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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.
8 Places in Western MA with Serious Foodie Cred
Burger by Bistro Les Gras, Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
It turns out you don’t always need to visit the big cities to sample the best of the best in the culinary world. Here in Western Massachusetts, we’re home to several James Beard Award winners and nominees, a nationally recognized cheesemonger, and some seriously celebrated bakeries and breakfast spots. Here's a roundup of some of our most recent foodie accolades.
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.
Christmas Tree day trips in the Hilltowns
Justamere Tree Farm | Worthington, MA
What better reason for a trip to Hampshire County than to get your holiday tree? Take a trip to Justamere Tree Farm in Worthington for the tree and lots of maple goodies or Hanging Mountain Farm in Westhampton for one of the best breakfasts in Western Massachusetts at its restaurant, the Strawbale Cafe.