…?
Fletcher Family Farm | Southampton
Fall is not only filled with delightful sights for the eyes but also for our taste buds. Farms across Hampshire County in Western Mass. offer an abundant selection of pumpkins, gourds and squashes, and our restaurants turn them into brilliant creations. But what about trying some of those famous recipes at home? Over the next few weeks, we’ll share some favorite pumpkin recipes from our local chefs right here on The Latest. Read more to see our list of where to pick your own pumpkins.