Blog / Coffee & Tea
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.