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 coffee cake dripping with cinnamon? You'll even find fresh from the hive honey and straight from the tree maple syrup. And this isn't ordinary maple syrup. It's the kind that slowly drooles its way onto your plate in a subtle and mysterious way. So check it out, on an empty stomach of course!
Quick Tips:
If you want to check out the surrounding area just hop on the bus - it's free. It'll take you to Amherst, South Hadley, and Hadley, as well as to all of the five colleges (University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, and Smith.) It's quick and easy, just pick it up at any of the bus stops along Main Street and you'll be on your way.Best Way To Get Around:
Downtown Northampton is very walkable. If I had to guess, it would probably take the average person about twenty minutes to get from end to end. That's clearly without stopping to poke around, or to dilly-dally in any of the shops. So, wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and get yourself a bottle of water. Happy Trails!