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MASSACHUSETTS

Northampton and Amherst

Happy Valley, Main St., Downtown Northampton, Ma.
Metal sculpture on bike path bridge over Main St., Downtown Northampton, Ma.
Fall foliage seen from Pleasant St., Downtown Northampton, Ma.

Northampton is a college town with a fun, artsy atmosphere nestled in the Pioneer Valley. It has a busy Main Street and many shops with local artists' paintings, crafts and jewelry, such as Artisan Gallery, Pinch Goods and Happy Valley. (Read More)


There are clothing boutiques, such as Shop Therapy, music stores, book stores and a yarn shop. Many restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and sandwich shops cater to visitors and college students. Smith College, the Academy of Music Theatre and the Calvin Theatre are all located downtown. Historic inns and B and B's are available in town and in the surrounding area. For chilly days, there is a three level indoor shopping complex called Thornes Marketplace on Main Street. Nearby Amherst, home to Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has a picturesque town common, museums and historic colonial architecture. Amherst also has restaurants plus a handful of shops. Both of these New England downtowns are especially beautiful during foliage season. (Less)


Northampton and Amherst, Massachusetts

Northampton is a college town with a fun, artsy atmosphere nestled in the Pioneer Valley. It has a busy Main Street and many shops with local artists' paintings, crafts and jewelry, such as Artisan Gallery, Pinch Goods and Happy Valley. There are clothing boutiques, such as Shop Therapy, music stores, book stores and a yarn shop. Many restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and sandwich shops cater to visitors and college students. Smith College, the Academy of Music Theatre and the Calvin Theatre are all located downtown. Historic inns and B and B's are available in town and in the surrounding area. For chilly days, there is a three level indoor shopping complex called Thornes Marketplace on Main Street. Nearby Amherst, home to Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has a picturesque town common, museums and historic colonial architecture. Amherst also has restaurants plus a handful of shops. Both of these New England downtowns are especially beautiful during foliage season.

Shops
Northampton
A2Z Science & Learning Store - unique learning toy store, yo-yo school, building toys, books, games; 57 King St. 413-586-1611WEBSITE
Artisan Gallery - clothing, accessories, locally made items, jewelry; 162 Main St. 413-586-1942WEBSITE
Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium - CLOSED; chocolate, candy and ice cream store; 141 Main St. 413-584-5695WEBSITE
Beryl - unique artist created items, wedding jewelry collection, accessories, cutting boards, pottery, sculpture, home decor, vases, glassware, clocks, watches, candles; 40 Main St., Northampton 413-586-1119WEBSITE
Blue Marble Gifts - gift shop with jewelry, accessories, apparel, home decor; American made and imported handmade products; located in Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St., Northampton 413-253-0328WEBSITE
Booklink Booksellers - bookstore on two levels; new books, children's section, gifts, cafe; also, online store; Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St. 413-585-9955WEBSITE
Broadside Bookshop - new books, plus online ordering with in store pickup or postal delivery; supports local community groups; 247 Main St. 413-586-4235WEBSITE
Casa Del Sol - CHANGED TO WHOLESALE ONLY; unique Latin American and Asian apparel, accessories & jewelry; alpaca shawls, blankets; 207 Main St. 413-584-0109WEBSITE
Cedar Chest - wide array of gifts; bath and body products, women's clothing and accessories; home, garden and kitchen items; located in Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St., Northampton 413-584-3860WEBSITE
Different Drummer's Kitchen - kitchen products, tableware, cookbooks; cooking classes; 34 Bridge St. 413-586-7978WEBSITE
Downtown Sounds - musical instruments sold, rented, repaired, bought; lessons also; 21 Pleasant St. 413-586-0998WEBSITE
Firetype Chocolate - fresh made chocolates, plus additional high quality imported chocolate bars; Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St. 413-586-0038WEBSITE
Gazebo - lingerie shop, fittings, sleepwear, maternity; 14 Center St. 413-584-6673WEBSITE
Happy Valley - unique handcrafted items, gifts, art work, accessories, toys, jewelry; shop supports community non-profts; 177 Main St. 413-586-1661WEBSITE
Marathon Sports - running, walking and jogging footwear, apparel; several locations; 34 Pleasant St. 413-517-0059WEBSITE
Northampton Wools - wide selection of locally made and imported yarn; also, patterns, classes, workshops and trips; 29 Pleasant St. 413-586-4331WEBSITE
Noteworthy - stationery, cards, notebooks, pens; Thornes Marketplace, Level 2; 150 Main St. 413-584-3879WEBSITE
Pinch Goods - variety of artisan made items for the home, as well as jewelry and accessories; online store also; 179 Main St. 413-586-4509WEBSITE
Raven Used Books - used book store buying & selling academic books; also, children's books, cookbooks, science fiction & more; 4 Old South St. 413-584-9868WEBSITE
R. Michelson Galleries - fine art gallery; paintings, prints, sculpture, books; 132 Main St. 413-586-3964WEBSITE
Shop Therapy - casual, colorful clothing, including tie-dye and batik items; accessories, jewelry, incense; 135 Main St. 413-586-2820WEBSITE
Silverscape Designs - fine diamonds and gemstone jewelry in restored art deco bank building; also, repairs, appraisals; 1 King St. 413-584-3324WEBSITE
Strada Shoes - women's shoes and boots; Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St. 413-584-6621WEBSITE
Ted's Boot Shop - footwear for the family; boots, sneakers, brand name shoes; 158 Main St. 413-586-1074WEBSITE
Ten Thousand Villages - chain of shops selling imported, handmade multi-cultural items; gifts, jewelry, accessories, home decor; 82 Main St. 413-582-9338WEBSITE
The Old Book Store - used book shop; 32 Masonic St. 413-586-0576WEBSITE
Thornes Marketplace - indoor multi-level collection of shops, including gifts, books, restaurants, accessories, apparel, shoes; 150 Main St. 413-584-5582WEBSITE
Turn It Up! - music and video store; vinyl albums, cd's, dvd's; buy and sell; also located in Brattleboro, Vt.; 5 Pleasant St. 413-582-1885WEBSITE
Webs - yarn warehouse; also weaving and spinning supplies; instructional books, videos; also, online store; 75 Service Center Rd. 413-584-2225WEBSITE
Zephyr Rugs - hand woven imported new and antique carpets; also, repair and cleaning services; 33 Main St. 413-584-8044WEBSITE
Amherst
Amherst Books - new and used books, focus on literature and philosophy; college textbooks for local colleges; 8 Main St., Amherst 413-256-1547WEBSITE
Clay's - women's clothing shop; casual and comfortable styles; 32 Main St., Amherst 413-256-4200WEBSITE
J. Austin Antiques - Arts & Crafts style antiques; furniture, art, items for the home; 31 South Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-3986WEBSITE
Laughing Dog Bicycles - bike shop; sales and service; 63 South Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-7722WEBSITE
Mystery Train Records - vinyl records bought & sold; also, cd's, dvd's, books, magazines; 178 North Pleasant St. #A, Amherst 413-253-4776WEBSITE
Toy Box - toy store; building toys, dress-up outfits, plush toys, board games; 201 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-256-8697WEBSITE
Zanna - women's clothing store; shoes, boots; 187 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-2563WEBSITE

General Information
Northampton Visitor Center - downtown visitor center next to Sylvester's Restaurant; 99 Pleasant St. 413-584-1900WEBSITE
Amherst Downtown Info - amherstdowntown.com; events, news, business listingWEBSITE
Amherst Town Website - www.amherstma.gov; town website with news, events, visitor infoWEBSITE
Amherst Visitor Info - amherstarea.com; Chamber of Commerce visitor site; news, events, business directoryWEBSITE
Foliage Info - newengland.com; Yankee Magazine's foliage information website; photos, drives, maps, reportsWEBSITE
Hampshire County - visithampshirecounty.com; visitor site for Amherst, Northampton and Easthampton areasWEBSITE
Northampton City Website - northamptonma.gov; town website with news, events, visitor infoWEBSITE
Northampton General Info - visitnorthampton.net; lots of visitor and general info about NorthamptonWEBSITE
Northampton Visitor Info - www.northamptonchamber.com; Chamber of Commerce info; links to other visitor infoWEBSITE

Restaurants
Amanouz Cafe - Morroccan and Mediterranean menu; breakfast, lunch & dinner; 44 Main St., Northampton 413-585-9128WEBSITE
Amherst Coffee - coffee shop and bar; desserts; 28 Amity St., Amherst 413-256-8987WEBSITE
Antonio's - pizza place; many topping choices; 31 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-0808WEBSITE
Bertucci's - CLOSED in Amherst; chain brick oven pizza restaurant with Italian entrees also; children's menu; lunch, dinner; 51 East Pleasant St., Amherst 413-549-1900WEBSITE
Chez Albert - French restaurant using locally sourced ingredients; lunch, dinner; CLOSED; 178 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-3811WEBSITE
Fitzwilly's - pub style restaurant; lunch and dinner menus; seafood, ribs, chicken; 23 Main St., Northampton 413-584-8666WEBSITE
Green Bean - all day breakfast; lunch menu has sandwiches, salads, burgers, quesadillas; kid's menu; 241 Main St., Northampton 413-584-2326WEBSITE
Herrell's Ice Cream - ice cream shop; also, frozen yogurt, sorbets, non-dairy choices; 8 Old South St., Thornes Marketplace, Northampton 413-586-9700WEBSITE
Hungry Ghost Bread - bakery featuring fresh bread, pastries and pizza; see site for schedule of baking schedule; 62 State St., Northampton 413-582-9009WEBSITE
Jake's - breakfast all day, lunch, kid's menu; soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers; 68 Cowls Rd., Amherst; 17 King St., Northampton 413-584-9613WEBSITE
Joe's Pizza & Spaghetti House - small casual Italian restaurant serving pasta dishes, grinders, pizza; 33 Market St., Northampton 413-584-3168WEBSITE
Local Burger - big selection of burgers and sides; several non-meat burger options; locally sourced ingredients; 16 Main St., Northampton 413-586-5857WEBSITE
Lumber Yard - CLOSED; upscale contemporary dining; also, bar menu, jazz nights; 383 Main St., Amherst 413-253-4200WEBSITE
Oriental Flavor - Chinese restaurant; eat in or take out; 25 South Pleasant St., Amherst 413-253-7673WEBSITE
Osteria Vespa - Northern Italian cuisine; locally sourced ingredients; fresh pastas; dinner hours; 28 Amity St., Amherst 413-230-3194WEBSITE
Pasta E Basta - Italian restaurant on 3 levels; many traditional entrees, and pasta/sauce choices; plus pizza and subs; 26 Main St., Amherst 413-256-3550WEBSITE
Paul & Elizabeth's - lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, desserts, children's menu; vegetarian, seafood, tempura, noodle dishes; Thornes Marketplace; 150 Main St., Northampton 413-584-4832WEBSITE
Pita Pockets - Mediterranean restaurant serving falafels, gyros, kabobs, hummus, baklava; lunch & dinner hours; 103 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-256-3600WEBSITE
Roost - all day cafe; breakfast & lunch items; fresh bread and desserts; gluten free & vegan options; events; 1 Market St., Northampton 413-587-2625WEBSITE
Sylvester's Restaurant - breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, attached coffee cafe; 111 Pleasant St., Northampton 413-586-5343WEBSITE

Accommodations
Allen House Victorian Inn and Amherst Inn - historic inns close to Emily Dickinson House and Amherst College; walk to downtown Amherst; antiques; elegant full breakfast; 599 and 257 Main St., Amherst 413-253-5000WEBSITE
Black Walnut Inn - ten room family friendly historic inn located 4 miles north in North Amherst; full breakfast; 1184 North Pleasant St., Amherst 413-549-5649WEBSITE
Fairfield Inn & Suites Northampton/Amherst - 7/10ths mile to downtown Northampton; breakfast buffet, indoor pool; 115A Conz St., Northampton 413-587-9800WEBSITE
Hampton Inn Hadley/Amherst - located in nearby Hadley; indoor pool, buffet breakfast; 24 Bay Rd., Hadley 413-586-4851WEBSITE
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amherst/Hadley - located in nearby Hadley; indoor pool, buffet breakfast; 400 Russell St., Hadley 413-582-0002WEBSITE
Hotel Northampton - historic inn; downtown Northampton; continental brkfst., two onsite restaurants; 36 King St., Northampton 413-584-3100WEBSITE
Hotel UMass - University of Mass. Amherst modern style on-campus guest rooms; continental brkfst.; 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst 413-549-6000WEBSITE
Inn on Boltwood - forty-nine room historic inn w/ modern upgrades; walk to shops and Amherst College; onsite restaurant; event facilities; formerly Lord Jeffery Inn; 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst 413-256-8200WEBSITE
Lord Jeffery Inn - CHANGED TO Inn On Boltwood; forty-nine room historic inn located in downtown Amherst; walk to Amherst College; onsite restaurant; 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst 413-256-8200WEBSITE
Marriott Courtyard Hadley/Amherst - located in nearby Hadley; onsite breakfast & dinner restaurant; indoor pool; 423 Russell St., Hadley 413-256-5454WEBSITE
Stone House Farm B&B - two room historic farmhouse B&B; full breakfast; gardens and farm animals; 649 East Pleasant St., Amherst 413-549-4455WEBSITE
Sugar Maple Trailside Inn - two room B&B located 2 miles west of downtown Northampton; cont. brkfst. bikes available for trail next to inn; library of railroad info; 62 Chestnut St., Florence 413-575-2277WEBSITE

Events, Activities, Attractions
Academy of Music Theatre - performing arts center; music, ballet, opera, plays, musicals, stand up comedy shows; 274 Main St., Northampton 413-584-9032WEBSITE
Amherst College - liberal arts college located near Amherst Common; Quadrangle Drive; Rt. 9 and 116 intersection, Amherst 413-542-2000WEBSITE
Amherst College Mead Art Museum - diverse art collection; events, exhibits, student docents; museum store & cafe; 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst 413-542-2335WEBSITE
Atkins Farm Country Market - local market; seating available; breakfast sandwiches, salads, deli sandwiches, baked goods, fresh produce; 1150 West St., Amherst 413-253-9528WEBSITE
Calvin Theatre - live music performances in downtown theatre; 19 King St., Northampton 413-584-1444WEBSITE
Dinosaur Footprints - seasonally open conservation area near the Connecticut River with dinosaur footprints and fossils; site managed by the Trustees, Massachusetts; Route 5, Holyoke 413-213-4751WEBSITE
Emily Dickinson Museum - two historic houses, including the poet's birthplace & home; tours, programs; 280 Main St., Amherst 413-542-8161WEBSITE
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - museum dedicated to the art of picture books; international collection; exhibit of Eric Carle's works; 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst 413-658-1100WEBSITE
Forbes Library - historic building housing public library; children's, arts, genealogy, local history departments; Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library; 20 West St., Northampton 413-587-1011WEBSITE
Historic Northampton - historical exhibits about Northampton; see website for events and programs; 46 Bridge St., Northampton 413-584-6011WEBSITE
Iron Horse Music Hall - live music performances located in downtown Northampton; 20 Center St., Northampton 413-586-8686WEBSITE
Lyman Plant House and Botanic Garden - Smith College's indoor and outdoor gardens, including New England and worldwide specimens; events; 16 College Lane, Northampton 413-585-2740WEBSITE
Norwottuck Rail Trail - eleven mile rail trail connecting Northampton, Hadley & Amherst; parking access points in Northampton & S. Amherst; 413-586-8706WEBSITE
Smith College - all women's college located at west end of Main St. in downtown Northampton; 7 College Lane, Northampton 413-584-2700WEBSITE
Smith College Museum of Art - large collection of artwork, rotating exhibits, family programs, cafe & museum shop; 20 Elm St. at Bedford Terrace, Northampton 413-585-2760WEBSITE
UMass Amherst - state university; Amherst 413-545-0111WEBSITE
Yiddish Book Center - large collection of Yiddish books; exhibits, programs; courses, events, bookstore; close to Hampshire College; 1021 West St., Amherst 413-256-4900WEBSITE
Five Colleges Consortium - collaboration among the five colleges: Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, Smith and UMass AmherstWEBSITE

Kids
Academy of Music Theatre - performing arts center; music, ballet, opera, plays, musicals, stand up comedy shows; 274 Main St., Northampton 413-584-9032WEBSITE
Amherst College - liberal arts college located near Amherst Common; Quadrangle Drive; Rt. 9 and 116 intersection, Amherst 413-542-2000WEBSITE
Amherst College Mead Art Museum - diverse art collection; events, exhibits, student docents; museum store & cafe; 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst 413-542-2335WEBSITE
Atkins Farm Country Market - local market; seating available; breakfast sandwiches, salads, deli sandwiches, baked goods, fresh produce; 1150 West St., Amherst 413-253-9528WEBSITE
Dinosaur Footprints - seasonally open conservation area near the Connecticut River with dinosaur footprints and fossils; site managed by the Trustees, Massachusetts; Route 5, Holyoke 413-213-4751WEBSITE
Emily Dickinson Museum - two historic houses, including the poet's birthplace & home; tours, programs; 280 Main St., Amherst 413-542-8161WEBSITE
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - museum dedicated to the art of picture books; international collection; exhibit of Eric Carle's works; 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst 413-658-1100WEBSITE
Forbes Library - historic building housing public library; children's, arts, genealogy, local history departments; Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library; 20 West St., Northampton 413-587-1011WEBSITE
Historic Northampton - historical exhibits about Northampton; see website for events and programs; 46 Bridge St., Northampton 413-584-6011WEBSITE
Look Memorial Park - park in nearby town of Florence; small zoo, playground, picnic area; seasonal activities: pedal & bumper boats, water spray park, mini-golf, train ride; also, holiday events; 300 North Main St., Florence 413-584-5457WEBSITE
Lyman Plant House and Botanic Garden - Smith College's indoor and outdoor gardens, including New England and worldwide specimens; events; 16 College Lane, Northampton 413-585-2740WEBSITE
Norwottuck Rail Trail - eleven mile rail trail connecting Northampton, Hadley & Amherst; parking access points in Northampton & S. Amherst; 413-586-8706WEBSITE
Smith College - all women's college located at west end of Main St. in downtown Northampton; 7 College Lane, Northampton 413-584-2700WEBSITE
Smith College Museum of Art - large collection of artwork, rotating exhibits, family programs, cafe & museum shop; 20 Elm St. at Bedford Terrace, Northampton 413-585-2760WEBSITE
UMass Amherst - state university; Amherst 413-545-0111WEBSITE
Yiddish Book Center - large collection of Yiddish books; exhibits, programs; courses, events, bookstore; close to Hampshire College; 1021 West St., Amherst 413-256-4900WEBSITE
Five Colleges Consortium - collaboration among the five colleges: Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, Smith and UMass AmherstWEBSITE

Northampton Massachusetts Shopping Goes With Fall Foliage (Scenic Shopping, updated October, 2019)

Photo Gallery

Turn It Up!, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.
Turn It Up!, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.

WEBSITE
Downtown Sounds, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.
Downtown Sounds, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.

WEBSITE
Sylvester's Restaurant, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.
Sylvester's Restaurant, Pleasant St., Northampton, Ma.

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Zaphyr Rugs, Main St., Northampton, Ma.
Zaphyr Rugs, Main St., Northampton, Ma.

WEBSITE
Broadside Bookshop, Main St., Northampton, Ma.
Broadside Bookshop, Main St., Northampton, Ma.

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Hotel Northampton, Northampton, Ma.
Hotel Northampton, Northampton, Ma.

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Main and King Streets, Northampton, Ma.
Main and King Streets, Northampton, Ma.

Local Burger, Main St., Northampton, Ma.
Local Burger, Main St., Northampton, Ma.

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Pioneer Valley view from Amherst, Ma.
Pioneer Valley view from Amherst, Ma.