Blog / Eat
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.
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.
Our Top 5 Blog Posts of 2015
Creamy Delights, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
2015 was a good year for western Massachusetts, especially if you like food and beer! And if you're anything like us, there's still a handful of new places that will still have to be on your 2016 bucket lists. Thanks for reading our blog posts and take a look back at some of your favorites from this past year.
5 Experiential Gift Ideas in Western Massachusetts
Good Stock Farm, Hatfield | Photo by Kevin Miyazaki
When you start thinking about holiday shopping, do you ever think about gifts that don’t quite fit in a box? In western Massachusetts, there’s no shortage of memorable hands-on experiences that can take the place of your usual gift-giving. This year consider giving a gift that will truly last a lifetime, whether it be in the form of new skills, new friends, or purely good memories.
9 Ways to Cope with the Darkness in Western Massachusetts
Vortex Dance Fitness Studio, Easthampton | Photo by Paul Preston
Daylight savings has officially ended, it’s true. We know it can be hard to adjust and we could all used a little help making the best of the new long, dark nights. Here's a few ways you can cope with the darkness this time of year in western Massachusetts, from dance classes at Vortex Dance Fitness Studio in Easthampton to the Internet Cat Video Festival at Amherst Cinema.
Fall Recipes from Western Massachusetts Restaurants
Chicken & Dumplings | Photo Courtesy of Bistro Les Gras, Northampton
Our chefs in western Massachusetts really know how to take full advantage of our region's seasonal bounty. A leader in the farm-to-table movement for decades and home to New England's most productive farmland, you could easily spend days eating and drinking your way through our region. However, if you can't make it here this fall, check out these recipes to try at home from Bistro Les Gras in Northampton and the Northampton Brewery: chicken & dumplings featuring butternut squash gnocchi and a butternut squash cheesecake, a complete fall meal.
12 New Places to Eat, Drink and Shop in Western Massachusetts
Thornes Marketplace | Northampton
We usually reserve a post like this to celebrate a new year, but so many new and unique businesses have opened in our region lately that we just had to share now. Plus fall really is the most wonderful time of year in New England for exploring and trying new things. New businesses include BLDG 8 Brewing and the Florence Pie Bar as well as a handful of renovations and new stores in Thornes Marketplace.
Enter to Win Passes for Taste of the Valley Bridal Show
Wedding at the Eric Carle Museum | Photo by Seth Kaye Photography
Did you just experience the most romantic summer engagement and now you're ready to start planning the big day? Join the Hadley Farms Meeting House this Thursday for the Taste of the Valley Bridal Show, featuring all the best that western Massachusetts has to offer as your perfect wedding destination. While the spotlight is on the food at this event, there's plenty of wedding professionals in attendance too. We have TWO pairs of passes to give out so please enter to win here and we'll select winners Thursday morning!
There’s a Fest for That… in Western Massachusetts
Flava Evolution at Northampton Jazz Festival | Photo by Robert E. Davis
In the tech world people say there’s an app for everything, but in western Massachusetts it seems there’s a festival (or fair or party) celebrating every interest, artistic medium, hobby, food, or even whole towns! From jazz and upcycled junk to bikes, bread and beer, there’s an event this early fall that will fit every curiosity you’ve been looking to feed. Some highlight events include the 5th Annual Northampton Jazz Festival (September 8-12), Celebrate Amherst Downtown Block Party (September 17), and the Valley Beer Trail's Übeer Festival (October 3).
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.