Day Trip to Hampshire County, Western MA

My Mum dates are something I refer to here and on Instagram, and they’re my favorite (tied with dates with ASR of course!). My mother is just the most lovely, selfless woman of faith you’ll ever meet. She is also fighting cancer and doing so with grace. I am so grateful for my time with her! In early November, we were able to go on the most wonderful Mum date thus far– to Hampshire County in western Massachusetts, courtesy of their tourism board!

Everyone thinks of Boston naturally when talking about Massachusetts, but there’s a whole wild world “out west” too. Having briefly attended UMass Amherst (and having gone back for return visits) before transferring to UMass Lowell, I was not a stranger to Western Mass, but even I didn’t realize all the phenomenal things I had been missing out on. So when I got the most rockin’ itinerary two girls could ask for, I knew we were in for a treat!

We started our day early Saturday and made the sunny, scenic drive down Routes 2 and 202. A drive I have made often, but not in too long, it made me so nostalgic! The drive goes by quickly since it’s beautiful and before long you’re a world away (in less than 2 hours from Boston).

Our first stop was The Lord Jeffrey Inn in Amherst, a property owned by an affiliate of next door neighbor Amherst College, and an all around stunning spot that has existed since 1926 and was most recently extensively renovated in late 2011. We were treated to a personal tour with the lovely Xaida, seeing the suites used for wedding preparations and even the room that was the favorite of Robert Frost (who used to come and go by window).

It’s clear they knew what they were doing in this renovation– everything preserves the history and feel, while offering modern touches. As such, it’s a Silver LEED Certified hotel and a member of Historic Hotels of America! They were setting up for a wedding that evening, and we got to peek in the ballroom. What a space! It would be a treat to get married there, that much is clear.

After our tour, Xaida handed us over to the in house restaurant, 30 Boltwood (named for the address of the Inn). Wow! It was decorated beautifully for the fall, but we also got a look at the outside spaces that would be incredible in warmer weather for cocktails. Even better, the coffee cups were large and the food was delicious! We opted for the “unch” in brunch, getting a Cobb salad and a Monte Cristo. It’s clear they’re using fresh ingredients and everything came out promptly and properly. I would love to return and linger! Also a perfect option for groups.

Next, we were off to Northampton to meet the sweet Margi for our very own tour of Smith College Museum of Art. I needed to use the ladies’ room when I arrived and asked Margi to show me where it was. She said no problem and said excitedly that she knew which one she would be taking me to. We went to the bottom level (of four) and I was lead to the coolest, and most artistic, restroom I have ever seen. The artist designed bathroom even had designs in the toilets! After that, we were shown three other well thought out chronological floors in this bright and open museum. I had no idea this gem was only a couple of hours away! Rooms of the most stunning artwork, statues, coins, pottery, you name it by artists you’ve heard of (and some you haven’t, but should have). Margi is clearly passionate about the museum and all it has to offer. Their When in Rome exhibit was running (open through the end of 2016) and our visit coincided with one of their family days. I just love that they’re taking the fuss out of the museum experience to open childrens’ eyes to the importance of art by making it accessible. With rotating works internally, and showcasing pieces from other museums, you can return again and again.

Just down the road is PINCH Gallery, a wonderful showcase of artists’ works for sale. Many of the artists are local to New England (and even Hampshire County), but not all. I seriously could have taken something home from each artist if possible, but I left with a pair of gorgeous gold leather leaf earrings that my mother bought me as an early birthday present. I have already worn them a ton (keep an eye out on Instagram for sightings)!

Across the street from PINCH (no need to move the car!) is Thornes Marketplace, a marketplace that houses shops and restaurants and is even bigger than it appears from outside. The first thing you’ll notice when walking up to the building are the incredible rotating window displays, which are singlehandedly the work of my next host, Carrie.

I love her energy! She is artistic and creative, adapting things you’d never believe into works of art. She also reuses pieces, but not always in the same form. When she showed us her workshop, she was just starting to roll out the holiday decorations for 2016. Look at all this goodness!

It’s clear she loves her position as resident decorator (she also works full-time as a graphic designer), often working late into the night to make the magic happen.

Bud, owner of Heavenly Chocolate inside Thornes Marketplace, as well as it’s downstairs neighbor Cornucopia which he opened 30 years ago, is a cool guy. Not in a trying to be cool way, but in a natural and unforced way. He’s also funny, which is one of the best traits anyone can have in my opinion. A chocolate lover, he started making his own, taking chances on unusual combinations and never sacrificing quality. He had us sampling his pieces, as well as some of the other bars he carries, and sent us home with samples as well. My favorite was the Amaretto Cherry, but the Peanut Butter Sizzle (there’s cayenne in it!) was something special as well.

He showed us his kitchen in the basement of Thornes and we were the first to sample a varietal he was toying with for a beer festival– chocolate with blue cheese. And it worked! The flavors played well together. Thanks for the reminder to never rest on my laurels, Bud!

One of the best, coziest meals I’ve had lately! We arrived at Coco & The Cellar Bar and were promptly seated. The dim lighting and exposed brick made for the perfect setting. We started with wine (I tried one from local Black Birch Vineyard called Epic White– it was indeed epic) and fried endive. Talk about a treat, it tasted like a gourmet “grown-up” onion ring. Next, we had salads and mine was accompanied by house made green goddess dressing that I would have licked from the plate if no one was watching. Per Bud’s suggestion, I got the buttermilk fried chicken which was hands down the best I’ve tried. My mum had the salmon and was equally smitten. Their take on traditional entrees with a twist (jalapeno slaw and chili oil with my chicken, Asian flavors with her salmon) is a true culinary treat. To round out our meal, we had apple pie with ice cream — perfect for a fall night in New England.

 

Every stop, every host, every minute of our busy day was utterly perfect. A huge thank you to HRTC for making this possible! I highly encourage you to make the trip “out west” and to give these businesses, and others, your business. While this day was complimentary, all opinions are my own and completely genuine. I can’t wait to return!

Have you been to western Massachusetts?