Blog / Biking
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.
The Relaxing Side of Hampshire County: Part Two
Lilly Pond, Goshen
Photo by Lynne Graves
Welcome to the Relaxing Side of Hampshire County, where people come from far and wide — to feel good. Need to rejuvenate? We’ve got a yoga class for that. Seeking a good sweat? Our recreation options are endless.
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).
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.
10 Ways to Make the Most of Late Fall in Western MA
Northampton International Cyclocross | Photo by Cycle-Smart
The leaves are falling fast, daylight savings ends soon, and the holidays are fast-approaching, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops between now and Thanksgiving. Before you slip into a holiday craze, take some time for yourself and plan a visit to Western Massachusetts. There’s a lot of great things going on all throughout the fall for foodies, culture vultures and everything in between.
5 Reasons to Visit Western Mass. Any Day of the Week this Fall
We can’t deny that fall is truly one of our best seasons in Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts, but that also means it's one of our busiest! Between signature events like the Paradise City Arts Festival and Family Weekends at our schools, thousands of visitors flock to our region every October. But we don’t want that to discourage you! This year we’re inviting you to think about a different kind of getaway. Go ahead—extend your weekend and include a Thursday or Sunday night, or celebrate a little Mountain Day of your own with a midweek getaway!
8 Unique Drop-In Fitness Classes to Try this Summer in Western MA
Vortex Dance & Fitness Metal Yoga | Photo by Shaina Mishkin on MassLive.com
If you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine this summer and try something new even while you're traveling, there’s plenty of unique options in Hampshire County in western Massachusetts! There are weekly drop-in group cycling rides, hooping classes, and certainly no shortage of daily classes at our yoga studios and even a handful of unique classes in famous gardens, breweries, and more. For the more adventurous and experienced, there’s even aerial yoga at the local circus training studio!
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!
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!
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).