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3 Recipes to Prepare You for Asparagus Season in Western MA
Hadley Grass for sale at Atkins | Photo by Lynne Graves
"Best in the World" is a claim that the farmers and chefs in western Massachusetts are ready to stand by when it comes to our asparagus, or "Hadley Grass." Hampshire County, home to New England’s most productive farmland, has been called the “Asparagus Capital of the World” for its prolific abundance of the crop. This celebrated spear is honored and enjoyed throughout the season at festivals, farmers markets, farm stands, and on restaurant menus where chefs do everything from grilling or pickling it to making crisp salads or mouthwatering soups. In anticipation of the season, some of our local chefs have shared their favorite asparagus recipes below for you to make at home.
Book Lover’s Guide to Western MA
White Square Books, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
The New York Times once wrote that our region is “arguably the most author-saturated, book-cherishing, literature-celebrating place in the nation.” And while that might have been said years ago, we’re proud to claim that not much has changed. When they visit western Massachusetts, book lovers will enjoy our wealth of appreciation for antiquarian and rare books and the variety of bookstores and places to browse such volumes; museums like the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art or Emily Dickinson Museum; and Easthampton's annual BookFest every April.
10 Reasons to Start Making Summer Plans in Western Mass.
Pines Theater at Look Park | Northampton
As winter begins to fade into spring, it’s time to start making your summer travel plans! While you might think of the Cape or North Shore beaches when you think about summer in Massachusetts, there couldn’t be a more exciting and pleasant time to visit western Massachusetts. We’ve got everything from top-notch music festivals to relaxing getaways from the busyness of everyday life. In 2016 many of our signature events celebrate milestone anniversaries, too, making this year one not to miss. Save some dates, grab some tickets and make your reservations today!
ICYMI, 6 Pieces of Foodie News from Western Massachusetts
30Boltwood, Amherst | Photo by Lynne Graves
Let’s face it—there’s a lot of delicious things to keep up with in western Massachusetts so it’s easy to miss a few things here and there. There's been a lot of love for western Massachusetts culinary scene in the last week or so, from James Beard nominations featuring local chefs to some love from a Boston blogger. Plus Massachusetts maple sugarhouses open for the season and WGBY hosts its annual Wine Lovers' Weekend!
8 Great Date Ideas in Western Massachusetts this February
Amherst Cinema | Photo by Lynne Graves
Valentine’s Day is just one day of the month (of the entire year!) and this February, there’s way too much going on that’s supremely date-worthy. Check out some of our top picks for things to do in western Massachusetts this month, whether it be with your sweetheart or your friends. Check out our picks here.
7 Tasting Experiences in Western Massachusetts to Try This Winter
Amherst Coffee | Photo by Lynne Graves
2016 is the year to become an expert in your drink of choice, be it beer, coffee, wine or spirits. A developing trend in Hampshire County in western Massachusetts right now is the tasting workshop or seminar. Maybe it's our proximity to the Five Colleges that creates this thirst for educational drinking. Or maybe we just have a great palate to begin with. Be sure to add one of these tasting experiences to your list of things to do in western Massachusetts this winter so you can wow your bartender or barista next time you order your new favorite drink.
Our Top 5 Blog Posts of 2015
Creamy Delights, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
2015 was a good year for western Massachusetts, especially if you like food and beer! And if you're anything like us, there's still a handful of new places that will still have to be on your 2016 bucket lists. Thanks for reading our blog posts and take a look back at some of your favorites from this past year.
5 Experiential Gift Ideas in Western Massachusetts
Good Stock Farm, Hatfield | Photo by Kevin Miyazaki
When you start thinking about holiday shopping, do you ever think about gifts that don’t quite fit in a box? In western Massachusetts, there’s no shortage of memorable hands-on experiences that can take the place of your usual gift-giving. This year consider giving a gift that will truly last a lifetime, whether it be in the form of new skills, new friends, or purely good memories.
9 Ways to Cope with the Darkness in Western Massachusetts
Vortex Dance Fitness Studio, Easthampton | Photo by Paul Preston
Daylight savings has officially ended, it’s true. We know it can be hard to adjust and we could all used a little help making the best of the new long, dark nights. Here's a few ways you can cope with the darkness this time of year in western Massachusetts, from dance classes at Vortex Dance Fitness Studio in Easthampton to the Internet Cat Video Festival at Amherst Cinema.
Fall Recipes from Western Massachusetts Restaurants
Chicken & Dumplings | Photo Courtesy of Bistro Les Gras, Northampton
Our chefs in western Massachusetts really know how to take full advantage of our region's seasonal bounty. A leader in the farm-to-table movement for decades and home to New England's most productive farmland, you could easily spend days eating and drinking your way through our region. However, if you can't make it here this fall, check out these recipes to try at home from Bistro Les Gras in Northampton and the Northampton Brewery: chicken & dumplings featuring butternut squash gnocchi and a butternut squash cheesecake, a complete fall meal.