There are so many ways to enjoy a visit to Northampton Massachusetts any time of year. Northampton Massachusetts is an adorable college town complete with all of the exciting downtown watering holes to enjoy a cocktail and a great meal. Aside from the sidewalk cafés, shops and eateries, the city is also an academic and artistic city with a vibrant history.

Northampton Massachusetts is the location of Smith College, a women’s liberal arts college chartered in 1871 and was the home of Calvin Coolidge who became president in 1923. Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others proclaimed Northampton to be the “Paradise of America” so the city claims the nickname, “Paradise City ”. It is a picturesque and entertaining paradise to say the least.

Things to do in Northampton Massachusetts

When you arrive in Northampton you will be greeted by the colorful and artsy downtown area with rainbow painted crosswalks. The streets downtown follow the same paths that were laid in the 17th century so you will find some narrow one way streets. Most streets will have metered parking but you can also find some larger parking lots. Before you park we recommend you see the two beautiful 19th century residential neighborhoods by driving along Pomeroy Terrace (1850-1885 ) and Elm Street (1860-1920). 

Smith College has a gorgeous campus with brick buildings covered in ivy, rod iron fences, beautiful lawns as well as the spectacular Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens at Smith College are a living museum of plants native to New England and ecosystems around the world. The gardens encompass 12,000 square feet including a rock garden, Japanese garden, a conservancy and arboretum among others. The Botanical Gardens are open year round and offer an amazing and diverse collection of plants that you have to see to believe! Your donation for admission to the gardens lets you enjoy the day in this oasis of beauty and serenity with a glorious fragrance.

If you are looking for a little more relaxation and rejuvenation, Northampton Massachusetts has one of the most exquisite hot tub experiences in New England. East Heaven is a wonderful spa and health club inspired by Japanese traditions. East Heaven offers you the opportunity to enjoy a private luxurious soak under the open sky or indoors, massage therapy, reiki and reflexology. They do offer a fabulous package for a soak in one of their famous hot tubs, then a relaxing massage. East Haven provides you with everything you need such as towels, soap and hair dryers so just come as you are and enjoy the 104 degree water that is so pure it makes you feel like you are in heaven. (Currently East Heaven is closed for renovations)

If you are in the mood to do some shopping, downtown Northampton is the place to go! Northampton’s shops are diverse and eccentric with everything from antiques, boutiques, independent booksellers, artist galleries, jewelry, outdoor outfitters, ceramics, home furnishings, record & comic emporiums, specialty foods and unique gifts to name a few. 

One place you should check out while in town is Thornes Marketplace. Thornes Marketplace first opened in 1979 at its location in the heart of the city. It is home to over 25 locally owned retailers and restaurants. Thorns will surprise and delight you with its old world charm as well as its unique vibe.

Each of its three stories of shopping have a story all their own. You can indulge your shopping senses with an acme surplus shop, shoe stores, a chocolatier, and candy store on the first floor.

Venture up to the second floor to delight in Tibetan handicrafts, Men’s apparel, unique gifts and a vintage “dip and dunk” analog photo booth.

The third floor is a yoga sanctuary offering classes and a lovely boutique featuring clothing and accessories. Thornes Marketplace has so many shops to choose from you could spend at least a few hours losing yourself in this unique and special shoppers haven.

After all of your shopping exploits we’re sure you will have shopped up an appetite. Northampton Massachusetts is a center for the culinary craft so there are a tremendous amount of restaurants to choose from. The food lovers’ dream in this city ranges from amazing farm to table offerings, breweries to BBQ, food trucks to all night diners, upscale bistros to ethnic restaurants. There is something for everyone here but make sure you save room for dessert because Northampton has fantastic locally made ice cream and handmade chocolates! Northampton restaurants are as diverse as they are delicious so here are some of our go to places. 

Northampton Breakfast Favorites:   

Jake’s

Located on Kings Street in Northampton Massachusetts, Jake’s offers the quintessential breakfast experience with a flair. The decor is no frills, old world charm and the food is fantastic but the menu is small. Jake’s takes pride in what they serve and they do it extremely well without offering WAY to many options. Their homemade grilled corned beef hash is to die for.

Northampton Lunch & Dinner Favorites: 

Fitzwilly’s Restaurant and Bar

Located on Main Street in Northampton Massachusetts, Fitzwilly’s is a vintage style pub offering a large pub grub menu with a plethora of craft beer and cocktail options. Opened in 1974 Fitzwilly’s Restaurant and Bar has strived to offer great food and great service with moderate prices since day one. They have vegetarian and vegan menu items as well as a kids menu.

Northampton Brewery Bar & Grille

Located on Brewster Court in Northampton Massachusetts, The Northampton Brewery Bar & Grille is a brew pub offering friendly service and outstanding food. The food menu includes great appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and a small kids menu. The beer menu is what most people come to the Northampton Brewery for! The brews include fine ales and lagers with seasonal surprises. If you visit in the summer be sure to get a table on their rooftop beer garden and if you visit in the winter they have a cozy fireplace to warm up next to.

Northampton Dessert Favorites:

Sweeties Fine Chocolate

Located on Main Street in Northampton Massachusetts, Sweeties has been making exceptional confections and chocolates for over 30 years and is a favorite of locals and visitors. They even have a new selection of vegan chocolates and the world’s largest gummy bear! Yes, gummy bear. They also have everything from jelly beans, truffles, jawbreakers, butterscotch, lollipops, Swedish fish, coconut clusters and so much more. Sweeties is your sweet tooth destination in Northampton!

Herrell’s Ice Cream & Bakery

Located on Old South Street inside Thornes Marketplace, Herrell’s has been a staple in Northampton since 1980. They serve gourmet ice cream, slow churned in-house along with frozen desserts and baked goods. Herrell’s award winning hot fudge is a must have and they also offer Kosher, vegan and dairy free ice cream and deserts. The onsite Kosher bakery makes all of their fresh brownies, pies and cookies daily so Herrell’s is a stop you won’t want to miss.

Night Life:

The Tunnel Bar

Located in the historic Union Station on Pleasant Street, this unique bar was named “one of the top 19 bars in America you need to drink in before you die” by Buzzfeed. It is truly a one of a kind experience. The tunnel has the original stone and brick work from 1896 and features unique decor highlighting the ambiance of an intimate cocktail lounge. You can sip one of their award-winning martinis and sample one of their small plates or raw bar offerings. The Tunnel Bar is also a wonderful place for an after dinner drink and desert. They have a small but delectable dessert menu that will certainly sate your sweet tooth.

Ye Ol’ Watering Hole

Located on Pleasant Street, the Ye Ol’ Watering Hole is a cash only bar home to an astonishing beer can museum! The Ye Ol’ Watering Hole’s bar and billiard area houses over 4000 vintage beer cans on display. This sizable collection of cans is a piece of American beer history and is well worth a visit. Some of the cans date back to 1935 so it’s intriguing to see how the detail and advertising on the cans changed through the decades. The bar offers rotating draft beers as well as specialty cocktails. This no frills bar and billiard hall has the old-fashioned ambiance with a friendly atmosphere where visitors and locals are always welcome.

Packard’s

Located on Masonic Street, Packard’s is a local favorite. As you walk in you are greeted by a huge wood trimmed bar and an eccentric collection of americana. The neon signs, bumper stickers, old street signs, chalkboard draft list and the huge moose head behind the bar is perfectly suited to this laid back and fun establishment. Packard’s offers specialty cocktails, billiards on the second floor and great bar bites. Their cornbread with honey and chili compound butter is incredible! 

Where to Stay:

Northampton Massachusetts has so many restaurants, bars and shops it is impossible to name them all. This city is a gem and everyone should visit at least once to experience all that the city has to offer. There are multiple places to stay overnight if you are traveling from afar. The fun and night life in Northampton is so enjoyable we recommend staying overnight or for the whole weekend. If you want to stay right downtown the Hotel Northampton is right in the heart of the city but the Fairfield Inn & Suites and the Quality Inn located on Conz Street are walkable into town.

Hotel Northampton: Hotel Northampton is a beautiful and historic hotel built right in the heart of Northampton in 1927. Offering elegantly furnished guest rooms, gracious hospitality and amazing amenities Hotel Northampton is a wonderful place to stay while you visit Northampton. Hotel Northampton has two onsite restaurants, a fitness center and a 24 hour business center for your enjoyment.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: The Fairfield Inn & Suites Northampton is an upscale hotel that boasts a free continental breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center. The hotels modern decor and stylish guest rooms makes for a relaxing and comfortable stay. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is approximately a 12-13 min walk into town.

Quality Inn by Choice Hotels: The Quality Inn is a cozy and affordable hotel near the heart of Northampton offering comfortable rooms, a free hot breakfast, an indoor heated pool and plenty of parking. The Quality Inn is about a 13 min walk into the downtown district of Northampton.

If you are on a budget there are many other more affordable hotels in the outlying area that are an easy car ride or you can spring for an Uber. Northampton is an incredible city to visit so we hope you will see it for yourself. 

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