Blog
In Case You Missed It from Visit Hampshire County This Week
Herrell's Ice Cream, Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
Here are a few of our favorite finds from our quest of all things Hampshire County this week that we shared on Facebook and Twitter that you might have missed, from paragliding over the valley to TV show American Pickers coming to town!
Enter to Win & Toast to the Good Life in Western Massachusetts
Black Birch Vineyard, Southampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
During August and September, enter to win our Brewery and Winery Getaway, celebrating all of the libations being made right here. The package includes: two nights for two at Northampton's brand new, state-of-the-art hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites; a mix-and-match tour with the top-down in Pioneer Valley Tour's convertible to the breweries and wineries of your choice; and $100 for dinner at the Northampton Brewery, western New England’s original brewpub.
6 Things to Add to Your Mid-Summer Bucket List
Chesterfield Gorge | Photo by Lynne Graves
Can you believe July is already half over? As the summer months continue to slip away, here are a few things to add to your things to do in Massachusetts summer bucket list, from sidewalk sales to swimming holes, Shakespeare to rock music and more!
Come Find Your Side of Massachusetts
See why we call this place home with our new video. Maybe you'll discover a new place where you feel at home, too.
New feature makes your getaway planning even easier
The pool at the Clarion, a room at the Hampton Inn, and the Hotel Northampton
Now that you've decided to come visit us, are you looking for hotels in Northampton, Amherst or Hadley? How about a quaint bed & breakfast in Williamsburg or Easthampton? Our newest feature lets your search for lodging options with availability based on your travel dates. Seach by lodging type, amenity, town, or price range. Happy planning!
Three can’t-miss festivals in June
The River's music tent at the Taste of Amherst
The summer is off to a spectacular start here in western Massachusetts. Maybe you just attended the Asparagus Festival or Taste of Massachusetts Wine Festival, but if you’re still looking for things to do in Massachusetts, our arts, culture, and culinary celebrations don’t stop there. Don't miss Cottage Street's Cultural Chaos block party June 14, the Taste of Amherst June 19-22, and Django in June on June 20 & 21.
Share your photos for a chance to win a tote
At the market or on the farm around Hampshire County
We want to see your side of Massachusetts! Since it’s time to celebrate the season of fresh local produce from our nearly 800 farms and all that comes with it, we want you to share your best "farm-to-table" photos! Visit us on Facebook and post your favorite farm-to-table photo on our page! We'll pick our favorite photo on Friday, June 13 and announce the winner on Facebook.
Dine Farm to Table in Western Massachusetts
The Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst | Photos by Lynne Graves
Come taste the season. Enter to win the Farmers Market Chef Experience Weekend at the Lord Jeffery Inn in Amherst! The package includes a two-night stay at the Lord Jeffery Inn, breakfast for two, and a shopping excursion with Executive Chef Dino Giordano to the Amherst Farmers’ Market to select ingredients for a private lunch prepared by the Chef.
Kick off New England’s Pride Season in Northampton
Pride Day, Northampton | Photo by Transit Authority Figures
We’re full of pride all year round in Hampshire County, but the sparks really fly the first weekend of May every year when Northampton’s Annual LGBT Pride Day kicks off Pride season in New England. Join the Pride Parade and Celebration Saturday, May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. and celebrate Northampton's newest store for men, Hero Men's Gear, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Extend the celebration to embark on a walking tour of Northampton's LGBTQ history with the Sexual Minorities Archives on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
Explore prehistoric culture in Western Massachusetts
The Hitchcock Ichnology Collection at the Beneski | Photo by Lynne Graves
Did you know some of the earliest dinosaur tracks found in North America were discovered right here in Western Massachusetts? This spring, explore our prehistoric past at museums, in the great outdoors, or even on stage!