"Amherst and the Quabbin Re ..." a Amherst Travel Page by travelfrosch

Nestled in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, Amherst is at the center of what is known as the "5-college area." While only 3 of the colleges are actually located in Amherst (The University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, and Hampshire College), two other colleges are located nearby (Smith College and Mount Holyoke University). As a result, the usual trappings of what you might expect in a college town are present. But drive just a few miles out of town, and it's not at all hard to find some breathtaking views.

One of the best "natural" places to visit in the area is actually a man-made lake called the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin, which serves as the water supply for Boston and eastern Massachusetts, actually used to be a valley until 1938, when the area was dammed and flooded. State Police take great precautions to ensure that pesky terrorists don't sully this vital water supply. However, it appears boats are allowed on the reservoir. Maybe my parents should double-check their water filter...

I have a great desire to visit here frequently, but that is in no way influenced by the fact that my in-laws live here. ;)