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Celebrate the Season on The Other Side of Massachusetts
Arcadia Mass Audubon’s Winter Solstice & Forest Luminaria Walk
Lynne Graves Photography
Celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" at one of our festive events.
The Art of Giving: Unique Shopping Experiences in Western Mass
Kaleidoscope Pottery
Photo by Lynne Graves
This month, we’re feeling thankful on the Otherside of Massachusetts. Okay, maybe it’s because making a list of things we’re thankful for is easier than starting the holiday shopping list…but we won’t fret! Holiday shopping in Western Mass is more of an adventure than a boring chore, so grab your seasonal hot beverage of choice and visit these not-to-miss shops and spots for one-of-a-kind gifts that will make your friends and family wonder where on earth you found that perfect gift. Don’t worry, it’s a secret we’re delighted to share!
How do you like them apples?
Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
Hold up! Before you reach for that pumpkin spice latte, can we take a minute to spread some apple-love? Here in Western Massachusetts, we boast about the heirloom varieties under cultivation by our region’s orchardists. The u-pick scene is sweet (or tangy and crisp, depending on your choice), local ciders are brewing, and as if picking your own peck with a mountain view wasn’t enticing enough, we’re sharing our favorite unexpected Western Applechusetts adventures -- just in…
Toast the Good Life
Black Birch Vineyard Wine Tasting
Photo by Lynne Graves
The good life is especially worth toasting in Western Massachusetts during the summer. Here’s our top 10 list (in no particular order).
ArtweekMA comes to western Massachusetts
In Hampshire County, our idea of art is a sculpture garden in the middle of an apple orchard, or a yoga class in the gardens of Amherst’s Emily Dickinson Museum. It’s art where you expect it -- dinosaur footprints at the Beneski Natural History Museum, a very hungry caterpillar at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Artor a poetry slam at Northampton’s historic Academy of Music theatre.
And it’s art where you don’t expect it. In old factory buildings turned artists’ studios, tattoo parlors, a rainbow crosswalk in the center of Downtown Northampton. The internationally-known Young at Heart Chorus, gyrating geriatrics belting out rock classics. Artisan beer taps. Whimsical, artist-designed restroomsat the Smith College Museum of Art. Sculptures that double as bike racks on Easthampton’s downtown sidewalks.
10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts
Make your weekend plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve in western Massachusetts. Starting on Friday and right through January 1 there’s every kind of music, intimate dinners, story times, indoors and outdoors. Come with your kids, your better half, or a gang your friends. Check out our 10 fabulous “kickstarters” for 2018.
Lift your spirits for the holidays!
Downtown Northampton | Lynne Graves Photography
Spend a day or make it many December days in Western Massachusetts. From early December and right through New Year’s Eve, there’s comfort and joy to find in our sweet, laid back corner on “the other side of Massachusetts.”
Share Your Early Signs of Spring in Western MA to Win
The Botanic Garden of Smith College | Photo by Jeff Kelley
One day it’s 65 and sunny; a few days later it feels like 10 with the wind. We know New England weather can be crazy, but transitions like that are tough! As we eagerly anticipate the permanent arrival of spring, we want to see what early signs of spring give you hope. It could be early-budding flowers and trees or maybe it’s the sap flowing from maple trees. Hit us with some beautiful shots on Instagram, and we’ll spread the love. Two lucky photos will receive either a $25 Easthampton Gift Card or a $25 Northampton Gift Card! Winners will be notified via Instagram after March 20, 2017.
How to Enjoy Western MA Maple Season from Near and Far
Red Bucket Sugar Shack, Worthington | Photo by Lynne Graves
Here in Western Massachusetts, maple sugaring season is one of the first signs of our annual agricultural awakening. As soon as we start to see the maple buckets on trees and sugaring steam rising in the distance, we know spring can't be far off. Whether you plan to be near or far from Western Massachusetts, there are ways to enjoy the best that a Massachusetts maple season has to offer.
3 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ this Valentine’s Day in Western MA
Amherst Cinema, Bistro Les Gras, & Luthier's Co-op | Photos by Lynne Graves
Looking for things to do on or for Valentine’s Day in Western Massachusetts? Hampshire County’s got you covered—from romance and relaxation to good laughs and good eats!