190: Visit Northampton, MA
190: Visit Northampton, MA
I actually pretty bad about lumping all of these awesome things into one blog post, but I feel like this is the best method, especially since Northampton is just a day trip from Albany.
In short: Northampton is an awesome, artsty-fartsy-boutiquey-flowery small town that's jam-packed with cute stores, museums, art galleries, performing arts, and nature-explorations. I'm going to boil Northampton down to my favorite things:
Downtown. Downtown Northamton is great! You park ($$) and start exploring coffee shops, pizzerias, boutique stores, art galleries, candy shops, listen to street musicians, watch the hippies, enjoy some great food, etc. I love to come to Northampton just for the stroll around.
Bridge of Flowers and Glacial Potholes in Shelburne Falls. An old trolley bridge transformed into a gorgeous botanical garden, the Bridge of Flowers is a must-see if you like flowers like I do! Cross the bridge to the Glacial Potholes, which is a maze of rocky pools carved by running water. (Access is prohibited; look only.)
The Summit House at J.A. Skinner State Park. You drive up the summit from April to November for a beautiful view of the Pioneer Valley. I had a picnic here once that was delightful...I highly recommend.
Live Music: The Calvin Theater and the Iron Horse Music Hall are two venues in Northampton that regularly hold concerts. You'll get some offbeat features, local bands, DJ/house music, as well as some real top-notch performers. http://www.nbotickets.com/
Wineries: Check out Mineral Hills Winery, Hardwick Winery, Black Birch Vineyard, and Jerram Winery.
Norwottuck Rail Trail. This recreational trail takes you 11 miles through some really lovely views. It's a paved path, ideal for rollerblading, jogging, walking, biking. Free parking at both ends.
Smith College Botanical Gardens. You know...like a normal botanical garden. A prime picture-taking destination. Lots of weddings happen here. http://www.smith.edu/garden/
Artwalk in Easthampton. The second Saturday of every month, the town hosts the "Artwalk," when many artists open their studios and businesses to host art exhibits and music. http://www.artwalkeasthampton.org/
Smith College Museum of Art. They have a wide range of art including, European, African, Asian, Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance, Modern, Contemporary, and Art by Women. http://www.smith.edu/artmuseum/
The New England Morgan Horse Show. Okay, I admit I haven't actually been to this, but I want to go! They've been running the horse show for 70 years. It's open to the public at no charge.
Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library. Holds a collection of works about the life of this past US President. http://www.forbeslibrary.org/coolidge/coolidge.shtml
