Northampton MA. (Massachusetts) has all of the first-rate cultural, dining and outdoor activities of a large city wrapped up in a place that is dripping with small town charm. Intriguing to all of your senses, Northampton's array of attractions will make your taste buds tingle, your eyes pop, and your eardrums beg for more. While there are many great things to do in "Noho", here are ten of the best.
Seeing the Sights
1. Take an eye-opening tour of Smith College's Museum of Art. Founded in 1875, Smith College is the largest women's college in America and has many well-known alumnae, including Julia Child, Gloria Steinem, and Barbara Bush. Smith's Museum of Art is located on the college's campus. The museum displays artwork in a variety of mediums that range in age from ancient to contemporary. An upcoming Ansel Adams exhibit promises to be stellar - it'll feature over 40 photographs from the museum's permanent collection. The museum is fully handicapped accessible and has audio tours available. To find out more about the museum, go to http://www.smith.edu/artmuseum/
2. Enjoy window shopping along Main Street. Stroll through downtown Northampton and you'll see boutiques, specialty shops, and cafes that are reminiscent of the American downtown of yesteryear. Look for the green awning to get to Thornes Marketplace, a restored department store with a stunning carved walnut staircase and three floors of shops. A coffee shop inside Thornes sells freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats. Don't forget to snap a portrait in the old-fashioned photo booth! To learn more about Thornes, go to http://www.thornesmarketplace.com/index.html
"Faces" is another must-see shop, and is located across the street from Thorne's Marketplace. This landmark store opened in 1986 and has been a hit with the locals and college crowd ever since. Faces features two floors of pop culture trinkets, eclectic home décor, outspoken political tchotchkes, and feminist garb. This store is a great way to feel the pulse of Noho. For more information, go to http://www.facesmainst.com/store/.
3. Take a hot-air balloon ride for a bird's eye view of the Pioneer River Valley. If you've always dreamed of taking a hot-air balloon ride, this is a great opportunity to make it happen. Balloons take off from the Northampton Airport then float over the Connecticut River valley. The brightly colored hot air balloon is the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Pricier than most activities, this will be an experience you'll always remember. Book a balloon flight with Pioneer Valley Balloons in advance at http://www.pioneervalleyballoons.com/.
Smell the Fresh Air
4. Inhale and enjoy the sweet smell of the country at Look Memorial Park. Look Park is situated on over 150 acres of land and many outdoor recreational activities take advantage of the open space. The Holden Visitor Center is the epicenter of the park where visitors can purchase permits or get a wristband for unlimited access to fee-based activities.
The many attractions at Look Park will provide a full day of fun for the whole family. The Steamer Railroad, a beautiful mid-19th century steam train replica, carries passengers on train rides around the park. Activities include mini-golf, tennis, bumper boats, and pedal boats. Two new playscapes are designed especially for 2-5 year olds, and a splash pad provides spray fun to keep kids of all ages cool in warm weather. You can hike a nature trail around the park, or feed the deer at the Christenson Zoo.
Look Park is also home to the Pines Theater, an outdoor music venue that hosts a summer concert series amidst the backdrop of tall pine trees. One unforgettable show is the popular "Pickin' in the Pines" bluegrass review, held each summer. To see a schedule of events at the Pines, and for additional information about the park, go to http://www.lookpark.org/.
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