Blog
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!
Baked goodness in Western Massachusetts
Tart Baking Baguettes | Photo from Facebook
The local bakery has made something of a comeback in the last 20 years. In fact, you can get bread baked all or in part from wheat that is locally grown. Most local bakeries serve morning coffees and afternoon lunch so you aren’t limited to just what you can take home. And since our region in Western Massachusetts is known for its creativity, you’ll find way more than just sourdough, whole wheat loaves, croissants and some baguettes at places like the Henion in Amherst, Bread Euphoria in Haydenville, and Hungry Ghost Bread, Woodstar Cafe, and Tart Baking Co. in Northampton.
Special getaways for Valentine’s Day weekend at unique lodgings
30Boltwood at the Lord Jeffery Inn | Photo by Lynne Graves
Are you looking to extend your Valentine's Day celebration with your partner? How about spending the night at one of our unique inns or hotels? These packages have special inclusions like dinner or champagne and roses in your room.
Family Fun in February
Beneski Museum of Natural History | Amherst
Looking for things to do with the family during February School Vacation week? Check out some of the events happening around Hampshire County.
Discover Our Most Historic Theater
Located in Northampton, MA | Photo by Lynne Graves
A NEW SET OF DATES! Northampton is one historic city—it’s the place where U.S. President Calvin Coolidge lived and retired, as well as home to Sylvester Graham who gave his name to the one and only graham cracker. But it’s also home to the historic Academy of Music Theatre, on whose stage Anna Pavlova danced and Harry Houdini escaped, and whose seats were frequented by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. In celebration of the theatre’s rich history and upcoming improvements (which will close the building for 8 weeks starting late summer 2014), the Academy is offering three rare opportunities to explore the significant historical and architectural features: three free tours on Wednesday, April 23, May 21, and Tuesday June 24!
Stick to your resolutions while dining out in Hampshire County
Paul and Elizabeth's | Photo by Lynne Graves
OK, so it's January and it's time for the traditional New Year's resolutions. High on most people’s lists are exercise and eating better, especially after the food fest of the holiday season. Our food blogger Don Lesser suggests a few places across Hampshire County where you can stick to your resolutions while dining out like the 100% vegan cafe in Florence or the 35-year-strong Paul and Elizabeth's in Northampton.
Win a Snowy Getaway in Western Massachusetts
Photo by Lynne Graves
We're already off to quite the cold and snowy winter here in Western Massachusetts! We know that in the winter it's easy to get stuck inside your home, so why not take a chance and make Hampshire County your home for a few nights? Enter here and you and a guest will enjoy a snowy two-night getaway. You just might find yourself cross-country skiing the back country and warming by a cozy fireplace at night. Sounds good, right?
Treat yourself well in Hampshire County
River Valley Yoga Center | Florence
We say it every year. We should really find a time to recharge and relax after the holidays and New Years. Well look no further because here in Hampshire County we know how to relax. There’s no shortage of yoga studios to stretch your body and mind, and there's plenty of spas and salons to give you that boost you crave after the hectic holidays. Check out places like The Pilates Studio in Hadley, River Valley Yoga Center in Florence, Brooks and Butterfield Day Spa in Northampton, and Elements Hot Tub Spa in Amherst.