Northampton Journals

Northampton Uncovered

A July 2000 trip to Northampton by cp bennett

Quote: This journal gives a greater understanding of Northampton and the people who live there. It also provides a well thought out tour of the city. Where to stay and where to find the best retaurants, bars, and shopping.

Northampton Uncovered

Overview

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A definite must is the farmer's market. This is a great place to blend in with the locals and maybe make a few new friends. You can never be too sure what you'll find there, but what you do find will be great! Recently, I picked up some strawberries that were just picked that morning. And I must say they were beyond good! The texture was perfect; firm on the outide, soft, watery, flavorful on the inside. I found blossoming wild flowers and impatiens that were actually exploding out of their hanging baskets. Green peppers that are so crisp and redolent that you could almost taste them. And if that's not enough there are goodies - after all, what's a farmer's market without the fresh from the oven coffe...Read More

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Hotel Northampton

Hotel | "The Hotel Northampton"

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Situated in the center of town, this charming colonial revival provides the perfect homebase for investigating the city. As you walk into the hotel you'll notice a very large lobby with lots of light and filled to the gills with antiques. In fact, there are so many antiques that the hotel actually has antiquarians who wander the lobby just in case you want to know the particulars on any of the pieces. After checking in I was escorted to a tiny elevator. If you ever wondered what it might be like to travel inside of a dumb waiter this may be your first and last chance. My room overlooked my favorite theater in town, The Calvin, which under went a renovation a few years back. Not to side track to much, ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 12, 2000

Hotel Northampton
36 KING STREET
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
413-584-3100

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Bela's Vegetarian Restrnt

Restaurant | "Bela's"

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This cosy vegi spot with its muraled walls sits quietly on a sleepy street just steps off Main Street. On your journey to Bela you'll pass the fire station, which you should peek into to check out the old wooden pole the fire men use to slide down. At least that's what I always do and find it quite entertaining for reasons unknown. Upon entering the restaurant you'll notice that it's long and narrow and has an extremely earthy-crunchy clientel. The food is terrific and the service is for the most part quirky. However, I've found that once I've gotten over the fact that the service is a bit on the quirky side I start to relax and can really enjoy a wonderful meal.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 12, 2000

Bela's Vegetarian Restrnt
68 Masonic Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
(413) 586-8011

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Northampton Brewery

Restaurant

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First and most important, the bathrooms are next to the front entrance and, ladies, there are only two stalls. Now that we've got the dirty stuff behind us this place usually rocks on Friday and Saturday night. There's more often than not a loud local band trying to muscle their way into the music business. The acoustic's aren't great, but the beer is kind. My favorite is the pale ale, but if you're looking for something a little heartier try the amber. I've never had a problem finding a seat in this place, in fact it's quite roomy with two floors of seating indoors, as well as a commanding outdoor space. If you're wondering about the food here it's tasty and simple. No surprises. Try any one of thei...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 13, 2000

Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster Court
Northampton, Massachusetts
(413) 584-9903

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The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Attraction

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Welcoming the spring is a time honored tradition in New England. After months hibernating indoors, there is no better way to lift your spirts than with a promise of things to come. The Spring Bulb Show does just that. My last visit to the Lyman conservatory with my friend Jen was a sensory delight. The intoxicating aroma of hyacinths in clusters of purple, blue, and pink ecorted us into a decadent array of tulips and daffodils. These tulips seemed to know we were coming because their leaves swayed gracefully like a ballerina slowly bending into a plie. Their long green necks crowned with the delicate jewel in shades of red. There were daffodils in shades of yellow and orange guiding us further into a ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 13, 2000

The Botanic Garden of Smith College
College Lane
Northampton, Massachusetts