MASSACHUSETTS
Northampton and Amherst
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 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.