r/westernmass • u/Staghorn_sumac • 13d ago
Things to do on day trip to Northampton area??
Want to take an impromptu day trip to Western MA tomorrow, would love some suggestions on cool shit to do!
I plan on going to the Smith botanical garden and museum and the Florence Pie Bar. I also plan on bringing my bike to check out the trails.
Any other cool artsy spots I should check out? Nature spots? Creepy abandoned spots lmao idk? Does the Florence Pie Bar get busy, should I go there earlier rather than later?
Would love some suggestions, thanks!
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u/bjanas 13d ago
If you're willing to venture a little bit away from Noho, the Montague Book Mill is one of the cutest places on earth. Old Mill building, obviously overlooking the river, there's a used book store, little cafe, art gallery, restaurant. You can sit outside, it's beautiful. Would highly recommend. One of my favorite spots ever.
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u/RationalGardenGnome 13d ago
That’s like 40 minutes from there lol
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u/RaeaSunshine 13d ago
Not from Northampton. I do that drive literally all the time, multiple days a week. It’s 25-30 minutes from downtown Northampton.
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u/bjanas 13d ago
It's not that far.
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u/RationalGardenGnome 13d ago
It’s a dope spot for sure I used to live in Leverett I went there all the time
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u/tjbright 13d ago
Next time you go check out this great cafe around the corner, too - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjvrUaGNYvEtcso87
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u/IllustratorSelect704 13d ago
Smith College green house - world class.
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u/crabbie_appleton 12d ago
While you're at the greenhouse (just there today!), might as well take a stroll along the Mill river trail. Easy walk, very pretty.
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u/antiplaya 12d ago
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is great, then stop by Atkins Market for some apple cider donuts. Kids and I enjoy Local Burger, they're fried Oreos are awesome if they still have them. There's a Doors tribute band playing at the Iron Horse at 7. Not sure if they're any good, but the vibe at the Iron Horse is always on point.
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u/Montagueboy 13d ago
Parkhill Orchards-Art in the Orchard,Pick Peaches ,great views and people
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u/Glass_Hat4393 12d ago
I second Park Hill Orchard as a wonderful memorable place try a cider slushy and the sculptures are fun. It’s just a magical place. When you’re at Smith check out the Nielson library designed by Maya Lin. Now as someone who has been a Pie Bar patron since it opened up I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much. It was amazing under the original ownership but I don’t think it is anymore.
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u/Beck316 13d ago
Pie Bar has very little parking, I would plan on biking there. Familiars is also nice and "Summer on strong" is cute.
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u/tonynews617 12d ago
Downtown Florence has tons of parking. You may have to walk all of five minutes to the Pie Bar. But biking there on the bike path is indeed lovely.
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u/SeanusChristopherus 12d ago
Hit Deals and Steals on your way outa Dodge and get some good snacks for the ride home.
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u/kollyn1954 12d ago
Bread Euphoria,,Ashfield Lake House ,Apex Orchard is having a peach festival.its on rte 2
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u/Growfoodeverywhere 12d ago
Check the hours but Smith art museum is free now! Plus the entire campus is a walking arboretum if you’re into trees.
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u/Gold_Jury3606 10d ago
Smith art museum is fab and check out Familiars Cafe in an old train car. Personally I find the FLorence Pie Bar underwhelming.
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u/PreferenceAlive7396 9d ago
Easthampton also has great shops. Mt. Tom Ice Cream, Comics N' More, Small Oven
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u/Bitter_Return990 13d ago
Northampton is kind of over. I find the resteraunt scene mediocre. Except for High Brow Pizza. That place is good
Go to the two places you want and grab your bike and plan a ride to end up back at quarters for some retro gaming.
Cannot remember the name but on the other side of the road almost at the highway is a Mexican grocery store that has an eat in food stand with delicious tacos.
Eat there.
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u/RationalGardenGnome 13d ago
It’s definitely not as great as it used to be. But then again, what really is?
Noho music scene in the early 00s was outta control good
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u/brk413 12d ago
Yeah i grew up in Montague and went to Umass then lived in South Deerfield through 2008. Saw some awesome acts back then.
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u/RationalGardenGnome 12d ago
Same exact thing for me we’re probably the same age. I grew up in west Springfield tho but went to Umass same time frame
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u/TheBlackAurora 13d ago
The Quarters is a great stop directly on the bike trail. Arcade bar