Blog / Bars
A Taste of Summer
June in Hampshire County is a foodie’s fave! From asparagus to ice cream, our local flavors have great taste!
Hot Plates
2022 has been a busy year for restaurants in Hampshire County! While we said goodbye to some old favorites, we also welcomed an exciting and eclectic group of new eateries to the area. From vegan cafes to wine bars, there is something for everyone in Hampshire County. Stop by one of these new restaurants on your next visit, and start finding your next favorite spot.
5 Reasons to Make Hampshire County Your Fall Getaway Destination
Valley View Farm, Haydenville
Photo by Lynne Graves
We're more than pretty leaves and crisp breezes. Find out why fall is our favorite season.
What’s New in Hampshire County: Exit Here for Easthampton
Luthier's Co-Op
Photo by Lynne Graves
Easthampton is officially — a destination. And as more musicians, artists, foodies, and young families move into the community, it’s only getting better. Come for a hike on Mt. Tom, and stay for the incredible food, classic cocktails, and concerts on Mill Pond. Just don’t be surprised if you decide to move there.
More Reasons to Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Notchview Cross Country Ski Area
Lynne Graves Photography
Everyone knows a New England winter brings ice and snow, but here we say “winter is coming” is best followed by an exclamation point and feel that adding an extra layer of cozy to brave it for an amazing outdoor experience is always worth it. The winter’s wind seems milder this year, just one more excuse to discover even more outdoor reasons to love winter in Western Massachusetts. Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing Being located in the Connecticut River Valley, our wooded terrain…
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.
Share Your Best of Western MA
This summer on your Instagram, share awesome pictures of the the places you've been (or want to go!) in Western Massachusetts. Tag your photos #gowestMA for a chance to be featured on the @VisitMA Instagram and massvacation.com blog. Additionally if you're sharing any pictures of destinations and places in Hampshire County, tag #othersidema and you'll be entered into a contest for a $100 Downtown Northampton giftcard!
Sip Your Way Through Summer at Our Breweries & Wineries
Black Birch Vineyard, Southampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
With Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer is officially almost here! Check out a few quick notes about events happening at breweries and wineries in Hampshire County of western Massachusetts. New this summer is Western Mass Beer Week June 11-18 and a brand new beer and wine festival at Look Park in Northampton July 30!
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!
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.