What’s New in Hampshire County: All About Amherst
Share Coffee Amherst
Photo by Dominic Perri
Well, it’s May in Amherst, Massachusetts (and everywhere else), and graduation has come and gone. Have you ever walked around Amherst this time of year, after the 20,000+ students have fled their dorms? It’s a completely different town. Calm. Quiet. Almost eerie to behold. But as the town settles into the pace of spring and summer, something magical happens. Bar stools free up. Parking spots appear out of thin air. And the laptops scattered around the coffee shops go missing.
Don’t get us wrong — we miss the students when they’re gone. But with a bit more space (and many thousands fewer people), it’s amazing the gems you start to notice. Whether you’re planning a visit this spring, or will be joining us later this fall, this charmer of a town has a ton of new stuff to show you.
Get Going
Kaiju - Don’t miss this new, underground (literally) hot spot in downtown Amherst. According to them, they serve Ramen, BBQ, and monsters, Tuesday-Sunday. If you’re curious about the monsters, pay them a visit at 30 Boltwood Walk.
Share Coffee Amherst - Share is serving up locally-roasted specialty coffees, delicious food, beer, wine, and cocktails in their gorgeous and cozy flagship shop in Downtown Amherst. Go see them immediately at 178 N. Pleasant Street!
Osteria Vespa - While not brand new, Osteria Vespa may be new to you. Snuggled between Amherst Coffee and Amherst Cinema, this extraordinary spot specializes in Northern Italian and Mediterranean fare. The pasta is made in-house daily, and made-from-scratch sauces will transport you straight to Tuscany. Go now. And do yourself a favor — start with the salumi.
Amherst Farmer’s Market - Every Saturday from April to November, the Amherst Farmer’s Market sets up shop on the downtown common. While it’s been around since 1978, we guarantee the goods are new, every single weekend. Come out and meet the local growers and producers, and take home a big bag of (extremely) local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and baked goods. While you’re there, take some time to watch the world go by. It’s the perfect place for it.
The Mill District - Intentionally designed to create a vibrant commerce center for students, families, and visitors, the North Amherst Mill District is rapidly shaping up to be the Pioneer Valley’s “it” place for eats, arts, and entertainment. Currently home to Cowls Building Supply and second locations for Atkins Farm, The Lift Salon, and Jakes at the Mill (now you can enjoy this famous Northampton breakfast in Amherst), keep an eye on their website as new hot spots pop up.