Blog / Museums, Galleries & Showings
My Local Escape: Hampshire County
Inn on Boltwood
Photo provided by Inn on Boltwood
As 2020 ends, it is vital to the health of our community and economy that you support small business and #ThinkLocalFirst when it comes to holiday shopping and gift-giving. Take the pledge to give thanks for those who make local happen by putting your money where your heart is: right here in Massachusetts.
Warm Up to Winter in Western Mass
Atrium at The Hotel Northampton
Photo by Lynne Graves
In Western Massachusetts, we love winter. And we’re almost certain you will too.
We’ve Got ART Going On
Cottage Street Studios
Lynne Graves
Even in our haven of art and culture, ArtWeek MA is a festival that stands apart. Partially by design, because you’re required to demonstrate a special something to be accepted. And partially because every event is a truly spectacular glimpse behind the scenes. Dance performances are turned on their heads. Potters may invite you to throw your own clay. It’s the Other Side of Art on the Other Side of Massachusetts (see what we did there?). Not only will you experience The Artistic…
Celebrate the Season on The Other Side of Massachusetts
Arcadia Mass Audubon’s Winter Solstice & Forest Luminaria Walk
Lynne Graves Photography
Celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" at one of our festive events.
6 Indoor Reasons To Love Winter in Western Massachusetts
Amherst Coffee | Photo by Lynne Graves
Sure, winters in New England mean more time spent inside. But we also think part of the fun of a New England winter is finding ways to have fun while staying warm without just surrendering under the blankets on our couches. While the Pixies’s famous lyric dubbed Western Massachusetts “the sleepy west of the woody east,” there’s still a lot going on even in the short days of winter and plenty of places to keep warm. From endless entertainment options, hot tub spas, & fireplaces to cozy coffee shops, bars & galleries, Western MA has plenty of ways to keep you warm this winter.
Unique Places to Shop in Western MA: Museum Gift Shops
Smith College Museum of Art Shop Photo by Paul Shoul
For some, the museum gift shop is the best part of visiting the museum! The museum shop not only offers you an opportunity to take home a reminder of your visit, but also find unique items by other artists whose work could become your new favorite necklace, the next talking piece on your coffee table, or the best card you'll ever send. Don't miss all the fun gifts The Carle Bookshop offers at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the unique and global artifacts at the Smith College Museum of Art Shop.
10 Ways to Make the Most of Late Fall in Western MA
Northampton International Cyclocross | Photo by Cycle-Smart
The leaves are falling fast, daylight savings ends soon, and the holidays are fast-approaching, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops between now and Thanksgiving. Before you slip into a holiday craze, take some time for yourself and plan a visit to Western Massachusetts. There’s a lot of great things going on all throughout the fall for foodies, culture vultures and everything in between.
22 New Things to Check Out in Western Massachusetts
Hitchcock Center for the Environment | Photo by Jessica Schultz
With the return of the school year and the changing of seasons among us, we’re heading into one of the best times of the year in Western Massachusetts. As you plan your fall visits to Hampshire County, be sure to consider adding some of these new places to eat, learn, shop and explore as well as events to your itinerary!
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.
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.