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.
Food and Drink (I’ve left some notes on my all-time favorites)
- 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.
- 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!
- Paul and Elizabeth’s
- Haymarket Cafe — get the Swampthing smoothie and thank me later.
- Bombay Royale
- Local Burger
- Teapot
- India House
- Florence Pie Bar
- Northampton Brewery
- Wild Chestnut Café — get a cinnamon roll!
- La Veracruzana
- Hungry Ghost Bread — try a pizza too.
- Oriental Taste — the Mapo Tofu is delicious.
- LimeRed Bubble Tea
- Herrell’s Ice Cream
- 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.
Things to Do
- R. Michelson Galleries
- Thornes Marketplace
- Smith College
- The Vintage Cellar
- Northampton Center for the Arts
- Brits R U.S. (British Food Store)
- Raven Used Books
- A.P.E. Gallery
- Deals & Steals
- Look Memorial Park
- Sassy Pants Vintage
- Dike Path/Terrace Trails
- Northampton Bike Path
- A2Z Science and Learning Store
- Calvin Theater
- Connecticut River Greenway State Park/Elwell State Park
- Iron Horse Music Hall
- Mill River Path
- Child’s Park
- Additional tip: Make sure to explore the Pioneer Valley/Five College area too!
Night Out
- The Majestic Saloon — amazing queer bar featuring drag shows, karaoke, and dirty bingo to name a few!
- Tunnel Bar
- Pearl Street Nightclub
- Toasted Owl
- Fitzwilly’s
Honorable Mention: Hadley, MA (just over the river)
- The Quarters Arcade
- Tran’s World Market
- Gohyang Korean
- West Street Dike/Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area
- Grey Matter Books
- Pulse Café