"Northampton, the biggest little town in Western Ma" Northampton by hajin

Northampton Travel Guide: 33 reviews and 52 photos

Northampton, the biggest little town in Western Ma - Northampton

I spent a few years in Northampton and really love it here. At the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, it is a beautiful place filled with hills, trees, creeks, and is, generally, a pretty hip town. A lot of this has to do with the fact that it is a college town and part of the 5 College Consortium.

I remember when I was attending school here, 20/20 did a piece on Northampton celebrating it's notoriety as "the" place for lesbians in the US. Why is this? It could be that there are two prominent women's colleges in the area and the one in Northampton itself is the alma mater to two renowned feminist thinkers of the 20th century--Gloria Steinem (hello...Ms. Magazine among many other things) and Betty Friedan (wrote "The Feminine Mystique" and founded NOW--the National Organization for Women). It could also be that Northampton boasts the highest percentage of businesses run by women. It could also be that big lesbian festival they hold every summer.

Whatever the reason, the town really is New England quaint, has lots of great bookstores, some of the best ice cream in the country (Bart's or Herrell's), tons of cute restaurants, and, most importantly, a really liberal and cool atmosphere.

  • Intro Written Oct 26, 2001
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Reviews (6)

Western Massachusetts is... - Northampton Western Massachusetts is... Favorites (1)

Western Massachusetts is beautiful when the leaves start to change color. The last visit, my friends and I went hiking... more travel advice

The Smith College campus is... - Northampton The Smith College campus is... Things to Do (1)

The Smith College campus is beautiful and there's no better time to see it than in the Fall when the leaves change... more travel advice

Bub's Barbecue...I'm not sure... Restaurants (3)

Bub's Barbecue...I'm not sure where it is, I have a feeling it's along Route 9 on the way to Amherst... It's a shack... more travel advice

Okay, western Mass is not... Nightlife (1)

Okay, western Mass is not known for its nightlife and Northampton is no exception. There are a couple of clubs -- Pearl... more travel advice

Comments (3)

  • Reply
    aemilys's Profile Photo
    Oct 20, 2005 at 10:38 AM

    Hi, you've made me nostalgic for Noho and pumpkins and the fall...and I went to Bub's too it was fun! nice pages

  • Reply
    Cruefan's Profile Photo
    Mar 9, 2005 at 11:46 AM

    You forgot Spoleto.. The Jewel of Northampton.

  • Reply
    Dec 3, 2002 at 7:48 AM

    Sunderland,MA. Bub's BBQ. Rt. 116, Legendary lip-smackng pulled pork, beef ribs w/ all-you-can-eat fixins (cole slaw, baked beans, smashed potatoes), then sit @ a picnic table 2 enjoy. Want great meal, but dont mind getting a tad messy? Check it out.

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