Neighborhood Notes: Northampton, Massachusetts

Affectionately nicknamed “Lesbianville USA,” Northampton is a quirky, artsy, countercultural city within the Pioneer Valley of scenic Western Massachusetts. I spent a good few years living here in my teens and early twenties, with Northampton being a witness to the formative years of my development — complete with ample love, loss, and individuation. This city holds a very special place in my heart and I figured I would share some of my favorite things that Noho has to offer. And just for good measure, I personally think that Western Mass is much, much better (in all aspects) than Eastern Mass. Herein lies a brief apology to my Boston lovers/readers.

First Churches of Northampton at sunset — Julia Sullivan, 2021

Food and Drink (I’ve left some notes on my all-time favorites)

1. Familiar’s Coffee and Tea. My absolute #1 recommendation, I cannot emphasize this enough. I would recommend getting a vegan BLT on toasted sourdough and a mocha with oat milk. Trust me on this one.
2. Thai Garden — I would suggest getting the fried rice, specifically, for a unique twist on a classic; it’s so umami and savory. When I lived here, I conducted a fried rice tour of Northampton and Thai Garden came out on top!
3. Paul and Elizabeth’s
4. Haymarket Cafe — get the Swampthing smoothie and thank me later.
5. Bombay Royale
6. Local Burger
7. Teapot
8. India House
9. Florence Pie Bar
10. Northampton Brewery
11. Wild Chestnut Café — get a cinnamon roll!
12. La Veracruzana
13. Hungry Ghost Bread — try a pizza too.
14. Oriental Taste — the Mapo Tofu is delicious.
15. LimeRed Bubble Tea
16. Herrell’s Ice Cream
17. Mama Iguana’s — you can get $2.00 rice and beans at the bar (or at least you used to be able to pre-COVID). And they’re really good. Especially with a frozen margarita.

Dike Path — Julia Sullivan, 2021

Things to Do

1. R. Michelson Galleries
2. Thornes Marketplace
3. Smith College
4. The Vintage Cellar
5. Northampton Center for the Arts
6. Brits R U.S. (British Food Store)
7. Raven Used Books
8. A.P.E. Gallery
9. Deals & Steals
10. Look Memorial Park
11. Sassy Pants Vintage
12. Dike Path/Terrace Trails
13. Northampton Bike Path
14. A2Z Science and Learning Store
15. Calvin Theater
16. Connecticut River Greenway State Park/Elwell State Park
17. Iron Horse Music Hall
18. Mill River Path
19. Child’s Park
20. Additional tip: Make sure to explore the Pioneer Valley/Five College area too!

Smith College at night — Julia Sullivan, 2022

Night Out

1. The Majestic Saloon — amazing queer bar featuring drag shows, karaoke, and dirty bingo to name a few!
2. Tunnel Bar
3. Pearl Street Nightclub
4. Toasted Owl
5. Fitzwilly’s

Smith College Quadrangle — Julia Sullivan, 2021 (my room was the right-most window on the top floor).

Honorable Mention: Hadley, MA (just over the river)

1. The Quarters Arcade
2. Tran’s World Market
3. Gohyang Korean
4. West Street Dike/Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area
5. Grey Matter Books
6. Pulse Café