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Western Massachusetts

Hampshire County

Blog / Performing Arts

Warm Up to Winter in Western Mass

Atrium at The Hotel Northampton
Atrium at The Hotel Northampton
Photo by Lynne Graves

In Western Massachusetts, we love winter. And we’re almost certain you will too.

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Happy Holidays from Hampshire County

First Night Northampton
First Night Northampton
Photo by Eric Kaplan for MassLive

Research has shown that the people most susceptible to joy are people consciously fostering gratitude in their day-to-day lives. So this holiday season, in an effort to tip the scales toward joy, we’re going all-in on appreciation. And we’re starting right here in Hampshire County.

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PRIDE Brings The Party

PRIDE Parade
PRIDE Parade
Photo by Lynne Graves

In Hampshire County, we know how to bring the fun. Especially when we’re gathered together, in support of community, and in celebration of inclusivity, acceptance, and LOVE for all people, everywhere. Can you party like we can? Grab your rainbow flags and pom-poms, your best friends and sparkly banners. Most importantly, bring your solidarity (and the loudest megaphone you can find). May 4th is Pride Day in Northampton, and this year, the town is celebrating the 38th version of this…

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Date: Apr 29, 2019 | Posted by: Kathryn Slater | Category: Explore, Art, Performing Arts, Culture, Shop

Celebrate the Season on The Other Side of Massachusetts

Arcadia Mass Audubon’s Winter Solstice & Forest Luminaria Walk
Arcadia Mass Audubon’s Winter Solstice & Forest Luminaria Walk
Lynne Graves Photography

Celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" at one of our festive events.

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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…

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Toast the Good Life

Black Birch Vineyard Wine Tasting
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).

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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
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!

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6 Indoor Reasons To Love Winter in Western Massachusetts

Amherst Coffee | Photo by Lynne Graves
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.

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4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Western Massachusetts

First Night Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
First Night Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves

Now that December's arrived, it's time to start thinking about how to celebrate the start of a New Year! These are our tops picks for things to do in Western Massachusetts on New Year's Eve no matter if you're looking to hang with the crowds or have a more intimate gathering at home. 

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10 Ways to Make the Most of Late Fall in Western MA

Northampton International Cyclocross | Photo by Cycle-Smart
Northampton International Cyclocross | Photo by Cycle-Smart

The leaves are falling fast, daylight savings ends soon, and the holidays are fast-approaching, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops between now and Thanksgiving. Before you slip into a holiday craze, take some time for yourself and plan a visit to Western Massachusetts. There’s a lot of great things going on all throughout the fall for foodies, culture vultures and everything in between.

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