Want to stay connected to Hampshire County? Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Western Massachusetts

Hampshire County

Blog / Farms

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.

Continue Reading This Entry

We’re Mad for Maple

Red Bucket Sugar Shack
Red Bucket Sugar Shack
Photo by Lynne Graves

As the last of the snow starts to melt, we’re all mad for maple, and seeking our fix.

Continue Reading This Entry

5 Reasons to Make Hampshire County Your Fall Getaway Destination

Valley View Farm, Haydenville
Valley View Farm, Haydenville
Photo by Lynne Graves

We're more than pretty leaves and crisp breezes. Find out why fall is our favorite season. 

Continue Reading This Entry

Fall Fairs and Festivals in Hampshire County

Belchertown Fair
Belchertown Fair
Photo by Lynne Graves

Ready to get autumnal? We've got a roundup of all the best fall fests and fairs right here. 

Continue Reading This Entry

Date: Sep 12, 2019 | Posted by: Kathryn Slater | Category: Explore, Culture, Festivals & Fairs, Family Fun, Eat, Farms, Fall

What’s New in Hampshire County: Head out to the Hilltowns

Rainbow over a field in Worthington
Rainbow over a field in Worthington
Photo by Lynne Graves

Tucked bucolically between the Pioneer Valley and the heart of the Berkshires, you’ll find the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts — a collection of 39 communities that span areas of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. For anyone curious, the Hilltowns of Hampshire County include Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Worthington. Now repeat the list 10 times fast.  OR, just put this area on your…

Continue Reading This Entry

How do you like them apples?

Park Hill Orchard, Easthampton
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…

Continue Reading This Entry

How to Enjoy Western MA Maple Season from Near and Far

Red Bucket Sugar Shack, Worthington | Photo by Lynne Graves
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. 

Continue Reading This Entry

5 Recipes to Try This Holiday Season from Western MA

Chef Peter Bunce at Bistro Les Gras | Northampton
Chef Peter Bunce at Bistro Les Gras | Northampton

If you can't make it to Western Massachusetts for the holidays, consider adding a bit of our region to your traditions by trying out some new recipes from local chefs, such as signature holiday dinner side dishes, perfectly spiced gingerbread, and a few weeknight meals to make the most of all the extra winter squash laying around. 

Continue Reading This Entry

Date: Nov 14, 2016 | Posted by: vincejackson | Category: Eat, Breweries & Wineries, Farmers Markets, Farms

5 Reasons to Visit Western Mass. Any Day of the Week this Fall

We can’t deny that fall is truly one of our best seasons in Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts, but that also means it's one of our busiest! Between signature events like the Paradise City Arts Festival and Family Weekends at our schools, thousands of visitors flock to our region every October. But we don’t want that to discourage you! This year we’re inviting you to think about a different kind of getaway. Go ahead—extend your weekend and include a Thursday or Sunday night, or celebrate a little Mountain Day of your own with a midweek getaway!

Continue Reading This Entry

Date: Sep 23, 2016 | Posted by: vincejackson | Category: Explore, Recreation, Biking, Hiking, Eat, Restaurants, Farms, Pick Your Own, Shop, Stay

Let Valley Wed Help You Say ‘I Do’ in Western Massachusetts

Love & Perry Photography and Films
Love & Perry Photography and Films

Wedding planning can be a fun and fulfilling experience, especially when you have the right people on your team. Valley Wed will help you find everything you need to have an amazing wedding day, with the best vendors to help you plan one of the most important days of your life. Register today for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from western Massachusetts businesses!

Continue Reading This Entry

pixel