Top Things to do in Hampshire County
Top Hotels in Hampshire County
- 1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley Amherst
- 2. Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst Area
- 3. Inn on Boltwood
- 4. Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst
- 5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Northampton/Amherst
- 6. Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley Amherst
- 7. Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst Area
- 8. Amherst Inn
- 9. Old Mill Inn
- 10. Daniel Stebbins House
The 10 Best Things to do in Hampshire County, Hampshire County
Discover the best top things to do in Hampshire County, United States including Amherst College Museum of Natural History, Yiddish Book Center, Smith College Botanic Garden, Thornes Marketplace, Norwottuck Rail Trail, Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst College, Puffer's Pond, Skinner State Park, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
Restaurants in Hampshire County
1. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 661maryannh
This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back!
2. Yiddish Book Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 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
3. Smith College Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
There are ten different garden types and a greenhouse in this Botanic Garden.
Reviewed By olivias33 - Southampton, United States
This place is a really cool place. The suggested donation is $2 per person. They have There is meter parking on the street.There are about 4 different greenhouse. The door tells you if it is hot or cold. The plants and trees are spectacular. There is also an outside area that you can walk around.
4. Thornes Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
An assemblage of twenty-five locally owned shops. Explore the eclectic mix of clothing boutiques, home decor, fine dining and so much more. With 25 places to explore there is always more to discover at Thornes.
Reviewed By Cosmopolitan383995
You can wander through the several floors of this 'interior parade of shops" with both a great sense of exploration and a constant reward of finding whatever you came to buy. Thornes is, in a word UNIQUE.
5. Norwottuck Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Ten-mile bike path on the old tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad.
Reviewed By 180larryp - Northampton, United States
I run on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. It's perfect: clean, scenic, mostly flat-flatty-flat-flat. This trail, this route, this option is one of the reasons I'm so happy to live in the Connecticut River Valley.
6. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By NIcoleLarry - Greenwich, United States
Although the house museum is currently closed due to Covid, when things return to normal, this is an important stop for anyone planning to attend performances at Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow or the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Conveniently close to these Berkshire cultural destinations, an afternoon spent at the home of America’s most famous woman poet, is a fabulous way to celebrate the talent of the woman who penned lines like “ There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away” and “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there’s a pair of us - don’t tell”. If you have somehow missed the magic of her words or forgotten them, what an introduction. The docents are professional and full of Emily Dickinson trivia. You’ll love your afternoon acquainting or reacquainting yourself with this revolutionary poets life and work. Allow two hours. We stayed across the street at the charming and very affordable Amherst Inn, but if you’re looking for fancier accommodations, the Inn at Boltwood is a block away ( the former Lord Jeff).
7. Amherst College
8. Puffer's Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By BilB126357 - Boston, United States
Puffer's Pond was very beautiful in general! There was a gorgeous pond where people could swim. The only thing wrong with the pond is that there are multiple signs saying what you cannot do there, one of those things being smoking. Yet, there were multiple people smoking in plain sight at the pond. Then there was a stunning forest to hike through! The forest was enchanting, there was a hut that someone made, and train bridge that went over the river there. The hike was not difficult, except for a few small hills. The hike was overall really enjoyable. But, be careful where you step and where you walk. My eldest daughter was crossing a bridge that goes over the river, and as she was walking, some horrible large black flying bug stung her on the leg! From what I could tell, the sting was very painful since she was crying a lot, and it hurt for her to walk on that leg for the rest of the day. Overall, besides the smokers and the bug sting, I really recommend Puffer's Pond! Absolutely beautiful!!
9. Skinner State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By BealgeTravels - Worcester, United States
This is a great hike for families with children, beginning hikers, avoiding ticks and hikes with your dog. You can either hike up the paved road or take the various trails through the woods. The trail to the top is not difficult (but a bit steep) and at the top there is plenty of places for picnics and opportunities for taking photos. For those wanting a longer distance, you can meet up with other trails to hike the Mt Holyoke Trail system. This is a very good starter trail system for younger children, or a good shorter hike if you don't have much time. Great views of the valleys, Mt Tom and beyond.
10. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 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 MyKidzBookshelf
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a fantastic destination for fans of all ages that enjoy illustration! This wonderful museum features not only gorgeously curated exhibits, but also an art room for kids to create, an auditorium for programs, speakers and performances, a library, oversized photo-op props and a gift shop! We’ve visited this museum four times in the past four years and will absolutely be returning! The exhibits are definitely not just for kids—the art is fantastic—and there are always plenty of hands-on parts to the exhibits to round out the experience for the younger set! In the nicer weather, venture out to enjoy the outdoor gardens that were designed and dedicated to Eric Carle’s wife and co-founder, Barbara, or Bobbie as she was affectionately known. For fans of illustration, this is the museum to visit. Located near Amherst, MA, - it is about 20 minutes off of the highway and is a must-see destination for those who love art, illustration and a good museum!
