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WELCOME TO NORTHAMPTON |
- WELCOME TO NORTHAMPTON
- THE NORTHAMPTON READINGLIST.
- SCHOOLS.
- HISTORY.
- WHERE TO EAT.
- LOCAL MEDIA.
- CALENDAR
- GETTING AROUND.
- AREA ATTRACTIONS
- NOTABLE AREA BUSINESSES
- AREA JOBS.
- LOCAL BLOGS.
- WHERE TO STAY.
- CITY HALL & MORE ABOUT THETOWN.
- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
- HOSPITALS & HEALTH CARE
- AREA UTILITIES.
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WELCOME TO NORTHAMPTON
We've assembled a collection of links that will help you get to know the area.
Simply click on the tabs above to see the things that make this area of Massachusetts such a great place to live.
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NORTHAMPTON HISTORY
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CALVIN COOLIDGE ... spent much of his life in Northampton.
He worked as a lawyer in what is now known as the Fitzwilly's building, he was Mayor of Northampton and Governor of Massachusetts.
CALVIN COOLIDGE MUSEUM ... at Forbes Library, right downtown.
WIKIPEDIA: CALVIN COOLIDGE ... His entire biography.
CALVIN COOLIDGE NORTHAMPTON HOMES ... from Google Maps. Find the two family house he lived in when he was nominated to be Vice President and the home he lived in until his death. |
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OVER 350 YEARS ... is a long time. Northampton has plenty of history and an under heralded museum with an impressive collection.
The museum constitutes a campus of three contiguous historic houses, all on their original sites. The grounds themselves are part of an original Northampton home lot, laid out in 1654.
HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON MUSEUM
Prepare to spend a lot of time at this site. And plan to spend a few hours at the museum itself when you visit. They have a very varied collection. And you can make an appointment to get a deeper look into the archives if that interests you. |
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THERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY BURIED ... in a 350 year old town. The Bridge Street Cemetery is located just east of downtown. Spend some time learning about the founding of our town and you'll probably find the resting place of some you our forefathers. The oldest surviving stone in the Bridge Street Cemetery is that of Captain E. Gray or Elisha Graves from around 1683.
BRIDGE STREET CEMETERY ... a private site.
BRIDGE STREET CEMETERY ... from Historic Northampton. |
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HISTORIC DEERFIELD ... is a collection of many homes from the Colonial period.
It is great place to come and spend the day, especially when the weather is beautiful.
HISTORIC DEERFIELD |
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One of the first things you'll notice about downtown Northampton is the wide range of superb places to eat.
I've put together a list of my favorites in the listings that follow. There are also a number of Honorable Mention places that I don't frequent, but are reliable choices nevertheless.
If a place is one I frequent, its name will be in RED. If they pour a good Guinness, you'll see the icon in the lower right hand corner of the listing. |
LESS TAHN FANCY ...
JOE'S PIZZA |
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This place is anything BUT fancy.
Joe's is known for a great thin crust pizza and other excellent Italian meals. Rustic food. No frills. Friendly bar.
Gregg eats: Joe's House special (large, but Joe's large isn't all that large), macaroni soup, mussels.
(Full bar. Open evenings (after 4) and weekend days during the winter.)
33 Market Street,
Northampton, MA, 01060
(413) 584-3168
Get directions
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WOODSTAR BAKERY |
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A really popular place just off Main Street.
Successful, in large part, because of the coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.
I get an "everything" bagel with cream cheese, lox, onion and tomato. I sometimes pick up a baguette to take home.
(No alcohol. Open pretty much all the time)
60 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 585-9777
Get directions
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ROBERTO'S |
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Kind of a classic spaghetti and meatballs place.
Decent Pizza in a decent family atmosphere.
New owners spruced it up over the last couple of years.
A viable choice.
(Full bar. Open for dinner.)
223 Pleasant Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0204
Get directions
www,sylvestersrestaurant.com
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SAM'S PIZZA |
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Newer place.
A good selection of pizza by the slice.
A good stop on your way home on a Friday or Saturday night when they close at something like 3 in the morning.
If you are thinking whole pie, I'd go to Joe's.
For a snack or a light lunch, Sam's fits the bill.
(Beer, wine. Open 11AM until late.)
235 Main Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
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PACKARDS |
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Packard's is open for a beer and burger lunch as well as dinner. If you get a friendly bartender, it might even be a pleasant experience. The problem is I've never had a bartender there who seemed anything but dismayed to have to bother with a customer ... If you are looking for a beer and some valid food while watching the bartender read the paper, this is your place. The food is slightly better than average pub grub.
(Full bar, Lunch, Dinner)
14 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5957
Get directions
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HERRELL'S ICE CREAM |
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Steve Herrell innovated the smooch-in concept for ice cream years ago in boston.
After getting the Steve's chain up and running he came here and opened Herrell's.
Excellent ice cream, great smooch-ins in a fun spot downstairs at Thorne's Marketplace.
Even if you are not a big ice cream fan, or for that matter, much of a sweet tooth. Try Steve's
8 Old South Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-9700
Get directions
www.herrells.com
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NORTHAMPTON BREWERY |
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Reliable pub grub place.
Decent bar crowd on evenings and weekends -- especially in the good weather when it is hard to find a spot in the upstairs patio.
11 Brewster Court, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-9903
Get directions
www.northamptonbrewery.com |
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SMITH COLLEGE COMMISARY |
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Just a cafeteria really ... but you can get viable food at a good price. Nice salads and wraps.
22 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
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JAKE'S |
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Total no frills dining right next to The Calvin and across from the hotel.
I used to go there for breakfast a lot more than I do now.
Somewhere along the way, they made it so if you want home fries you have to order them separate ... so you get a big heap of potatoes, far more than you can eat, and it is a waste of food and makes the meal too expensive for what you get.
(No alcohol. Breakfast and lunch.)
17 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-9613
Get directions
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SIERRA GRILLE, MULINO'S, BISHOP'S |
News is that the Opa Opa steakhouse, brewery chain has bought the building.
Expect a change with the under heralded Mulino's ... The Sierra Grille is a tenant in the building.
LINK
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They are actually three places piled on top of each other in the old Bay State Hotel. So I lump them all together in this write up.
The Sierra Grille is my favorite and is popular with almost everyone I talk to.
Essentially the place is about excellent beer and wine and small plates to go along (kind of like tapas, but bigger).
Nice bar crowd.
My experience, especially with their frites, which they are so proud of, is that things tend to be too salty.
(Beer/Wine. Open for dinner.)
http://www.sierragrille.net/
Bishop's Lounge ... Actually, I'm not even sure if they serve food. They are known for having good music weekends.
http://www.mulinos.com/special events/
Mulino's used to be on the other side of town (along with Bishop's). Mulino's features Italian food. I don't visit them very often. I hear little about them, good or bad,
(I don't know about liquor here, I am guessing beer and wine. Same with the hours. Check the site. I guess I don't eat here that much after all.)
http://www.mulinos.com/mulinos/
41 Strong Avenue, Northampton, MA 01060
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SHELBURNE FALLS COFFEE COMPANY |
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On King Street a few blocks further down than making a convenient walk from Main Street.
SBCC roasts coffee in their own nearby plant and, here is the biggie for me, makes their own chai tea ... not too sweet like everyplace else.
124 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 582-6799
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THE GREEN BEAN |
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Here's a health food place.
Lots of greens and brown rice.
But, a bit pricey in my book.
I sometimes get the Itty Bitty, a fried egg with tomato and a touch of pesto and cheese on an English muffin.
It winds up costing about five bucks to-go ... about the same as a hearty bagel with cream cheese and lox around the corner at Woodstar.
There is often a line to get in that I can not explain.
(No alcohol. Open for breakfast and lunch.)
241 Main Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2326
Get directions |
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MID-RANGE ...
SPOLETO |
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Spoleto is a loud, boisterous place with a line most weekend nights a very nice bar with friendly locals who are always out for some conversation to go with their Italian dishes.
I order the boulanaise ... maybe with a VEP Green.
(Full bar, Open daily for dinner.)
Also Spoleto Express on King Street for roughly same fare in a fast food setting for lunch and dinner.
SPOLETO: 50 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-6313
SPOLETO EXPRESS: 225 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-8646
www.spoletorestaurants.com
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INDIA HOUSE |
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Nicely done Indian cuisine.
45 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-6344
Get directions |
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VIVA FRESH PASTA |
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Across from the park in downtown, I've only had to-go food here ... they have warmed up wraps that are very satisfying. Everything else looks good too.
(Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner.)
249 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-5875
Get directions
www.vivafreshpasta.com |
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ON THE FANCY SIDE ...
CIRCA |
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Circa is probably the best restaurant in town. Kind of upscale. I think they changed hands recently, but I've heard nothing negative.
(Beer/Wine only, I think. Open for dinner.)
57 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-2662 |
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PAUL AND ELIZABETH'S |
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This is the first natural foods restaurant I'd ever heard of. They are located inside the Thorne's Marketplace of shops. Paul & Elizabeth's serves up outstanding soups sandwiches and entrees. Not surprisingly, because they seem to use the best ingredients.
(Beer/Wine. Lunch/Dinner.)
150 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-4832
Get directions
www.paulandelizabeths.com |
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OUT FOR A DRINK OR SOME MUSIC ...
TUNNEL BAR |
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Part of the Spaghetti Freddie and Union Station conglomeration, The Tunnel Bar seems to attract a nice clientele and they serve up very well-crafted drinks.
(Full bar. No food. Open evenings.)
Below the old train station. |
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THE DECK |
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A good place for drinks.
I don't advocate the food there as it is connected to Union Station and Spaghetti Freddie's, neither of which are included in the list of places I eat.
It is a good place to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening and have a drink.
(Full bar. Open when it is nice out.)
At the old train station. |
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IRON HORSE MUSIC HALL |
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A world class small concert venue. Great acts, all the time.
You gotta line up at 5:30 to get the best seats ... they kind of trick you in there for dinner.
Overall, a bit better than pub grub. The veggie lasagne is good.
But you are really just there for the music.
Sometimes it is challenging to get parking nearby, so plan for that.
(Full bar. Open 5:30 when they have a show.)
20 Center Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0610
Get directions
http://www.IHEG.com
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HONORABLE MENTION ...
Lhasa Cafe ... serves up some decent Tibetan foods. Not exciting, but certainly ok. (Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner. Might be closed Mondays.)
The Hotel Northampton ... has a decent bar, but I would never eat there.
** The Side Street Grille in Florence ... real good food. (Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner.) http://sidestcafe.com/
** Bistro Les Gras ... is a new French-influenced bistro up on West Street by Green Street.
I only went there once during restaurant week. Fare was good, I thought the wine flight they had to go with the meal was too sparse (nothing to go with dessert).
So, I can't say with certainty how the place is overall and day-to-day. I would try it again and not hesitate to recommend it either.
They also have a little shop for cheeses that I've heard good things about. (Beer/Wine. Open for dinner.) http://www.bistrolesgras.com/
Caminito Steakhouse ... Argentinean. I've been meaning to try the place. I just haven't made it there yet.
All the Sushi places in town are good ... I just don't eat at them enough to feel as if I should make a suggestion.
Great Wall ... for excellent Chinese (use the gourmet menu) in a strip mall in Florence is a favorite of many locals.
Mama Iguana's ... I hear conflicting reports on their food. They have a $2 appetizer deal during Happy Hour ... a good deal on food, but I went broke on the drinks.
The Haymarket ... is a sliver of a place serving breakfast and lunch. Healthy meal items, good portions ... it is too much of "the" hangout on Main Street for me to be comfortable breaking through the crowd of people just lingering in front or navigating the throngs who just seem to be hanging out inside.
I went there the other day and saw that they now have table service downstairs at breakfast (I only had coffee, upstairs) ... but, that might bode well.
Bela ... is a popular vegetarian place open for lunch and dinner ... I've never been there myself ... I just never seem to think of it. If you are so inclined, I'd try it if I were you.
** Buyeno y Sano and VeraCruzana ... are two perfectly viable places to get some Mexican-influenced food without losing a paycheck. Living nearby, I usually get two entrees to go and get three or four meals for my effort. The setting in each case is "upper lunch counter."
The Restaurant at Smith Vocational High School ... is little known even amongst locals. Open for lunch three days a week. LINK
** Outlook Farm ... in Westhampton, specializes in farm raised pork. They have other nice things for sale and a nice lunch counter. http://www.outlook-farm.com/ |
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AREA DINING LINKS ...
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Northampton Restaurant Week
In July and December.
A great way to check out the places that you somehow missed so far.
NORTHAMPTON RESTAURANT WEEK |
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Phantom Gourmet and TV Diner
PHANTOM GOURMET RESTAURANT DATABASE ... is from the somewhat commercialized Boston TV show of the same name. They compete with another show, THE TV DINER ... both are skewed towards boston, and I don't always agree with their findings (again I suspect they treat their sponsors extra special in the show). But, I post the links anyhow. |
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Roadfood.com
I have been a fan of Jane and Michael Stern's books on Roadfood for years.
They have collaborated on a spectacular site that has a very generous listing of good places to eat, nationwide.
Spend time on the site and don't discount the potential for searching the forum archives for finding good places to eat.
ROADFOOD'S MASSACHUSETTS LISTINGS |
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Valley Dining Guide
Just a list as far as I can tell, but you might find it worthwhile.
VALLEY DINING GUIDE |
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The Valley Advocate
Originally, it was the Valley's alternative newspaper. Over time, it has mellowed. It is now owned by the same group as the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Greenfield Recorder and Amherst Bulletin. (See below.)
It is a good resource for entertainment listings.
VALLEY ADVOCATE |
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GazetteNet.com
The Daily Hampshire Gazette does a reasonable job covering local news. The online edition is almost as expensive to access as the actual newspaper itself costs. On the other hand all the sister publications are free to access online.
DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE AMHERST BULLETIN GREENFIELD RECORDER |
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The Rainbow Times
TRT is a monthly newspaper available throughout the region.
RAINBOW TIMES |
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WWLP-TV
Springfield's NBC affiliate has a web site that features news headlines from the area.
WWLP-TV22, SPRINGFIELD |
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Local Radio Stations
These are the three most popular stations in the area. WHMP is live with some news in the morning. WRNX and WRSI both feature a nice mix of classic and alternative rock.
  
WHMP-AM WRNX-FM WRSI-FM |
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WFCR-FM
NPR from the University of Massachusetts.
The site includes news headlines and lots of streaming media.
WFCR-FM, NPR |
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This is a bit embryonic. I'll fill it out best I can as I am reminded of events.
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JANUARY
- NORTHAMPTON RESTAURANT WEEK ... Early January.
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
- GLBT Celebration ... Early May.
- PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL ... Memorial Day Weekend.
JUNE
- NORTHAMPTON RESTAURANT WEEK ... Mid June.
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
- THREE COUNTY FAIR... Early September, Northampton.
- THE BIG E ... Early September, West Springfield.
OCTOBER
- PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL ... Columbus Day Weekend.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
First Night Celebration ... New Years Eve
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State Parks
We are blessed with dozens of great state parks that are perfect for hiking, swimming, camping and much more. The Department of Conservation and Recreation has a great web site to help you explore all the possibilities.
MASSACHUSETTS PARKS |
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Pro Lube ... Good, honest people ... Not just for lubes, but for any kind of a car repair. LINK
Don Muller Gallery ... Upscale. Rated one of the ten best in the USA. LINK
Pleasant Street Theater ... A wonderful treasure. LINK
Anton Corliss Cleaners ... across from the hospital. Good standard dry cleaning and a friendly counter staff. I don't have shirts done there. For shirts I use General Cleaners by the Big Y on King Street.
Acme Auto Body ... on King Street by Stop and Shop. LINK
There is a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods about five miles out of town in Hadley ... try for a mid-morning excursion to avoid traffic headaches.
Mountain Goat ... for REI, EMS, LL Bean quality, right here on Main Street. LINK
Mikal Weiss, Attorney. LINK
RIVER VALLEY MARKET
THORNE'S MARKET
FACES
PEDAL PEOPLE
Hungry Ghost Bread Bakery ... Excellent wood-fired bread.
62 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 582-9009
Get directions
Serio's Market ... A great, downtown, corner market. An institution. Reliable vegetables. A very good deli and meat department ... they always have nice local alternatives in their selections.
A very busy deli counter at lunch makes decent wraps and sandwiches, plus a selection of hot dishes too.
The grocery aisles are always packed with excellent canned goods and other groceries.
The butcher is always willing to carve out something special for you -- from an extra thick chop to shaved meat for your Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Serio's Pharmacy ... next door, is a handy and affordable place to consider if you want to shop local.
65 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2633
Get directions
www.seriosmarket.com
State Street Fruit Store ... Another institution with a long history here. They have swayed from their fruit emphasis over time. The produce is reliable, at best.
Grocery selections are little downscale compared to Serio's.
Excellent selection of beers and wine with a knowledgeable staff.
Their deli is also reliable. You get decent servings.
51 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2301
Get directions
www.statestreetfruit.com
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Daily Hampshire Gazette Employment Section
Even though they charge for access to news and obituaries, The Gazette does post its classified ad section for free.
GAZETTENET JOBS
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Hotel Northampton ... Right downtown, try for a room that faces the park or the street. My first choice.
36 King Street,
Northampton, MA 01060 ...
(413) 584-3100
Get directions
Quality Inn ... A short walk to downtown. Standard issue exit ramp place.
259 Elm Street,
Northampton, MA 01060 ...
(413) 584-7660
Get directions
Autumn Inn ... Closer to Smith. A short walk downtown. Quiet.
259 Elm Street,
Northampton, MA 01060 ...
(413) 584-7660
Get directions
The Clarion ... A bit further than you'd walk. A little worn out, but clean and viable.
1 Atwood Drive,
Northampton, MA 01060 ...
(413) 586-1211
Get directions
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF HOTELS
ANOTHER HOTEL LIST
INNFINDER
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Thirty Six Hours in Northampton
"Thirty years ago, downtown Northampton was looking pretty bleak. True, there were always Smith College students to keep a few shops busy, and the lawyers doing business at the county courthouse where Calvin Coolidge once practiced had a few places to eat lunch. But once the Woolworth's went bust, there was no escaping the sense that Northampton's time had come and gone. Then, by the late 70's, blood began to flow again, and by the mid-80's, locals who used to call the place Hamp were sliding into NoHo. Today the music bars and art galleries are stacked several stories high, the old theaters are reupholstered in plush velvet, the number of sushi bars per capita is unsustainable, and the street corners are full of jugglers and jug bands."
READ THE NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE ... Free registration required. |
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The Internet really is amazing.
Google has sent its Street View team to Northampton.
Based on the things that have changed in town lately, I'd say the did their tour about the early part of '07.
I doubt this link will save you the trip:
GOOGLE STREET VIEW OF NORTHAMPTON
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LGBT
For 25 years, Northampton Pride has been the driving force behind the LGBT celebration here in the valley.
NORTHAMPTON PRIDE |
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The Northampton Council on Aging
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the city's elder population, 60 and over.
Rooted in its mission is the belief that every elder is a valued member of the community and has a right to a life of dignity while maintaining a maximum level of independence. To meet this goal, the Council on Aging identifies needs and provides a range of programs and services to meet those needs.
NORTHAMPTON SENIORS |
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Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
Under appreciated wildlife center, just south of town, along the Connecticut River.
ARCADIA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY |
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Young@Heart
From NPR's World Cafe, April 17, 2008:
"Ranging in age from 72 to 88, the members of the Young@Heart chorus don't let age interfere with their passion for performing youthful music.
Originally formed in 1982, the group began in a housing project for the elderly in Massachusetts.
A feature film, distributed by Fox, follows a chorus of elderly singers with a real passion for life. Young@Heart's repertoire is like a set list of rock's greatest hits.
The group sings songs by Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, The Clash, and OutKast. Its debut album, Mostly Live, was recently released." NPR FEATURE
"YOUNG@HEART" MOVIE YOUNG@HEART HOMEPAGE |
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Museums10.org
One web site that promotes 10 area museums. It is a nice resource.
MUSEUMS10.ORG |
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LINKS
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