Blog / Breweries & Wineries
Experience a Growing Beer Scene in Western Massachusetts
Malting Grains | Photo by Valley Malt, Hadley
Every day it seems like the scene for craft beer in western Massachusetts grows a little bit more—from new breweries and bars opening to a growing number of special events focused on beer tasting and pairing. Our region is essentially a one-stop beer shop, too. Not only are we home to a handful of breweries, but we’re also home to the state’s only malthouse, Valley Malt in Hadley, whose malts are used by the local breweries as well as those around New England like Boston’s Trillium. Also just north of us in Northfield is a farm focused on growing grains and hops, two of the four essential ingredients in beer. So if you’re a beer connoisseur or aspiring brewer, here are three ways to make the most of our burgeoning beer scene in western Massachusetts.
Pack Your Calendars with Fall Festivals and More in Western Massachusetts
Mike's Maze, Sunderland | Photo by Lynne Graves
Are you ready for fall? Well it’s here as the chilled temps have clearly proven recently. If you’re anything like us here in western Massachusetts though, fall is your favorite time of year. While fall can be all about celebrating the harvest and Halloween, there’s also a lot going on in the arts, nature, and on a bike here. (Though we’ve certainly got the harvest festivals and haunted happenings down this year!). We have to admit, even as we were compiling this list we were overwhelmed by the number of things to do in western Massachusetts this fall. But after we took a deep breath, we grabbed our calendars and started planning fall adventures galore. We hope you’ll find something you’d like to do, too!
In Case You Missed It from Visit Hampshire County Aug. 25, 2014
Fort Hill Brewery, Easthampton | From Facebook
Did you see the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile or an unusual peanut truck driving around? How about that Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton opened last week? These are just a few of our favorite finds from Facebook and Twitter last week.
Enter to Win & Toast to the Good Life in Western Massachusetts
Black Birch Vineyard, Southampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
During August and September, enter to win our Brewery and Winery Getaway, celebrating all of the libations being made right here. The package includes: two nights for two at Northampton's brand new, state-of-the-art hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites; a mix-and-match tour with the top-down in Pioneer Valley Tour's convertible to the breweries and wineries of your choice; and $100 for dinner at the Northampton Brewery, western New England’s original brewpub.
Come Find Your Side of Massachusetts
See why we call this place home with our new video. Maybe you'll discover a new place where you feel at home, too.
Three can’t-miss festivals in June
The River's music tent at the Taste of Amherst
The summer is off to a spectacular start here in western Massachusetts. Maybe you just attended the Asparagus Festival or Taste of Massachusetts Wine Festival, but if you’re still looking for things to do in Massachusetts, our arts, culture, and culinary celebrations don’t stop there. Don't miss Cottage Street's Cultural Chaos block party June 14, the Taste of Amherst June 19-22, and Django in June on June 20 & 21.