Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Amherst, Massachusetts (MA)
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. 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. 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).
4. Amherst College
5. Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By judyhE4831TD - Belchertown, United States
A moderate hike resulting in some stunning views of the Valley at the Summit. The Summit House was closed for repairs - hope to get back up there soon!
6. Amherst Cinema Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Amherst Cinema is a non-profit, independent theater. Our mission is to inspire, inform and entertain through the universal language of cinema arts and to serve as a cultural and educational resource for all. The core of our programming at Amherst Cinema is first-run independent film and classic repertory. We show over 120 superb films each year - most are first-run gems not even considered by commercial cineplexes. Decisions about film selection are made by our programming experts who know film and who know our audiences, not - as with many multiplex theaters - by a central office in a distant location. HISTORY 1926: The Amherst Theater opened in a renovated livery building in downtown Amherst, MA. It screened many classic films and hosted occasional stage performances. 1955: the theater was sold to Samuel Goldstein and renamed Amherst Cinema. Through the 1990s, the building deteriorated due to a lack of basic maintenance. The theater closed in 1999. 2000: a group of local film buffs and arts lovers formed the nonprofit Amherst Cinema entity to save the historic structure from the auction block. With substantial help from hundreds of individuals, institutions and businesses, the group raised funds and developed plans for a cinema center. 2006: With help from hundreds of supporters, we raised nearly $3,000,000 for the Amherst Cinema's home. In May 2006, our nonprofit organization broke ground to build a new, state-of-the-art, three-screen cinema. The Amherst Cinema opened November 22, 2006. 2013: A new studio theater was opened adjacent to the main building.
Reviewed By 663lenb
A movie house with five screens, different size theaters, terrific choices each week among films, film-loving audiences.
7. Mead Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Carmelo352 - Amherst, United States
I have visited the Mead Art Museum over three dozen times in the past 39 years and I have never been disappointed. The art collection is outstanding and ever changing. The museum is located on the Amherst College Campus and I have often combined my visits there with a relaxing walk on the campus. There are sweeping views of the Holyoke Range at the top of the hill near the museum.
8. The Hangar Pub and Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By mtelamrd
Now that the Hangar is associated with the Amherst Brewing Co., it's a one stop shop. Great local beer with their awesome wings. Plenty of TV to catch local (UMASS) sporting events as well as regional and national happenings. Friendly and efficient wait staff and a wonderful rotating draft beer selection. Must visit if in the Amherst area.
9. 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!!
10. Amherst Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 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!
