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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!
Our Top 5 Blog Posts of 2015
Creamy Delights, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
2015 was a good year for western Massachusetts, especially if you like food and beer! And if you're anything like us, there's still a handful of new places that will still have to be on your 2016 bucket lists. Thanks for reading our blog posts and take a look back at some of your favorites from this past year.
5 Experiential Gift Ideas in Western Massachusetts
Good Stock Farm, Hatfield | Photo by Kevin Miyazaki
When you start thinking about holiday shopping, do you ever think about gifts that don’t quite fit in a box? In western Massachusetts, there’s no shortage of memorable hands-on experiences that can take the place of your usual gift-giving. This year consider giving a gift that will truly last a lifetime, whether it be in the form of new skills, new friends, or purely good memories.
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.
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.
Enter to Win Passes for Taste of the Valley Bridal Show
Wedding at the Eric Carle Museum | Photo by Seth Kaye Photography
Did you just experience the most romantic summer engagement and now you're ready to start planning the big day? Join the Hadley Farms Meeting House this Thursday for the Taste of the Valley Bridal Show, featuring all the best that western Massachusetts has to offer as your perfect wedding destination. While the spotlight is on the food at this event, there's plenty of wedding professionals in attendance too. We have TWO pairs of passes to give out so please enter to win here and we'll select winners Thursday morning!
8 Roadside Snack Shacks Worth a Stop in Western Mass.
Creamy Delights New York Style Soft Serve, Hadley | Photo by Lynne Graves
One essential element to any New England summer bucket list is the roadside snack shack, usually characteristic of any seaside destination. However, it’s not a phenomenon exclusive to the coast, and in fact there’s a pretty solid selection of roadside shacks in western Massachusetts giving any seaside spot a run for its money. Taste what all the fuss is about at places like Captain Jack's, Local Burgy, Scotti's Drive-In, and the Williamsburg Snack Bar.
8 Ways to Have a Beery Hoppy Summer in Western Mass.
Abandoned Building Brewery, Easthampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
We’ve said this before, but the craft beer scene in western Massachusetts has truly been exploding over the last few years. From new breweries and expanded tasting room hours to beer festivals and scavenger hunts, you won't go thirsty for local beer this summer.
5 Awesome Festivals This June in Western Massachusetts
Live Music at Easthampton's Cultural Chaos | Photo by Lynne Graves
When June rolls around, festival season has arrived in western Massachusetts with something happening nearly every weekend. And there’s a festival for everyone, from foodies and cultural fiends to jazz buffs and book lovers. Have fun with the family at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art’s Children’s Book Festival (June 6). Embrace Easthampton’s vibrant cultural scene at its annual street festival with a twist, Cultural Chaos (June 13). Celebrate Gypsy jazz with Django in June (June 19-20). Indulge in local food at the WGBY Asparagus Festival on the Hadley Town Common (June 6) and Taste of Amherst (June 18-21).
3 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Western Massachusetts
Northampton Pride Parade | Photo by Lynne Graves
It's that time of year again when Northampton lights up with Pride and celebrates the diversity our region in western Massachusetts is known for. This year the 34th Annual Noho Pride Day is Saturday, May 2 beginning with the iconic and colorful parade at noon that marches through Downtown Northampton. The parade consists of many diverse organizations, school groups, musicians, local businesses and many other participants. The parade route ends at the historic Three County Fair Grounds where the celebration and entertainment continue til 5 p.m. and over 20,000 people gather for dancing, eating, shopping learning, socializing and enjoying the freedom to celebrate who they are.