With a college-town atmosphere, a booming cultural scene, a growing bicycle network, and a prime location on the Connecticut River, Northampton, MA, is well worth the drive for those seeking a great getaway. Here are some of our favorite places to eat, stay, and play in this hip Western Massachusetts city.

Mark Fleming

Eat, Stay & Play in Northampton, MA

Guide to Northampton, MA | Things to Do

Enjoy the Arts

For dance, film, music, art, or live theater, check out the offerings at the Academy of Music Theatre, a grand building that opened in 1891 as the first municipally owned theater in the United States. Over the years, it’s been a favorite stop for touring productions and big-name performers.

Mark Fleming

Treasure-Hunt for Books

Bibliophiles will love Raven Used Books, a downtown landmark since 1993, which has shelves filled with books from every conceivable literary genre, plus academic and scholarly titles from the Five Colleges community. Meanwhile, Broadside Bookshop on Main Street is the go-to for all the newest popular titles.

Mark Fleming

Go Hot-Tubbing

Love soaking in a hot tub? Then East Heaven, a spa with both indoor and outdoor 104-degree tubs, really is your heaven. All the teak and fiberglass tubs here have whirlpool jets and a traditional Japanese bathhouse vibe.

Mark Fleming

Do Some Boutique Shopping

The retail cornerstone in Northampton is Thornes Marketplace, whose specialty shops offer everything from books and gifts to health items and food. For something reimagined, repurposed, and entirely one-of-a-kind, pay a visit to Sticks and Bricks, a store and showroom on Market Street. Among the other popular shopping options are Pinch (creative handcrafted items) and Essentials (home goods, stationery, gifts, and more).

Mark Fleming

Explore a Garden

Founded over a century ago, the 12,000-square-foot Lyman Conservatory at the Botanic Garden of Smith College is a living museum of plants native to New England as well as specimens from around the globe. Check out its specialty gardens, such as the Palm House (aka the Jungle Room), the Succulent House, and the Camilla Corridor.

Mark Fleming

Guide to Northampton, MA | Restaurants

For a cozy, rustic hangout with café fare, baked goods, coffee, and craft beer, try the Roost on Market Street.

Mark Fleming

At this Mediterranean eatery, the broad menu (kebab, shawarma, tabbouleh, etc.) doesn’t sacrifice quality. Don’t miss the sweet-savory bastilla, a filo pie with chicken, almonds, and cinnamon.

For fine dining (filet mignon, pan-seared salmon, baked stuffed shrimp) or a Sunday brunch in a historical building (over 200 years old), Hotel Northampton’s Wiggins Tavern is the place to go.

Mark Fleming

This farm-to-table French restaurant makes everything from the condiments to the charcuterie in-house, while entrées draw on local produce, seafood, and meat.

You’ll want to load up on fresh bread and pastries at Hungry Ghost, where owners Jonathan Stevens and Cheryl Maffei and their bakers turn out flavorful, crusty-chewy loaves — from French to rosemary to spelt to anadama.

Mark Fleming

Guide to Northampton, MA | Hotels

Situated within walking distance of downtown, Autumn Inn has several different types of rooms — double beds, queens, kings, suites — and a relaxing atmosphere. Perks include an outdoor pool and select pet-friendly rooms.

A member of Historic Hotels of America, this elegant institution is located just off Main Street, in the center of town. There are 106 well-appointed guest rooms and luxury suites here, plus two on-site restaurants.

Mark Fleming

Mere steps away from the Smith College campus, the Elm Street Inn is a 1780s saltbox with wide pine floors and individually decorated guest rooms that mix historical and contemporary touches.

Have you ever been to Northampton, MA?