Rooted in Western Mass: A Native’s Perspective on the Heart of the Region Around Amherst
By Nina Prenosil
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As a native of Western Massachusetts, one might assume that I possess an encyclopedic knowledge of all the area has to offer. Having been born and raised here, I am intimately familiar with this region, yet I cannot claim expertise on every facet it encompasses. However, this fact serves as a testament to the abundance and diversity permeating this area. But for now, I want to share my favorite parts of Western Massachusetts that are near and dear to my heart.
When you research “What to do in Western Mass?” the first search results always say something along the lines of “See the green hills of the Berkshires or the stunning foliage along the Mohawk Trail.” Undeniably, these are choices that would captivate any tourist, given the indisputable natural beauty of this region. While I wholeheartedly appreciate the splendor of the Berkshires and all the attractions they boast, I have to say that this is not the Western Massachusetts I call home.
To me, home is epitomized by the vibrant streets of Northampton on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, the luxuriant rose gardens of Stanley Park in Westfield, and the idyllic and eclectic neighborhoods of Amherst. The rich culture of the towns of Western Mass, complemented by the quaint backdrop makes for an easy-to-enjoy region.
Parks and Conservation Areas
One thing that you can count on when coming to Western Mass is that you will always come across a beautiful park or conservation area. In my hometown of Westfield, a mere 40-minute drive from UMass Amherst, lies Stanley Park—an expansive 300-acre area replete with meandering trails, picturesque ponds, and resplendent rose gardens, among other delights. This park, renowned for introducing black squirrels to the region, is but one of the hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
Look Park, located right around the corner from UMass in Florence, boasts beautiful scenery. A miniature railway runs throughout the park, weaving around the Mill River and its historic covered bridges. The close proximity to our campus allows students to take some time to relax amongst nature and enjoy the peace and quiet of one of the region’s treasured parks.
There are also many local conservation lands such as Amethyst Brook and Mount Holyoke Range in Amherst, plus countless more just a short drive away. Having an ample amount of greenspaces so close to the UMass campus is a luxury not to be taken for granted.
Local Storefronts
One of my favorite things to do is explore the small businesses in the area. Many cities in the area have historic downtowns filled with timeless shops, homegrown kitchens, and inspiring art galleries.
Recently I visited a pop-up art showcase in downtown Northampton that allows passersby to come in and leave their artistic mark. I recently visited the pop-up and loved the unexpected opportunity I had to let my creative mind run free and paint across all the canvases hung in the gallery. It is not every day you can shop at uniquely curated boutiques, eat delicious food, and paint on larger-than-life canvases. However, in Northampton, such extraordinary instances seamlessly blend into the fabric of everyday life.
The Big E!
As a Pioneer Valley native, it would be a shame if I did not mention the region’s greatest attraction… The Big E! Bringing in about 1.5 million people every year for the three weeks it is held, the Big E always makes a splash.
Now you may be asking yourself, “What is the Big E?” It is none other than the Eastern States Exposition, Western Massachusetts' most cherished autumn tradition. Commencing in 1917, this fair celebrates all six New England states, showcasing their distinctive cuisine and traditions.
Each state has its own building and they serve as focal points for visitors to explore and experience the distinctive aspects of each state, including their tourism, products, food, history, and culture. Inside each building, attendees will find agricultural products, culinary specialties, historical information, and interactive exhibits that highlight the unique traits of each New England state.
My favorite food item from each state would easily be the cider donuts from Massachusetts, the famous Maine baked potato, a white-sauce slice of pizza from Connecticut, the maple syrup candies from Vermont, the loaded mac and cheese from New Hampshire, and last but not least, a warm and buttery lobster roll from the Rhode Island building.
The fair also hosts entertainment all three weeks, with several larger performances throughout on its greatest stage, the Xfinity Arena. In 2023, Third Eye Blind, Zedd, and Quin XCII are slated to grace the stage. In previous years, Machine Gun Kelly, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Hot Chelle Rae made appearances at the Xfinity Arena.
In addition to the culinary delights and entertainment, the Big E showcases the agricultural heritage of the region. During the fair’s three-week tenure, the grounds become a vibrant playground for all the agricultural offerings. The Big E embraces all facets of agriculture, from livestock shows to educational farming exhibits. There is no shortage of sights to see, you will find freshly hatched chicks, a grand petting zoo, and equestrian trials.
The Local Music Scene
Northampton is home to many great concert venues including the Academy of Music, Iron Horse Music Hall, The Calvin Theater, and Pearl Street Nightclub — all of which host great musicians. Recently the famed Noah Kahan visited Northampton at the Pearl Street Nightclub. Back in 2022, the indie band, Houndmouth, also graced the same stage. Having attended this last-minute concert by Houndmouth with my friends, I gained an appreciation for the thriving music scene within Northampton. Consequently, I am perpetually on the lookout for upcoming concerts that promise to deliver awe-inspiring musical experiences.
These are just a few highlights from this Western Massachusetts native, but I can guarantee there is so much more to experience because Western Massachusetts seamlessly blends a combination of worlds. In just one day you could spend time hiking throughout the region or river rafting in the Berkshires and within the same few hours, you could hit the streets of Northampton to shop and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants.