Blog / Art
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.
12 New Places to Eat, Drink and Shop in Western Massachusetts
Thornes Marketplace | Northampton
We usually reserve a post like this to celebrate a new year, but so many new and unique businesses have opened in our region lately that we just had to share now. Plus fall really is the most wonderful time of year in New England for exploring and trying new things. New businesses include BLDG 8 Brewing and the Florence Pie Bar as well as a handful of renovations and new stores in Thornes Marketplace.
There’s a Fest for That… in Western Massachusetts
Flava Evolution at Northampton Jazz Festival | Photo by Robert E. Davis
In the tech world people say there’s an app for everything, but in western Massachusetts it seems there’s a festival (or fair or party) celebrating every interest, artistic medium, hobby, food, or even whole towns! From jazz and upcycled junk to bikes, bread and beer, there’s an event this early fall that will fit every curiosity you’ve been looking to feed. Some highlight events include the 5th Annual Northampton Jazz Festival (September 8-12), Celebrate Amherst Downtown Block Party (September 17), and the Valley Beer Trail's Übeer Festival (October 3).
Win Tickets to a Signature Sounds Presents Show in Western Mass.
Eilen Jewell & Guests at Signature Sounds 20th Anniversary | Photo by Gigi Teensma
Enter to win tickets for one of Signature Sounds Presents world-class shows at the Academy of Music Theatre this fall. Up for grabs is a pair of tickets to see Grammy-nominated Milk Carton Kids play Monday, September 7, 2015.
Your Summer Arts Bucket List in Western Massachusetts
Hampshire Shakespeare Company | Amherst
While western Massachusetts is bursting with culture all year long, the arts really shine in the summer. We’ve got three resident theater companies whose seasons are in the summer every year, no shortage of outdoor summer music series, outdoor film screenings, monthly art walks and more! Whether you're a visual arts, theater, music, or film buff, there's something here to add to your summer bucket list!
5 Awesome Festivals This June in Western Massachusetts
Live Music at Easthampton's Cultural Chaos | Photo by Lynne Graves
When June rolls around, festival season has arrived in western Massachusetts with something happening nearly every weekend. And there’s a festival for everyone, from foodies and cultural fiends to jazz buffs and book lovers. Have fun with the family at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Children’s Book Festival (June 6). Embrace Easthampton’s vibrant cultural scene at its annual street festival with a twist, Cultural Chaos (June 13). Celebrate Gypsy jazz with Django in June (June 19-20). Indulge in local food at the WGBY Asparagus Festival on the Hadley Town Common (June 6) and Taste of Amherst (June 18-21).
3 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Western Massachusetts
Northampton Pride Parade | Photo by Lynne Graves
It's that time of year again when Northampton lights up with Pride and celebrates the diversity our region in western Massachusetts is known for. This year the 34th Annual Noho Pride Day is Saturday, May 2 beginning with the iconic and colorful parade at noon that marches through Downtown Northampton. The parade consists of many diverse organizations, school groups, musicians, local businesses and many other participants. The parade route ends at the historic Three County Fair Grounds where the celebration and entertainment continue til 5 p.m. and over 20,000 people gather for dancing, eating, shopping learning, socializing and enjoying the freedom to celebrate who they are.
6 Early Signs of Spring in Western Massachusetts
Nashawannuck Pond, Easthamtpon | by Patrick Brough
While most of Massachusetts is still covered in snow as we begin the month of March, spring really is just around the corner—Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8 and the Spring Equinox is March 20. Despite all the snow and current cold temperatures, there’s a handful of good things happening in western Massachusetts this month that remind us spring is near, like the reopening of the Emily Dickinson Museum and the spring flower shows at Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges.
Wedding Finds as Unique as You Are in Western Massachusetts
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art | Yermakov Photography
It’s hard not to think about wedding possibilities now that the holidays and Valentine’s Day have passed along with all of the successful engagements that come with them. Western Massachusetts has just the right amount of unique and quirky destinations and shops to complete your special day, whether you’re looking for the perfect venue, fun food options, or just some distinctive creative touches. And even if you’re not planning a wedding right now, we think you’ll still find something fun in this roundup. Special events this spring include the Atkins Wedding & Events Sampler in Amherst (March 7), Don Muller Gallery Bridal Jewelry Trunk Show in Northampton (March 21-22), and Eventiques in Easthampton (April 11-12).
11 New Things to Do in Western Massachusetts in 2015
Snow Farm | Williamsburg
With a new year comes new energy to get out there and try new things. In western Massachusetts, 2015 offers you a handful of new places to shop and eat, package deals, several special anniversaries to celebrate, and new class schedules at our hands-on destinations. Featuring Northampton's new spot, Con Vino Wine Bar, Signature Sounds Presents Backporch Festival, new breweries, packages at the Lord Jeffery Inn, and classes Snow Farm and Good Stock Farm.