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10 Reasons to Start Making Summer Plans in Western Mass.
Pines Theater at Look Park | Northampton
As winter begins to fade into spring, it’s time to start making your summer travel plans! While you might think of the Cape or North Shore beaches when you think about summer in Massachusetts, there couldn’t be a more exciting and pleasant time to visit western Massachusetts. We’ve got everything from top-notch music festivals to relaxing getaways from the busyness of everyday life. In 2016 many of our signature events celebrate milestone anniversaries, too, making this year one not to miss. Save some dates, grab some tickets and make your reservations today!
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.
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!
Wedding Finds as Unique as You Are in Western Massachusetts
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art | Yermakov Photography
It’s hard not to think about wedding possibilities now that the holidays and Valentine’s Day have passed along with all of the successful engagements that come with them. Western Massachusetts has just the right amount of unique and quirky destinations and shops to complete your special day, whether you’re looking for the perfect venue, fun food options, or just some distinctive creative touches. And even if you’re not planning a wedding right now, we think you’ll still find something fun in this roundup. Special events this spring include the Atkins Wedding & Events Sampler in Amherst (March 7), Don Muller Gallery Bridal Jewelry Trunk Show in Northampton (March 21-22), and Eventiques in Easthampton (April 11-12).
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.
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.
Enter to Win a Holiday Shopping Spree in Western Mass.
Thornes Marketplace, Northampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
Last week we posted a mighty tempting list of gift ideas. This week we’re giving away a mini shopping spree so you might be able to get even more of those gifts. We'll select one lucky winner on December 1, 2014 who will receive $100 in gift cards to go shopping in downtown Northampton and Amherst. Enter to win here!
Enter to Win & Toast to the Good Life in Western Massachusetts
Black Birch Vineyard, Southampton | Photo by Lynne Graves
During August and September, enter to win our Brewery and Winery Getaway, celebrating all of the libations being made right here. The package includes: two nights for two at Northampton's brand new, state-of-the-art hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites; a mix-and-match tour with the top-down in Pioneer Valley Tour's convertible to the breweries and wineries of your choice; and $100 for dinner at the Northampton Brewery, western New England’s original brewpub.
New feature makes your getaway planning even easier
The pool at the Clarion, a room at the Hampton Inn, and the Hotel Northampton
Now that you've decided to come visit us, are you looking for hotels in Northampton, Amherst or Hadley? How about a quaint bed & breakfast in Williamsburg or Easthampton? Our newest feature lets your search for lodging options with availability based on your travel dates. Seach by lodging type, amenity, town, or price range. Happy planning!
Dine Farm to Table in Western Massachusetts
The Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst | Photos by Lynne Graves
Come taste the season. Enter to win the Farmers Market Chef Experience Weekend at the Lord Jeffery Inn in Amherst! The package includes a two-night stay at the Lord Jeffery Inn, breakfast for two, and a shopping excursion with Executive Chef Dino Giordano to the Amherst Farmers’ Market to select ingredients for a private lunch prepared by the Chef.