Blog / Libraries & Bookstores
Ho-Hum Holiday Shopping Gets the Heave-Ho
ASSEMBLE Northampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
It’s early November and nearly impossible to deny — THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE. Retailers have skipped Thanksgiving and gone straight to “Ho, Ho, Ho.” We’re already sick of pumpkin spice. And that lovely anxiety about getting the holiday shopping started has already started to creep in. What we’re here to tell you, is that your gift-buying dreams have come true. In Hampshire County, we’re stacked with the one-of-a-kind presents you love to give AND get.
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.
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!
Book Lover’s Guide to Western MA
White Square Books, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
The New York Times once wrote that our region is “arguably the most author-saturated, book-cherishing, literature-celebrating place in the nation.” And while that might have been said years ago, we’re proud to claim that not much has changed. When they visit western Massachusetts, book lovers will enjoy our wealth of appreciation for antiquarian and rare books and the variety of bookstores and places to browse such volumes; museums like the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art or Emily Dickinson Museum; and Easthampton's annual BookFest every April.
Bees, Books, Bowls and More This April in Western Massachusetts
White Square Books | Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
April is all over the place when it comes to the weather in western Massachusetts. Some years winter’s chill hangs on far too long and other years it’s downright tropical. The list of things to do this month is about as diverse as the weather can be, with really only the letter ‘B’ as the common thread—but who doesn’t love a little alliteration? Enjoy all the ‘B’ words April has to offer, from all the books at Easthampton's BookFest to bowls along the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail. Check out new exhibits about the Borscht Belt and Eric Carle’s Bees, Butterflies, and Other Bugs.
11 New Things to Do in Western Massachusetts in 2015
Snow Farm | Williamsburg
With a new year comes new energy to get out there and try new things. In western Massachusetts, 2015 offers you a handful of new places to shop and eat, package deals, several special anniversaries to celebrate, and new class schedules at our hands-on destinations. Featuring Northampton's new spot, Con Vino Wine Bar, Signature Sounds Presents Backporch Festival, new breweries, packages at the Lord Jeffery Inn, and classes Snow Farm and Good Stock Farm.
ICYMI from Visit Hampshire County September 23, 2014
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Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley | Photo by Michael Malyszko
In case you missed it, there's a pop-up shopping event happening in Northampton, new artworks in Easthampton, and a few lists we've made over the past couple weeks. Here's a roundup of our favorite finds elsewhere on the internet we've shared on Facebook and Twitter.