Location: Northampton
Top Things to do in Northampton
The 10 Best Things to do in Northampton, Massachusetts (MA)
Artists, farmers, scholars and professionals come together in harmony in beautiful Northampton, where the Connecticut River winds through the wooded hills of the Pioneer Valley. Once home to such diverse notables as U.S. president Calvin Coolidge, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, author Kurt Vonnegut and punk rockers Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, and current home of the all women's Smith College, the city is famed for its arts scene and liberal values, plus a thriving lesbian community.
Restaurants in Northampton
1. Brown Fine Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
College museum that displays major 19th- and 20th-century works.
2. Smith College
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By TrainManDan10 - Keene, United States
While at the College to see the Botanic Gardens, I was impressed by the lovely layout of the grounds, which were first class. The campus is only one mile from the Amtrak Northampton Train Station, which makes for a very convenient way to get to the town, either from the north of south for students, staff, faculty, and alumni. In the summer, Amtrak will run two more round trip trains to Northampton to add to the existing one round trip train.
3. R. Michelson Galleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Cosmopolitan383995
The Michelson Galleries are full of surprises for both what is on display at length there and for their special exhibits. Many major artists choose to show their work at Michelsons, whose owner, Richard Michelson, is also a poet, a playwright, a children's book writer and so much more .... and a significant national prizewinner!
4. Pioneer Valley Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Pioneer Valley Food Tours offers guided tours that explore local flavors from around the region. Guests taste a selection of local specialties that include award winning cheeses, pasture raised meats, artisanal breads, frozen yogurt, handmade pastries, heirloom ciders and craft beers. Discover a thriving local food community in downtown Northampton and the Connecticut River Valley. Locally owned and operated.
5. Salsa to Cuba
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Our mission is to expose people to the culture of Cuba through music and dance. During our tours, we connect directly with Cuban dance instructors, musicians, and artists. We support the local community by staying in private homes and by bringing much needed humanitarian aid. 7 nights in Santiago de Cuba
6. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By tmarian - Terryville, United States
If you love live music you need to attend this venue. My family and I love music and there are so many talented artists out there . We have traveled to several different venues in New England and this venue is one of the most special venues for music.Signature Sounds Parlor Room is an intimate venue that holds about 100 and the sound is great, The shows are General Admission so if you want one of the tables , get there early. There is about 8 tables in front then rows of seating behind that . There is also seating against the side wall. You can bring your own food and drink as they do not sell anything . The audience comes here for one thing to listen to the artists ( imagine that no loud conversations while you are trying to enjoy the show ), Our son is in a wheelchair , they have a portable ramp around back , just call and let them know . If you love music , check out their calendar they have shows all year with the exception of July and August .
7. A2Z Science and Learning Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
No trip to Northampton is complete without a visit to A2Z Science & Learning Store. Experience an extraordinary inventory of educationally based, high quality toys and games for children of all ages, and for the kid in every adult. An added bonus: free modern yo-yo lessons offered three days a week!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
