Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
10 Things to Do in Amherst That You Shouldn't Miss
Amherst (/ˈæmərst/ ( listen)) is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. The name of the town is pronounced without the h ("AM-erst"), giving rise to the local saying, "only the 'h' is silent", in reference both to the pronunciation and to the town's politically active populace.
Restaurants in Amherst
1. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By Barbara M - Brooklyn, New York
If you appreciate Emily Dickinson’s poetry, you might find yourself close to tears when asking to purchase a ticket to Emily Dickinson's home — her world. It, and her brother's house across the garden, are beautiful and important. And obviously, it will be a moving experience to see the two places that mattered most to this most exquisite of poets. Dickinson was a "homebody": a gardener, a baker, a good friend; a woman who adored her family, cousins, and school chums; and a prolific writer of letters and verses that in their worldview and lyric subtlety knock your socks off.
Luckily, the young docent who led our tour brought out Dickinson's real persona (unlike the unfortunate film that came out last year). She had a wealth of poetry and letters memorized as well as a scholar’s knowledge of and passion for her subject.
I have found, however, that young docents are too often prone to running down the people who inhabited the homes they are privileged to serve, and this one did too. Dickinson's brother Austin's house, a modest Italianate, was not pretentious, but very much along the lines of Italianates up and down the Hudson Valley and in small New England towns. Nor was the floor button in the dining room a mark of social-climbing; it was a way to call a servant during or between courses so as not to disrupt conversation, and most upper-middle class women had them. As for bringing back souvenirs from trips abroad — who doesn’t? Is doing so a sign of showing off? Was Dickinson’s father's hope for a “rational” marriage a sign of sexual repression or of respect for his fiancée? He was, after all, penning a letter. As for Dickinson's telling the truth "slant": She was in that poem writing about gradually revealing a dazzling, "superb surprise" that, if told directly, would "blind" the hearer. So wider knowledge and greater tolerance for other, and older, ways are in order for the highly motivated, intelligent youngsters who are curating our American treasures. And they will acquire these as they live longer.
Despite my quibbles, kudos to the Emily Dickinson Museum and to its dedicated employees and volunteers who are bringing that world back to life.
2. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By kzsull01 - Windsor, Connecticut
My husband and I visited the Amherst College Museum of Natural History (the Beneski Museum) in Amherst, Mass. On Sunday, August 6th. The museum has three floors with an impressive and wide assortment of various types of natural history artifacts. It has a great collection of fossil skeletons of dinosaurs, other mammals and even fish. The impressive collection of dinosaur footprints and the petrified tree on the ground floor are quite unique. There is a very nice exhibit depicting the history of the local Connecticut River Valley landscape, including the evolution of the geological formations associated with the surrounding area with details about the Holyoke Range. The exhibit about the evolution of the horse is also quite informative. In addition, the many rocks and minerals on display are very interesting and educational.
We are very impressed with this museum, as we were a few years back (in 2013), but at the same time were disappointed with the small collection of items currently on exhibit at the nearby Mead Art Museum, in comparison with what the Mead had a few years ago. Visiting the Beneski Museum was worth the trip and is quite educational, including the informative write-ups describing the items on display, all nicely done. It is a museum with artifacts on exhibit that are very interesting and could be enjoyed by both adults as well as children. This museum is a hidden gem on the scenic Amherst College campus.
3. Yiddish Book Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
The Book Center’s 37,000-square-foot heymish-modern building in Amherst, MA, is a lebedike velt – a lively world – featuring an open Yiddish book repository, theatres, art galleries, museum exhibitions about Yiddish language and culture, and programs in literature, music, art, film, and theater
Reviewed By barry01035 - Hadley, Massachusetts
This is the most amazing museum, really. A beautiful and innovative architecture by any standard that was built to protect and display the world's largest collection of Yiddish works, woven around the history of their times. An amazing experience for anyone of any religion and especially in the current xenophobic political administration and climate, important to be reminded of protecting our diverse cultures and importance of inclusiveness.
4. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Overall Ratings
4 based on 222 reviews
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books.
Reviewed By Natalie G - New York
We stopped for a quick break on a drive from New York to Maine with a two 1/2 yr old.
Although there isn't a huge exhibition, what there is to see is beautiful and engaging for adults and children alike. Hands on light tools and a tunnel with lights and sounds.
We missed the film in the auditorium.
There is a wonderful arts and craft room with hours of activity for children with great inspiration and equipment. There is also a small library.
This would have been perfect for a long morning or afternoon visit or a short day.
Our highlight was meeting Mr Carle who happened to to be there being given a tour.
We brought a picnic given previous reviewers pointing out there's no cafe to purchase food.
5. Mead Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Carolyn A - Leverett, Massachusetts
The Mead is a teaching museum and thus exhibits across genres and periods from its deep collection. However, special exhibitions--often with speakers, opening receptions, etc.--focus on particular artists or themes or periods, curated with intelligence and imagination. The museum has been recently renovated providing new space for large contemporary pieces. Definitely worth a visit for visitors to Amherst. Free admission; open year-round.
6. Amherst College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie F - Safety Harbor, Florida
Amherst College is a small Liberal Arts College with big credentials. The campus is picturesque with mountain and forest views all around. If you go, make sure to tour the Beneski Museum of Natural History. There are dinosaurs! Take some time to tour the Mead Art Museum, and if you are a history fan, check out the Archives & Special Collections. Here they have rare books, literary manuscripts, etc. you can spend a whole day at the college enjoying their collections and exhibitions.
But don't forget to explore the town.
Amherst College abuts the town of Amherst, which has lots to do for a small town. There are plenty of eateries and coffee shops within walking distance to the college. You an also walk to the Emily Dickinson house.
7. Puffer's Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By jaycube075 - Amherst, Massachusetts
With thousands of college and secondary school students in and near Amherst Ma, "Puffers Pond" sounds like the just out of sight site where teens and tobacco have a chance to congregate. But, down a back road in North Amherst, Puffers Pond is as close to a community swimming hole as the 21st century offers in New England. A pond. A sandy shore. Small children playing on the verge. Older children can be more adventurous. High school and college students with room to congregate. And the best feature? No commercial presence. No changing rooms. No place to buy plastic beach junk. Hungry? Bring your own picnic. Thirsty? Drag your own drinks. Tired? Bring your own blanket. Clean up after yourself. If you've brought it in, take it back out. Park on the side of the road. No fast food. No slow food. Keep it clean yourself. And the system works. It's clean. People watch the water, and with so many parental eyes, youngsters are always under observation.
Oh, and did I mention that it's free?
8. Amherst Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Amherst Farmers' Market is the longest running market in the area. Started in 1972 by a small group of farmers, the market has expanded to over 40 vendors and includes live music and delicious locally grown and prepared foods. The Pioneer Valley is known for the abundance of farms and good quality local food, so come check it out and experience what has been rated Best of the Valley for 5 years!
Reviewed By Robert L - Amherst, Massachusetts
When we are in the area, we will walk the length of the farmers market. We recently bought some packaged lettuce that was so tough that we threw it away. We usually don't buy much here as the prices are twice the supermarkets, although in theory we would like to support the local growers more.
9. UMass Fine Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The Fine Arts Center connects audiences with artists from around the world exposing all generations to the wonders of the arts. With five performing arts programs, two galleries, and a museum, the UMass Fine Arts Center is one of the most comprehensive art centers in Western Massachusetts. In addition to a robust performance and exhibition schedule, the FAC engages audiences on a much deeper level through countless educational activities.
Reviewed By Fay K - Massachusetts
This is a great place to see many talented musicians, dancers and artists. Programs are from all around the world and this is an amazing cultural connection for western Ma. I have enjoyed watching modern dance, Japanese drumming and many other talented programs.
10. Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By JBMartiniguy - Hartford, Connecticut
Decided this morning to make fresh tracks in the Metacomet Trail thru Simsbury, CT.
Alone in the woods with the tracks of last nights predators, this mornings tree climbing gatherers, and the wind riders looking for breakfast I found the chill exhilarating.
Highly recommended any season. I added a couple photos from summer.
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