Blog
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!
5 Outdoor Reasons to Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Photo by Lynne Graves
Anyone who truly loves a New England winter knows that some of the best things about this unruly season involve going outside. Since we are already having quite a snowy winter, this is the perfect year to discover some outdoor reasons to love winter in Western Massachusetts.
6 Indoor Reasons To Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Amherst Coffee | Photo by Lynne Graves
Sure, winters in New England mean more time spent inside. But we also think part of the fun of a New England winter is finding ways to have fun while staying warm without just surrendering under the blankets on our couches. While the Pixies’s famous lyric dubbed Western Massachusetts “the sleepy west of the woody east,” there’s still a lot going on even in the short days of winter and plenty of places to keep warm. From endless entertainment options, hot tub spas, & fireplaces to cozy coffee shops, bars & galleries, Western MA has plenty of ways to keep you warm this winter.
Our Top Five Western MA Blog Posts of 2016
Here they are: the top five most read posts from 2016 about things to do in Western Massachusetts in case you missed something.
4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts
First Night Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
Now that December's arrived, it's time to start thinking about how to celebrate the start of a New Year! These are our tops picks for things to do in Western Massachusetts on New Year's Eve no matter if you're looking to hang with the crowds or have a more intimate gathering at home.