Blog / Restaurants
6 Ways to Play It Cool This Summer in Western Mass.
Kayaking in Goshen | Photo by Lynne Graves
As if you thought you already had a lot of plans this summer, there are so many things to do in Western Massachusetts during this truly magical season. Check out summer concerts, theater productions and free outdoor movies; rent a kayak, sip on fresh beer, and enjoy delicious eats from our food trucks and roadside stands!
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!
Sip Your Way Through Summer at Our Breweries & Wineries
Black Birch Vineyard, Southampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
With Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer is officially almost here! Check out a few quick notes about events happening at breweries and wineries in Hampshire County of western Massachusetts. New this summer is Western Mass Beer Week June 11-18 and a brand new beer and wine festival at Look Park in Northampton July 30!
6 More Five College Alums Who Call Western MA Home
During commencement and reunion season at the five colleges in western Massachusetts, we’re reminded just how many students have called our region home for even a few years. We know that those few years at school in western Massachusetts are special for many, but our local alums confirm that getting to stay or return is something else entirely. Last year we reflected on some of the alums who shape our local food scene but here’s a few more who are running creative businesses from body modification shops to homemade ice cream parlors.
Bird Walks, Hawks & More in Western Massachusetts
New England Falconry, Hadley | Photo by Melissa Breor
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, actually, it's just a bird. And for anyone with avian interests, a bird sighting can be just as exciting in western Massachusetts. Given that spring is the prime season for birding in western Massachusetts, here's a few events and experiences you might not have known about.
3 Recipes to Prepare You for Asparagus Season in Western MA
Hadley Grass for sale at Atkins | Photo by Lynne Graves
"Best in the World" is a claim that the farmers and chefs in western Massachusetts are ready to stand by when it comes to our asparagus, or "Hadley Grass." Hampshire County, home to New England’s most productive farmland, has been called the “Asparagus Capital of the World” for its prolific abundance of the crop. This celebrated spear is honored and enjoyed throughout the season at festivals, farmers markets, farm stands, and on restaurant menus where chefs do everything from grilling or pickling it to making crisp salads or mouthwatering soups. In anticipation of the season, some of our local chefs have shared their favorite asparagus recipes below for you to make at home.
ICYMI, 6 Pieces of Foodie News from Western Massachusetts
30Boltwood, Amherst | Photo by Lynne Graves
Let’s face it—there’s a lot of delicious things to keep up with in western Massachusetts so it’s easy to miss a few things here and there. There's been a lot of love for western Massachusetts culinary scene in the last week or so, from James Beard nominations featuring local chefs to some love from a Boston blogger. Plus Massachusetts maple sugarhouses open for the season and WGBY hosts its annual Wine Lovers' Weekend!
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.
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.