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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.
The Family Side of MA: Find Fun for Everyone in Hampshire County
Red Bucket Sugar Shack
Lynne Graves
Though winter in Western Massachusetts has many charms (softly falling snow, holiday light displays, and cozy cafes come to mind), by the time March rolls around everyone is yearning for spring and clamoring to get out and about. Cure cabin fever with these late winter family-friendly activities in Hampshire County. North Hadley Sugar Shack | Lynne Graves Photography Make the most of maple sugaring season with a visit to the North Hadley Sugar Shack. Check out the evaporator room to see…
How do you like them apples?
Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
Hold up! Before you reach for that pumpkin spice latte, can we take a minute to spread some apple-love? Here in Western Massachusetts, we boast about the heirloom varieties under cultivation by our region’s orchardists. The u-pick scene is sweet (or tangy and crisp, depending on your choice), local ciders are brewing, and as if picking your own peck with a mountain view wasn’t enticing enough, we’re sharing our favorite unexpected Western Applechusetts adventures -- just in…
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.
Bird Walks, Hawks & More in Western Massachusetts
New England Falconry, Hadley | Photo by Melissa Breor
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, actually, it's just a bird. And for anyone with avian interests, a bird sighting can be just as exciting in western Massachusetts. Given that spring is the prime season for birding in western Massachusetts, here's a few events and experiences you might not have known about.
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.
8 Roadside Snack Shacks Worth a Stop in Western Mass.
Creamy Delights New York Style Soft Serve, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
One essential element to any New England summer bucket list is the roadside snack shack, usually characteristic of any seaside destination. However, it’s not a phenomenon exclusive to the coast, and in fact there’s a pretty solid selection of roadside shacks in western Massachusetts giving any seaside spot a run for its money. Taste what all the fuss is about at places like Captain Jack's, Local Burgy, Scotti's Drive-In, and the Williamsburg Snack Bar.
7 Five College Alums Making Western MA a Delicious Place
ConVino Wine Bar, Northampton | Photo by Thornes Marketplace
Did you love where you went to school? Would you ever open a business there? With the Five College Consortium (the University of Massachusetts and Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges), there’s roughly 30,000 students in our midst during any given academic year. While many only reside in western Massachusetts for the duration of their college careers, there’s a few that stick around or come back later to do great things in our communities. One of those great things is contributing to our local food scene—a scene the Huffington Post thinks deserves some serious food cred. Learn more about the businesses these seven alums started because they loved their time at school in western Massachusetts so much!Featuring The Alvah Stone in Montague, ConVino Wine Bar in Northampton, Elbow Room Coffee in Williamsburg, Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton, The Foundry in Northampton, Moti in Amherst and The Pub in Amherst.
Get the Most Out of Maple Sugaring Season in Western Mass.
Red Bucket Sugar Shack | Worthinton, Photo by Lynne Graves
Trudging through late winter slush can make even the hardiest New Englander long for warmer days. Yet, we do have one thing to lift our spirits before the cold leaves us: maple sugaring season! Our friends at Valley Nibbler are ready for the season just as much as we are. Check out their tips and tricks for making the most of our maple sugaring season in western Massachusetts like where and when to go, and what to do with all the sweet stuff you end up taking home.
Baked goodness in Western Massachusetts
Tart Baking Baguettes | Photo from Facebook
The local bakery has made something of a comeback in the last 20 years. In fact, you can get bread baked all or in part from wheat that is locally grown. Most local bakeries serve morning coffees and afternoon lunch so you aren’t limited to just what you can take home. And since our region in Western Massachusetts is known for its creativity, you’ll find way more than just sourdough, whole wheat loaves, croissants and some baguettes at places like the Henion in Amherst, Bread Euphoria in Haydenville, and Hungry Ghost Bread, Woodstar Cafe, and Tart Baking Co. in Northampton.