What’s New in Hampshire County: Exit Here for Easthampton
Luthier's Co-Op
Photo by Lynne Graves
Have you been to Easthampton lately? If you have, you may know about Coco and the Cellar Bar, run under the watchful eye of chef (and 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist) Unmi Abkin. Or Small Oven, the intimate bakery in the heart of Easthampton, made famous for their killer pastries, skillful bread-baking, and knowing the names of all of their customers. Perhaps you’ve been to Food Truck Friday behind Abandoned Building Brewery, where locals flock to enjoy warm evenings. And if you’re really in the know, you’ve been pedal boating on the Nashawannuck Pond on a summer Saturday.
But have you heard the latest news? Easthampton is officially — a destination. And as more musicians, artists, foodies, and young families move into the community, it’s only getting better. Come for a hike on Mt. Tom, and stay for the incredible food, classic cocktails, and concerts on Mill Pond. Just don’t be surprised if you decide to move there.
Get Going
Daily Operation - Daily Operation is a farm-driven casual restaurant with a penchant for comfortable classics and nontraditional flavors alike. Enjoy a cold beer from Fort Hill Brewery while you wait for one of the highly-coveted tables.
Gigantic - Gigantic is a brand new cocktail bar on Cottage St., located in a building that formerly housed the bar The Library. In addition to incredible cocktails, the bar also offers beer and wine, and is open daily from 6 p.m. to midnight, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
Insa - Insa is an adult-use and medical cannabis dispensary that has recently opened for recreational sales in Easthampton. Try their hand-crafted watermelon gummies or cherry cheesecake chocolates. Seriously, try them.
Kisara - The one thing Easthampton has been missing — really good Japanese food. Make it a date night with dinner at Kisara and live music at Luthier’s. Or, skip the wait by calling ahead and taking it for the road.
Millpond Live - Millpond.live is a FREE, grassroots, community-sponsored festival series designed to unite people from all walks of life. Last year, more than ten thousand people gathered in Easthampton's Millside Park, coming back week after week to celebrate their shared love of music, food, art, and community. This year, the first show is August 24th.
Luthier’s Co-op - The “World’s First Full-Service Guitar Bar” — buying, selling, trading, and repairing all types of Fretted Stringed Instruments, and offering free live music Tuesday-Saturday. Also, Luthier’s now offers a full bar and delicious food to accompany the jams.
Prodigy Minigolf & Game Room - Prodigy is a gamer’s wonderland, located in the lower level of the Eastworks building, and offering a major dose of nostalgia. Battle some friends in a classic board game, reminisce over a game of the original Super Mario Bros, or get physical with foosball, Air Hockey, billiards, or Skee-ball. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll wonder why it took you so long to get over there.
Puzzled Escape Games - Tired of the same old dinner and a movie combo? Puzzled Escape Games is your best bet for an evening you’ll never forget. Go on — lock yourself in a themed room with your friends, family, or work colleagues. Be a paranormal investigator or find yourself in a drug lord’s tequila cave. You have 60 minutes to solve a set of clues, puzzles, and riddles to earn your freedom.
The Water’s Fine Goods and Coffee - The Water’s Fine is a modern cafe/retail store with a focus on small production, local and fair trade goods, provisions, and gifts. Now serving YUP coffee (roasted in Florence), delicious snacks, and all the gorgeous gifts you didn’t know you needed. Also, there’s a PATIO.
Union Street Bistro & Bakery - Union Street Bistro & Bakery recently renovated and moved into the old Cartledge's building at 35 Union Street. The casual bistro and bakery is offering breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and more, with plenty of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The cafe also has beer, wine, and mixed cocktails for anyone imbibing, and a full-service coffee setup featuring Esselon Coffee.