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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.
What’s New in Hampshire County: Head out to the Hilltowns
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…
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…
Share Your Best of Western MA
This summer on your Instagram, share awesome pictures of the the places you've been (or want to go!) in Western Massachusetts. Tag your photos #gowestMA for a chance to be featured on the @VisitMA Instagram and massvacation.com blog. Additionally if you're sharing any pictures of destinations and places in Hampshire County, tag #othersidema and you'll be entered into a contest for a $100 Downtown Northampton giftcard!
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.
Experience a Growing Beer Scene in Western Massachusetts
Malting Grains | Photo by Valley Malt, Hadley
Every day it seems like the scene for craft beer in western Massachusetts grows a little bit more—from new breweries and bars opening to a growing number of special events focused on beer tasting and pairing. Our region is essentially a one-stop beer shop, too. Not only are we home to a handful of breweries, but we’re also home to the state’s only malthouse, Valley Malt in Hadley, whose malts are used by the local breweries as well as those around New England like Boston’s Trillium. Also just north of us in Northfield is a farm focused on growing grains and hops, two of the four essential ingredients in beer. So if you’re a beer connoisseur or aspiring brewer, here are three ways to make the most of our burgeoning beer scene in western Massachusetts.