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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…
More Reasons to Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Notchview Cross Country Ski Area
Lynne Graves Photography
Everyone knows a New England winter brings ice and snow, but here we say “winter is coming” is best followed by an exclamation point and feel that adding an extra layer of cozy to brave it for an amazing outdoor experience is always worth it. The winter’s wind seems milder this year, just one more excuse to discover even more outdoor reasons to love winter in Western Massachusetts. Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing Being located in the Connecticut River Valley, our wooded terrain…
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…
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).
10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts
Make your weekend plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve in western Massachusetts. Starting on Friday and right through January 1 there’s every kind of music, intimate dinners, story times, indoors and outdoors. Come with your kids, your better half, or a gang your friends. Check out our 10 fabulous “kickstarters” for 2018.
Lift your spirits for the holidays!
Downtown Northampton | Lynne Graves Photography
Spend a day or make it many December days in Western Massachusetts. From early December and right through New Year’s Eve, there’s comfort and joy to find in our sweet, laid back corner on “the other side of Massachusetts.”
Share Your Early Signs of Spring in Western MA to Win
The Botanic Garden of Smith College | Photo by Jeff Kelley
One day it’s 65 and sunny; a few days later it feels like 10 with the wind. We know New England weather can be crazy, but transitions like that are tough! As we eagerly anticipate the permanent arrival of spring, we want to see what early signs of spring give you hope. It could be early-budding flowers and trees or maybe it’s the sap flowing from maple trees. Hit us with some beautiful shots on Instagram, and we’ll spread the love. Two lucky photos will receive either a $25 Easthampton Gift Card or a $25 Northampton Gift Card! Winners will be notified via Instagram after March 20, 2017.
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.
3 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ this Valentine’s Day in Western MA
Amherst Cinema, Bistro Les Gras, & Luthier's Co-op | Photos by Lynne Graves
Looking for things to do on or for Valentine’s Day in Western Massachusetts? Hampshire County’s got you covered—from romance and relaxation to good laughs and good eats!
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.